From Armpits to Ankles: A Sooo Human™ Guide to Body Skincare
- Hilary Burke
- Jul 28
- 22 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Skincare doesn’t stop at your jawline. The skin on your body deserves just as much love and attention as the skin on your face. Taking care of your body should be a ritual of self-care, confidence, and wellness - just like your facial serums and sunscreen.
I want to talk about good skincare for the body. Not the kind that goes on your face (that’s a whole other blog post) I mean the skin from the neck down. The skin that sweats, stretches, flakes, shimmers gets neglected and definitely deserves better than a bar of soap and a prayer.
In case you haven't noticed, I’ve been in a bit of a body care renaissance lately, and with all the interest and feedback around the teen and tween skincare blog, I figured — why stop at the face?
Taking care of our skin below the neck matters just as much. And whether you're 13 or 49 (hi, me), or somewhere in between, there are products out there that can support clean, hydrated, and healthy skin — without breaking the bank or burning your armpits.
Healthy body skincare is so important for maintaining strong, vibrant skin and preventing premature aging. When I refer to body skincare I mean, mostly cleansing, shaving, moisturizing and deodorizing. Yes, SPF protection is essential, but alas, you must wait for another blog for that too. A committed, consistent routine, (obviously tailored to your individual age and skin needs), can improve your skin’s texture, tone and hydration, while improving self-esteem and confidence - trust me!
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all here. What works one week may flop the next depending on your hormones, the weather, or your stress levels. Don’t be afraid to rotate. And don’t settle for products that just smell nice but don’t actually do anything.
As stated in previous blogs, I’m not a doctor, dermatologist or esthetician — I’m just a woman who knows what she likes and loves sharing what works. So, here’s my real-talk, skin and pit-tested, family-approved guide to body care. Brands and products aren't listed in any particular order, you get the order in which my ADHD brain spits them out.
Quick Note on Ratings
You’ll notice a few little emojis under each brand — just my way of giving you the vibe at a glance. Totally subjective, completely honest — like everything else in this blog.
Rating Key:
⭐️ Cleansing / Moisturizing / Deodorizing Factor
💰 Value
🌱 Sustainability
💆♀️ Experience Factor
👩👧 Age Vibe
Ratings are on a scale of 0–3 stars.
Let’s get into the body washes, lotions and other products that don’t suck for adults to teens, and everyone in between.
🧼 Cleansing Crew: Body Washes, Foams + Scrubs (aka: what I use to actually get clean — and feel good doing it)
Shower time is sacred. Whether it’s an executive-level steam sesh or a 3-minute mom shower, I want products that smell good (not overpowering), feel good, and don’t leave my skin stripped or squeaky.
A cozy-luxe hug in a bottle. This creamy body wash is hydrating, warm without being cloying, and leaves skin soft enough to skip lotion (if you're lazy… no judgment). They all have the same hydrating wash base, but with bursting different scents that make it feel like a celebration every time you shower.
⭐️ Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: All these feel like a Friday night even if it’s a Wednesday morning. Comfort in a bottle. They all smell like heaven and compliments — and somehow under $12 and you can find at CVS, Target, Walmart, Ulta and Amazon. Great for tweens, teens, and champagne moms alike – and yes my hubby uses it too!
These refreshing body washes give spa-like vibes without the spa price tag. Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and made for sensitive skin, but still smell bright and energizing. Bonus: comes in fun seasonal scents too – and won’t break the bank!
⭐️ Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: A chill, clean, no-drama body wash for skin that reacts to everything. Safe and easy for tweens but elevated enough for adults.
If EOS is frosting, this is herbal tea — calm and refreshing.
This one feels like a perfume and a power cleanse had a baby. Rich, creamy lather. Scent payoff that lingers just enough. Incredible fragrances and ingredients like monoi oil and niacinamide make them feel like skin care for your body. ⭐️The founder is an advocate for body diversity and responsible packaging.
⭐️ Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: If body wash could have signature scents, this would be the brand. (High-end look. Spa-in-your-shower energy.) These are your first step in your “executive shower” routine — even if you’re just rinsing off after Pilates. Too luxe to gatekeep — tweens will want it, moms will steal it, and husbands will use it.
Barrier-boosting skincare, but for your arms and legs. Rich, creamy textures and formulas uses ceramides, niacinamide, and green tea to calm, soothe, and protect.
⭐️ Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Think if CeraVe and Glossier had a baby, that’s Byoma. This clinically proven body wash will provide immediate hydration and smooth the skin while protecting skin barrier health. Great for teens and post-40 skin.
Whipped Cream Dreams: The Body Washes That Look Good Enough to Eat
Let’s be honest — part of the reason we love these is because they look like dessert. Fluffy, foamy, and packed in pressurized cans, these whipped-cream-style body washes turn the shower into a total sensory experience. That whipped cream texture? Total shower party. And the packaging? Pure dopamine. They’re fun, they’re functional, and yes — they make you (or your tween) feel like you’re starring in a skincare commercial.
But beyond the novelty, some of them actually deliver — with skin-loving ingredients, gentle cleansing, and a little luxury that doesn’t have to come from Sephora.
These are the ones I’ve tried, loved, and fully fought my daughter for in the shower.
A light whipped cream style shower foam that dispenses like frosting, with light fragrances, Kakadu Plum, and Finger Lime for gentle brightening and exfoliating. They’re designed to feel whimsical and sensory—but not overly cleansing.
⭐️ Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: A nostalgic, Instagram ready foam that smells divine and feels silky. Works for teens who love novelty and anyone who likes playful self care. Feels fun, aesthetic, “dessert in the-shower” vibe but it’s better as a one off treat than everyday body cleanser.
These whipped cream textured washes are a clean, Gen Z–friendly brand that’s all about “aesthetic meets skin barrier.” The foaming body wash comes out like whipped cream (again: shower party) and uses skin-loving ingredients like ceramides and oat to keep things balanced. Loving the Vanilla, Pineapple and Pomegranate.
🧼 Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: If Sundae is the shower treat, Daise is the elevated version with better ingredients and a stronger fragrance. Whipped texture, clean formula, and a pump that sparks serotonin. A tween/teen must, but great for adults who want fun and function.
An exfoliating superstar that delivers scent-escape + hydration in one jar. Major hype, tons of scents, some of my favs include; Moroccan Rose, Tropical Mango, Coconut Lime, Papaya Paradise, Coco Colada and more—plus seasonal drops that tweens devour. Powered by sugar grains, shea butter, and botanical oils, these scrub buff away dry skin while keeping it soft and moisturized — and the array of scents are abundant and straight-up mood boosters.
Oh, and they’re under $10!!!
🧼 Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: The perfect exfoliating experience for reward-scent seekers. Functional, fun, and unbeatably affordable. Kids will love the fun scents; adults appreciate the performance and price point.
If you want to get-a-OUAI, this is your sugar fueled body scrub. A multitasking scrub that you can use on your scalp or your skin—shedding buildup with sugar, while coconut oil and probiotics soothe and soften. Think of a tropical vacation in a jar, with a scent that lasts beyond rinsing.
🧼 Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: The shower star that does it all—glowy legs, smoother scalp, iconic scent. Glam and grit in one. Good for teens and adults alike—scalp/exfoliation functionality appeals across ages, and the notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose & musk make it an executive shower experience.
A sugar scrub meets spa experience: rose petals, coconut oil, and delicate exfoliation leave skin glossy, hydrated, and delicately scented. Feels like a rose-coconut cocktail for the body.
🧼 Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Your body’s rose-scented glow serum, disguised as a scrub. If your skin is dry or dull—or you want a moment of TLC—this one’s magic. Beautiful for grown-ups craving spa vibes; teen-friendly if they love rose-scent. This baby comes with a premium price point—big jar, but a splurge for many.
Think Dead Sea and Himalayan salts suspended in skin-loving oils and there you have Osea’s Salts of the Earth Body Scrub. This one doesn’t just exfoliate — it leaves a soft, glowy, moisturized finish and smells like an oceanic dream.
🧼 Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Feels like Malibu Beach in a jar. A grown-up salty beach goddess body scrub that acts like skincare. If you’re dry, dull, or prepping for a spray tan — this is your salty, silky solution. More adult-oriented, but young skin loves it too — especially for leg glow. And their commitment to clean beauty screams icon status: vegan, cruelty-free, glass jar and algae-rich.
The under-$10 wonder found at your local drugstore, Walmart or Target is affordable yet feels luxe. These whipped sugar scrubs are ultra-creamy and smell like dessert, with scents like Brown Sugar, Crushed Cherries, and Himalayan Salt & Rose Oil. A total win for sensitive skin, or just shaving prep, this trusted brand delivers when it comes to the body wash, exfoliation, skincare experience.
🧼 Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: A sweet little moment that makes your skin feel soft and your shower feel soothing. Perfect for everyday use — or sharing with your kids without a fight. You’ll feel pampered without the price.
This isn’t a body scrub — it’s a brick of art. Cold-processed soap meets fine-ground pumice in a massive bar that smells like a botanical greenhouse and tingles like spa-grade peppermint. The scent alone will wake you up with its cool, energizing peppermint pick me up fragrance.
🧼 Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Like exfoliating with a forested secret. Menthol-y magic, spa-feel, and a reminder that a bar of soap can still feel bougie AF. Bar format = zero waste, hand-poured, ethically made. But at $44 a brick, it’s definitely a skincare splurge. Mature scent + minimalist cool = more mom-core than tween-cool.
Hard to come by, and often sold out, this gentle, fragrance free bar that’s equally at home on face or body is a go-to for sensitive skin. It lathers softly and moisturizes without stripping—even acne prone or sensitive skin types love it.
🧼 Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: If you’re lucky enough to find it, this kid safe, teen safe, adult safe—the ‘family body bar’ delivers soft suds that behave, not hog the spotlight. Great for skin that wants to do the job without being dramatic.
A botanical bar infused with tamanu oil, lavender and sandalwood. It’s designed to soothe irritation, calm redness, and support the skin barrier—ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.
🧼 Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Elegant apothecary energy that’s more about function than flash. Think of it as skincare in bar form—soothing blend, subtle scent, and serious skin-calming benefits.
Since we’re hanging out here in the shower space, let’s hit on some of my favorite scrubbers, body tools, and shower accessories, because body care isn’t just about products, it’s also about how you apply them.
🧽 Tools I Swear By
Forget the old-school loofah. This soft, flexible silicone scrubber is a whole vibe. It gently exfoliates, lathers like a dream, and doesn’t trap bacteria the way a sponge does (bye, mildew). It’s easy to clean, lasts forever, and turns any body wash into a spa moment. My daughter is obsessed. I’m obsessed. Honestly? The best $10 upgrade you can make to your routine.
⭐️ Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: The suds. The slip. The sensory moment. This is your “main character in the shower” tool — and it never gets slimy. 🙌
The new and improved loofah. Yes, she needs to be replaced often. But when she’s fresh? She slaps. The body buffer is a go-to for that rich lather moment, especially with creamy or foaming body washes. Lightweight, inexpensive, and still kind of iconic. Just don’t forget to rinse and hang it to dry.
⭐️ Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Sometimes the basics do the job. The body buffer is the hair scrunchie of shower tools — always there when you need her, not fancy, but gets it done.
This is your “I love myself” move. Exfoliates dead skin, smooths rough heels, and honestly? Just feels like the spa came to you. Pair it with a scrub or soak, and you’ll wonder why you ever neglected your feet. Bonus points if it has a long handle or a little suction grip.
⭐️ Cleansing Factor: ⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: For the days when you want to ground yourself — literally. The foot brush is self-care from the ground up. Respect the soles that carry you.
Let's Talk Shaving Oils.
Since we’re already in the shower, let’s stay there for a minute because often times we are shaving in there too. If you’re a woman you know it’s literally a full-time job. Tweens can’t wait to shave, teen boys need to shave (their mustaches anyway) and we in mid-life can’t wait until the hairs stop growing in really weird places.
Shaving has become a much more enjoyable experience with the improvement of razors and an influx of shaving products beyond the metal shaving can. With shaving oils, lotions, creams, and lathers – what was once a chore, now can be pleasurable. And today, shaving oils are no longer a pre-treatment for shaving, but rather the preferred shaving solution. And I am here for them!
This shaving oil collection has literally changed the shaving experience for me. It smells divine, it’s silky smooth and helps prevent shaving cuts and ingrown hairs. My tween daughter is also a fan of it as well! And not to be confused with the EOS shave cream (hard pass).
🧼 Shave Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: My holy grail for shaving without irritation. Bonus: no more crusty rusted cans in the shower. This one’s sleek and the scent, OMG the scents.
A blend of olive oil, jojoba, avocado, rice bran, grape seed oil, and vitamin E, scented with pink grapefruit essential oil makes this lightweight and rich at the same time. It preps skin for shave friction, soothes razor burn, and helps prevent bumps and irritation. Great for both tweens and adults who want a fresh and effective shaving experience.
🧼 Shave Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: A grapefruit-scented pre-shave hug. It’s light, soothing, and surprisingly luxe for a small bottle—and worth the repeat buy. It’s gentle enough for a tween’s first shave; luxe enough for moms who want sparkle in their routine.
A waterless, nutrient dense shower oil made with olive, meadowfoam, and grape seed oils, lightly scented with bergamot, neroli, frankincense, and tea tree. It cushions your shave, softens skin, and feels like a nourishing ritual rather than a chore. Small batch, plant based, and cruelty free. And it’s great for the whole body, not just for shaving needs.
🧼 Shaving Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: A shower staple that’s almost too good to rinse off. Makes shaving feel nourishing, not punishing—and leaves legs velvety soft. A plus -
you can use it to hydrate the whole body.
🧴 Moisturizers, Butters + Whips (because dry skin makes me cranky, and I don’t have time to be ashy, and frankly lotion should feel and smell like therapy)
A crucial step (often overlooked) is applying lotion to the whole body following a bath or shower. Essential for maintaining soft and smooth skin, applying when you first get out and the skin is still damp is the best time to strike. The process of gently massaging lotion into the skin is another important part of the process, by increasing blood circulation and calming the body and mind, while hydrating the skin.
And yes — your body lotion matters! Your skin is your largest organ. It absorbs what you put on it. So while scent is lovely (and I am a scent person), it can’t be the only thing that drives a purchase. What we slather, rub, spray, and soak in matters. Just because something smells amazing or comes in cute packaging doesn’t mean it’s actually helping your skin.
Like the moisturizers I use on my face, the choices I make for my body are curated and thought out, and are an enjoyable experience from application, to fragrance, to how my skin looks and feels.
Here’s what I want in a body moisturizer:
✅ It hydrates
✅ It absorbs quickly (no damp, sticky vibes)
✅ It smells like something I want to hug
✅ It doesn’t clog my skin or leave me itchy
✅ Bonus if it does more than just moisturize
Lightweight, fragrance-free, and derm-approved. This lotion is a staple for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin types — powered by ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It absorbs fast, layers well, and doesn’t clog pores or overwhelm.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: It’s not flashy. But it works. A no-drama, no-frills body lotion that makes your skin feel calm, hydrated, and cared for — no matter your age or hormones. Toddler to teen to menopause — this one goes the distance. It has a clinical look, but your skin doesn’t care — it just drinks it up.
A clean, fragrance-free lotion infused with peptides, niacinamide, and facial-grade oils. Absorbs fast, nourishes deeply, and helps improve texture and firmness over time.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: The lotion equivalent of a spa-worthy serum. Yes, it’s pricier—but your skin knows the upgrade.
A seaweed collagen-infused lotion with hyaluronic acid and turmeric. Lightweight yet hydrating, designed to improve elasticity, calm inflammation, and deliver a fresh skin glow (um, you had me at elasticity). I love a company with options, and Osea delivers. Grapefruit, lime and cypress with mango and mandarin notes prevail in this body lotion, but a fragrance-free option is available.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Kissable skin guaranteed. If you want luminous without stickiness—and spa vibes without spa price. Mature-skin focus, but teens use it for scent and glow too.
A rich, whipped body butter formulated with coconut oil, safflower oil, shea butter, peptide blends, and squalene – that feels more like skincare than body lotion. Thick, nourishing, and the perfect post shower hydration.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: A dreamy, whipped butter that feels like indulgence but treats your skin with intention. Pleasant scent and the whipped texture feel like a self-care ritual tool that’s perfect for tween and midlife skin craving hydration glow.
Rich, creamy body lotions that feel way more expensive than they are. Deep hydration without being greasy — leaves skin soft for hours due to be being infused with nourishing oils and butters, and sustainably sourced shea. So many delicious scents like Vanilla Cashmere, Pink Champagne and Strawberry Dream.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Hydrating fun for the whole family, these body lotions feel like frosting for your body — but better for your skin. A favorite of mine, anytime you want to smell edible.
A no-frills, fragrance-free powerhouse that’s beloved by dermatologists and sensitive skin warriors alike. You can find this moisturizing cream at any drugstore, making it a reliable and affordable option. Rich and creamy, yet absorbs well — it hydrates without triggering redness, rashes, or reactions.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: No glam with this option — it’s giving pharmacy shelf — but your skin won’t care. When your skin is freaking out (or you’re over fragrance), this is your lotion. It’s like a weighted blanket for dry, reactive skin — and a staple in any body care routine. It’s newborn safe and works for literally everyone.
These lotions moisturize, yes — but they also promote muscle recovery, ease tension, and support restful sleep. As someone who lives with chronic pain, these are the perfect end-of-day ritual or post-shower layer.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: It’s like a massage and a magnesium supplement had a baby. Spa-like and clinical — less luxury, more legit wellness. Perfect for post-workout, bedtime, or stress-filled days when your skin and nervous system both need some TLC. Probably better suited for adults, especially those managing stress or sore muscles.
Native is such a dependable brand for body care. A lightweight, clean-formulation lotion with Shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin, and plant-derived moisturizers. Airy texture that absorbs fast, smells fresh (but never overpowering), and is reliable across sensitive skin types.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: The whole family will love the scent options of this clean-routine game-changer. Leaves skin soft and ultra hydrated, making it a fabulous match to their body washes (especially those seasonal scents)—without ever feeling sticky or heavy.
Gentle, oat-based hydration that soothes and absorbs quickly—perfect for everyday smoothing and moisture maintenance. Expert-loved for its balance of efficacy and simplicity.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐⭐
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: The everyday hero. Affordable, gentle, and fuss-free enough to make moisture a daily habit. Safe and reliable for the whole family.
These feel-good fave blends formulated with shea butter and plant oils are a whipped texture that glide on effortlessly. Whether you're using the classic Vanilla, the citrusy Vitamin C, or the warm amber notes of Tropic Glow, these tubbed butters smell dreamy, absorb well, and leave skin glowing – and the scent options are abundant.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Feels like sherbet for your skin—whipped, fragrant, and ridiculously soft.
A glowing staple at an unbeatable price point that the whole family will enjoy.
🌍 “Refillable's That Actually Work”
Small habits. Big impact. These refillable lotions don’t just look cute — they cut waste and keep skin happy.
A cult favorite for a reason. Rich in pure argan oil and whipped to a cloud-like texture, this body butter is seriously hydrating — and now available in a mega refill tub that makes it feel more sustainable and spa-worthy. Plus the packets are perfect for travel!
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: The OG glowy body butter — now with a refillable conscience. Made more for mature skin ages, these deliciously soft skin, warm scent, moisturizers come with a premium price, but refill format helps offset the splurge.
From the chic Spanish brand known for sustainable hand care, HAAN’s body lotions are silky, lightly scented, and refillable. The bottles are modern, ergonomic, and fun — the refills pop right in making them a responsible staple and easy on-the-go travel lotion. Includes delicious scents like Verbena, Tales of Lotus, Forest Grace and the often sold out Wild Orchid.
🧼 Moisturizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Euro-chic meets planet friendly moisturizer. Refillable packaging + sustainable manufacturing with 20% of profits funding water projects, this is body lotion with a mission — and a side of aesthetic joy.
🧂 Deodorants That Work (Even If You Sweat Like Me)
Let’s not stop with the sweet smells. Nothing tops off body care like a well-made and well working deodorants. I sweat — and I need products that actually work!
I’m a sweater. A real one. I don’t mean “light glow” — I mean full-blown, nervous system in overdrive, like, I must choose clothing based on fabric and color to avoid pit stains. The kind of sweat where I’ve left a social event early, avoided hugs, and kept my arms down at my side the whole time to hide my sweat stains.
But what I’ve learned is: sweat doesn’t make me gross. It makes me human. And finding the right deodorant? That’s not shallow — that’s survival.
I used to be embarrassed. Now? I just want deodorants that do their job — without trashing my skin or leaving me stinking by 3pm.
Quick science lesson: Traditional antiperspirants don’t decrease your sweating, they are blocking sweat from reaching the skin’s surface. “The aluminum salts in antiperspirants form a plug inside sweat glands, which inherently slows perspiration.” Deodorants, on the other hand, rely on other ingredients to shield the smell of the underarm area. Not all deodorants are antiperspirants, but most antiperspirants are deodorants. Confused yet?
Deodorant is considered a cosmetic because, “it's formulated with antimicrobial agents to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the armpits,” states Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
These are the (mostly) deodorants and antiperspirants I’ve used and loved — not because they sounded cute, but because they actually held up. If you’ve ever worried your deodorant would quit before you did, I got you.
This is your I have a presentation, I’m ovulating, it’s 90 degrees, and I still want to hug someone antiperspirant deodorant. It’s giving I'm a heavy-sweater holy grail main character energy! Controls odor and wetness like a pro. The gel formula goes on clear, dries fast, and actually lives up to the “clinical” part.
🧼 Deodorizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: The clear gel that shows up when you’re sweaty, stressed, hormonal, or just need to not think about your pits today. An MVP in the rotation that can be found literally anywhere, drugstores, online, grocery stores. Older teens and adults — not a starter deo, but a game-changer when needed.
Wild Refillable Deodorant – (UK-Based, Now in US)
This is my new go-to. I’m literally obsessed with their packaging (it’s artwork), their scents (smell good enough to eat) and their mission is all about saving our planet – doing our part! Refillable, minimalist, and designed to be good for your pits and the planet. Natural ingredients, aluminum-free, with compostable refills and scent options that are clean but not overwhelming.
🧼 Deodorizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: When you want to feel clean and sustainable without bringing out the clinical-strength artillery. So chic. Feels like a little capsule wardrobe item for your armpits. It may have a higher up-front cost for case, but refills are affordable – and with my Sooo Human discount of 50% it’s a no brainer! Plus, the refills are compostable, zero waste goal, carbon-neutral and perfect for tweens, teens, and eco-minded grownups. *Bonus you can customize your case, so if you have a kid who travels for sports/school/camp you can actually put their name or nickname on the case. Winning!
This isn’t just deodorant — it’s topical wellness. NFuse neutralizes odor and supports your stress response = genius. Infused with magnesium (for muscle recovery, stress support, and odor control), this aluminum-free stick glides on clean and calms your pits and your nervous system. Comes in sensitive-skin-friendly options too.
🧼 Deodorizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: When your deodorant does more than just cover odor — it calms your body too. A heavy sweater’s holistic secret weapon. This product runs about $14–16 but you’re paying for ingredients that do more than mask stink. Simple, clean, clinical aesthetic — doesn’t scream “natural,” but delivers. Better for older teens & adults — magnesium absorption is subtle but real.
Natural. Iconic. Scent options for everyone. Native's stick deodorants are aluminum-free, go on smooth, and come in tons of scents — plus sensitive-skin and plastic-free packaging options.
🧼 Deodorizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: It’s the natural deodorant that makes natural cool. Reliable, clean, and smells better than some perfumes. $13, but it lasts a while and is available at Target. So. Many. Scents. Clean aesthetic, gender-neutral options. Teens love the smells, adults love the ingredients — it’s a unisex crowd-pleaser.
This isn’t a stick — it’s skincare for your pits. Feels high-end — it’s giving underarm self-care. If you can get past the wet feeling, it keeps funk away — even for heavy sweaters. AHA-powered serum helps manage odor and brighten discoloration. Fragrance-free or spa-scented options, with a rollerball applicator.
🧼 Deodorizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Smells like a spa, works like a treatment. If you're dealing with odor and discoloration, this is your glow-up in a rollerball. About $16–18, lasts 2–3 months with daily use and vegan, cruelty-free, recyclable bottle. Definitely better for older teens and adults due to the AHA formula.
A sleek, sustainable natural deodorant with fun scents and a refillable pod system. The case is beautiful and the formula is aloe-based, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
🧼 Deodorizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: If you want your deodorant to match your vibe and your values, Myro delivers, it’s got a gorgeous aesthetic and is totally shelfie worthy! Bonus: it looks cute AF in your gym bag. And the tweens/teens will love it and its clean enough for sensitive adult pits.
A clinical strength antiperspirant deodorant that works to combat strong sweating with a great, scent and protection.
🧼 Deodorizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: From an approachable classically dependable brand. This product doesn’t try too hard — it just keeps things fresh and familiar. Sweet, simple, no-frills packaging, and safe enough for tweens first deodorant and everyday adult use.
Smooth, warm, and wearable all over your body - literally. Goes on clear, doesn’t crumble or pill, and won’t stain or stick to your clothes. Aluminum-free, mess-free, and it holds. And apparently it can be used all over your body for smelling fresh for up to 48 hours.
🧼 Deodorizing Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
💰 Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌱 Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️
💆♀️ Experience Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩👧 Age Vibe: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: The deodorant that holds its own. Soft, clean, and surprisingly strong - Sleek, color-coded packaging with soft matte finish = very Sooo Human aesthetic. Great starter for teens and solid staple for adults — unproblematic fave.
Final Thoughts from the Neck Down 💛
Your skin is your largest organ. And while I was lucky enough to inherit good skin genes from my mom, I work really hard to take care of it.
Just because something smells good or looks trendy doesn’t mean it’s healthy for your skin. What you put on your body gets absorbed and metabolized — and that matters. I’m not a doctor or a chemist, but I am someone who pays attention to how my skin feels, smells, and stays hydrated. I don’t like feeling damp, sticky or smelly.
I want skin that feels nourished, not coated.
And while I fully believe in the joy of a good vanilla body wash or a whipped lotion moment, I also believe in reading the labels, listening to your skin, and choosing products that don’t just feel good — they are good. These recs reflect what’s worked for me and my family — what’s felt safe, soothing, effective, and in alignment with how I want to care for my body.
So whether you’re 10 or 49, breaking a sweat or battling a flare, this body care routine isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up for yourself. From armpits to ankles, you deserve skin that feels good to live in.
Because body care isn’t vanity. It’s vitality. And I’m here for it — from the armpits to the ankles. 🫶
Got questions or a favorite product I missed? I’d love to hear from you.
Drop a comment or email me hilary@sooohuman.com — let’s keep the conversation going.
XOXO,
Hilary
the human behind Sooo Human
⚠️ Disclaimer
I’m not a dermatologist or medical professional — just a skincare enthusiast and a mom doing her best. All product recommendations are based on personal research, experience, and what I actually use and allow my kids to use. Every skin type is different, so always patch test first, and when in doubt, check in with your doctor
or dermatologist.
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