What’s The Difference Between Body Balm, Body Butter, And Body Lotion?
With the plethora of skincare products available today, it gets confusing. If you want to keep your body moisturized, you have to choose between body balm, body butter, and body lotion. What is the difference between these three products and do you need them all?
The Difference Between Body Balm, Body Butter, and Body Lotion
Body Balm
A body balm is a thick, often solid, product made with butters and hydrating oils. It is somewhere between a body cream and a body oil. In terms of consistency, this is thicker than both butters and lotions. Utama Spice’s Fresh Soul Body Balm is made from virgin coconut oil, beeswax, and various moisturizing essential oils.
Body balms are extremely hydrating but are absorbed fairly quickly compared to body oils. However, if it is in solid form, it may still take a while to be absorbed into the skin (especially when compared to lotions) because it will need to melt into your skin. One thing that many people love about body balms is that it leaves a subtle sheen that makes the skin look like it is glowing.
Thanks to the combination of butters and oils, body balms are moisturizing while serving as a protective barrier for your skin. It can help heal the skin and promote skin regeneration. For these reasons, body balms are great for skin conditions that require moisture, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and the likes. However, body balms are also great for treating dryness in elbows, knees, and feet.
Balm vs Moisturizer: Essentials Explained
The choice between a balm and a moisturizer hinges on the specific needs of your skin and your preferred texture. Balms are concentrated, oil-based formulas that provide an intense layer of hydration and protection. They’re typically thicker than moisturizers and are best for targeting dry, chapped areas (like the elbows and the heels, and for men there is “beard balm”) or for skin conditions needing a potent moisture barrier. Balms are especially useful in colder months or in dry climates where the skin may require extra nourishment and protection against harsh conditions.
Moisturizers, on the other hand, come in lighter formulations that are designed for daily use over the entire face or body. They hydrate the skin by drawing in moisture, often containing a balance of water and oils to replenish skin hydration levels. Moisturizers can be tailored to various skin types, from oily to dry, and are essential for maintaining overall skin health, making them a staple in most skincare routines.
In essence, if you’re facing extreme dryness or seeking targeted treatment for rough patches, a balm is your ally. For regular hydration and to maintain skin’s moisture balance, turn to a moisturizer. Both play crucial roles in skincare, addressing different needs and preferences for texture and depth of hydration.

Body Butter
A body butter is a thick cream that is packed with hydrating ingredients, making it extremely moisturizing. It is made primarily with a butter, oil, and very little or no water at all. Natural butters are extracted from natural sources like seeds, beans, and nuts. Some of the most popular butters are cocoa butter, shea butter, lavender butter, and mango butter. Butters contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The resulting body butter has a thick consistency; however, viscosity may vary depending on the natural butter used. Some butters are light and are, thus, absorbed quickly, while others are thicker but also more potent.
Regardless of their consistency, body butters are effective at hydrating and moisturizing the skin. Aside from hydrating the skin, body butters also create a protective barrier that locks in moisture. This skincare product is perfect for people with extremely dry skin, roughness, cracking, and inflammation because it can help to rejuvenate while healing the skin.
Because of their thick consistency, body butters are best used at night, preferably after a shower or bath, for maximum absorbency. Different thatn beard oil, there is also “beard butter” commercially made for men to help moistorize and nourish facial hair. Additionally, since body butters are quite potent, you will only need to apply small amounts.
Utama Spice has a selection of body butters: Cocoa Love Body Butter, Lavender Body Butter, Lemongrass Ginger Body Butter, Rose Allure Body Butter, and Tropical Flower Body Butter.
Body Lotion
Body lotion is the lightest of all products here. Lotions contain water various ingredients that target different skin concerns. As a result, body lotions are thinner, lighter, and are absorbed much quickly than body balms or butters. Lotions also do not leave an oily sheen on the skin.
Because body lotions are water-based, they contain less oils or butters, and are thus, less nourishing. However, this does not mean that they are not moisturizing. Lotions help the skin absorb water and seal it inside. This is ideal for people with dehydrated skin since lotions are able to penetrate deep into the skin for deeper hydration. Furthermore, lotions seal the moisture in the skin, allowing the skin to stay hydrated for longer.
Body lotions are perfect for dehydrated skin because it can help with water retention. However, it is a great body moisturizer for day time and warmer seasons or for when you do not have time to wait for your skin to absorb the lotion.
How to use body lotion properly? Body lotion helps trap moisture so it is best used after a shower when the skin is still damp. This will allow the skin to not only absorb the oil and nutrients from the lotion but also moisture from the water on your skin.
Choose from these refreshing Coconut Lotion scents: Island Spice, Lavender, Lemongrass Ginger, and Mint Crush.
Body Butter vs Lotion: A Quick Guide
Deciding between body butter and body lotion boils down to understanding your skin’s hydration needs and your personal texture preference. Body butters are rich, dense creams made predominantly from natural butters like shea or cocoa, offering deep moisturization ideal for very dry or rough skin. They work excellently in sealing moisture, thanks to their thick consistency and high content of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. These properties make body butter a superb choice for nighttime use, as it provides ample time for the skin to absorb the nutrients fully.
On the flip side, body lotions are much lighter and water-based, making them suitable for daily hydration needs. Their thinner texture allows for quick absorption, providing immediate relief to dehydrated skin without leaving a greasy residue. Lotions are especially beneficial for normal to slightly dry skin types or during warmer weather when heavy creams may feel too thick.
Breakdown of Body butter vs body lotion
In summary, if you’re seeking intense hydration and are dealing with dry, cracked, or inflamed skin, body butter is your go-to option. For daily moisturization that feels light on the skin and for milder hydration needs, a body lotion is more appropriate. Remember, the best choice varies with the season, your skin type, and specific skin conditions, allowing for the inclusion of both products in your skincare arsenal for different purposes.

The Differences In Summary
All body balms, butters, and lotiosn provide great moisture for the skin. But they differ in terms of ingredients, consistency, and how fast it is absorbed by the skin. Body balms are the thickest and most potent as they are made without water. Body butters, on the other hand, is the in-between as it is made with natural butters and just a bit of water. So, it is thinner than balms but thicker than body lotions. Lastly, body lotions are the lightest because it is water-based.
Which Is Best For You?
Now that you understand the difference between body balms, body butters, and body lotion, you need to make a choice between them. Neither of the three is better than the others, so your choice must depend on your skin’s needs. In fact, you may need all of them.
If you have normal or oily skin, you may find that a body lotion may be sufficiently moisturizing during the warmer months, but you may need a more potent moisturizer, like a body butter for the colder months.
However, those with dehydrated or dry skin may benefit from the power of body butters and body balms. Body balms in particular are ideal for those managing skin conditions.
Finally, consider your preference. If you prefer lightweight, on-the-go moisturizers, a lotion may be the best option. Meanwhile, if you prefer more moisture, you may use a body butter at night or after your showers. And for those that wish to go that extra mile, consider incorporating body mist into your daily habits and skin care routine. You can also learn to make your own DIY body mist at home!
Conclusion
Body balms, body butters, and body lotions each offer different levels of moisturizing. None of them are better or worse—it all depends on your skin’s needs and personal preferences. In fact, you may find that you need all three for different times of the day and seasons. Complete your skincare with Utama Spice.
I’ve never tried a body balm. I love body butters though.
Never tried body balms and i want
Spectacular explanation. Sadly some companies don’t know the difference lol. We use them all!! Moisture Moisture Moisture
Very useful.
Very informative; thank you
all useful textures at different times
I use body balm most
Neat
Informative, thanks!
I’m using a body butter right now that smells like coconut and rosewater. Smells so good
Very good article about the differences in moisturizers. Now I’ll have to think about which one will be best for me.
I didn’t know the difference! Great info
Very informative! You learn something new every day
A plethora of skincare products is right! There are so many different types and aromas. I’ve tried some that didn’t smell very great but worked wonders and some that smelled heavenly and didn’t work well. It’s a hit and miss with skincare products.
I should just find one that I like and stick with it but I get bored and want to try something else.
My skin is the driest of dry. Been seeing a dermatologist since 1978. Hence, lotions are just watery to me, useless. I’m glad to try rich body butters and balms instead.
I needed to learn this, thank you for sharing.
I love Body Butter. Lotions are way too greasy for me.
I thought they were all essentially the same thing, definitely good to know
cool
News to me. I didn’t think there was much of a difference.
Wow, that’s a lot of information
I never knew the difference between these types of skincare products before either. Thanks for sharing the differences and benefits of each so we can use them properly.
I would definitley recommend the lotion..
It works quicker, has no oily residue and has a lighter consistancy
You’re never too young to learn. I enjoyed reading about the difference in the body Cream, Butter, and Balm. Thank you.
Good overview. 🙂
This is great and informative
Great summary that helps me understand what I need.
I actually found that very interesting. I’ve always wondered the difference between the three of them. I often stick to body lotion. I didn’t know that it is the least moisturising. I’ve found body butters to be too oily in the past. Great tips on when to apply them after a shower too
Very interesting to read the differences! I agree that they are all great, depending on your skins needs.
thanks for the breakdown
I like body butters best. They keep my skin from being too dry.
Looking forward to trying body balm
It seems to be that lotions are great if you’re planning on heading out and about after application, whereas butters and balms are more for if you’re planning on relaxing at home and treating yourself.
I have never used body butter, but I bet it smells amazing and feels good for your skin!
Great information! I have never used a body balm before. I find a body butter helps moisturizes my dry skin.
i love body butter best!
Interesting! I definitely wanna try body balms now.
That was sharp, things fro the body are clearer to me now!
That was sharp, things for the body are clearer to me now!
Great information. I use body balms in the winter for my dry skin.
Thanks for the informative post. Have a great weekend.
everyone’s got different skin types & skin issues great that there are different types of products.
It’s time to try body balm
i love all three types! 🙂
I think I need to switch from lotions to a balm for my very dry skin.
Helpful to understand the differences
i have never even heard of body balm. being over 50 and living in the high desert, I need this!
Quite informative article !
Interesting. I get very dry hands in winter, but have never tried a body balm; certainly worth looking into,
wow! I never realized how different
I never knew this info until now I absolutely love body butter.
I have tried body butter but not the balm going to give it a try thanks
Thank you for this. I need to look into purchasing some body balm. Because of the conditions you previously discussed like psoriasis. Also that it also helps to combat dermatitis.
Hah, something new every day. All the different things to slather on my skin. Fun!
My favorite, from the above products, is body butter. I love it.
This is useful to know. I have very dry skin.
Interesting to learn about balm and butter.
I’ve never used anything other than body lotion. I’ve never really thought of using anything else, so this is good info!
I love body butters!
Such an interesting post. thanks.
Interesting to learn
Very good information. Thank you for clearing it up.
I never use body creams , balms or butters but may start
they all sound nice to try on.
I knew lotion was the thinnest, but did not know the difference between balm and butter. Thanks.
I do love body butters but will try balm!