There is a common myth that body butter is a winter only product, too rich and heavy for warm weather. The truth is that body butter can be one of the best things for your skin in summer, as long as you use it the right way. Sun, salt water, chlorine, and air conditioning all pull moisture from your skin, and a good body butter helps put it back.
Here is how to enjoy soft, glowing, non-greasy skin with body butter all summer long.
Can you use body butter in summer?
Yes. Your skin needs moisture year round, and summer comes with its own set of drying culprits. A quality body butter made from plant butters and oils delivers that moisture and seals it in, without the greasy feel people expect. The secret is not the season, it is the amount you use and when you apply it. New to body butter? Start with our complete guide on what body butter is.
The trick: less is more
In cooler months you might layer body butter on thick. In summer, a little goes a long way. Scoop out a small amount, warm it between your palms until it melts to an oil like texture, then spread it in a thin, even layer. Warming it first is the key to a light, fast absorbing finish rather than a heavy one.
When to apply for a non-greasy finish
- Apply to slightly damp skin right after a shower, when your skin is ready to drink it in
- Give it a few minutes to fully absorb before getting dressed
- Apply at night so it works while you sleep and leaves skin soft by morning
Follow these steps and you get all the nourishment with none of the shine. For more technique, see our guide on how to use body butter.
Where to use it in summer
- Legs and arms after sun exposure, to soothe and rehydrate
- Hands and feet, which take a beating in sandals and pools
- Elbows, knees, and heels, which stay dry no matter the season
- Anywhere that feels tight after swimming or time in the sun
For very dry or sun exposed patches, our guide to the best body butter for dry skin has more.
Why body butter still beats lotion in summer
It is tempting to switch entirely to lotion when it is hot, but lotion is mostly water and fades fast, so you end up reapplying all day. A thin layer of body butter lasts far longer, which means softer skin with less effort. For the full comparison, read body butter vs lotion.
Summer body butter tips
- Store it somewhere cool so it keeps its creamy texture in the heat
- Use it after shaving to calm and soften the skin
- Reach for lighter, fresher scents in summer for an uplifting feel
- Keep a jar in your bag for post-pool or post-beach touch ups
Frequently asked questions
Is body butter too heavy for summer?
Not if you use a small amount on damp skin. Warmed between your palms and applied thinly, body butter absorbs into a light, non-greasy finish.
Does body butter clog pores in hot weather?
Used on the body and applied in a thin layer, quality body butter is not a concern the way heavy facial products can be. Keep it to arms, legs, and torso.
Can I use body butter after sun?
Yes. Body butter is a lovely way to rehydrate and soothe skin after time in the sun, as long as the skin is not broken or burned.
What is the best way to keep body butter from feeling greasy?
Use less, warm it in your hands first, apply to damp skin, and let it absorb before dressing.
The bottom line
Body butter is not just for winter. With the right amount and a little technique, it delivers lightweight, non-greasy hydration that keeps summer skin soft, smooth, and glowing.
Ready to find your warm weather favorite? Explore the Luxury Life Butter collection and discover a scent made for sunny days. Not sure which to pick? The Trunk Collection lets you try several at once.
