Body Oil vs Body Butter: Which One Does Your Skin Need?
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Body butter adds moisture. Body oil seals it in and adds glow. Both leave skin soft, and plenty of people use the two together. Here's how to tell which one your skin is asking for.
What body oil does
A body oil is a blend of oils with no water in it. It softens the surface of your skin and helps slow down moisture loss, so skin stays comfortable for longer after a shower. It spreads easily and leaves a visible sheen.
Reach for a body oil when:
- You want a glow on your shoulders, arms and legs
- Your skin feels tight after a shower
- You like a light, silky feel
- The weather is warm and a thick cream feels like too much
Our Golden Glow Body Elixir blends sunflower, pomegranate, coconut + avocado oils with shea butter and manuka honey extract for a silky, high-shine finish.
What body butter does
A body butter is a thick cream. It usually pairs rich butters like shea with water-based ingredients such as aloe or glycerin, which draw moisture to the skin.
Reach for a body butter when:
- Your skin is very dry, rough or ashy
- You're treating elbows, knees and heels
- The weather is cold or dry
- You want a soft, cushioned finish instead of shine
Side by side
| Body oil | Body butter | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Fluid and silky | Thick and creamy |
| Finish | High shine | Soft and cushioned |
| Best for | Glow and sealing in moisture | Very dry or rough skin |
| When to apply | On damp skin, right after a shower | On clean, slightly damp skin |
Can you use both?
Yes, and the order matters. Apply body butter first on clean, slightly damp skin. Then smooth body oil over the top to help seal it all in and add shine.
So which one do you need?
- You want glow and a light feel: body oil
- Your skin is very dry: body butter
- You want soft skin that also shines: layer the two
Ready to glow? Shop Golden Glow Body Elixir in seven scents, or build a duo with any two.