Can I Put Body Lotion on My Face

If you’re hoping to adopt a more minimalist approach to your skin care routine — or you’re looking for ways to save some cash — you may have, at some point, wondered whether you can use body lotion on your face in place of a pricey facial moisturizer. While doing so can help hydrate your dry skin in a pinch, there are a few caveats to keep in mind — especially if you’re prone to breakouts or sensitivity.

The first thing to consider is the formula and its consistency. Typically, face lotions are designed to hydrate the skin on your face without leaving it feeling greasy or clogging pores. Body lotions are a bit different. Since the skin on your body tends to be drier than the skin on your face due to fewer oil glands, body lotions are often a bit richer than face lotions. If you have blemish-prone skin, using one of these heavier formulas on your face could make your skin appear oily or even lead to breakouts. Many body lotions also contain fragrances, which can be irritating for those with more sensitive skin types. 

There’s also the simple fact that body lotions typically are meant to do one thing and one thing only: moisturize the skin. Face lotions, by contrast, often contain ingredients designed to target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles or breakouts. Of course, this isn’t true of all body lotions and there are some that contain skin care ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C to smooth texture and brighten skin. But the formulas are meant for the tougher and (usually) less sensitive skin on the body.  

With all of that being said, there are lightweight lotions that you can use to hydrate your skin from head to toe. These mild, whole-body formulas are designed to be gentle enough for facial skin but hydrating enough for drier areas on your body. If you’re set on streamlining your routine, seek out a dedicated multitasker such as La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream. Pixi by Petra Hydrating Milky Lotion is another excellent pick — plus, it’s super lightweight, so you can easily layer it under makeup as needed.