You already know that moisturizing is one of the most important steps in your body care routine. Of course, it keeps your skin hydrated and glowing. But, it also does more than that, from softening rough patches to protecting against environmental damage.
That being said, body moisturizers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some users like a lightweight lotion, while others prefer the deeper hydration that comes with a body cream or body butter. Which brings us to an important question: What is the difference between body butter and body cream, and which one is right for you? Read on for the full breakdown.
What is Body Cream?
Before we discuss what makes these products different, we have to explain just what they are. Body cream is usually thicker than body lotion. It has a higher volume of emollient ingredients––like coconut oil and cupuaçu butter––which help seal in hydration.
In addition to deep hydration, our body creams happen to offer added skin care benefits. The iconic Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream has guaraná known to help stimulate microcirculation and boost energy for smoother-looking skin, as well as antioxidant-rich acai oil known to help protect against environmental aggressors like pollution. Of course, it also includes the delicious scent of Cheirosa 62™. Our Bom Dia Bright™Body Cream, featuring the scent of Cheirosa 40, is enriched with fruit AHAs to gently exfoliate rough skin, while vitamin C helps even skin tone.
What is Body Butter?
Body butter is even thicker and richer than body cream. As the name suggests, it has a butter-like texture with a formula that contains even more emollient ingredients. It’s a great choice for those with dry skin. It’s also excellent for those looking to do an overnight moisturizing treatment: all you do is apply your body butter, layer on a pair of thick socks or gloves, and go to sleep. You’ll wake up with the softest skin ever!
Our Delícia Drench™ Body Butter is a whipped, ultra-rich formula made with ingredients like bacuri butter (which replenishes the skin's protective barrier) and our innovative Brazilian Soothing Complex, a blend of copaiba resin and passionflower seed oil which calms stressed skin). Our best-selling body butter is also scented with our uplifting Cheirosa 59 fragrance.
What Are the Differences Between Body Cream and Body Butter?
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Body Cream |
Body Butter |
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What are the benefits? |
Moisturizes dry skin and helps protect against moisture loss. |
Moisturizes dry and very dry skin. Helps protect against moisture loss. |
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What is the texture? |
Thicker than body lotion, but lighter than body butter. |
Thicker than both body lotions and body creams. |
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Who should use it? |
Anyone looking for a rich body moisturizer and added skin care benefits, especially those with dry skin. |
Anyone looking for a very rich body moisturizer with added skincare benefits, especially those with very dry skin. |
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How long does it take to absorb? |
Body creams absorb more quickly. For faster absorption, warm cream between hands. |
Body butters take more time to absorb and are best applied before bed. |
Should I Use Body Cream or Body Butter for My Skin Type?
- Very dry skin: Go for Delicia Drench™ Body Butter, as the ultra-rich formula helps support the skin barrier and penetrates deep below skin’s surface to lock in moisture.
- Dry skin: You can use either body butter or body cream. If you’re using body cream but your skin still feels dry, upgrade to a butter.
- Oily skin: Opt for a body cream, as a body butter may be too heavy for those with oily skin.
- Combination skin: You might need to use two different products: Start with a body cream for all over, then apply body butter on areas that need extra attention.
- Normal skin: A body cream is your perfect moisturizer.
Now the question is, what skin care benefits do you want? If you prefer firming-looking skin, choose Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream. If you’re looking for brighter-looking skin, choose Bom Dia Bright™ Body Cream. If you want collagen-boosting*,, go for Beija Flor™ Elasti-Cream. Finally, there’s also our limited-edition Cheirosa 71 Body Cream, which offers a nice touch of hydration.
How to use body butter & body cream
According to dermatologists, you should ideally apply your body butter or cream within three minutes after getting out of the shower or bath. When your skin is damp, it absorbs the product more easily.
Then, warm up the moisturizer in your palms and massage into your skin in small circles, evenly distributing it over your entire body. For extra-dry spots like the elbows or knees, you may want to use a little extra, or swap to body butter if you’ve been using cream.
If you usually shower in the morning, it’s a good idea to reapply your body cream at night to nourish your skin while you sleep. There’s no such thing as too much hydration!
Extra Tips to Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Avoid Hot Showers & Baths
It may feel relaxing in the moment to soak in a hot bath or step into a steamy shower, but when the temperature is too high, the water can strip skin of its natural moisture. In other words? Skin can become even drier than when you started. Instead, use warm—not hot—water, so you feel comfortable but won’t dry out your skin. Keeping your bathing time shorter can help too. As a bonus, it helps conserve water!
Exfoliate Regularly
Using a body scrub regularly is one of the best things you can do to keep your skin super-soft and help minimize rough patches. Exfoliating sheds the dry, dead outer layer sp your body cream can absorb better.
Take the Time to Pat Dry
Even the way you towel off can help your skin stay more hydrated. Instead of drying off quickly, gently pat skin dry. Doing so will help lock in hydration, rather than further stripping skin.
Then, you’re ready to moisturize! Remember, the optimal time to apply your body cream or butter is within three minutes—but really, anytime is a good time to rehydrate your skin.
