What are body conditioners made with?
Evans explains that body conditioners are typically made with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, cocoa butter, shea butter and an assortment of oils, which accounts for their creamy consistency. And as such, she also assures that they're gentle and quite safe for use, unless you have allergies or have extremely sensitive skin.
And if you do have allergies and/or sensitive skin? Dr. Alain Michon, MD (board-certified member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine) says fragrance-free is the way to go: "I suggest opting for fragrance-free body conditioners and make sure to read the ingredients before buying."
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You can use them in tandem with your favorite body lotion
As hydrating as these products may be, Camp says that those with dry skin might want to consider pairing their body conditioner with a lotion.
"For someone with normal or oily skin, a body conditioner may provide sufficient moisture for their skin type," says Camp. "However, moisturizers that are applied after using a towel are still probably best for people with chronically dry skin or eczema-prone skin."
Conversely, if you have oily and acne-prone skin, Evans says you might want to skip body conditioner. "If someone is acne or folliculitis prone, these products may promote flare-ups of these pimple producing conditions," she explains.
Don't slip!
One last word of caution: As with bath oils, body conditioners can leave your tub slippery. "It is a good idea to assess the consistency of the product before using it, and determine whether it is something that is going to make the floor of your shower very slippery," says Camp. "It may be a good idea to hold onto the shower bar (or handle) when applying the product onto your body, as doing so can help prevent unwanted accidents."
Keep reading to shop some of our favorite body conditioners.
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This body conditioner wash helps you hydrate on a time crunch, as it utilizes special lock-in-moisture technology to moisturize the skin, without leaving it slick or greasy.
This 2-in-1 shower oil just may be your new showertime bestie, as it cleanses and hydrates in a matter of minutes.
