10 Best Body Creams in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
Keeping your skin healthy and moisturized with body creams, even on hot summer days, can minimize the risk of skin conditions. Body creams replenish your skin with essential nutrients to make it supple and prevent various skin woes.
For people with dry skin, body creams come in handy, as they are formulated with moisturizing ingredients. There are also other formulas that tackle particular concerns like eczema, sunburn, and sensitive skin. So, if you're searching for a suitable body cream, you're in the right place! Read on for our top 10 picks and a buying guide with comments from Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison!
Quick List - Top Body Creams
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- The Difference Between Body Cream and Body Lotion
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Meg Sison
- Can Body Cream Be Used on the Face?
- Can You Add a Few Drops of Essential Oils to Your Body Cream?
- Should You Re-Apply Body Cream Throughout the Day?
- More Tips From Dr. Meg Sison
- Healthy and Soft Skin from Head to Toe
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
The Difference Between Body Cream and Body Lotion
Body creams are often easily confused with body lotions. Both are used for the same goal, which is to keep your skin moisturized and nourished. However, there is a crucial difference between the two: the consistency and ingredient ratio.
Lotions Are More Lightweight and Are More Recommended for Oily-Skinned Individuals
Lotion consists of more water and less oil, while creams contain less water and more oil. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, body lotion works best for you since it is lightweight on the skin and less likely to leave a malagkit effect.
It is also packed with emollients and humectants that serve as moisturizing ingredients. These ingredients protect your skin barrier while providing much-needed hydration.
Creams can either be water-in-oil emulsions or oil-in-water emulsions. A water-in-oil emulsion, contains less than 25% water, with oil being the dispersion medium. Water-in-oil emulsions are less greasy, spread easily on the skin, and provide a protective film of oil that remains on the skin as an emollient, and the slow evaporation of the water phase provides a cooling effect.
Creams Offer More Moisturization and Are Best for Those With Dry Skin
Meanwhile, body cream works its magic on excessively dry skin. If you're on the quest for a product that offers superior nourishment, creams are your best bet. They are loaded with emollients that prevent moisture loss. However, they have a heavier formula, so they take a while for the skin to absorb fully.
Meanwhile, oil-in-water emulsion contains greater than 31% water. The aqueous phase may constitute up to 80% of the formulation. Oil-in-water emulsions spread easily, are water washable, and less greasy. They contain preservatives, such as parabens to inhibit mold growth. They also contain a humectant (an agent that draws moisture into the skin), such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or polyethylene glycol (PEG), to prevent the cream from drying out.
The oil phase may contain either cetyl or stearyl alcohol (paraffin alcohols) to impart stability and velvety smooth feel upon application to the skin. After application, the aqueous phase evaporates, leaving behind a small hydrating oil layer which makes it suitable for those with dry skin.
How to Choose a Body Cream- Buying Guide
There are several factors to consider when choosing a body cream. Some of these are your skin type and concern and the cream's texture and formula, which will be discussed further below:
Go for a Cream That Can Help Tackle Your Skin Concerns
Beyond quenching dehydrated skin, creams consist of other effective ingredients to address particular skin conditions. Get a closer look at the ingredients list to determine which cream can give you more benefits.
Niacinamide Boasts Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Niacinamide is known for its versatility. It's an ingredient that provides many benefits such as skin moisturization, strengthening of the skin's barrier, and treating discoloration, to name a few.
Niacinamide can interfere with the transmission of pigment within the skin, which helps diminish brown spots. Niacinamide is also an excellent choice for those who are susceptible to redness and acne because it is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties.
Niacinamide is the active form of vitamin B3. It is the pyridine-3-carboxylic acid amide form of niacin and a precursor of NAD and NADP. It has anti-inflammatory, lightening, antimicrobial, barrier protection, and photoprotection properties. Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer during the synthesis of melanin, making it a popular ingredient for hyperpigmentation. It is also safe to use for pregnant and lactating mothers.
Vitamin C Can Help Lighten the Skin
Vitamin C is another beneficial ingredient often included in body creams. Aside from boosting our immunity, vitamin C has a lot of skin-saving benefits. Just like niacinamide, it hinders melanin production, which is the primary cause of discoloration.
In addition, vitamin C is hailed as an effective whitening agent that enhances your complexion. However, be mindful that this ingredient can't be used simultaneously with other potent skincare agents like retinol since this may negate the effects of vitamin C and aggravate your skin condition.
Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in human skin. It inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase responsible for synthesis in melanin that's why it is used to treat hyperpigmentation like melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, to name a few. It also protects our skin against photoaging, UV-induced immunosuppression, and photocarcinogenesis.
Aside from these, vitamin C also boosts collagen production and has a synergistic effect in photoprotection when combined with vitamin E. Vitamin C is unstable and is difficult to formulate that's why it must be stored in a cool, dark place. In addition, some people can also experience irritation when using vitamin C that's why it's not advisable for it to be combined with retinol.
Opt for Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free Cream for Sensitive Skin
Picking a suitable product for your skin is already challenging. But if you have sensitive skin, you need to be even more meticulous before using a product. A deeply moisturizing or lightweight cream might work for you, but you need to watch out for possible allergens or irritants. To be sure, opt for a body cream labeled as hypoallergenic.
These creams are specially designed for all skin types and packed with no-frills ingredients. Steer clear of products with a long list of ingredientsーthe fewer and simpler the ingredients list, the better. Also, avoid applying creams with synthetic fragrances, alcohol, and parabens, which can exacerbate your skin woes or trigger skin allergies.
Sensitive skin refers to skin that easily reacts to skincare products. Patients feel burning, stinging, itching, redness, flushing, or breakouts. Choose body creams that are fragrance-free and with short ingredients list as much as possible.
It is recommended that those with sensitive skin avoid fragrances, essential oils, and allergens in body creams. Examples of these are sorbitan, methylisothiazolinone, sodium dehydroacetate, etc. Ingredients that can cause stinging should also be avoided such as benzoic acid, bronopol, and witch hazel.
Oat-Infused Creams Are Great for Treating Eczema
Eczema can occur anytime, given that there are several potential causes, including soaps and detergents, allergens, genetic factors, and more. This skin condition is commonly accompanied by itchiness and redness, which is why a dermatologist-prescribed corticosteroid cream and ointments are must-haves to alleviate irritation.
If you're a fan of natural skincare ingredients, colloidal oatmeal is your best bet. It is widely used in various products like bath essentials, face masks, lotion, moisturizers, and creams. Oatmeal is loaded with anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that reduce itching and maintain skin pH.
Patients with eczema have impaired skin barriers; that's why they have dry skin, rashes, and itching. Common triggers of eczema include extreme weather changes, stress, fragrance, detergents, rough clothing, among others. Colloidal oatmeal consists of sugars, amino acids, proteins, lipids, fiber, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, flavonoids, beta-glucans, vitamins, and minerals.
It has anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, antioxidant, barrier repair, antifungal, and pre-biotic properties, which makes it a soothing ingredient for those with eczema. The topical application of oatmeal extract also restores skin pH from basic to normal physiologic pH.
Aloe Vera Is Suitable for All Skin-Types and Boasts Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Unfortunately, if you skip applying sunscreenーwhich, you should ever notーyou'll end up with a sunburn. Luckily, aloe vera packs a punch in soothing sunburnt skin because it is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids.
This skin-friendly ingredient is anti-inflammatory, so it also helps address acne and dry skin. Furthermore, because it's a natural ingredient, aloe vera is suitable for all skin types and is less likely to irritate the skin. But of course, patch testing is advised before you try any product.
Aloe vera contains 98% water, and 2% consists of mostly polysaccharides. It has humectant properties due to the polysaccharide content and antioxidant and anti-microbial properties due to the acemannan component. Aloe vera is added to moisturizers because of its soothing effects.
However, there can be variations in the composition of aloe vera in skincare products because of differences in the processing of the extracts, particularly the temperature during extraction. In addition, aloe vera can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals, so caution is advised in using this for those with sensitive skin.
Peppermint Gives Your Skin a Cooling Sensation
If you love a body moisturizer that leaves a cooling sensation, look no further than peppermint-infused creams. Peppermint oils are touted for their antiseptic and antibacterial properties that reduce inflammation. Peppermint body cream is a good pick during the summer season, as it keeps you refreshed throughout the day.
Peppermint gives a cooling sensation and can soothe itchiness when added to body creams. It is recommended to patch test first before using body creams with this ingredient because some individuals can be sensitive to this even in small amounts.
Choose a Formula and Texture Based on the Weather and Your Skin Condition
Another major factor to consider is the body cream's consistency. Those with dry skin can benefit from a thick and creamy formula that provides deep hydration and nourishment. Heavier creams are especially suitable for cold months, given that low humidity can dry out the skin.
On the other hand, a lightweight cream is a safer choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It does not leave your skin feeling greasy or sticky, especially on hot and humid days. Beyond that, some lightweight creams are non-comedogenic, so these products won't clog your pores and will allow your skin to breathe.
For those with dry skin, choose richer body creams that contain ingredients like occlusives such as petrolatum and mineral oil because these prevent transepidermal water loss from the skin by forming a film on top of the skin's outermost layer. Ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, sunflower oil, and shea butter are also good for those with dry skin.
For those with oily and acne-prone skin, look for moisturizers with more humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Lightweight formulations are also recommended to avoid the greasy feeling when using these moisturizers.
10 Best Body Creams to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Key Ingredients | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Cerave Moisturizing Cream | | Restores the Skin’s Protective Barrier and Delivers Long-Lasting Hydration | Normal to Dry Skin | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | 56 ml | |
2 | Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream | | Provides 48-Hour Intense Hydration for Dry Skin | Dry, Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin | 550 ml | |
3 | The Body Shop Shea Body Butter | | A Body Butter That Nourishes Your Skin for 96 Hours | Dry Skin | Shea Butter, Organic Babassu Oil | 200 ml | |
4 | Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream | | Soothes and Protects Dry, Itchy Skin | Dry, Eczema-Prone Skin | Ceramides, Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex | 200 ml | |
5 | Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème | | Provides Light Yet Intensive Moisture for Soft, Supple Skin All Day Long | Dry Skin | Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E | 200 ml | |
6 | Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream | | Get Firmer-Looking Skin With This Award-Winning Body Cream | Dry Skin | Açai Oil, Guaraná Extract, Cupuaçu Butter | 75 ml | |
7 | Kiehl's Crème de Corps | | A Rich, Non-Greasy Body Cream That Leaves Your Skin Luxuriously Smooth and Soft | All Skin Types | Cocoa Butter, Squalene, Beta-Carotene | 250 ml | |
8 | Human Nature Cooling Leg and Body Cream | | Refreshing Blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Bergamot to Alleviate Fatigue | All Skin Types | Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Bergamot | 100 ml | |
9 | L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream | | Experience Unmatched Hydration With Shea Butter | Dry Skin | Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Linseed, Apricot Oil, Honey, Mallow, Sweet Almond Extracts | 200 ml | |
10 | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream | | Get Instant Relief and Long-Term Hydration for Dry Skin | Dry, Irritated Skin | Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Ceramides | 170 ml | |
Restores the Skin’s Protective Barrier and Delivers Long-Lasting Hydration
Enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this non-comedogenic moisturizer targets dry skin woes and restores the skin's natural barrier without clogging pores. Another selling point of this product is its seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, which affirms that it's gentle and non-irritating, even for those with skin allergies.
More than that, CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream provides 24-hour hydration—this is all thanks to its MVE technology, which continually releases moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin nourished all day. It's also oil-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic. Customers describe the consistency as smooth and creamy, saying it helps them with different skin concerns, too.
| Best for | Normal to Dry Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Net Weight | 56 ml |
Provides 48-Hour Intense Hydration for Dry Skin
This rich cream is also a treat for sensitive skin, as it fights signs of skin sensitivity, including a damaged skin barrier, irritation, roughness, tightness, and dryness. What's even more remarkable about this is that you can apply this to your face and body. Several reviews of this product note the formula's gentleness and the ability to plump up the skin.
| Best for | Dry, Sensitive Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin |
| Net Weight | 550 ml |
A Body Butter That Nourishes Your Skin for 96 Hours
What sets this body butter apart is its non-sticky, non-greasy texture, ensuring a pleasant application experience that won't feel heavy. And with its delicious, nutty scent, this body butter is loved by many!
| Best for | Dry Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Shea Butter, Organic Babassu Oil |
| Net Weight | 200 ml |
Soothes and Protects Dry, Itchy Skin
Embrace healthy, revitalized skin with Aveeno's emollient cream! This body cream is clinically proven to help relieve five signs of dry, eczema–prone skin, such as tightness, itching, scaling, redness, and roughness. It is formulated with ceramides and a Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex, which moisturizes and maintains the skin's moisture barrier for a healthier-looking complexion.
This body cream is also fragrance-free and paraben-free, making it a very gentle option. Moreover, people who have used this body cream rave about its effectiveness. Many of them say it provides instant relief from itchiness and dryness. Some people even said that it has helped improve their eczema.
| Best for | Dry, Eczema-Prone Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex |
| Net Weight | 200 ml |
Provides Light Yet Intensive Moisture for Soft, Supple Skin All Day Long
Users also praise its ability to provide instant moisture without clogging their pores. But if you want a thicker formula, the original variant is an excellent option. Both variants have a pH-neutral composition that won't disrupt the natural balance of your skin.
| Best for | Dry Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E |
| Net Weight | 200 ml |
Get Firmer-Looking Skin With This Award-Winning Body Cream
Several users can't get enough of this body cream, hailing it as a game-changer for their skin. Many said they find it effective in improving their skin's overall appearance and texture, as they've noticed their skin has become smooth, firm, and radiant.
| Best for | Dry Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Açai Oil, Guaraná Extract, Cupuaçu Butter |
| Net Weight | 75 ml |
A Rich, Non-Greasy Body Cream That Leaves Your Skin Luxuriously Smooth and Soft
Users swear by this body care product, praising its transformative effects. Many said they noticed their dry and dull skin has become radiant and hydrated with regular use. Some also mentioned that even a tiny amount of this product goes a long way, making it a worthwhile investment for your skin.
| Best for | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Cocoa Butter, Squalene, Beta-Carotene |
| Net Weight | 250 ml |
Refreshing Blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Bergamot to Alleviate Fatigue
There's no better way to wind down after a tiring day or start your day rejuvenated than to massage your body with a cooling cream. And we've found just the perfect cream that you can add to your AM and PM routine—this body cream by Human Nature contains a refreshing blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and bergamot to ease your tired back, shoulders, and legs.
It also delights your senses with its refreshing minty scent! What's even better is that it is formulated with 97% natural ingredients, making it gentle even on the most sensitive skin! It can also alleviate pregnancy strain, post-workout fatigue, or fatigue from yoga sessions. Moreover, several reviewers have stated that it's a great cooling lotion to use, especially during summer.
| Best for | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Bergamot |
| Net Weight | 100 ml |
Experience Unmatched Hydration With Shea Butter
Discover the secret to deeply nourished and hydrated skin with this exceptional shea butter formula! L'Occitane’s body cream boasts an impressive 25% shea butter content that provides intense moisture to address dehydrated skin problems. It is also infused with vitamin E, linseed, apricot oil, honey, mallow, and sweet almond extracts, leaving your skin feeling luxuriously silky and soft.
With all that, it's no wonder many reviewers rave about this product. Several users love that it's fast-absorbing and are impressed by how it transforms their dry skin. Some said they noticed a significant improvement in their skin's overall texture and appearance with regular use. Others also liked its scent!
| Best for | Dry Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Linseed, Apricot Oil, Honey, Mallow, Sweet Almond Extracts |
| Net Weight | 200 ml |
Get Instant Relief and Long-Term Hydration for Dry Skin
Here's a head-to-toe moisturizer from First Aid Beauty formulated with glycerin, Ceramide 3, and colloidal oatmeal. It aims to bring both instant and long-term relief to your dry and irritated skin. It also has its very own antioxidant booster, which aids in clearing your complexion and leaves your skin glowing.
This product is clinically proven, allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and claims to improve extremely dry, irritated skin by a whopping 169%. Reviewers vouch that it does what it claims and is indeed effective for both short- and long-term skin relief. It has a beautiful, thick, and whipped texture yet is easily absorbed and won't leave a greasy feeling. It's a perfect moisturizing staple for your family, too, as it is free of parabens and sulfates and is thus safe for babies and children.
| Best for | Dry, Irritated Skin |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Ceramides |
| Net Weight | 170 ml |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Meg Sison
Let's get down to the bottom of the most asked questions about body creams with the help of Dr. Meg Sison. Read down below for more tips and information.
Can Body Cream Be Used on the Face?
Body creams may be used on the face as long as they do not contain fragrances, essential oils, and ingredients that cause irritation and as long as the person is able to tolerate it. Overall formulation of the skincare product is more important than the label indicated on the packaging.
Can You Add a Few Drops of Essential Oils to Your Body Cream?
Essential oils contain mixtures of various fragrances, and there are individuals who are sensitive to them. It's best to consult a board-certified dermatologist before you use them in your body care routine.
Should You Re-Apply Body Cream Throughout the Day?
Body creams can be reapplied several times as needed during the day especially when you are staying in an environment where there is low humidity. For example, when there is air conditioning in the room.
More Tips From Dr. Meg Sison
Use mild fragrance-free cleansers when bathing. Limit bathing time to 5 to 10 minutes only because prolonged bathing can cause moisture from our skin to evaporate. Avoid using scrubs or loofah, especially if you have sensitive skin. Pat dry your skin with a soft towel and apply moisturizer on your body while your skin is still damp to seal in the moisture.
Look for fragrance-free moisturizers containing ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, to name a few. Feel free to reapply them on your body as often as needed.
Healthy and Soft Skin from Head to Toe
Although the skin on the face is the thinnest and needs the most attention, our body deserves the right care and treatment as well. Here are some of the best products that can replenish your skin with much-needed hydration from head to toe.
Re-editor: Anna Aquino
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Body Creams
No. 1: Cerave｜Moisturizing Cream
No. 2: Cetaphil｜Moisturizing Cream
No. 3: The Body Shop｜Shea Body Butter
No. 4: Aveeno｜Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream
No. 5: Nivea｜Soft Moisturizing Crème
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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