Why Not To Use Body Lotion on Face

This got me thinking—what’s so wrong about using body lotion on your face? I consulted Ozana Ibru, lead aesthetician and beauty consultant at Skin&Beyond. Here’s why slathering body lotion on your face might be doing more harm than good, and how choosing the right facial moisturizer can make all the difference.

Why Facial Skin Is Different from Body Skin

The skin on our face is naturally thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of our body. “The epidermis of facial skin is thinner and more delicate compared to the rest of the body. This makes it more susceptible to irritation, redness, and breakouts when exposed to heavier products designed for body use,” explains Ibru.

Body lotions are generally formulated to tackle general dryness and are thicker and often more fragrant than products meant for the face.

She also emphasized the importance of skincare products bearing different results for different people after usage.

"Your facial skin has different needs," Ibru points out. “The formulas for body lotions and facial creams aren’t interchangeable, and using the wrong one can lead to issues down the line.”

Ingredient Differences Between Body Lotions and Face Moisturizers

Body lotions are designed for basic hydration. They tend to include ingredients like mineral oils, silicones, and heavier emollients that lock in moisture but aren’t targeted for specific skin issues. Ibru also explained that facial moisturizers are made with a more complex set of ingredients to address concerns like acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation.

Active ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, or peptides—“are usually absent in body lotions, which focus more on general hydration and moisture content,” she shares.

Body lotions also tend to have certain fragrances, such as citrus, or certain additives that can irritate sensitive facial skin. “Facial products are typically fragrance-free or use milder scents to minimize irritation risks.”

Interestingly, these ingredients are also subject to regional regulations. In the United States, creams and lotions containing up to 3% salicylic acid are classified as drugs, but it's not the case in Europe. Willow bark extract, chemically similar to salicylic acid, is permitted by Nigeria’s NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control), as salicylic acid is prohibited due to potential side effects and other health concerns.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution https://cocorosey.net/products/salicylic-acid-2-solution?_pos=1&_psq=Sali&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Dermis Composition

For Ibru, facial skin contains smaller sebaceous glands to that of body skin, which has larger glands that produce more oil. This difference in gland size affects how each type of skin retains moisture and reacts to various products.

It also affects ingredient molecule absorption as well. “The smaller the molecule, the easier it is to move from one end to another. A serum is lighter than a lotion and thus, is easier to be absorbed,” she explained.

Risks of Using Body Lotion on the Face

Body lotions are designed to be heavier, catering to the tougher, less sensitive skin on our bodies. When applied to your face, those thicker formulas can wreak havoc on your pores. Unlike facial moisturizers, which are formulated with lightweight ingredients that let your skin breathe, body lotions are often rich in oils and emollients. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, this translates to a higher risk of clogged pores, leading to breakouts or blackheads.

What Are the Risks of Using Body Lotion on the Face?

So, what exactly happens when you swap your face moisturizer with a body lotion? Here’s a rundown of the potential issues:

Can Body Lotion Clog Pores and Cause Breakouts? Body lotions are thicker and contain more oil-heavy ingredients, which can clog pores on your face. Those with oily or acne-prone skin are especially at risk of breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Can Body Lotions Lead to Irritation and Allergic Reactions? Body lotions often have added fragrances and dyes that can trigger redness, rashes, or even eczema, especially if you have sensitive skin. These harsher additives can disrupt the delicate balance of facial skin.
Do Body Lotions Leave a Greasy Residue on Your Face?The heavy texture of body lotions can leave a greasy, thick layer on your face, making it feel sticky and uncomfortable. This extra layer can also trap dirt and impurities on the skin, leading to a dull or shiny appearance.
Can Body Lotions Cause Milia Formation? Applying body lotion around delicate areas, like under the eyes, can lead to the formation of milia—tiny, hard white bumps caused by clogged pores. This is especially common when using thick products on areas where the skin is thinnest.

Now that we know why body creams aren’t suitable for the face, here’s a lineup of face creams recommended specifically by purpose:

Anti-Aging: Try the Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream to target fine lines and wrinkles.

Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream https://cocorosey.net/products/cosrx-advanced-snail-92-all-in-one-cream-100g?_pos=1&_psq=all&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Known for its high concentration of snail mucin, this cream not only provides deep hydration but also promotes skin regeneration, which is essential for a youthful, glowing complexion. Price: ₦18,500. Where to Buy: Shop Coco Rosey

Acne-Fighting Creams: The Revuele Ceramide Anti-Blemish Daily Cream SPF50 is an excellent pick for managing oil production and reducing acne marks.

Revuele Ceramide Anti Blemish Daily Cream SPF50 https://allure.com.ng/shop/revuele-ceramide-anti-blemish-daily-cream-spf50/?srsltid=AfmBOootvF5DzSjW1wBNLTpfu6Esy43KrLWujU9_4RGRUBwsBQ7LSoUi

Formulated with salicylic acid to target breakouts and ceramides to support the skin barrier, it’s perfect for both soothing and protecting acne-prone skin. Price: ₦10,000. Where to Buy: Shop Allure.

Sensitive Skin Creams: For those with sensitive skin, the Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser is a gentle choice.

SIMPLE Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer https://skinpopessentiel.com/products/simple-kind-to-skin-replenishing-rich-moisturizer

Designed with pure ingredients, this moisturizer hydrates deeply and soothes irritation, ensuring that sensitive skin feels cared for without any harsh reactions. Price: ₦7,990. Where to Buy: Shop Skin Pop Essentiel.

Dry Skin Creams: If your skin needs extra hydration, the Face Facts Ceramide Moisturising Gel Cream is created to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier, it’s ideal for dry skin types needing that intense moisture boost. Price: ₦18,400. Where to Buy: Shop Face Facts.