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I tested the best natural and nontoxic body lotion on my sensitive skin. Here are my favorites that are clean, moisturizing, and easy to apply.
As the weather changes, so do our skin concerns — from sunburn in the summertime to the dry flakiness that comes with colder temperatures. And since our skin absorbs the majority of lotions and creams we put onto it, it’s essential to be mindful of the ingredients in our personal care products.
Why use organic body lotion?
Using organic body lotion is a great way to nourish your skin without exposing it to harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Organic lotions made with natural ingredients like plant oils, butters, and essential oils, are gentler and more beneficial for your skin — especially if it’s sensitive. Plus, they often contain fewer additives and preservatives, reducing the chances of irritation or allergic reactions. To ensure your body lotion is made with clean ingredients, keep an eye out for synthetic fragrances and hormone-disrupting chemicals, like phthalates and parabens. You’ll want to avoid these whenever possible.
Fortunately, we’ve found the best natural and nutrient-rich lotion formulas, many of which are safe for the entire family. I’ve spent weeks testing each one, making notes on each. For nourishing skin hydration that you can feel good about all season long, keep on reading!
What should you look for when shopping clean body lotion?
When shopping for an organic body lotion that prioritizes safety and sustainability it’s important to consider both the ingredients and the third-party certifications the brand has acquired. Look for ingredients like nutrient-rich plant oils (e.g. jojoba, coconut, argon), soothing botanical extracts (e.g. chamomile, calendula, aloe vera), natural moisturizers like shea and cocoa butter, and key antioxidants like vitamin E, green tea extract, and rosehip oil. Reputable certifications to watch for include USDA Organic, Ecocert, COSMOS, NATRUE, and Leaping Bunny. Generally, avoid formulas that contain synthetic fragrances (labeled “fragrance” or “parfum”) and dyes, parabens, phthalates, and alcohols, which can dry out skin.
It’s also important to consider your preferences regarding feel and fragrance. Do you enjoy a lotion that is lightweight? Or a hearty balm that is deeply nourishing? Lotions have a thinner consistency and will typically run down one’s arm if gravity is left to its own devices, whereas a body butter is much thicker and stays put until it’s rubbed in. As for fragrance, I personally prefer an unscented moisturizer as it is easiest on sensitive skin. However, if you prefer a scented lotion, opt for one that’s formulated with plant-derived essential oils or other natural aromatic compounds.
A note on plastic packaging:
While it might seem like the most sustainable thing to do would be to cut out plastic packaging altogether and put our cosmetics in either glass or compostable containers, the truth is that it’s complicated. For example, glass is heavy, leading to higher CO2 emissions in transit, and compostable packaging is permeable, compromising the longevity of natural and organic ingredients. Packaging products in recycled plastic cuts down on CO2 emissions during transport (and thus, cost), and lends itself to safety (shatterproof) and functionality (durable). Additionally, brands that refrain from using preservatives in their formulations require airtight containers to prevent their natural ingredients from becoming rancid or evaporating, which makes compostable packaging not a great fit either. When it comes to sustainability, it’s important to dig into a brand’s specific ethos, history, and long-term environmental goals.
Our criteria:
We’ve used, researched, and reviewed clean beauty and skincare for years. These are our favorite organic body lotions that use natural ingredients and are super moisturizing. Even those with sensitive skin (like me!) will find options on this list. We regularly update our guide with new picks that meet the criteria below.
- ORGANIC | We’ve selected options that use organic ingredients so you can be sure nothing was treated with harmful chemicals at any point in the process.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS | These brands use natural ingredients like almond, black currant, and calendula to supercharge their formulas while avoiding parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrance.
- MOISTURIZING | We’ve personally used these brands and found that their formulas are super hydrating and never harmful.
Don’t forget that cleansing and caring for our bodies pre-lotion can also help improve the appearance of skin over time. For your best skin yet, add these natural body washes, and soft, organic towels to your body care routine. Looking for organic face lotion? Check out these natural and organic face moisturizers for every skin type.
Table of contents
1. OSEA
Best For | Dry skin
Features | GMO & gluten-free, hand-harvested natural ingredients, Leaping Bunny certified, vegan
Price | $54
For a nutrient-rich, natural body butter from ethically sourced ingredients, you can’t go wrong with OSEA. With plant-derived, vegan-friendly ingredients like sustainable seaweed and whipped shea butter, their Undaria Algae Body Butter will leave your skin supple, soft, and moisturized. It’s no wonder the brand was named a reader favorite in our 2025 survey!
Kate’s Review | “I’ve reached for Osea’s body butter above all others, particularly for my legs post-shower, and it leaves my perpetually dry skin quenched for nearly 24 hours. As for their body lotion, the formula feels weightless and refreshing – I love this option for my hands. Osea’s signature Undria aroma is truly divine, and is formulated with a combination of grapefruit, lime, and cypress essential oils. The practice of slathering the body butter on before bed is downright therapeutic, and I feel like a supple goddess as I settle in for the night.”
2. cocokind
Best For | 2-in-1exfoliant & moisturizer
Features | Natural & certified organic ingredients, cruelty-free, vegan, eco-friendly packaging, gives back
Price | $23
cocokind finds the best in affordable and effective skincare, and the team goes the extra mile to create multi-purpose products like the Sake Body Lotion. This vegan formula uses sake extract that is rich in prebiotics to help smooth and protect the skin barrier. Sunflower oil and shea butter also help to nourish and soothe skin while sealing in moisture and improving elasticity. The fragrance-free lotion is also a natural exfoliant, delivering on multiple fronts for the softest skin!
Kate’s Review | “Cocokind offers a fantastic fragrance-free, everyday body lotion with simple ingredients at a fair price. What’s more is that it’s available at brick-and-mortar shops like Ulta and Target. This is the option I recommend to just about anyone without hesitation for how universal and accessible it is without compromising on quality.
3. Plaine Products
Best For | Refills
Features | Cruelty-free, vegan, natural & non-GMO ingredients, hypoallergenic, refillable, zero waste
Price | $30
Plaine Products’ Body Lotion is approved for sensitive baby skin, so this natural moisturizer is an excellent option for the whole family. Combining green tea, aloe, rosehip oil, and vegetable-derived squalane, this formula uses only vegan and non-GMO ingredients. It also comes in aluminum packaging (no single-use plastic here!), and you can send the bottle back for a refill once you run out. It’s good for your skin, and it’s good for the planet.
Kate’s Review | “Plaine’s unscented body lotion is my top recommendation for those looking for a gentle daily moisturizer that is fragrance-free, low-waste, and affordable. This is my top selection for anyone wanting to make a safer swap from your typical mainstream box store brand. The formula is thick (without being greasy!) so a little goes a long way, and they do have scented options available, too, if that’s your preference.”
4. Weleda
Best For | Sustainability credentials
Features | Certified Natural by NATRUE, cruelty-free, GMO-free, ethically & sustainably sourced ingredients
Price | $16
Weleda launched a full century ago, and the brand’s best-selling product then, the Skin Food Body Lotion, is still a fan favorite today. Dubbed a “savior” for dry and rough skin, you can use this multiple times a day as needed! The formula includes extracts of calendula, rosemary, and sweet almond oil for results that go deep below the surface. Even after 100 years of success, Weleda prioritizes fair trade working conditions, regenerative farming practices, and certified natural ingredients.
Kate’s Review | “Weleda has quickly become one of my favorite brands for their simple, nourishing products and reputable sustainability standards. Their body lotion is no exception. Use this formula all day, multiple times a day, without getting irritated or greasy. The brand also offers a robust takeback program for their hard-to-recycle plastic. You can learn more about that here.”
5. Nécessaire
Best For | High-performing ingredients
Features | 1% For The Planet, Certified B Corp, Certified Climate Neutral, Certified Plastic Neutral, Certified FCS, How2Recycle
Price | $30
Nécessaire’s body lotion is a high-performing yet gentle formula designed to moisturize, firm, and strengthen the skin. Fragrance-free and recognized by the National Eczema Association, it’s well-suited for sensitive skin while still delivering effective hydration. The minimalist packaging looks beautiful on a bathroom shelf, reflecting the brand’s thoughtful design ethos. With sustainability credentials including certification from B Lab, it also aligns with values-driven, responsible beauty standards.
Kate’s Review | “Necessaire’s body lotion is an elevated basic – it’s high performing in that it includes ingredients like niacinamide, vitamins C and E and omega 6/9, while also being fragrance free and incredibly gentle on sensitive skin. This option feels grounded, yet-high end. It has quickly become a favorite of mine, and looks lovely on my countertop.”
6. Alaffia
Best For | Most affordable
Features | ECOCERT and GMP certified, Terracycle partner, ethically traded coconut oil and coffee berries
Price | $16
For a gentle yet effective natural moisturizer, shea butter is hard to beat, and Alaffia knows it! Their Everyday Shea Body Lotion is made from ethically traded 100% unrefined shea butter, calming lemongrass, and antioxidant-rich shea leaf. The lotion is good for dry to normal skin for daily use, moisturizing while protecting the skin barrier against the elements. We love that this affordable lotion is available at most major box stores, making it easy to pick up while running errands.
Kate’s Review | “Alaffia is another option that is as accessible as it is clean. When my skin flares, I’ve been advised to use 100% shea butter, and I love that that’s all this is. The bottle is huge and is a fantastic way to keep things minimal for a family of four. The fragrance-free formula is simple and gentle enough that we all can use it. And for how long the bottle lasts, the price cannot be beat.
7. 100% Pure
Best For | Eczema & psoriasis
Features | Natural & certified organic ingredients, vegan, cruelty-free, made in the USA
Price | $38
100% Pure’s Intensive Nourishing Balm is loaded with rich avocado and shea butter and nourishing rosehip seed oils to moisturize even the most dehydrated skin. Almond and black currant help to reduce inflammation and reduce cracking and splitting. With all these naturally powerful ingredients, the formula tackles flaky skin, promotes hydration, and soothes dryness simultaneously. We’re ready to face any weather with this lotion on hand.
Kate’s Review | Customers rave about 100% pure’s lotion being great on sensitive, eczema-prone skin. As someone who has suffered from severe atopic dermatitis since toddlerhood, I agree. This formula is lightweight, gentle, and subtly scented, which adds a nostalgic element for me. I love this one for our whole family.”
8. Buttah
Best For | Melanin-rich skin
Features | Natural & organic ingredients, cruelty-free, vegan, made in the USA
Price | $29
All too often, effective lotions and moisturizers for melanin-rich skin are hard to find, but not anymore, thanks to Buttah’s Whipped Body Butter. Founder Dorion Renaud, a Black man, knew firsthand the difficulties in finding the right lotion for his complexion and dark spots. So, when he discovered the healing powers of virgin organic unrefined shea butter combined with nutrients, he knew he had to share the formula. Rich in vitamins A, B, and E, this lotion will melt into your skin for a radiant glow.
Kate’s Review | “Excellent choice for someone who is looking for intense moisture or a product with minimal ingredients. I personally have been using this as my daily moisturizer as I work to restore my skin barrier after a bout with perioral dermatitis. Additionally, if you’re looking for a lower plastic option, this one is packaged in an amber glass bottle.”
9. True Botanicals
Best For | Anti-aging
Features | Natural & organic, biocompatible ingredients, EWG-certified, MADE SAFE, dermatologist-approved, PETA-approved
Price | $60
True Botanicals‘ anti-aging body butter is packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, providing deep moisture and a radiant glow. Enriched with natural ingredients like sea buckthorn oil, and kokum and tucuma seed butter, it nourishes the skin and mimics its natural lipid content for long-lasting moisture. With a luxurious formula and a calming scent of citrus and sandalwood, it transforms every moisturizing sesh into a spa-like experience. To get the most out of this body butter, be sure to exfoliate first with a sugar scrub like True Botanicals’ award-winning Pure Radiance Sugar Scrub!
Kate’s Review | “Anyone looking for a high-performing and ultra-moisturizing option, True Botanical’s body butter will leave you feeling and smelling like you’ve just been to the spa. With the higher price point and anti-aging properties, it isn’t the option I would recommend for just anyone – but those who are looking for this particular combination will fall in love! This formula is thick, luxe, and as someone who prefers a formula that is lightweight on my hands, I prefer to apply this one on my arms, legs, and torso.”
Kate Arceo is the Community Manager at The Good Trade. She has a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University and has over 5 years of experience reviewing sustainable home and lifestyle brands, as well as organic kids’ apparel and nontoxic cosmetics. When she’s not hosting dinner parties with her husband at their home in Southern California, you can find her sipping a latte at their local coffee house or shopping for strawberries with her kids at the farmers market. Say hi on Instagram!
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