Nécessaire The Body Lotion Best efficacious splurge This lotion soaks in fast, feels smooth going on, and adds a chic and minimalistic aesthetic to your routine.
$30 from Amazon $30 from Sephora
Nécessaire’s deodorants, lotions, and body cleansers cater to people who value sustainability (it’s a certified B Corp) and simplicity (check out the minimalist packaging design). The ingredient list of Nécessaire’s The Body Lotion includes several humectants, emollients, and seed oils, all of which meld into a highly absorbable and hydrating formulation.
It soaks in quickly. Testers were amazed at how quickly this formula absorbed into their skin. “Truly seemed to soak right in easily. Not an excessive amount of rubbing,” one tester said. “I don’t know how it soaks in so fast but still feels moisturizing,” another wrote.
It’s delightfully spreadable. In addition to its great absorption rate, Nécessaire’s The Body Lotion has a pleasing, easily spreadable texture. “Feels like heaven,” one tester said. Another described it as a “nice, rich” lotion that locked moisture in place quickly. Yet another tester raved about the formula’s smooth feel. “It’s the perfect texture for me.”
It elevates your bathroom. Every one of our testers mentioned the chic, minimalist-design tube as a selling point. “Wouldn’t be surprised to see this tube in an upscale spa,” one said. Another tester said this lotion looked so nice on display that she granted it some coveted countertop space by her sink. As another tester wrote, this one gets “major vibe points.” If the formula weren’t so good on its own, a person might consider decanting a cheaper formula into the pleasing bottle once it ran out.
It’s fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin. Nécessaire adheres to the European Union’s regulations for cosmetic ingredients, which impose stricter ingredient bans than the United States. In addition, the fragrance-free version of The Body Lotion is accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Flaws but not dealbreakers Marketing copy on the back of the tube touts the inclusion of peptides and 2.5% niacinamide and describes it as a firming lotion. Research on the efficacy of peptides in body care is limited; in addition, the packaging doesn’t note the concentration of the peptides. Nécessaire’s The Body Lotion comes in a relatively small size for daily use. Although at about $4.40 an ounce (for the 6.8-ounce tube), it’s cheaper than our luxe pick from Josie Maran, it might require frequent refills at $30 a pop. The company also sells a 15.2-ounce pump container that works out to be slightly cheaper per ounce, but it’s less sleekly designed.
