Anhydrous
Bee-Och Body Butter $9 – $28
Bee-Och Body/Massage Oil $9 – $149
Bee-Och Body Lotion Stick $12 – $24
Holy Naturals Body Butter $16.99 – $18.99
Bubble & Bee Organic Body Butter $24.95
Bubble & Bee Organic Lotion Sticks $7.95
An anhydrous (meaning no water) body butter differs from a conventional emulsion lotion. As the name suggests, anhydrous body butters are completely water-free, consisting only of oils, butters, and waxes such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and beeswax. This makes them highly concentrated, thick, and rich, forming an occlusive layer on the skin that locks in moisture and provides long-lasting nourishment—ideal for dry skin or harsh climates. Because they lack water, they do not typically require preservatives, though antioxidants like Vitamin E are often added to extend shelf life. In contrast, conventional lotions are water-based emulsions that combine water or hydrosols with oils using emulsifiers. Lotions provide immediate hydration by delivering water to the skin but rely on humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to retain moisture. Since their water content creates an environment for microbial growth, preservatives are essential to prevent spoilage. Additionally, emulsifiers have to be used. There are very few emulsion-based lotions that meet our standards for recommendation due to the preservatives and emulsifiers often used. You typically won’t find lotions in stores that meet our standards for recommendation because most large retailers require a 2-year shelf-life. This means harsher preservatives like parabens or phenoxyethanol that display suspect endocrine-disrupting potential. To maximize your anhydrous product, apply water or a toner first, then the butter/oil on top of that to seal in hydration.
Emulsions
Herbal Choice Mari Organic Hand & Body Lotion $8.99 – $29.99