Our skin is our body’s primary defense against sun damage, aging and other environmental aggressors — but skin care doesn’t just stop at our face. Cleansing, exfoliation, treatment, moisturizing and repeat are also vital components of a proper body care routine.
Because taking care of the skin from head-to-toe starts with the right products, our team sought after the best body care for our fourth annual Shop TODAY Beauty Awards. We tested hundreds of products over weeks of testing to search for the top formulas that support the skin barrier, smooth rough texture, firm fine lines, among other common concerns. From retinol-infused lotions to shaving heroes, complete your ideal body care routine with these award-winning products.
Keep reading to discover the best body care products and treatments of 2026, according to our editors, and view the rest of the winners here.
Best body lotions and creams
Promising up to 72 hours of deep moisture, Nivea’s cocoa butter-rich body lotion is a true treat for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. Our testers claimed this lightweight formula offers deep hydration with ‘no greasy feel.’ While it comes in both a scented and non-scented version, the testers with sensitive skin chimed the faint fragrance caused no irritation.
When the skin feel tight, looks dull or emphasizes fine lines, it’s a sign your skin is dehydrated and needs to double up on hydration. The body lotion above uses a blend of hemp seed oil, shea butter, fruit extracts and sweet almond oil to help revive dry to mature skin like a tall glass of water.
If your priorities in body care are targeting texture, fine lines and elasticity, then this retinol-infused lotion from Naturium is a solid option to consider. Its mixture of encapsulated retinol with allantoin promotes and increases skin renewal to improve all of the concerns above.
Since the retinol is encapsulated, the brand says all levels should be able to tolerate the formula without the dryness and irritation active retinol can cause.
When a product is given a perfect score across the board by multiple testers, you know it is the real deal. Earlier this year, amika branched into the world of body care, with the Big Embrace Smoothing Whipped Body Butter being one out of the three launches.
What especially stood out to our team: Our reviewers were immediate fans of the body cream’s vanilla-inspired scent, large tub and thick, whipped texture. “It was extremely hydrating and the scent lasts a very long time,” raved Shop TODAY mom Stephanie San Miguel. “When you apply it, it feels thick but it doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. The packaging is cute and I love the design of the container.”
For fans of warm scents, Noteworthy’s n,057 Sweet Embrace is a perfect pairing to layer with similar notes. Commerce insights manager Donna Pilikyan says she loves the fragrance of this body butter so much that she “can genuinely see myself repurchasing this product for years, just because I want to smell like it all the time.”
But the benefits don’t just stop at the scent. “It also provided long-lasting hydration and kept my skin feeling soft and moisturized throughout the entire day,” Pilikyan raves.
Best body washes and soaps
Wet, lather and rub to enjoy the aromatic experience of the Pacha Soap Co. Vanilla & Sage Bar Soap. The suds release the calming notes of vanilla, sage and lavender while cleansing and moisturizing the body.
Consisting of 50% glycerin, the Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash is full of pampering from pump to wash. It dispenses out as an silky oily, and when activated with water, the product turns into a rich foam that leaves skin radiant even post-shower.
“This stuff rocks. It smells heavenly, lathers deliciously and feels good to wash myself with,” shares editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz. “I LOVE that the scent lasts for hours after I shower. There is no better feeling than showering and smelling squeaky clean after.”
From softening rough skin to strengthening the skin barrier, tester Nicole Kelleher reveals this body wash “was gentle enough to use even after shaving, and left my skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and hydrated.” She continues, “I usually need to apply lotion immediately after showering, but with this body wash, my skin felt comfortable and hydrated on its own.”
This fragrance-free, hypoallergenic body wash was designed with sensitive skin in mind, including skin prone to eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. According to the brand, it cleanses like a typical body wash but without the stripped and dry feeling after. The product also actively relieves raw, itchy skin with improvement in flaking in just a few weeks.
Best body treatments
“This mess-free, multitasker uses petrolatum to create a protective barrier,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “Nourishing ingredients, like shea butter and avocado oil, help lock in moisture and protect dry lips, rough patches, chafing, cracked heels and other areas of irritation, making it easy to use and great for on-the-go. It can be used by the whole family.”
Spritz this body oil mist into your palm, on the desired part of your body or mixed with your body care, and indulge in smoother skin. Oat oil and jojoba oil are the hero ingredients in this formula, helping to condition dry, rough skin.
Apply the Megababe Thigh Rescue Gel anywhere you chafe, from the inner thighs to bra lines. The quick-drying, clear gel has a dry-touch finish that creates an invisible layer to prevent irritation.
“They really make the user experience as easy as it comes with the touch-free applicator that you can just roll onto your desired area without getting any product on your hands,” says deputy managing editor Jess Bender. “It also dries down extremely quickly in the matter of seconds, so you can just apply and get your day going!”
Plus, it’s even resilient against sweat, per the brand, making it a warm weather essential.
On dry skin, apply this rich body balm to leave skin soft, supple and hydrated. Our reviewers praised that its less messy and more hydrating than a body butter, but that a little goes a long way to receive its benefits.
Best body scrubs
Jonathan Bender, brother of Jess Bender, called this foaming body scrub a ‘pure spa experience.’ “This product made my skin feel soft, supple and even in tone after use,” he raves. “Fragrant scrubs, moisturizers [and] lotions can sometimes cause reactions on my combination skin, but this one did not.”
Best hair removers
Available in six long-lasting scents, Cremo Vanilla Tonka Shave Cream was a favorite amongst our reviewers with notes of vanilla orchid, clementine zest and salted amber to indulge in. However, the formula also delivers a slick glide for your blade, so you’re left with both smooth and sweet skin.
After a few trial and errors, this no-fuss wax strip was a breeze to remove hair for social media producer Dani Musacchio. “I liked how I could use the same strip to go over little areas that I missed...Since waxing removes the root of the hairs, it took around two weeks for the hairs to start growing back. I loved not having to worry about shaving or tweezing!”
For those new to wax trips: Musacchio recommends waxing on hair that is about the length of a grain of rice for the wax to get a good grip on. “Use some powder before applying the strip so that the area is completely dry — this will also help the wax grip onto the hair,” she suggests.
Tired of nicks and bumps? Native’s Silky Smooth Shave Oil leaves a moisturized barrier during- and post-shave to minimize the risk of shave irritation. The brand says this gives a protective glide for a close, smooth shave each time.
Best self-tanners
Spending hours under the sun for a warm tan does more harm than good. For lasting color even post-summer season, Dr. Dennis Gross’ self-tanning pads provide a streak- and mess-free application every time. They come in single-use towelettes that can be used on the whole body, and contain AHAs and BHAs to simultaneously smooth skin as it deposits color.
Even if you’re a beginner, commerce insights associate Lauren Andre shares that “just one quick wipe all over my body before bed” had her waking up with a natural glow. “It was an effortless way to get both skin care and a subtle tan in one step,” she adds.
Best deodorants
According to Dr. Jenna Queller, a board-certified dermatologist, “aluminum salts remain the gold standard” for antiperspirants because “they temporarily block sweat glands to reduce perspiration.” This antiperspirant from Dry Idea combines a 75% plant-based formula with aluminum to control odor and underarm wetness for a lasting fresh and dry feeling.
Need a little extra protection? Secret’s Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant is a clinical-strength deodorant with 100-hour sweat and odor protection, according to the brand, to combat multiple causes of sweat, including stress-induced.
Tester Andrea Smith also says, “It’s one of the few unscented invisible solid formulas I’ve used that truly goes on clear, and doesn’t leave white marks on my clothing if I use it before getting dressed.”
Best hand care
If you don’t have time to take a trip to the salon, press-on nails can deliver a pro-finish manicure in minutes, such as the under $10 pick above from Nails.INC. It comes with 30 press-on nails to find your right size, plus the tools to easily apply.
We get it — waiting for wet nail polish today can feel like more effort than the application itself. As a solution, the OPI RapiDry Nail Polish promises smudge-proof nails within 60 seconds. The brand also claims users can expect two coats to last up to five days with proper care.
With four types of oils, COPRA oil, rosehip oil, rice bran oil and vitamin E, this cuticle treatment rapidly moisturizes dry cuticles without the oily residue. Our testers raved the results were noticeable, effective and long-lasting.
One of the first signs of aging can begin on your hands, which Remedy’s Hand & Cuticle Cream addresses with a targeted formula.
“This rich hand cream incorporates encapsulated retinol to target signs of skin aging and brighten discoloration, as well as shea butter and ceramides, while also deeply hydrating the skin and conditioning the hands and cuticles,” explains Garshick. According to the brand, these ingredients not only promote cell turnover, but help boost the skin barrier to prevent future damage.
For hydration without the greasy feel, our reviewers say this Mae Hand Cream is worth the splurge, giving it a perfect score for its texture, performance and overall feel. “I kept this next to my bed and loved the pump,” complimented associate editor Annie Shigo. “It was hydrating to the max.”
Frequently asked questions
According to Garshick, every decade should prioritize cleansing, moisturizing and using a quality SPF in their routine. But depending on your skin type and concern, ingredients may vary.
20s: “Focus on prevention with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, and antioxidants like vitamin C,” the dermatologist recommends. “If acne is a concern, ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hypochlorous acid or adapalene can be helpful.”
30s: For those in their 30s, Garshick says to continue prioritizing sunscreen as you introduce ingredients that target early signs of aging (retinol, peptides). “It can also help to incorporate exfoliating acids to help brighten the skin and regulate skin cell turnover,” she adds.
40s: When in your 40s, “This is a good time to emphasize collagen-supporting ingredients like retinoids, peptides and antioxidants while incorporating products with ceramides and niacinamide to help strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin tone,” the dermatologist reveals. “Gentle exfoliants can be used to reduce dullness.”
50s: This era is often the start of menopause for many women, which can cause skin to become drier as your body changes. “Focus on hydration and barrier repair with ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and nourishing moisturizers, while continuing retinoids, peptides and growth factors as tolerated,” Garshick recommends.
60s: “It is important to maintain the skin barrier with rich moisturizers, ceramides and gentle cleansers while continuing daily sunscreen and active ingredients, like peptides, that are well tolerated [and] recognizing that consistency is more important than an overly complicated routine,” she shares.
Whether for your face or body, it is best to first choose skin care products based on your skin type as this is what shows how your skin responds to product.
“If your skin is oily or acne-prone, look for products that help remove excess oil and keep pores clear. If your skin is dry or sensitive, products that help maintain moisture and protect the skin barrier are usually a better fit,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. "The goal isn’t to have the most products, it’s to choose the ones your skin actually needs.”
While every part of a skin care routine are important, the three steps Spearman wouldn’t skip are cleansing, moisturizing and applying sunscreen. “Cleansing removes dirt, oil and buildup, moisturizer helps keep the skin barrier healthy and sunscreen protects against UV damage, which is one of the biggest causes of premature aging,” she explains. “Everything else depends on your skin. Some people do well with serums or exfoliants, while others may not need them at all.”
When it comes to searching for the right body care for your skin, Quellar says to opt for ingredients that are evidence-based and appropriate for your skin concern.
For instance, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalene are her recommended choices for hydration and barrier support. “For rough texture or keratosis pilaris, ingredients like urea or lactic acid gently exfoliate while improving smoothness,” the dermatologist adds. “If the goal is brightening or improving uneven skin tone, ascorbic acid or Vitamin C is a great option.”
“Sensitive and eczema-prone skin require simple, fragrance-free formulas that focus on repairing the skin barrier,” Quellar says. “Ingredients like ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, petrolatum, shea butter, glycerin and hyaluronic acid help restore moisture and protect against water loss. I recommend avoiding products with fragrance, essential oils or harsh exfoliating acids in eczema-prone patients.”
Believe it or not: The order and timing when applying your body care products matters. Similar to your skin care, begin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry the skin after showering. On slightly damp skin, apply lightweight products, including body serums, first and follow with your desired body lotion or cream to lock everything in. “Rich ointments or occlusive moisturizers should be the final step when extra barrier protection is needed,” Quellar explains. “Applying moisturizer within a few minutes after bathing is one of the most effective ways to maximize hydration.”
How we chose the best body care winners
The 2026 Shop TODAY Beauty Awards mark the fourth year of our annual franchise, where editors and staffers from across TODAY put hundreds of beauty products to the test to uncover the very best. From red light therapy devices and acne treatments to cuticle oils and everything in between, these are the products that earned the Shop TODAY stamp of approval.
To build this year’s list, we sorted through over 2,600 new launches, editor favorites, trending buys and trusted classics before selecting 420 products for hands-on testing. Over the course of nearly two months, we worked them into our daily routines, evaluating each one for quality, value and overall performance across hair, skin, body and makeup. After countless swatches, applications and wear tests, we narrowed the field to 120 winners that truly stood out. To ensure our picks met the highest standards, a panel of beauty experts also reviewed many of the winning products, weighing in on ingredients and other key factors before giving their final seal of approval.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on the latest beauty products. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
- Dr. Jenna Queller, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DermWorks.
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