At a glance
Lotions hydrate skin by creating a barrier that prevents moisture originating in the lower levels of the epidermis from evaporating off the skin’s surface, and by absorbing moisture from the air. Most moisturizers utilize a combination of humectants, emollients, fragrance and preservatives.
Humectants like glycerin and alpha-hydroxy acids absorb moisture from the air and hold it in the skin while emollients, such as lanolin and plant oils, replace lipids by filling in spaces between skin cells. Preservatives are used to prevent bacterial contamination after the product is opened.
Ingredients to look for
Beeswax
Sweet almond oil
Avocado
Coconut
Spotlight on Beeceuticals Organics
Julie Gerber, co-founder and owner of Fort Lauderdale-based Beeceuticals Organics, talks about creating products that really work from ingredients that go “bee-yond the bottle.”
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Editors’ Picks
Avalon Organics Aloe Unscented Hand and Body Lotion: With sweet almond oil, beta glucan—the active ingredient in oats—and aloe, this sumptuous lotion moisturizes with the help of organic sunflower, flaxseed and coconut oils.
Beeceuticals Beeyond Body Balm: USDA certified organic, this nourishing balm contains fair trade-certified organic cocoa butter along with a bevy of other organic goodies such as sweet almond, olive, sunflower and coconut oils; extracts of parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme; and, of course, beeswax and Beeceuticals’ proprietary organic holistic honey blend.
Jason Celestial Seasonings Tea Scented Lotions: Moisturizing avocado and sunflower oils help form the lotion base that gets Zinger-ed with four Celestial Seasonings tea flavor-inspired scents, including Bengal Spice, Country Peach Passion, Lemon Zinger and Sleepytime.
Organic Essence Lemongrass Shea Cream: This body cream is good enough to eat. Made with certified organic shea butter, sunflower oil, beeswax, lemongrass oil and peppermint, its packaged in a biodegradable, organic jar made of paper.
Dr. Hauschka Quince Body Moisturizer: Quince seed, blackthorn and sage extracts join forces with jojoba and olive oils in this light moisturizer that soothes and refreshes.