Choosing the right body butter is contingent on what you’re looking to address. Most formulas should feature “rich emollients,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose, along with “barrier-supporting ingredients, and soothing agents.”
Shea butter is a great ingredient to look for. “Look for butters like shea butter, cocoa butter, or mango butter to deeply nourish and soften the skin. Plant oils such as sunflower, jojoba, or coconut oil help replenish lipids and improve elasticity. I also love formulas that include humectants, like glycerin, to draw moisture into the skin, along with barrier helpers like ceramides or fatty acids. For sensitive skin, adding soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, aloe, or vitamin E is a big plus,” explains Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Beyond those, Dr. Shokeen adds that ceramides and squalane are also great supporting ingredients. “Ceramides help replenish the skin barrier and retain hydration, while squalane mimics the skin’s natural oils and strengthens the barrier without clogging pores,” she says.
