I've Never Been a Body-Cream Person—But Consider Me Converted by These 11 Fast-Absorbing Finds

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If you're after a body cream that sinks in fast but still provides deep and lasting hydration, I still think this is the best of the best. I can literally get dressed as soon as I've applied it, and the scent (a bright fresh floral) really does last all day long.

This landed on my doorstep very recently and has instantly entered the rankings in my top three body creams. It's a light, silky lotion which absorbs quickly but still leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and what's more, leaves a subtle and lasting glowy sheen. The scent isn't overpowering, but still lingers impressively—I always get compliments on days when I've applied this.

Best for: Normal to oily skin

Although this body cream looks thick and rich when you first open the tub, it has a whipped, almost sorbet-like texture which makes it incredibly lightweight and quick to absorb. Again, this is so fast to sink in that I can get dressed straight away. It would be an excellent pick for oilier skin types, which need moisture but without the greasiness or residue.

Best for: Very dry skin

My husband has an even more minimal body care routine than I do, despite having incredibly dry skin. He's even tried medicated and prescription moisturisers to help tackle his dryness, but swears that this body cream is the best he's tried. The magic, I'm sure, lies in the formula, which includes shea butter and mango butter alongside no less than seven nourishing plant oils.

Editor review: "This body cream is, hands down, one of the best body moisturisers I have ever tried," says Who What Wear's junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. "Not only does it smell incredible, but the whipped butter texture is infused with multiple oils, from baobab to jojoba, that work to hydrate the skin and leave you with the most beautiful glossy sheen."

Best for: Sensitive, dry to very dry skin

If you have sensitive skin then all this talk of fragrance is probably making you feel itchy. Fear not, there's a body cream for you, too. Necessaire are particularly good for delivering fragrance free options (I rate the shower gel and deodorant), which deliver results without the risk of triggering reactive skin. Despite not having any scent, this body cream still feels like a luxurious and indulgent treat for skin, and it's impressively nourishing.

Best for: Dry, mature, or firming-concerned skin types

Skin becomes drier as we age, and not just on our faces. If you, like me, have managed to go years without needing to use a body cream, you may find that it eventually reaches a point where head-to-toe hydration becomes essential. In which case, I'd highly recommend investing in this multitasking body cream, which helps to firm and tighten as it hydrates. It's boosted with antioxidant-rich rambutan leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, and prebiotic inulin to support the skin barrier. It's a great body cream for mature skin.

Best for: Normal to dry skin

If you like to keep your morning routine short and sweet, you may prefer to incorporate body cream into your evening routine instead. This body cream is basically the beauty product version of a 15-tog duvet—thick, soft, and comforting—it immediately soothes and nourishes dry skin, but you can still get into your pyjamas without risk of it leaving any lingering greasy residue.

Editor review: "This might be the most sensorial body cream I've tried," says Who What Wear UK beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. "It has a decadent, whipped buttery texture that is enriched with oils that leave your limbs hydrated and silky with a glossy sheen. If I could bathe in it, I would."

Best for: Normal to dry skin wanting hydration, glow, and mild firming

I couldn't possibly write a body cream roundup without an inclusion from Sol de Janeiro. While most favour the brand's iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Brazilian Cream (£48), I personally prefer this option instead. It's faster to absorb and I adore the fruity fragrance.

Best for: Normal to combination and acne-prone skin

These days, body care products can be just as hardworking and effective as your skincare ones are. A case in pont, this lightweight body lotion, packed with gently exfoliating PHAs to address texture, dead skin buildup, and inflammation. Body acne and keratosis pilaris don't stand a chance.

Best for: All except very dry skin types

For many people I know, body cream is a luxurious, indulgent treat for their skin. Of all the options I've tried, this is certainly the most luxe. The rich formula leaves skin smooth and soft, and the delicious neroli-based fragrance is a potent as any body mist or perfume.

Best for: All except very dry skin types

If you're someone who needs to slather on the body cream to keep your limbs hydrated, you're probably after an affordable pick that you can repurchase on a frequent basis without breaking the bank. Try Byoma's Hydrating Body Lotion—it's light in texture, but super hydrating thanks to ceramides, shea butter and beta glucan.