The Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Body Butter vs. Body Oil

Choosing the best moisturizer for dull, dry, and lackluster skin can be overwhelming. But the solution isn’t adding more products to your routine—it’s choosing better ingredients.

From lightweight serums to thick creams, the skincare market offers countless options. However, two of the most effective and time-tested choices remain body butter and body oil. These rich, emollient products deliver concentrated hydration using plant-based oils that work in harmony with the skin.

In this post, we’ll compare the benefits of body butter and body oil. We’ll cover plant-based butters and explore key ingredients like marula oil, moringa oil, and baobab oil.

Why Plant-Based Oils Are Essential for Dry Skin

Plant-based oils offer a unique combination of nutrients, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that restore and protect the skin barrier. Unlike synthetic moisturizers, they absorb easily and support natural function.

Some of the best plant-based oils for dry skin include:

• Marula oil – Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, marula oil is rich in oleic acid and antioxidants that help soften and smooth the skin without feeling greasy.

• Moringa oil – Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa oil is high in behenic acid, making it excellent for repairing and calming irritated or dry skin.

• Baobab oil – High in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, baobab oil supports elasticity and promotes a smoother, more supple texture.

These oils can be used alone in body oil formulas or combined with rich butters to enhance absorption and add a protective layer.

What Is Body Butter and How Does It Help Dry Skin?

Body butter is a thick, nourishing moisturizer made from plant based ingredients, like raw shea butter, mango butter, or kokum butter. These butters are solid at room temperature but melt on contact with the skin, forming a protective barrier that locks in hydration.

See: A Guide in The Use of Raw Shea Butter for Skin to learn more about traditional body butters vs. modern body butters. 

Key benefits of body butter include:

• Long-lasting moisture for very dry or cracked skin
• Rich in vitamins A and E, which support skin repair
• Helps improve skin texture and smoothness over time

Using body butter is especially helpful during colder months or in dry climates, when the skin loses moisture more rapidly.

Aminata Haadi products feature organic, unrefined plant butters that retain their full nutrient profile thanks to minimal processing. Unrefined butters like raw shea butter or kokum butter are ideal for those seeking natural, high-performance skincare. All of our butters and organic cold pressed oils are also purchased under fair trade initiatives. 

When to Use a Body Oil

Body oil is a lightweight alternative to body butter, made with pure plant oils that absorb quickly into the skin. Oils too, are best used right after a shower or bath, when your skin is still damp. This helps trap moisture and leaves your skin feeling soft and radiant.

Body oil benefits include:

• Fast absorption with no greasy residue
• Ideal for layering under body butter for extra hydration
• Great for warmer months or humid climates

Many people prefer body oils during the day and body butters at night, or alternate based on their skin’s changing needs.

Choosing Between Body Butter and Body Oil

When deciding between a body butter and a body oil, consider the following:

• Skin Type: Extremely dry or flaky skin often benefits from the occlusive nature of body butter, while normal to dry skin may prefer the lighter feel of body oil.
• Climate: In colder, drier environments, body butter helps prevent moisture loss. In warmer climates, body oil offers hydration without heaviness.
• Time of Day: Use body oil in the morning for quick absorption; use body butter at night for deeper nourishment.

Some people find that a combination of both provides the best results. For instance, applying body oil right after a shower and sealing it in with body butter can maximize hydration.

Fragrance Free Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin or prefer minimalist skincare products, a fragrance-free moisturizer is your best bet. Fragrance—even natural ones—can sometimes irritate the skin, especially if it’s already dry or compromised.

Most of our products are fragrance free by design. This allows the natural scent of the ingredients like the earthy nuttiness of raw shea butter or the subtle smokiness of kpangnan butter to shine through without overwhelming your senses.

Why Sustainable Skincare Matters

Choosing products made with sustainable skincare often results in higher-quality ingredients. We source our butters and oils from community cooperatives that prioritize fair trade, ethical harvesting, and minimal processing.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin?

The best moisturizer for dry skin depends on your preferences and needs. Whether you reach for a rich body butter, a body oil, or layer them together—choose products crafted with high-quality, plant-based ingredients.

If you’re ready to experience the botanical richness of organic, unrefined plant butters and cold-pressed oils, explore our collection and restore balance to your skin.