Native Moisturizing Lotion Best for everyday use This light lotion earned solid marks for its ease of use and non-cloying scent options. But it might not be hydrating enough for drier skin.
$42 $32 from Native (pack of three) Add three to cart, price reflects in cart
$14 from Amazon $14 from Walmart For a habit-forming, accessible lotion that’s slightly more elevated than its run-of-the-mill drugstore counterparts, we suggest Native Moisturizing Lotion. It comes in several scents, including limited-edition fragrances, and doesn’t break the bank. The formula is a mix of humectants and emollients as well as shea butter, which can sometimes go on heavy, though not so here. It’s widely available, and it’s affordable enough for generous daily use.
It’s a lightweight formula. One of our panelists found the sensory experience of most body creams and lotions off-putting. But the lightweight Native option, which soaks in almost on impact, was just the ticket. (Testers with drier skin found this lotion to be slightly too light and watery for all-day moisturization.) Another noted that it was a general crowd-pleaser: “I can see this being an all-family option,” she said.
The scent is subtle but long-lasting. Whereas some scented lotions we tried had overpowering scents, Native’s was much more subtle. The lotion imparts a noticeable scent that doesn’t overwhelm. Testers appreciated its fragrance profile, with one even noting that it “helped with compliance” since she liked the scent so much. Another praised its lasting effects after she donned a sweater she had worn during testing a few days earlier and still noticed the scent. “It’s nice, not cloying,” she added. Our testers’ favorite scents included Eucalyptus & Mint, which one panelist’s partner especially appreciated, and Sea Salt & Cedar.
It has a pump, which testers preferred. On the whole, our testers were more comfortable using lotions or creams that they could dispense without possibly introducing germs into the remaining product; however, some of the pump mechanisms we tested broke or were terribly difficult to use. Native’s pump worked without issue for most testers, and they appreciated its quick-swivel lock function.
Flaws but not dealbreakers Testers with drier skin found Native’s lotion to be too watery and said that its moisturizing effects dissipated relatively quickly. If you count yourself in that category, you might want to try one of our creamier picks. One of our testers had a problem with the pump on the bottle she tested, as it took a long time to dispense the lotion. No other testers noted this issue. This lotion comes in several scents but has no fragrance-free version.
