How to Read a Body Lotion Label

Body lotion labels can be long and confusing. Here's how to read one in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Look at the First Few Ingredients

Ingredients are listed from most to least. In most lotions, the first one is water. That's normal. Look at what comes right after. Do you see butters and oils you recognize?

Step 2: Find the Good Stuff

Some ingredients we love:

• Shea butter helps skin hold on to moisture.
• Mango butter is rich but soaks in nicely.
• Aloe vera is cool and soothing.
• Glycerin pulls moisture into skin.

Our Soothing Aloe Hand & Body Butter is made with aloe vera, mango butter and shea butter.

Step 3: Check for Things You Avoid

If you prefer to skip parabens or other ingredients, look for them by name. And if you have an allergy, read every label.

Step 4: Know About Preservatives

Anything with water in it needs a preservative to stop mold and bacteria. That's a good thing. A lotion with water and no preservative can go bad fast.

Step 5: Check the Scent

"Fragrance" can mean a blend of scent ingredients. If scent bothers you, look for unscented options or test a small spot first.

No Water? No Problem

Our Shea Butter Lotion Bar is solid, with no water added. It melts against your skin and is great for dry spots.

Our Tip

Ask the maker if you have questions. We're always happy to tell you what's in our products and why.

A little about us: I'm Gracie, a third-generation soap maker. My grandmother started our family's soap making, and I'm proud to carry it on. We're a small, faith-centered family business in Waddell, Arizona, and we make everything by hand in small batches.