As a skincare expert with years of experience advising on personalized routines, here's how to select the right body moisturizer based on your skin type.
Normal skin
Opt for a milk or cream.
Key principle: Milks and creams come in two main types: moisturizing (light on oil, heavy on water for a refreshing hydrate) or nourishing (oil-rich for drier-feeling skin). Milks are more fluid, creams thicker.
Top picks: Nourishing Creamy Body Lotion, Corine de Farme, €6.90. Moisturizing Body Emulsion, Planter’s, €17.50. Melting Cream Milk for the Body, Laino, €9.50. Atoderm Nourishing Cream, Bioderma, €10.90.
(Very) dry skin
Choose a balm or dry oil.
Key principle: For dehydrated skin lacking water, balms deliver hydration while sealing it in with emollients; dry oils prevent evaporation without greasiness, letting you dress right away. Apply daily, massaging dry spots.
Top picks: DA Emollient Balm, Topicrem, €13.50. Nourishing Balm, Elancyl, €17. NutriExtra Extraordinary Oil, Vichy, €15.25.
I dislike moisturizing routines
Go for an in-shower moisturizer.
Key principle: Apply to wet, clean skin like a conditioner—takes just 30 seconds, no sticky residue. Less potent than leave-on options but ideal for beginners; oils linger longer.
Top picks: Nourishing In-Shower Body Milk, Nivea, €5.95. In-Shower Body Oil, Mixa, €5.85.
Quick fact: Surgras shower gels rich in fatty substances reduce water loss but aren't true hydrators. Pair with a post-shower moisturizer for best results (try Dermazero Extra-Gentle Surgras Cleansing Cream, Rogé Cavaillès, €7.90).
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