Body Butter vs Body Cream: What's the Difference?

Body butter and body cream sit right next to each other on the shelf and sound almost interchangeable, but they are built differently and do slightly different jobs. If you have ever wondered which one your skin actually needs, here is a clear breakdown of body butter vs body cream, and how to choose.

The short answer

Body cream sits in the middle of the moisturizer scale: thicker than lotion, lighter than butter, with a moderate water content that absorbs quickly. Body butter is the richest option, made mostly from plant butters and oils with little or no water, so it hydrates more deeply and seals moisture in for longer. For dry skin, body butter does more. For a lighter everyday feel, cream may be enough.

What is body cream?

Body cream is a moisturizer with a balance of water and oils, thicker and more nourishing than a thin lotion but lighter than a true butter. It absorbs fairly quickly and feels comfortable for everyday use, though its water content means the hydration can fade faster than a butter.

What is body butter?

Body butter is the richest moisturizer of the three, concentrated plant butters like shea and cocoa blended with oils, with little to no water. It forms a soft protective layer that both nourishes and seals, so it lasts for hours. For the full picture, see our guide on what body butter is.

Body butter vs body cream: key differences

Which should you choose?

Choose body butter if your skin is dry, rough, or tight, or if you want lasting softness from one application. Choose body cream if your skin is fairly balanced and you prefer a lighter, faster-absorbing feel. If you are comparing across the board, see how butter stacks up against lotion and body oil too. For very dry skin, our guide to the best body butter for dry skin goes deeper.

Can you use both?

Yes. Some people use a lighter cream in the morning and a rich body butter at night, or cream on balanced areas and butter on dry spots like elbows and heels. Match the richness to what each area of skin needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is body butter better than body cream?

For dry or rough skin, yes, because it is more concentrated and seals moisture in longer. For a lighter everyday feel on balanced skin, a body cream may be enough.

What is the difference between body butter and body cream?

Body butter is richer, mostly plant butters and oils with little water, so it hydrates deeper and lasts longer. Body cream has more water, feels lighter, and absorbs faster.

Does body cream or body butter absorb faster?

Body cream absorbs faster because of its higher water content. Body butter sits longer as it seals moisture in.

Which is better for winter, body butter or cream?

Body butter, because cold, dry air calls for a richer, sealing moisturizer that holds up longer than a lighter cream.

The bottom line

Body cream is the lighter middle ground, body butter is the rich, sealing heavyweight. For lasting hydration, especially on dry skin, butter wins. Explore rich, butter-first formulas in the Luxury Life Butter collection.