How to Use Body Butter Properly

It’s starting to get cold, and my skin is dry and dehydrated. Every fall winter I struggle to find a moisturizer hydrating enough for my SUPER dry skin. My son has the same issue. In fact, we have humidifiers in both of our rooms to help with dryness because it’s so bad. I’m pretty good at taking care of my dry skin after all these years, and there’s one trick that seems to help the most: body butter.

I’m talking about the thick, luxurious, rich moisturizing cream that you scoop out of a tub. Not the thin body lotion that comes in a pump. We want thicker than that. The thicker, the better. Why? Body butters are known for being dramatically more hydrating and effective than typical body lotions, and usually contain ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or other vegetable-based oils.

And today I’m going to share how and when to use body butter to moisturize your skin. And, of course, which body butters are my favorites!

How to Use Body Butter Properly

While applying body butter might sound self explanatory (I mean, you just put some on, right?) there are actually a few tricks to getting the most hydration out of it.

When to use it

The best way to seal in moisture from body butter is by applying it a few minutes post-shower (or even in the shower once you’ve turned the water off!). Hot water is very drying for your skin, so it’s important to keep your shower water warm, but not too hot, so you don’t make the dehydration worse. Then, once you’ve finished showering, lock in moisture by applying your body butter directly after. I even apply it sometimes while my skin is still slightly damp or lightly towel dried to capture that moisture. It’s a great routine for after your daily showers.

You may also want to use body butter overnight, as this is the best time to lock in hydration without accidentally wiping it off. Since we move less in our sleep than we do throughout the day (or at least, some of us!), massaging body butter into your skin where you’re especially dry, and then going to sleep, is the best way to keep it on for the longest amount of time. I like it overnight because some of my thickest, most hydrating body butters are a bit greasy so they aren’t practical during the day.

How often should you apply it

How often you use body butter depends on how dry your skin is. If you’re severely dry (like me!), you might use it daily after your shower in the fall and winter. I apply it to my ankles, knees, elbows, and shoulders, since these places get extra dry. I’ll also apply it to the backs of my hands and cuticles once I’ve finished with the rest of my body, since the back of your hands show aging easily if they aren’t hydrated enough.

If you’re naturally more oily, use body butter 2-3 times a week.

What Body Butter is best for

Body butter is best superior hydration on spots that are extra dry. You can apply it to your hands and feet. For your feet, apply a layer of body butter and cover with socks for overnight hydration. Or apply on your lips when they’re chapped. And bonus points if you find a body butter with Vitamin E in it. Vitamin E can help reduce UV damage and is especially helpful for stretch marks.

The Best Body Butter Creams

Primally Pure Body Butter

Primally Pure’s Body Butter is FANTASTIC and my #1 pick. Not only does it feel thick and super hydrating, but Primally Pure is a clean beauty brand, so there are no sketchy ingredients in this. I’ve used it for years and I have nothing but great things to say about it. You can buy it in three different scents (I prefer the Lavender and Eucalyptus) or you can buy a trio with three smaller containers, and try all three scents before committing to a larger size.

The larger size is 4oz jar and lasts a few months for me. I use about a quarter sized dollop each time, and spread it all over my dry spots, focusing on my elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and shoulders. I use more if needed, and this does the trick if I’m extra dry.

This body butter includes organic mango butter, shea butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and extra virgin olive oil.

Shop the Primally Pure Body Butter here.

OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter

I haven’t the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter myself but I keep hearing fabulous things about it. It’s sold at Nordstrom, which I LOVE since they have the best return policy ever. It comes in a large 6.7 oz or a smaller travel 1.7oz size. There isn’t a review of this specific body butter on EWG Skin Deep’s scale, but the rest of the OSEA products that are showing on the website pass with flying colors for having safe and clean ingredients.

I may have to order and try this! Shop here.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

My employee Hannah loves the Kiehl’s body butter and she’s not alone. People are OBSESSED with this. I mean, there are 4.5/5 star 600+ reviews on Nordstrom! It comes in an 8oz tub, which is a lot of product for $40.

Kiehl’s products are made in the USA (I love that!) and great for all skin types. Shop here!

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter is my favorite budget pick for a great body butter. It’s under $10, you can find it on Amazon, and it has decent ingredients. Shea butter is supposedly non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, but make sure to test on yourself first. You can find this in lots of scents (a downside for me, actually!), and at lots of retailers. It’s also made in the USA (!) and it’s free of parabens.

Shop this body butter here!

Homemade Body Butter

I’ve never taken this route, but there are plenty of recipes online for homemade body butters using jojoba oil, mango butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, essential oils, and other great fatty acids, butters and oils.

I hope these recommendations help your skin feel hydrated!

Is there a body butter you love that I need to know about? Leave a comment below so I can research it!