This time of year, my skin is bone-dry unless I’m constantly covered in a rich cream from head to toe. I’ve discovered the best time for me to apply my body care is post-shower, pre-bed, and Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Ultimate Hydration Body Cream delivers in both the skin-care and aromatherapy departments. Though I love so many scents, the cult-classic Stress Relief (Eucalyptus Spearmint) is a staple, and I know there are tons of other fans out there. Here’s what makes it so good.
The Benefits:
This is one of those products that actually makes my shoulders relax at the end of a wild day. I massage it in on damp skin from the neck down after a shower and then take a deep breath. On the exhale, I genuinely feel better. Though essential oils aren’t for everyone (or every skin type), eucalyptus oil is known to promote feelings of a clear mind and relaxation, and spearmint oil is a mood-enhancer with soothing qualities. Using this spa-scented lotion before bed helps reset my mind so I don’t have my rotating to-do list keeping me from quality sleep.
But those are just the aromatherapy benefits. On my dry skin, the dermatologist-tested mix of vitamin E, aloe, shea butter, cocoa butter and hyaluronic acid offers both hydration and moisturization (yes, they are two different things). The texture is rich and creamy, but not in a greasy or heavy way. I also appreciate that it’s in a tube I can squeeze—it’s made with 82-percent recycled plastic too—rather than a tub I have to stick my fingers into every time.
The brand also just added several new aromatherapeutic scents to its Ultimate Hydration Body Cream collection, including another one with eucalyptus at the heart—Breathe Deep (Eucalyptus & Lavender)—that was inspired by a steam room and is so refreshing.
Key Ingredients:
Vitamin E, aloe vera, essential oils, shea butter, cocoa butter and hyaluronic acid
The Bottom Line:
I’ve loved Bath & Body Works for decades and the Aromatherapy line is a winner. If you want a body lotion that actually quenches dry skin, doesn’t break the bank AND smells like a spa, this is it.
Price/Where to Buy:
$16.50, bathandbodyworks.com
