When shopping for skincare, it’s common to group products like body oil and lotion into the same category. Both are moisturizers that focus on softening and healing the skin while cultivating a natural glow.
But there are, actually, a few key differences between these two products. Exploring body oil vs. lotion is a simple way to cater to your skin’s specific needs—targeting problem areas, limiting toxin exposure, and giving your body the right tools it needs for healing.
What Is Lotion and Why Do We Use It?
Body lotion is arguably the most commonly used body product for dry skin. It works to lock in moisture, target problem areas, and leave the skin feeling supple. Lotion is well-loved everywhere, but comes in handy particularly in cold and dry climates.
The creation of body lotion dates back to 3000 BC, when plant oils, herbs, and animal-based ingredients were combined to create remedying balms. Since most of our ancestors worked outside, they relied on these natural ingredients everyday.
Unfortunately, body lotion isn’t what it used to be. In the last hundred years, it’s drastically changed from a nature-based product to a chemical-based one.
Most of the body lotions found on store shelves today include toxic chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances. They might include some of the rich and restorative ingredients our ancestors benefitted from—but only in small amounts.
Organic Body Oil vs. Lotion
We’re big fans of both organic body lotion and body oil (as long as they contain nontoxic ingredients). However, it’s important to understand the differences between the two products.
- Ingredient base. The average lotion uses water, emulsifying wax, and some oil to penetrate the skin and add moisture. On the other hand, a typical body oil consists of plant-based oil only.
- Intention. Lotion is great for quick moisture and absorption. It’s used to treat problem areas, like dry hands. A body oil works more holistically, cultivating the skin’s overall health to eventually restore problem areas.
- Skin barrier function. An organic body oil works with the natural oils your body produces to create a protective barrier. Lotion is more likely to absorb deep into the skin.
We choose to offer organic body oils because they so closely match the ingredients our ancestors used (and they’re more compatible with our skin).
More About Lotion vs. Body Oil
Going Back to Our Roots: Benefits of Organic Body Oil
Oils for the body aren’t as popular as lotion products, which is a shame because they offer so many powerful benefits. We chose to create organic body oil because the ingredients closely match those that our ancestors used for skin health.
Here are some of the reasons we use organic body oils. They…
The epidermis is held together by a careful balance of natural oils, water, and nutrients. This is your skin barrier, and it protects you from environmental toxins while naturally hydrating the skin. If the skin barrier is disrupted by outside influences (say, pollution, toxins, and harsh skin products) then you may start to experience sensitivity, breakouts, and redness.
One benefit of using oils for the body is that they work with your skin barrier. They naturally provide nutrients and extra oil to help hold your epidermis together. Over time, body oils should help your skin perform better on its own.
Uncomfortable idea? Sure. But this is actually a really good thing. When healthy bacteria take care of natural oil, we can experience better skin protection and fewer breakouts.
- Moisturize the skin. Organic body oil isn’t as fast-acting as lotion or balm, but it is a fantastic tool for skin hydration. The real power of body oil is how it changes the skin over time—cultivating an environment of healthy sebum and bacteria that moisturizes the skin by itself.
Organic Body Oil vs. Non-Organic Body Oil
We know, sourcing organic body oils can be expensive. Is it necessary to ensure the oils you use are organic?
Yes. Pesticide residue can seep into your body products—which is bad news for the cells we’re trying to rejuvenate. By sourcing organic oil, our goal is to maintain quality control for a product that’s applied to your biggest organ: your skin.
Another concern is eczema breakouts and allergic reactions. Body oils can be a miracle worker for these conditions, but ineffective if they contain chemicals that exacerbate the problem.
Why We Recommend Cold-Pressed Oil
When overly processed, even the most natural oils can turn toxic.
Take olive oil for example. It’s full of antioxidants, vibrant flavor, and healthy skin benefits. But when heat is applied during the processing of olive oil, many nutrients are lost.
Choosing a body oil that’s minimally processed (and preferably cold pressed) is the best way to ensure the nutrients in your oil get to your skin.
Prioritize Purity When Using Oils for the Body
All avocado oils are the same, right?
Actually, the purity and quality of your body oil can determine whether you love or hate the product. Low-quality oils typically contain fewer nutrients, more pesticides, and can even have sneaky toxic fillers included.
If this is your first time using body oil, we recommend choosing one that’s cold-pressed, organic, and tested for quality. That way, you can experience the hydrating and soothing power of body oil the way our ancestors intended.