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Body lotion, body cream, body milk: the terms sound similar, but the products differ considerably in texture and use. This is especially true for dry or sensitive skin, where the choice makes a difference. In this blog, we explain the difference and look at fragrance-free options in both categories.
The difference between body lotion and body cream
The main difference lies in the ratio of water to oil. A body lotion, sometimes also called body milk, contains relatively high in water and low in oil. This makes the texture light and fluid, and the product absorbs quickly. Body lotion is a pleasant choice for daily use and for normal to slightly dry skin.
A body cream, on the other hand, contains more oil relative to water. This gives it a thicker, richer texture that stays on the skin longer. Body cream is therefore more suitable for dry to very dry skin, or for areas of skin that need extra care, such as in the case of eczema.
A rule of thumb: the drier your skin, the oilier the product you need. For normal skin, a light lotion is often sufficient. For very dry or eczema-prone skin, a rich cream or even an ointment is usually more effective.
5 fragrance-free body creams
Drs Leenarts Dry Skin Ointment
The Drs Leenarts Dry Skin Ointment is a rich, oily ointment on a petroleum jelly base for very dry and eczema-prone skin. The formula contains only five ingredients, including apricot kernel oil and vitamin E, and is completely fragrance-free and free from wool alcohols. Also available as a 125 ml jar.
NIVEA Repair & Care Body Cream Fragrance Free
The NIVEA Repair & Care Body Cream Fragrance Free was developed for sensitive and irritated skin. The formula contains glycerine and panthenol for long-lasting hydration and is completely fragrance-free. Suitable for daily use on the entire body.
Bepanthen Eczema Sensitive Skin Cream
The Bepanthen Eczema Sensitive Skin Cream is intended for the daily care of (very) dry and eczema-prone skin, also between eczema flare-ups. The cream contains pro-vitamin B5 and natural oils and is free from fragrance and colorants. Also suitable for babies and children.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 is a multifunctional balm that helps repair the skin barrier. The formula contains panthenol and madecassoside, is fragrance-free and suitable for the whole family, from baby to adult.
4 fragrance-free body lotions
Dermolin Bodymilk
The Dermolin Bodymilk absorbs quickly and contains Symcalmin and Pentavitin for a soothing and hydrating effect. Specially developed for sensitive to problem skin and pH-skin neutral. Fragrance-free and without colorants or preservatives.
Neutral Body Lotion
The Neutral Body Lotion was developed for quickly irritated and sensitive skin. The formula contains hydrating glycerine, is 0 percent fragrance and colorants, and is dermatologically tested.
Urtekram Find Balance Body Lotion
The Urtekram Find Balance Body Lotion is hydrating and nourishing for sensitive skin, with aloe vera, shea butter and natural oils. Certified by Ecocert Cosmos Organic and completely vegan.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 10%
The La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 10% is aimed at very dry, rough or flaky skin. The formula contains 10 percent urea with a light exfoliating effect, together with shea butter for extra nourishment. Suitable for keratosis pilaris and skin that tends towards psoriasis.
Which one do you choose?
- Normal to slightly dry skin, daily use: a body lotion such as Dermolin Bodymilk or Neutral Body Lotion
- Dry skin in need of extra nourishment: Urtekram Find Balance or La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 10%
- Very dry or eczema-prone skin: a body cream such as Bepanthen or NIVEA Repair & Care
- Extremely dry skin or active eczema patches: an oily ointment such as Drs Leenarts Dry Skin Ointment or a repairing balm such as La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
Are you torn between a lotion and a cream? Many people use both: a light lotion for daily use on the whole body, and a richer cream or ointment aimed at the driest areas.