When the cooler fall months roll in and the humidity dips, my skin doesn’t take it well. Practically overnight, it feels like all the moisture disappears, which is why I start reaching for a richer body care routine. This is the time of year when body butter becomes my best friend. (I crave it in autumn almost as much as a fresh fall manicure or my first PSL of the season.) Nothing feels more indulgent (or more effective) for restoring the moisture my skin’s been begging for.
So what sets body butter apart from the body lotions on your shelf? "Body butter is thicker, richer, and more occlusive than body lotion," explains board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD. "It’s usually made with heavier and more emollient ingredients—oils and butters like jojoba oil, avocado oil, and butters such as shea or cocoa butter—which provide intensive moisture and barrier protection." Simply put, it’s a dry-skinned person’s dream come true.
But the key to making body butter really work is timing. Double board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, DO, recommends applying it right after a shower, while your skin is still slightly damp. That way, you’re sealing in the water your skin just absorbed instead of letting it evaporate. For an extra boost, try layering a lightweight lotion or body serum first—especially one with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera—then follow with body butter to lock it all in.
Ready to upgrade your body moisturizer regimen? Ahead, I’ve rounded up the 11 best body butters of 2025, each one guaranteed to make your skin feel pampered, hydrated, and like you’re indulging in something special—because you are.
The Best Body Butters
- Best Body Butter Overall: Josie Maran Vanilla Vibezzz Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter
- Best Firming Body Butter: Augustinus Bader The Body Cream
- Best In-Shower Body Butter: CYKLAR Vanilla Verve In-Shower Body Oil Balm
If you’re new to Josie Maran, here’s the quick rundown: the clean beauty brand built its reputation around 100 percent pure argan oil, a do-it-all ingredient packed with vitamin E and fatty acids to hydrate and nourish dry skin. This body butter has earned cult status for its whipped, cloud-like texture that melts in on contact, leaving skin soft and radiant. It comes in multiple scent options, but vanilla is, arguably, the best. It feels warm and comforting without tipping into overly sweet territory. As a bonus, it’s refillable and made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, or PFAs (“forever chemicals”).
Size: 6 fl oz
What I Love: Refillable; Available in a mini size; Clean at Sephora–approved
What I Don't: Some users find the vanilla scent too mild
Review for MC: “I’ve never met a Josie Maran product I didn’t love, and this body butter is no exception. I’ve long been devoted to the original, but the brand’s newer Vanilla Vibezzz scent—and its sleek, updated packaging—has me fully re-obsessed. I’ve been slathering it on post-shower and again in the morning, and the subtle gourmand scent hits that perfect balance: cozy enough for bedtime yet soft enough to layer with my favorite Clean Reserve Skin perfume during the day." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing Writer Marisa Petrarca before and after using the Josie Maran Vanilla Vibezzz Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter to hydrate her décolletage, arms, and legs.
Augustinus Bader is a longtime favorite among celebrities, Marie Claire editors, and skincare devotees alike for its patented Trigger Factor Complex 8 (TFC8®), a proprietary blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides that helps deliver nutrients to the skin’s cells to support renewal and repair. It sounds elusive, sure, but thousands swear by its skin-transforming results. That’s what sets this body butter apart. It’s worth the splurge if you want a formula that truly goes beyond the basics to hydrate, tone, firm, and smooth skin.
Size: 6.8 fl oz
What I Love: Uses science-backed TFC8; Vegan; Makes skin feel silky-soft
What I Don't: Most expensive body butter on my list
Review for MC: “I know it may seem a little nutty to spend almost $200 on a body butter but you'll understand why it's worth the splurge after just one use. It's whipped so well it's almost like a meringue texture, but it still melts into the skin to deeply moisturize and soothe dry, inflamed skin. I swap out my lightweight body lotions for this formula every time the temperatures dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit in NYC, because I know the humidity levels are disappearing and my skin barrier is begging for a boost to stay hydated. You deserve this luxe formula for fall and winter—trust me on this one." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Beauty Director Hannah Baxter using the Augustinus Bader Body Butter to hydrate her legs and arms.
This in-shower body butter proves why beauty innovation is simply the best. Unlike traditional body butter formulas, it’s meant to be applied in the shower on wet skin, right after you turn off the water. The balm texture melts into a silky oil on contact, sealing in moisture without leaving behind that thick, heavy feel. You towel dry like usual and your skin is deeply hydrated all day long. It’s ideal for anyone who wants smooth, hydrated skin but prefers a lighter finish that sinks in fast.
Size: 5 fl oz
What I Love: Works in or out of the shower; Innovative formula; Rich, occlusive texture ideal for dry skin
What I Don't: May leave a residue if you apply too much
Review for MC: "I'm a major Cyklar fan–every product the brand has launched feels thoughtful, luxurious, and smells absolutely incredible. That being said, the newest drop is easily my favorite. The scent is intoxicating (I switch between Vanilla Verve and Santal) and the balm-to-oil leaves my limbs hydrated, shiny, and silky overnight. It's my favorite post-shower ritual." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender before and after testing Cyklar's Body Oil Balm.
This body butter is the brainchild of Rihanna, so it’s no surprise it earned a spot on the “best of” list. Like many of the hitmaker-turned-entrepreneur’s creations, it’s a must-have. It's rich, hydrating, and deliciously scented, with the added bonus of refillable packaging for when you (inevitably and sadly) run out.
Size: 6.7 fl oz
What I Love: Multiple scent options available; Non-refillable parts are recyclable; Select scents include shimmer for a subtle glow
What I Don't: Refills aren’t yet available in every scent option.
Customer Review: "I absolutely love this product! It moisturizes my skin perfectly and makes my skin feel super smooth! The scent is also amazing!! It's not overly loud, but loud enough for you to catch a whiff, and it pairs with any perfume that I wear!" — Sephora
The best drugstore body butter shouldn’t just moisturize—it should make you want to slather it on every single day. It should also be affordable, feel like a real value, and hold its own against the pricier jars outside the drugstore. Soap & Glory’s newest launch does all that. With glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, it leaves skin soft, smooth, and deeply hydrated.
Size: 9.5 fl oz
What I Love: Contains all the key hydrators to combat dry skin; Tub will last a while; Available both in-store and online
What I Don't: Only available at Walgreens at this time
Review for MC: "The texture feels indulgent (it is a body butter, after all) yet sinks in fast, leaving behind a warm vanilla scent that’s cozy and just the right amount addictive." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Out of all the body butters on my list, this one is the closest to actual butter, rich, dense, and decadent from the moment you scoop it out. It melts on contact with the skin, creating that ultra-luxurious glide you only get from a formula packed with real shea, cocoa, and mango butters. The payoff is serious nourishment and a silky sheen that lingers long after it’s absorbed. While the brand has a loyal following among pregnant and postpartum users for its stretch mark–preventing benefits, it’s just as transformative for anyone craving hydrated and radiant skin.
Size: 5.5 fl oz
What I Love: Made without water or fillers for max nourishment; Shown to improve hydration, firmness, and stretch marks over time; Beautiful packaging
What I Don't: Can feel slightly greasy at first
Customer Review: "I am obsessed with this body butter! My skin has gone from rough and dry to completely moisturized since using Mutha, without the oily feel after. I’m pregnant and use it daily on my stomach and NO stretch marks! 10/10 recommend." — MUTHA
For transparency’s sake, this one isn’t technically a body butter—it’s more of a hybrid between a body cream and a body butter. But that’s exactly what makes it the best option for sensitive skin: it delivers the deep hydration of a butter without the heaviness. It’s also fragrance-free, National Eczema Association–accepted, and packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients and skin soothers to keep irritation at bay.
Size: 6.8 fl oz
What I Love: Fragrance-free; Accepted by the National Eczema Association for soothing eczema; Contains soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients
What I Don't: Doesn’t come in any scented versions like some of Nécessaire’s other products
Customer Review: "As someone with sensitive, eczema-prone skin, Nécessaire’s The Body Cream Fragrance-Free Barrier Repair is chef’s kiss! With a thick, creamy consistency, this body cream is my favorite for keeping my skin hydrated and silky. Great for everyday use, especially after you get out of the shower. It’s fragrance-free, so it’s safe for sensitive skin!" — Sephora
Okay, to be clear, every body butter on my list works wonders for dry skin, but this one stands out for how balanced it is. The formula blends shea and cupuaçu butters with squalane and hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize, soften rough patches, and strengthen the skin’s barrier over time. It’s the sister product to Sol de Janeiro’s cult-favorite Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, but this version is richer, gentler, and designed specifically with especially dry, moisture-depleted skin in mind.
Size: 8 fl oz
What I Love: Part of a larger same-scent collection; Ships quickly with Amazon Prime; Subscribe-and-save option on the brand’s site
What I Don't: Thick texture might not be for everyone
Customer Review: "I love how thick this moisturizer is! I have severely dry skin, which really highlights my KP on my arms, but this moisturizer has been a lifesaver for helping tame my dry skin, especially in the colder Canadian months!" — Sephora
Yes, you read that right—a body butter bar is a thing, thanks to Kate McLeod. Her lineup of waterless solid moisturizers is built around sustainability and performance. You don’t need much to see results; a little truly goes a long way since the formula is completely waterless and made without fillers.
What I Love: Scented and fragrance-free options available; Refillable and plastic-free; A little goes a long way
What I Don't: Can melt during shipping—best purchased in person
Customer Review: "There is nothing that will top this in terms of quality, ingredients, and the ability to moisturize. I have numerous scents, the grounding being my favorite. It's earthy and clean-smelling, and my husband loves it. Your skin will thank you. Truly a remarkable product made with TLC you can feel." — Sephora
OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Butter isn’t a miracle cure for crepey skin, but it’s one of the stronger formulas out there for improving texture and firmness, especially if you use it consistently. It’s loaded with ingredients that target the root causes of crepey skin, such as Undaria seaweed extract to help firm and nourish, ceramides and shea butter to strengthen the skin’s barrier, and hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and plump fine lines.
Size: 6.7 fl oz
What I Love: Clinically shown to improve crepey skin; Formulated with antioxidant- and mineral-rich Undaria seaweed to firm; Subtle grapefruit scent
What I Don't: New formula, so older reviews may not reflect the current version
Customer Review: "I have always been skeptical of products that claim to help with crepey skin, because nothing in the past has helped. I gave it a try anyway, and this Osea product is nothing short of miraculous. The skin on my inner elbow looks youthful again!" — Amazon
Amazon shoppers are rightfully obsessed with this illuminating body butter from Vaseline. Made with deeper skin tones in mind, it uses shea butter, glycerin, and petrolatum to deliver rich, lasting moisture. The formula’s subtle caramel tint boosts radiance, while its light-reflecting finish blurs and softens the look of skin, so you’re left with that healthy, all-over glow that's like good lighting in a jar.
Size: 11 fl oz
What I Love: Most affordable body butter on my list; Biggest size tub on my list; Leaves skin with a luminous finish
What I Don't: Some say the texture feels lighter than a traditional body butter.
Customer Review: "I absolutely love the Vaseline Illuminate Me Shea Butter Whipped Body Butter! It leaves my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and glowing all day long. The rich shea butter formula is perfect for melanin-rich skin, and I’ve noticed a real difference in how moisturized my skin feels, even in dry weather. I loved it so much, I ordered some for my daughter too! If you’re looking for a long-lasting moisturizer that gives your skin a beautiful, healthy glow, this is it! Highly recommend!" — Amazon
What to Look for in a Body Butter
- Balanced Ingredients
"The best body butters balance occlusive ingredients such as shea or cocoa butter with emollient oils like jojoba, almond, or squalane, while also adding ingredients for more effective formulas that contain humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or urea to draw water into the skin, along with ceramides," says Dr. Kobets. "Some also include actives such as antioxidants or soothing agents like colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera for added benefits."
- Texture That Benefits Your Skin Type
If you have very dry or mature skin, look for a thicker, richer body butter with minimal water content to deeply nourish and lock in hydration. For normal or combination skin, opt for a lighter, whipped, or water-based formula that provides lasting moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Ingredient Add-Ons (and Omissions)
Not all body butters are one-size-fits-all. Some formulas use extra ingredients while others take a more minimalist approach, making one a better match for your skin than another. That’s why I broke down what makes each stand out, from the patented firming complex in Augustinus Bader’s body cream and antioxidant-rich seaweed in OSEA’s formula to Kate McLeod’s waterless bar and Nécessaire’s fragrance-free option.
What Does Body Butter Do?
Body butter is best for those with "dry, flaky, or ashy skin, for those who experience seasonal dryness in winter, and for anyone with thickened skin on the feet, hands, or elbows," says Dr. Kobets. "Those with eczema, atopic dermatitis, or very sensitive skin may still enjoy body butter, but they should be cautious with fragranced or essential-oil-heavy products, which are more likely to cause irritation."
Is Body Butter Better Than Lotion?
"One is not necessarily better than the other," explains Dr. Kobets. "It really depends on your skin type and needs, and how it feels on your skin. Body butter works best for very dry, cracked, thicker, or rough areas like heels, feet, elbows, and knees." Lotion tends to be more practical for larger or sweat-prone areas such as the back, chest, arms, and legs when you want hydration without feeling greasy, especially during the day or under clothing, or if working out and sweating a lot.
Is It Okay to Use Body Butter Every Day?
"Yes, body butter can be used daily, particularly for stubbornly dry spots like the hands, feet, elbows, and knees, and you can mix and match with lotion," Dr. Kobets explains. "If your skin absorbs it well, it can be an excellent part of a nightly routine." However, it is wise to exercise caution on acne-prone or sweaty areas, such as the chest and back, since rich butters can sometimes clog pores and contribute to breakouts.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
These picks come from a mix of personal testing, input from fellow Marie Claire contributors and editors, Reddit deep dives, retailer reviews, and more. Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca tested a handful herself, and also sought input from Senior Beauty Writer Samantha Holender and Beauty Director Hannah Baxter.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Elmsford, New York.
Karan Lal, DO, is a double board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in pediatrics and adult dermatology, laser surgery, and soft tissue filler augmentation.
