Aloe vera body creams are specifically designed for use on the whole body. In that respect, they are similar to other body lotions. The main difference is the use of aloe vera, but does that really make a big difference?

This article assumes that you have already glanced over our Aloe Vera Cream page and understand the difference between a high-quality aloe cream and a low-quality one.

One of the main features of aloe vera body creams is that they are non-greasy. Aloe vera is absorbed quickly and deeply into the skin. As such, they don’t leave you with a greasy feeling on your skin. In my opinion, this is a big plus. I hate greasy lotions!

Aloe vera body lotions can contain any number of additives. Here’s a quick list of the more common ones; glycerin, shea butter, lanolin, apricot oil, chamomile, jasmine, lavender, lemon, orange, sandalwood, palm oil, beeswax, perfumes and other essential oils. A good body cream will have several of these ingredients. Like other Creams with Aloe Vera, the aloe not only acts as a natural moisturizer, it also acts a conduit to carry of the other ingredients deep in your skin, allowing them to act more effectively.

As a side note, aloe vera body creams are often called lotions instead of creams. Personally, I think that the use of the word lotion to describe these products is very misleading. When I think of lotions, I think of thin (almost watery) liquid that must be rubbed in for a while for it to be absorbed. Aloe body creams on the other hand tend to be thicker and richer than the typical lotion and are absorbed much quicker. I like that more but it really comes down to personal preference.

As far as effectiveness, it’s already been mentioned that aloe acts as a natural skin softener and moisturizer. It also aids the absorption of any additives in the product. So they tend to be very effective, if you are mindful of the additives. For instance, a body cream rich in lanolin will be extra softening and moisturizing, while a body cream with a lot of chamomile will be relaxing and soothing. (Tip: these are good for small children around bedtime.) Keep that mind and pick a lotion that is best suited for your body’s needs.

The biggest drawback with aloe vera body creams is their scarcity. You will be hard pressed to find any high-quality aloe vera based body cream in stores. For whatever reason, they are often found only online. Be mindful of the shipping costs though, these products often come in bulky, somewhat heavy quantities and the shipping costs usually reflect that.