5 Natural Body Lotions for Healthier Skin

Why Choose Natural Body Lotions?

Here I Am, a sustainable self-care marketplace, is dedicated to providing you with sustainable self-care products from women-owned brands. Skincare is a big part of what we offer. We seek out the best natural body lotions from women-owned small businesses that you may not be familiar with yet. But what does it mean to be considered a "natural" body lotion? I will dive into what it means to us when selecting the best products for your skincare. 

The Problem with Conventional Lotions

Compared to natural body lotions, many conventional body lotions contain nasty synthetic chemicals like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances that you don't want to put on your skin. These ingredients can disrupt hormones, cause skin irritation, and contribute to long-term health risks. Studies have linked these ingredients to endocrine disruption, allergies, and even carcinogenic effects. [1]

Additionally, petroleum-derived ingredients (e.g., mineral oil) create an occlusive barrier but don’t nourish the skin, potentially clogging pores and preventing natural detoxification.

Benefits of Going with Natural Body Lotions

Natural body lotions use plant-based ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and rice bran oil, which hydrate deeply without harmful side effects. Benefits include:

• Reduced irritation – Free from synthetic fragrances and dyes, ideal for sensitive skin.
• Nourishing actives – Ingredients like ceramides and essential fatty acids repair the skin barrier.
• Sustainability – Biodegradable formulas minimize environmental harm.

What to Look For in Natural Body Lotions

Ingredient Transparency

Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about the latest trends or industry promises. You should understand that even plant based ingredients (like some essential oils) can irritate your skin. Conversely, there are a few synthetic ingredients that do not have effective alternatives and carry minimal risks which you might be comfortable taking. Look for brands that provide full transparency and unvarnished truth about the ingredients in their products. As a rule of thumb, consider these guidelines when choosing natural body lotions: 

• Look for plant based ingredients - Natural body lotions will contain plant-based ingredients. Look for terms like "plant based" (oils and butters) or "plant derived" (glucosides, glycerin). Also, natural minerals (clays), ingredient from sustainable apiculture (beeswax, honey) and sourced from fruits, seeds, nuts, oils, leaves, stems, barks, clay and fungi.
• Go with proven hydrators - Educate yourself about the natural alternatives that will be found in natural body lotion. These are plant-based ingredients that are proven hydrators, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and plant oils.
• No parabens, sulfates, or PEGs – These chemicals should not be in your natural body lotions. They are linked to skin and health risks. Look for specific word endings and common chemical names in the ingredient list: Parabens usually end in "paraben" (like methylparaben, propylparaben). Sulfates are often listed as "sodium lauryl sulfate" (SLS) or "sodium laureth sulfate" (SLES), with variations like ammonium lauryl sulfate. PEGs can be identified by numbers after the acronym (PEG-100, PEG-40).
• Other common synthetic ingredients to avoid - Also be on the lookout for petrolatum and mineral oil (including Cera microcristallina, microcrystalline wax, ozokerite, ceresine, isoparaffin, paraffin, synthetic wax), silicon (anything with the suffix "thicone"), butylene glycol, propylene glycol and liquid paraffin).
• Be wary of “fragrance” - The word “fragrance” in the list of ingredients can hide thousands of chemicals. While not all fragrance ingredients are inherently harmful, the lack of transparency and the potential for negative health effects make it a risky ingredient to include in products, particularly for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Natural body lotions should be explicit about these ingredients. Consider what you know about the brand and choose wisely.

 

• • RELATED: 9 Best Vegan Moisturizers for Every Skin Type

Avoiding Greenwashing

While not all natural body lotions will be considered sustainable, transparency is the key to understanding. Since terms like "clean" or "natural" aren’t regulated, look deeper for indications of the brand’s commitment to clean ingredients and sustainability. You can verify “green” claims by following these guidelines:

• Research the Brand - Look into the brand's practices, including manufacturing processes, ingredient sourcing, and environmental impact. Transparent communication about these aspects is a sign of genuine commitment.
• Question Packaging - Excessive plastic packaging can be a red flag and warrant further investigation into the brand, even if it claims to be sustainable.
• Use Apps - Consider using apps to scan product barcodes and get a summary of ingredients, including potential red flags. Two popular apps are Yuka and OnSkin.
• Look for Third-party Certifications - Trusted third-party certifications like EWG VERIFIED™, Certified B Corporation, or Cosmos Organic can indicate genuine sustainability efforts.
• Review Full List of Ingredients – Here I Am reviews and discloses ingredients for all the products they carry. Always investigate ingredients that you are not familiar with.

5 Best Natural Body Lotions for Healthier Skin

1. Wellness Cube

• Notable Key Ingredient: Cocoa Butter is a deeply nourishing natural fat. This ingredient forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture, soothe dryness, and improve skin elasticity for incredibly soft, supple skin.
• Key Benefits: Soothes and repairs skin with the anti-inflammatory properties of Arnica and Marjoram, and delivers lasting hydration with rich Cocoa Butter and Aloe Vera.
• Best For: Daily use after showering to soothe muscles, prevent moisture loss, and maintain all-over skin softness.
• Reviews: “Loving my wellness cube! Using it daily after my shower, leaves my skin soft and moisturized with a fresh scent.”

2. Cedarwood Mint Hand & Body Lotion

• Notable Key Ingredient: Coconut Oil is a superb natural emollient. This ingredient is rapidly absorbed to deeply nourish, restore the skin's lipid barrier, and provide long-lasting hydration without a greasy feel.
• Key Benefits: Delivers intense moisture with nutrient-rich Coconut Oil and invigorates the senses with a calming blend of earthy Cedarwood and refreshing Mint.
• Best For: Providing essential, non-greasy hydration during dry winter months or for everyday use on hands and body.
• Reviews: “Love this product especially in the winter. So moisturizing.”

3. Lavender Chai Organic Lotion Bar

• Notable Key Ingredient: Rice Bran Oil is a lightweight yet potent moisturizer. This ingredient is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E to nourish the skin, improve texture, and provide a silky, non-greasy barrier against dryness.
• Key Benefits: Soothes and protects sensitive skin with gentle Rice Bran Oil and envelops you in the calming, aromatic blend of Lavender and warm Chai spices.
• Best For: Providing a protective, soothing layer for sensitive skin exposed to harsh, dry climates without causing irritation.
• Reviews: “This scent is just wow. I love it so much. I have sensitive skin and this has been amazing keeping the cold weather from drying my skin out.”

4. Rose Blossom Hand & Body Lotion

• Notable Key Ingredient: Organic Rosa damascena (Rose) Flower Water instantly hydrates, soothes redness, adds a soft natural rose aroma; provides mild antioxidant support.
• Key Benefits: Lightweight yet moisturizing with rosehip oil and shea butter.
• Best For: Use anytime for daily hydration.
• Reviews: “Light, quickly absorbed, but oh so-o-o effective! Has a lovely rose fragrance.”

Love this product? Learn more about seedbloom, a wellness and skincare brand based in Los Angeles. 

5. Lavender Lemon Hand & Body Lotion

• Notable Key Ingredient: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (a soothing humectant) delivers a burst of water-binding polysaccharides that calm irritation, reduce redness, and support wound healing.
• Key Benefits: Calms skin with lavender oil and vitamin E.
• Best For: Use daily on hands and body for nourishing and hydrating skin.
• Reviews: “I love how quickly it soaks into the skin. The new Lavender Lemon scent is also the best!”

Tips for Using the Best Natural Body Lotions Effectively

Exfoliate first

• Prep your skin for natural body lotions by exfoliating before your bath or shower.
• Why? Exfoliation prepares your skin by removing the barrier that prevents the lotion from being fully absorbed.
• BONUS: Dry brushing is not only great for exfoliating your skin, it also improves your circulation. 
  

Apply to Damp Skin

• Natural body lotions absorb best when skin is slightly wet (after a shower).
• Why? Ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut oil help lock in hydration, preventing moisture loss.

Store Properly (Cool & Dark)

• Natural body lotions typically have preservative-free formulas which can degrade faster in heat or sunlight.
• Why? Natural oils like rosehip, sesame, and lavender are sensitive to light/heat—store wisely to maintain potency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are natural body lotions safe for sensitive skin?

• Yes, the best natural body lotions are safe, but be sure to investigate any essential oils they contain if you are prone to allergies. If possible, test on a small area of your skin before using.

What’s the difference between natural body lotions and organic ones?

• Natural: Made with ingredients derived from plants, minerals, or natural sources (e.g., aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter). However, the term "natural" isn’t tightly regulated, meaning companies can use it even if their product contains small amounts of synthetic additives or processed ingredients.
• Organic: Organic lotions are skincare products formulated with ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or chemical fertilizers. While the term suggests adherence to cleaner farming practices, its credibility depends on context—uncertified products may use 'organic' descriptively, whereas certified ones guarantee compliance with strict standards. Trusted certifications like USDA Organic and COSMOS ensure the products exclude synthetic pesticides.

Do natural body lotions expire faster?

• Yes. Because they avoid synthetic preservatives (like parabens or phenoxyethanol), natural and organic lotions typically last 6–12 months after opening—compared to 2–3 years for conventional products.
• Preservative-free formulas rely on natural antimicrobials (e.g., rosemary extract, vitamin E, or honey), which are gentler but less potent than lab-made alternatives.
• Botanical oils and butters (like coconut oil or shea butter) can oxidize or turn rancid over time.

What can I do to make natural body lotions last longer?

• Store Properly
  • Keep in a cool, dark place (not the bathroom—humidity and heat speed up degradation).
  • Use clean, dry hands or a spatula to avoid bacterial contamination.
• Preserve with Fridge or Antioxidants
  • Refrigerate if your lotion contains fresh ingredients (e.g., aloe juice or probiotics).
  • Look for natural stabilizers like vitamin E, grapefruit seed extract, or radish root ferment.
• Buy Smaller Quantities
  • Purchase travel sizes or 4–8 oz bottles to ensure you use it up before expiration.
• Check for Spoilage Signs
  • Smell: Rancidity (a "off" crayon-like odor) or fermentation (sour notes).
  • Texture: Separation, mold, or unexpected thickness.
• Pro Tip: If your lotion lacks an expiration date, label the bottle with the day you opened it!

Final Thoughts: Finding the best natural body lotions to use will support your skin health and your commitment to sustainability. 

Discover more sustainable self-care products from women-owned brands in our collection of Clean Bath & Body products.