Body butter is a thick and nourishing lotion to keep your skin soft, supple, and ready to face environmental and other stressors throughout the day.
In order to help you find the right one for your skin, we’ve rounded up the best vegan body butter brands for you to check out!
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Quick List of Top Picks
- Bem! Brazilian Body Scrub & Body Butter Set for Dry Skin
- Bliss Naked Body Butter
- Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter
- Auntee B Naturals Orange Dream All Natural Whipped Body Butter
- Deep Steep Grapefruit Bergamot Body Butter
- DR. PHOENYX Aloe & Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter
What is Body Butter and How Does it Differ From Body Lotion?
Dry skin is a drag, but why does it happen? The natural oil or moisture on your skin’s surface acts as a protective barrier to keep it from drying out and becoming irritated.
Body butter helps to replace this protective barrier which is otherwise stripped away due to many factors such as the climate, over-washing, toxins it’s exposed to, pollution, and even aging.
So how does body butter differ from body lotion? The main difference is the water content.
Lotions contain a high amount of water and often the moisture escapes quickly and your dry skin returns.
Lotions are lighter weight, and often absorb more quickly, so some people may prefer this, but you can usually find body butters do the same thing!
Body butter does not contain water. Very rough and dry skin needs more than just lotion to remain soft and nourished.
Body butters, because there’s no water, are able to penetrate the skin due to their thicker texture and prevent moisture from evaporating through the skin’s pores.
All of the body butters on our list are all-natural, but you can have extra confidence with body butters because they typically do not require a preservative because of their composition.
Pay attention to the shelf life though since there are usually no preservatives! Shelf life for most butters is 1-2 years.
Body butter is an umbrella term for the many different kinds of popular plant butters in existence.
For instance, shea butter, mango butter, and cocoa butter are very popular for their ability to absorb well and their inherent benefits to the skin.
As previously mentioned, body butters help protect the skin’s moisture level, and soften your skin while delivering vitamins and nutrients.
Body butters provide the most moisture and protective barrier than any other lotions or oils on the market!
I know this firsthand living in the dry climate of the mountains; I have to use body butter all the time.
For more information on the differences between body butter and lotion, check out this video:
Is Body Butter for All Skin Types (Not Just Dry)?
As explained above, body butter is used for its multitude of benefits for very dry, cracked or callused skin.
What about those of us with oily, acne-prone skin? In fact, body butters are beneficial for this type of skin as well!
The ‘good’ oil or moisture on our skin’s surface is what provides a protective barrier; so not all oil is bad.
Understandably, if you have oily skin you may be a bit apprehensive when it comes to applying such a thick product.
However, plant butters such as shea for instance can actually help dissolve the stale oil and excess sebum in the pores thereby clearing extra oil and helping maintain a proper moisture level.
Other plant butters such as mango can protect from UV damage and are rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
Most, if not all, have antioxidants and other emollients along with essential fatty acids to protect your skin.
In conclusion, no matter your skin type you will benefit from using body butter!
Things to Look for That Differentiate These Products
When choosing body butter, look for the ingredients addressing your specific needs; all serve the purpose of delivering lots of moisture, but the unique ingredients in each are what to look for.
These different ingredients may be super fruit extracts or mango butter while others may include coconut oil and shea butter.
Also, note the inherent nature of each ingredient since some specifically address aging and antioxidant protection, and others may be better suited for sensitive skin.
Finally, another difference among these products is the scent. There are lots of wonderful scents to choose from; so it really comes down to your preference and what you enjoy wearing.
There is a general similarity as well – all of these products are plant-derived and are not tested on animals or include any animal byproducts.
Plus they are not toxic – so no worries about all the bad stuff entering your system through the pores of your skin!
6 Top Picks for Vegan Body Butter
These great body butter brands are impressive and will give you the soft, beautiful skin you desire!
Bem! Brazilian Body Scrub & Body Butter Set for Dry Skin
Bem! brings you a spa-like duo which both exfoliates and moisturizes to treat your skin; especially if it’s really dry.
Exfoliation is accomplished through the use of finely ground acai seed powder polishing the skin, making way for the body butter, and helping with its absorption.
The body butter and scrub are made up of lots of antioxidants from super fruits, essential oils and plant butters.
For instance, shea and cocoa seed butter along with avocado, coconut and Brazilian nut seed oil deliver moisture.
Super fruit extracts and oils including acai and star fruit are high in antioxidants, exfoliate naturally, firm, and protect skin from damage.
The company’s mission is focused on making a positive impact on the planet – so love your body, and the planet, by using a natural, plant-based, cruelty-free product such as this one!
It is recommended you use the body scrub twice a week and apply it to wet skin in a circular motion paying attention to knees, elbows, and heels. Using on dry skin will ensure a more rigorous scrub if needed.
On your slightly damp and freshly scrubbed skin, apply the body butter from shoulders to toes.
What We Like
- All-natural, cruelty-free ingredients
- Not greasy; absorbs well
- Great scent
- Scrub and butter combo
What We Don’t Like
- May not be suitable for people with a tree nut allergy
- Pricey
Bliss Naked Body Butter
Harnessing the hydrating power of shea butter and coconut oil, Bliss’ ‘Naked Body Butter’ is fragrance-free and great for men and women.
This maximum moisture cream can be used on the driest skin – even if it’s rough and scaly.
Shea butter is an incredible remedy for dry skin. It is naturally anti-inflammatory due to certain natural properties such as cinnamic acid.
With long-term use, shea butter has been known to reduce wrinkles since it has other properties which support collagen production.
Coconut oil is also great for dry skin and other conditions. It is naturally anti-microbial and has healing properties.
This body butter isn’t super thick and can be applied daily to maintain your skin’s surface moisture level.
In fact, Bliss body butters are used in over 70,000 bliss spa massages every year worldwide!
If you are seeking a scented version, Bliss offers many delicious smelling versions to choose from.
What We Like
- Fragrance-free; good for sensitive skin
- Absorbs well; not greasy or oily
- Great for really dry skin
What We Don’t Like
- May seem too thin for a body butter
- While fragrance-free, it may have a scent from its ingredients some people may not like
Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter
This Pacifica body butter comes with the essence of Tuscan blood orange, a sweeter and less bitter fruit than regular oranges.
This combined with Italian sweet orange and mandarin give this lotion a beautiful scent.
The formulation, free of paraben, phtalates, mineral oil, peanut oil and artificial color, comes rich with moisturizing and therapeutic ingredients.
Shea and mango butter deliver intense moisture while essential oils such as almond, jojoba and rose hip seed, along with aloe vera and vitamin E, protect and soften the skin.
Rose hip seed oil contains lots of vitamin A which is used to reduce age spots and wrinkles.
Also, the extracts of arnica montana flower pack this lotion with healing properties along with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits which can treat and protect against conditions such as eczema, acne, and damage.
I love how each ingredient is plant-derived and is carefully included in the formulation to give you the best care for your skin whether it’s aging, problematic and/or inflamed, or dry.
What We Like
- Nice orange scent
- Plant-derived ingredients; no toxins like parabens
- Moisturizing without a heavy feel
What We Don’t Like
- Problems with the bottle cap cracking
- Some may find the consistency to resemble a lotion more than butter
- The scent may be too strong for some people
Auntee B Naturals Orange Dream All Natural Whipped Body Butter
Auntee B Naturals is a delightful whipped body butter combining 3 different butters and coconut oil for the best moisture for dry skin.
The 3 butters are shea, kokum, and mango! What is kokum butter? I was curious too.
Kokum butter is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and contains antioxidants. It is gentle for sensitive skin, and it can help reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and age spots due to its assistance with cell regeneration.
Coconut oil is known to assist in wound healing and is naturally anti-microbial.
The scent of ‘Orange Dream’ smells amazing and is our favorite. However, it comes in other yummy scents such as ‘Choco Crème’ and ‘Key Lime Pie.’
The whipped consistency of the body butter contributes to its fast absorption; yet it is super moisturizing!
Only plants were involved in the making of this product – no animals were used for testing and it contains no animal byproducts.
Use this on your whole body to include your face and enjoy soft skin all day!
What We Like
- Absorbs well and isn’t greasy
- Plant-derived ingredients
- Combines 3 butters
- Nice scent
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
- Some may not like the consistency based on preference
Deep Steep Grapefruit Bergamot Body Butter
No products found.Deep Steep body butter comes to you in a partnered fragrance of grapefruit and bergamot – two of my absolute favorites!
Even the name ‘deep steep’ implies the ultra-moisturizing qualities of this body butter, and this is derived from shea butter, and the coconut and argan oils.
Argan oil is moisturizing and contains a high level of vitamin E and essential fatty acids to protect and heal.
Essential fatty acids are important because our bodies cannot produce this on their own, and it assists the skin in maintaining a healthy oil balance.
There are so many amazing extracts and essential oils to be excited about and they make this such a great product.
These include passion fruit, vanilla, rose, fig, mango, papaya extracts, and lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, grapefruit, peppermint, rosemary, lime, orange and lemon essential oils!
There are no toxic ingredients like parabens and sulfates, and it’s safe for the whole family!
What We Like
- Effective, deep moisture
- Extracts, essential oils and butters
- Great scent
What We Don’t Like
- Some of the scent options may not be appealing to everyone
- Some may desire a different consistency
DR. PHOENYX Aloe & Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter
PHOENYX’s body butter’s main ingredients are aloe and argan oil, and together with shea and mango butter, it is very soothing, moisturizing, and healing.
It has a whipped texture which enables quick absorption, and it is formulated for dry, oily, sensitive and normal skin.
The formulation includes vitamin E and coconut oil to protect with antioxidants, heal, and assist the skin in collagen production; making this an effective treatment for very dry and/or aging skin.
Shea and mango butter, while delivering extreme moisture, are also known for their anti-aging abilities; along with containing vitamins A and E which are skin’s favorite vitamins!
In fact, aloe vera is also anti-aging because it naturally helps your skin produce more collagen.
Another notable attribute is the scent! It smells like coconut colada and is very pleasant and not too strong.
Finally, don’t let the size of the product worry you – a little goes a long way!
What We Like
- Not greasy; absorbs nicely
- Fantastic scent
- A little goes a long way
- Natural anti-aging and moisturizing ingredients
What We Don’t Like
- High price for the size
Top Choice for the Best Vegan Body Butter
It was certainly challenging to choose the top brand among all of these awesome vegan body butters!
Each of these products have incredible benefits for the skin to include moisture, protection from damage, and anti-aging.
Plus, the amazing, natural scents and nourishing ingredients make each in a league of their own.
However, the best all-around body butter in our opinion is DR. PHOENYX Aloe & Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter!
PHOENYX’s body butter can be used on sensitive, dry, oily and/or aging skin, and has ingredients addressing all of skin’s needs.
These great qualities and its delicious fragrance make it our top choice for the best vegan body butter brand!