Best body moisturizer for fine lines
OSEA Anti-Aging Body Balm is the most effective pick for fine lines on the body. It's a waterless blend of plant oils, including safflower, coconut, passion fruit seed and babassu oils, that soften skin and seal in moisture, plus Alaria esculenta seaweed extract, which the brand includes to improve the look of firmness and elasticity. Well-moisturized skin reflects light more evenly, so fine, crepey lines look smoother. The ethical pick, Acure Seriously Soothing 24 Hour Moisture Lotion, is cruelty free and vegan. It's a lighter lotion that combines glycerin, which draws water into skin, with cacao seed butter, squalane, aloe and oat to soften and soothe. The table below compares price and time to results. Smooth either one onto damp skin right after showering to lock in water, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas such as your chest, arms and hands, since sun exposure is a major cause of fine lines.
| Option | Product | Price | Price per use | Days to results | Compared with most effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most effective | OSEA Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm | US$54 (150 mL) | 28 | ||
| Cruelty free, vegan and all natural | Acure Seriously Soothing 24 Hour Moisture Lotion | US$25 (100 mL) | 7 | US$29.00 less than the most effective pick, 21 fewer days to first results |
Why it works
Plant oils, butters and squalane (emollients)
Emollients are the oily part of a moisturizer. Plant oils, butters and squalane soften rough skin and leave a film that slows water loss. Evidence for individual oils is limited, mostly small human studies plus animal and lab work. A research review found sunflower seed and coconut oil supported the skin barrier in small studies, while olive oil, which is high in oleic acid, increased water loss. Dermatologists list jojoba oil and shea butter among useful dry-skin ingredients, but shea butter and squalane have little published barrier research. Heavy, occlusive products can aggravate acne and folliculitis, and any emollient can occasionally cause an allergic rash.
Hyaluronic acid and glycerin (humectants)
Humectants are moisturizer ingredients that draw water into the outer layer of skin and hold it there. Glycerin is regarded as the most effective humectant for hydrating the skin surface. Hyaluronic acid, a molecule the skin also makes naturally, is another humectant that dermatologists list for dry skin. Used on their own, humectants can pull water out of the skin into dry air and may even increase water loss, which is why well-made moisturizers pair them with occlusive ingredients that seal water in. They work best applied to damp skin after bathing.
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Sources
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
- Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin
- Emollients and Moisturizers (Moisturisers)
- Xeroderma
- Moisturizers for Acne: What are their Constituents?
Reviewed by Emilie Sydney-Smith