I have dry skin. Like, winter-in-Colorado dry. My elbows get rough. My shins look dusty. I wanted a simple lotion with plant stuff, not a big mix of mystery. So I tested a few natural body lotions on real days—after runs, after hot showers, before bed, and while working at my desk.
Curious about the nitty-gritty of each formula and how they stacked up day by day? I laid out the full diary in this deep-dive on natural body lotions.
You know what? A good pump and a quick dry-down matter more than I thought.
While hunting for contenders, I also browsed Arena Naturals, an online shop packed with strictly botanical body care, for even more plant-focused picks.
What I used (and where I found them)
- Weleda Skin Food Body Lotion — bought at Target, 6.8 oz pump, around $18–20
- Everyone Lotion (Unscented) — 32 oz pump from Costco, around $11–15
- SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Lotion (Coconut) — 13 oz bottle from Walgreens, around $9–12
- Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand & Body Lotion (Lavender) — 8 oz pump from a natural market, around $10–12
I rotated these for three weeks. I kept Weleda and Dr. Bronner’s at my desk, Everyone in the bathroom for the whole family, and SheaMoisture by my bed.
Weleda Skin Food Body Lotion: Big comfort, strong scent
This one saved my flaky shins after two days. Weleda Skin Food Body Lotion is renowned for its intensive nourishment and natural soothing properties, making it a popular choice for dry skin care. It’s creamy, not sticky, and it leaves a soft glow. The scent is herbal-citrus and kind of bold. I like it at night or on cold mornings. On hot days, it feels a bit rich.
Real moment: I used it after a windy hike, and my calves stopped itching in ten minutes. The pump locks, which sounds small, but it keeps the cap clean. One pump per leg did the job.
- Good for: very dry spots, dull skin, night use
- Watch out: scent is strong if you’re scent-sensitive
Everyone Lotion (Unscented): The no-drama workhorse
Light, fast, and fuss-free. This is the “everyone reach for it” bottle by our bathroom sink. My kid uses it after washing hands. I use it after the gym when I don’t want to feel slick. It sinks in fast and layers well under sunscreen. Everyone™ 3-in-1 Lotion, Unscented offers a versatile and gentle moisturizing solution suitable for hands, face, and body, ideal for those with sensitive skin.
It’s not a heavy hitter. On my rough elbows, I needed a second coat. But for daily use, it’s easy and kind. No weird film. No sting after shaving.
- Good for: families, summer, re-applying during the day
- Watch out: too light for cracked heels or very dry patches
SheaMoisture Coconut Daily Hydration: Cozy, rich, and a little slow
This one smells like a beach day. Sweet coconut, not too fake. It’s thick and buttery, which I loved on my legs after a hot bath. It took a few minutes to soak in, though. I wore loose pants and let it do its thing.
One real note: it felt great on my eczema-prone knees—no burn. But it did leave a soft sheen that some folks won’t love during the workday.
- Good for: winter skin, post-shower, dry legs
- Watch out: slower dry-down; the scent sticks around
Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Lotion: Desk buddy, calm brain
This one is thin and silky. Two pumps cover both hands and forearms. It’s perfect for typing because it dries fast and doesn’t leave smears on my keyboard. The lavender scent is strong at first, then soft. It’s a “take a breath” kind of smell.
It’s not super rich, so I wouldn’t use it for cracked skin. But as a keep-by-the-laptop lotion? Yes. Zero greasiness.
- Good for: quick moisture, office use, light layering
- Watch out: not enough for very dry legs
What actually worked for me (by situation)
- Daily, no scent: Everyone Lotion (Unscented)
- Night repair or wind-burn days: Weleda Skin Food Body Lotion
- Cozy, winter legs: SheaMoisture Coconut Daily Hydration
- At my desk, all day: Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Lotion
If I had to pick one, I’d grab Everyone Lotion for the big value and easy feel, then keep a smaller Weleda for tough spots. That combo covered me year-round.
Real pros and cons I noticed
Pros
- Pumps that lock stay clean and travel well
- Natural scents feel less “perfumey” and don’t give me a headache
- Less sting after shaving compared to some drugstore lotions
Cons
- Rich formulas can take patience—loose pants help
- Some “natural” scents are strong; fragrance-free is safer for office days
- Lighter lotions need a second coat on problem areas
Little tips that made a big difference
- Use on damp skin. One minute after showering, it grabs better.
- For rough elbows or heels, mix a pea-size of lotion with a drop of plain jojoba oil. Magic.
- Morning? Go light so clothes don’t cling. Night? Go rich and let it soak.
- Patch test on the inner arm if you’re sensitive. I do this with every new bottle.
Bonus idea: sometimes the best way to get moisture deep into tight shoulders or parched limbs is to let a pro handle it. If you ever swing through Smyrna, Georgia, and want to pair relaxation with skin-loving oils, hop over to Rubmaps Smyrna for a quick look at local massage studios that are rated for their oil quality, cleanliness, and overall vibe—you can scan reviews beforehand and book a spot that matches your scent and pressure preferences.
Final take
I wanted simple, plant-forward lotions that actually help. These did. None felt fake or plasticky. Weleda gave me deep comfort. Everyone Lotion was my daily hero. SheaMoisture felt like a warm blanket. Dr. Bronner’s kept my hands happy at work.
Next on my self-experiment list was the much-talked-about natural Mounjaro drink for weight loss—spoiler: it was… interesting.
Do I need to smell like a cupcake at 8 a.m.? Not always. But soft skin that doesn’t itch? Yes, please.