Body Oil vs Lotion: Is Body Oil Better Than Lotion?

May 15, 2026

By: Lauren Sindel

When dry skin won’t go away, is body oil or lotion better?

You moisturize regularly, yet your skin still feels tight, flaky, and dry by the end of the day. Your moisturizer may be the reason your skin never stays hydrated. When it comes to body oil vs lotion for dry skin, choosing the right one can completely change how your skin looks and feels.

Before you reach for another bottle, it’s important to understand the real difference between body oil and lotion — and which one your skin actually needs.

Body Oil vs Lotion: What’s the Difference?

Both body oil and lotion help soften and moisturize the skin, but they work in completely different ways.

Body Oil: Body oils are oil-based products that lock in moisture and help prevent water loss from the skin. They are typically rich, nourishing, and leave the skin with a natural-looking glow.

Best for:

• Dry skin
• Sensitive skin
• Mature skin
• Skin that needs extra barrier support

During our 4-week consumer use study, 100% said their skin felt hydrated, and 96% said their skin looked smoother with Truly’s Soft Serve After Shave Oil.   

*Based on a 4-week consumer use study of 33 participants.

Body Lotion: Body lotions are water-based moisturizers that hydrate the skin by adding moisture. They are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and designed for everyday use without heaviness.

Best for:

• Oily skin
• Combination skin
• Daily hydration
• Mild dryness

While using Truly’s Soft Serve Hydrating Cream, 99% said their skin looked plumper and 97% agreed it improved the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

*Based on a 4-week consumer use study of 33 participants.

Is Body Oil Better Than Lotion?

Comparing body oil vs body lotion, neither is universally better. It depends on what your skin needs.

If your skin feels mildly dry or needs lightweight daily hydration, lotion is usually enough. It absorbs quickly and keeps skin comfortable throughout the day.

If your skin feels very dry, tight, or flaky, body oil can make a bigger difference because it helps prevent moisture loss and keeps skin softer for longer.

For extremely dry skin, the best solution is often using both as lotion adds hydration and body oil locks it in. 

Which Should You Choose?

Choose body lotion if:

• Your skin feels mildly dry
• You want lightweight hydration
• You prefer fast-absorbing products

Choose body oil if:

• Your skin feels very dry or flaky
• Moisturizer doesn’t last long
• You want soft, glowing skin

Use both if:

• Your skin is extremely dry
• You want long-lasting hydration
• You want smooth + glowing skin

Recommended Body Oil

Soft Serve After Shave Oil

Brightens Dark Spots & Softens Skin

Add to Bag

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

A viral sensation for good reason. Soft Serve After Shave Oil intensely hydrates and softens dry, dull, rough skin with its powerhouse blend of peptides and hyaluronic acid. Even though it’s extremely hydrating, its lightweight formula won’t leave you greasy. Just glowy.

If you’re looking for more options, explore some of the best body oils for dry, glowing skin.

Recommended Body Lotion 

Soft Serve After Shave Hydrating Cream

Plumping After Shave Cream

Add to Bag

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

For maximum hydration, apply Soft Serve Plump Cream before Soft Serve Oil to add some much-needed moisture to your skin. Rich yet fast-absorbing, it combines shea butter with strawberry extract and hyaluronic acid to leave your skin feeling supple all day.

When to Use Body Oil vs Lotion

Knowing when to use body oil vs lotion depends on your skin type and how dry your skin feels. If your skin feels mildly dry or needs quick, lightweight hydration, lotion is usually the best choice for daily use. It absorbs fast and keeps skin feeling comfortable throughout the day.

Body lotion is also a great option after shaving, since it soothes the skin, reduces dryness, and helps restore moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.

Body oil, on the other hand, works best when your skin feels very dry, tight, or rough. It’s especially helpful after showering, when it can lock in moisture and help prevent water loss. Many people with dry skin benefit from using both together for the best results.

Body oils work best when applied correctly, especially on damp skin right after a shower. If you’re unsure how to get the most out of it, here’s a simple guide on how to use body oil for best results.

Body Oil Versus Lotion FAQs

Does Body Oil or Lotion Go First?

If you’re using both, lotion should go first. Lotion hydrates the skin by adding water and moisture. Body oil goes on top to lock that moisture in and prevent it from evaporating. This layering method helps keep skin softer for longer.

Is Body Oil or Lotion Better?

Both have their benefits. It depends on your skin needs. Lotion is better for everyday hydration and lightweight moisture. Body oil is better for sealing in hydration and improving skin softness and glow. For very dry skin, using both together often gives the best results.

If you’re comparing options, it’s helpful to understand the difference between body butter vs lotion and which works best for your skin type.

Can You Use Body Oil and Lotion Together?

Yes, and this is often the best option for very dry skin. Lotion adds hydration, while body oil locks it in. When used together, they help keep skin softer and hydrated for longer.

Should You Apply Body Oil on Wet or Dry Skin?

Body oil works best on slightly damp skin, usually right after a shower. This helps trap moisture in the skin and improves absorption.

Why Does My Skin Still Feel Dry After Lotion?

This usually happens when your skin barrier is very dry or damaged, or when the lotion isn’t rich enough for your skin type. In some cases, your skin may also need a sealing step like body oil to prevent moisture loss.

For the best of both worlds, we recommend combining body oil and lotion. Check out Truly's Body Oils and Body Treatments to get your smoothest, glowiest skin with our signature touch of luxury. 

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