From hand creams to body wash: The best body care products you didn't know you needed (2025)

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I don't know about you, but as someone who suffers from dry skin, I love using body care products.

While it can be hard to muster up the courage to apply a cold body lotion in the winter months, in the summer, applying a lotion can feel like glazing skin in a velvety sorbet.

And when it has a moreish fragrance of the likes of coconut, pineapple and vanilla, you can even smell like one too.

In this article, we reveal the top body care product picks including exfoliators, shower foams, lotions and hand creams for all skin types and preferences.

This selection of body care products has been carefully curated based on personal experience, popularity, value for price and customer reviews.

TOP 8 BODY CARE PRODUCTS

BEST HAND CREAM

L'OCCITANE SHEA BUTTER INTENSIVE HAND CREAM

L'Occitane's Shea Butter Intensive Hand Cream is a rich and nourishing formula designed to deeply hydrate and restore dry, cracked hands. It is a popular body care product because of its rich, luxurious feel and portability for everyday use.

It contains 20 per cent shea butter, making it a powerful moisturiser, while the addition of coconut oil enhances its soothing and healing properties.

Despite its thick consistency, it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. The cream also has a subtle, comforting scent that adds to the luxurious experience overall.

L'Occitane has been reimagining and selling high-quality beauty products since 1976, which is why it comes as no surprise that their products are loved by all ages.

However, while this product is high-quality, it costs more than many other hand creams on the market, despite its small tube size.

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BEST BODY EXFOLIATOR

NATIO AUSTRALIA WELLNESS BODY SCRUB

Natio Australia Wellness Body Scrub is formulated with finely ground walnut shells for a gentle, natural exfoliation. As an ingredient, walnut helps reduce inflammation from the lies of eczema or acne while restoring softness to the skin.

This product is infused with aloe vera, pomegranate and coconut, which work collectively to promote cell renewal, deeply hydrate and reveal vibrant skin.

This blend of natural ingredients also adds a soothing, spa-like scent, making it a great choice for relaxation as well as skincare.

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MOST FUN SHOWER PRODUCT

SUNDAE WHIPPED SHOWER FOAM

If you enjoy shower products that provide a novel and sensory experience, then look no further than the Sundae Whipped Shower Foam range. These products are popular because they apply like whipped cream, thanks to its cream canister nozzle.

While this whipped shower foam comes in a range of fun and fruity scents, the coconut cream with plum and finger lime is a great scent for people who love tropical flavours.

This product is lightweight, yet creamy, leaving skin feeling cleansed and slightly scented. However, while it offers a fun shower experience, some people find the product isn't particularly hydrating, especially for people with dry skin.

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MOST HYDRATING SHOWER OIL

L'OCCITANE ALMOND OIL SHOWER OIL

The L'Occitane Almond Oil Shower Oil was given to me as a birthday gift by my late grandmother who loved L'Occitane, and it's one of my favourite products.

If you have dry skin but don't enjoy applying a lotion post-shower, this is a great alternative. When mixed with water, the oil transforms into a milky lotion that gently cleanses the body and leaves the skin feeling supple and satiny after being towel dried.

The hero ingredients are grape seed oil and sweet almond oil, which help nourish and soften the skin, and are considered suitable for sensitive or dry skin types.

The texture, combined with the inclusion of bergamot oil gives this product a luxurious texture and scent. While it makes for a great Christmas present, it comes at a high price point for what is essentially a shower soap.

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BEST EVERYDAY BODY WASH

AVEENO DAILY MOISTURISING BODY WASH

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Wash is a PH-balanced body wash that gently cleanses without dry the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and fresh.

The star ingredients of this product are oat (oil, flour and extract), shea butter and jojoba oil. These deliver a level of moisturisation and skin barrier protection that is suitable for sensitive and dry skin types.

The Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Wash is a trusty everyday, affordable body wash that both cleanses and hydrates the skin. People who use this product tend to enjoy the feel of their skin after showering, and claim that the scent is subtle, but pleasant.

Should you have other skin concerns such as eczema however, the Aveeno Dermexa may be a better product for you.

BEST BODY LOTION

PALMER'S COCOA BUTTER MOISTURISER

If you've ever used a Palmer's product, you will be able to recall the gloriously nutty cocoa butter scent in an instant. Its signature scent is partly what makes this product so popular, as well as its hyper-rich moisturising formula.

As indicated by its name, the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturiser contains cocoa butter, which is a rich, nutrient-packed super ingredient with naturally occurring fatty acids that lock-in moisture, and antioxidant-rich CMPs (Cocoa Mass Polyphenols) for collagen support and retention.

It also contains Vitamin E, which helps to smooth scars and protect skin from damaging free radicals, as well as enhance the protective function of the skin.

This product is recommended for people with extra dry skin and may be effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. However, if you're not a fan of scents and super buttery consistencies, this is probably not the right brand for you.

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BEST PREMIUM BODY CARE PRODUCT

LA MER REPARATIVE BODY LOTION

La Mer Reparative Body Lotion is so luxurious, you'll feel like you need to turn on the French music and light a candle while applying it.

This product is a deeply hydrating body lotion formulated with the brands signature 'Miracle Broth', which is crafted from sustainably harvested Giant Sea Kelp, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

This product works like a premium skincare product and provides long-lasting moisture while improving skin texture and tone. With consistent use, it can help repair and revitalise the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and radiant.

It's particularly known for helping with dry and mature skin, treating uneven texture, and giving the skin a luminous finish.

La Mer products are a cult favourite among high-end skincare enthusiasts. However, as a designer product, it is very pricey for an everyday body lotion.

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MOST AFFORDABLE BODY CARE PRODUCT

VASELINE DEEP RESTORE BODY LOTION

Vaseline Deep Restore Body Lotion is an affordable and effective hydrating body lotion that absorbs quickly and restores the appearance of dry skin.

This product is formulated with a blend of glycerin and micro-droplets of Vaseline jelly, which work to lock in moisture and deeply nourish the skin.

It's designed for dry to very dry skin and may provide long-lasting hydration and restore softness and smoothness.

The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling moisturised throughout the day.

For the price point, this is a great everyday product for the whole family and can be found in most stores across Australia. However, for those looking for more premium ingredients or more specialised body care, this product may not appeal to you.

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CONCLUSION

As summer nears and we begin to get outdoors more, people often feel inspired to show their skin some extra love.

Whether your intention is to slather on a rich body lotion after a day at the beach, exfoliate away dryness for smooth and glowing summer skin, or surprise someone with a nourishing hand cream set at Christmas time, the body care industry truly has it all.

While here are plenty of high-end options out there, finding a good shower gel and body moisturiser doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. There are amazing, affordable products that offer luxurious results - you just need to know where to look.

FAQs

What are body washes?

Body washes are liquid or gel-based cleansing products specifically designed to cleanse and moisturise the body. They contain surfactants that remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

How should I use a body lotion?

After showering, towel dry your body and apply body lotion to desired areas using your hands. Let the product dry before getting changed into clothing to avoid oil stains.

What are the different types of body washes?

Are body washes better than bar soaps?

Both body washes and bar soaps have their advantages. Body washes are generally more moisturising and can dispense more evenly, while bar soaps may be more cost-effective and produce less packaging waste.

What ingredients should I look for in body care products?

Look for body washes that contain gentle surfactants, natural oils, and moisturising agents. Avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the skin.

How often should I use body washes?

The frequency depends on your skin type and activity level. Most experts recommend using body wash once or twice a day.

Can I use body care products on my face?

Body washes and moisturisers are not suitable for the face. They are designed for the thicker skin of the body and may be too harsh for the delicate skin of the face. Use a specific face wash or moisturiser formulated for facial care.