As someone with dry and sensitive skin, I know just how hard it can be to find quality body care that works. Lotion, in particular, is crucial for keeping your skin happy and healthy. Yet, searching for a lotion with non-irritating, moisturizing, and beneficial ingredients without supporting unethical companies can be impossible. But have no fear—I’ve done the work for you and have 10 eco-friendly lotion options that are great for sensitive skin, low-impact, and cruelty-free.
Why does shopping for sustainable body care matter?
Although not always attainable, it’s my firm belief that when possible we should shop sustainably. By that I mean we need to support ethical companies who keep the consumer and the environment in mind when creating their products. Shopping mindfully and supporting ethical options is a great way to vote with our dollar and pave the way for an equitable future.
Not only that but choosing products with ingredients that don’t harm us or the planet is also crucial. Our actions matter and by shopping for sustainable products we’re not perpetuating environmental degradation, unethical practices, and personal harm.
Eco-Friendly Lotion Options:
Below is an overview of each brand and some eco-friendly lotion options they each offer. These lists aren’t comprehensive, so make sure to check out the actual brand websites for more information.
- All products are vegan and certified by PETA
- National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
- ECOLOGO certified
- Partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects and One Tree Planted
Attitude focuses on body lotions with skin-safe EWG-certified ingredients. There are several body lotion options including several fragrances to choose from. They also offer unscented and sensitive skin formulas, thicker body creams, and plastic-free body bars.
- Products are 98% nature-derived
- Certified gluten-free
- Certified cruelty-free
- 100% vegetarian with many vegan products
Andalou Naturals offers several ranges of body lotions that cater to different skin types and needs. Although fragranced, their lotions are great for sensitive skin in my experience. Each lotion is packed with their fruit stem cell complex which helps nourish and maintain the skin. You can also find larger sizes for great value too.
- B Corp certified
- Partnered with Terracycle
- Focuses on agricultural practices that support biodiversity
- Certified by the Union for Ethical Biotrade
Weleda offers plant-rich body lotions and creams that are great for dry skin types because they do an excellent job of locking in moisture and protecting the skin. You can find rich body butter (in glass packaging!), the cult classic skin food, and even unscented options.
- B Corp certified
- Partnered with 1% For The Planet
- Climate Neutral certified
- Plastic Neutral certified via rePurpose Global
Nécessaire makes responsible luxury products that work and their body care is no exception. Their body lotions help strengthen the skin and are pH optimized for compromised and sensitive skin. Their lotions come in a few fragrances, but they also have a fragrance-free option as well. You can also find body cream and body serums that are filled with healing and strengthening ingredients.
- Disclose yearly sustainability reports
- Carbon Neutral certified
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan
- B Corp certified
Plaine Products is an amazing company that makes waste-free products. You can find refillable body lotions in a couple of fragrances, including an unscented option. Although this brand has less product options in terms of body moisturizers, this is a great option if you want something zero-waste for daily use.
- B Corp certified
- Leaping Bunny certified and PETA animal cruelty-free certified
- Partnered with How2Recycle
- Natural Sanitation Foundation certified, all contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients
Known for their gentle yet effective skincare, Babo Botanicals has a couple of great moisturizer options. You can find a couple of fragrance options for body lotion, like this calming one, and also lotion duo deals. Overall, Babo Botanicals is a great pick for sensitive skin that needs lightweight moisturizing.
- Partnered with Global Alliance for Community Empowerment
- Leaping Bunny certified
- For Life certified by ECOCERT
- Minority Business Enterprise certified
Alaffia does clean and fair trade beauty without breaking the bank. You can find several fragrance options when looking at their body lotion, including an unscented version. Their lotions are light, and absorb fast, but are still great for dry skin types. Their range of shea butter balms are amazing for extra dry skin that needs intense nourishment.
- Partnered with Ethical Consumer to annually audit supply chain
- Vegetarian Society certified
- Many products vegan certified by Vegan Society
- Many ingredients are Fair Trade certified
Lush offers handmade products with little to no waste and a great place to find eco-friendly body lotion options for a range of skin types. For example, their Sympathy for the Skin lotion is great for dry skin and their Dream Cream is a cult classic that is great for skin that needs extra TLC. I will say if you have really reactive skin I would make sure to patch test options in-store to be safe because of their use of essential oils and fragrances.
- Climate Neutral certified
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Partnered with SeaTrees
- 100% vegan products
OSEA creates simple and holistic skincare products and their nourishing body care never seems to disappoint. Their body lotion is lightly scented but you can also find an unscented option too. For those with dry skin, their body butter is a great ultra-nourishing option. But if you need extra hydration without the weight of the body butter, their body serum or body oil are amazing options that are perfect for layering.
- NSF/ANSI 305 Standard certified, all products contain at least 70% organic ingredients
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Certified biodegradable products
- Most products packaged in bottles made from 100% post-consumer resin
Avalon Organics takes a deep-rooted approach to body care that highlights the nourishing and therapeutic qualities of botanicals. Their firming body lotion is my personal favorite from this brand, it’s ultra-moisturizing without being heavy and improves the look of my skin when using. But you can also find several other fragrance options including an unscented body lotion. All of their body lotions are lightweight yet help restore the skin’s lipid balance – an all-around great choice for any skin type.