How to build an effective body care routine: scrubs, lotions, and treatments
By Ulta Beauty Advisors · Published August 2026
All products featured are available at Ulta Beauty. Ulta Beauty Advisors select products independently. Prices and availability are subject to change.
A complete body care routine covers five steps: cleanse, exfoliate, treat, moisturize, and protect. Done consistently, this sequence improves skin texture, may address common concerns like keratosis pilaris and dry patches, and keeps skin feeling soft and healthy from head to toe. Here's how to build one, and which product categories to reach for at each step.
Why body care deserves more of your attention
Facial skin gets all the headlines, but body skin faces just as many challenges: friction from clothing, environmental exposure, shaving, and daily cleansing that strips away natural oils. The skin on your arms, legs, and torso is often thicker than facial skin, which is why targeted ingredients need to be in higher concentrations to be effective.
A thoughtful body care routine doesn't have to be complicated. Understanding what each step does and why the order matters makes it easier to stay consistent. With regular use, you can see improvements in texture, fewer bumps, and less tightness over time.
Step 1: Cleanse
The right body wash does more than rinse away the day. Choosing a formula matched to your skin type sets up every subsequent step for success.
Dry or sensitive skin: Look for body washes with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. These humectants and barrier-supporting ingredients draw in moisture during cleansing and prevent over-stripping.
Oily or acne-prone skin: Reach for a body wash with salicylic acid (a BHA). Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it penetrates into pores to clear out buildup and help keep body breakouts in check.
Normal or combination skin: A creamy or gel cleanser with nourishing botanical oils like jojoba or squalane will cleanse without disruption.
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: Water temperature matters. Hot water removes the skin's natural oil barrier. We recommend warm (not hot) water and showers of about 10 minutes or less to protect your skin's moisture levels.
Best body wash picks at Ulta Beauty
1 of 2: Best Body Wash for Dry or Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+
Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash | $21.99
Shop La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ at Ulta Beauty →
A gentle, non-stripping foaming body wash formulated for dry, extra-dry, and sensitive skin, including skin prone to eczema. The formula is accepted by the National Eczema Association and clinically proven to provide 24-hour hydration. Shea butter, glycerin, and La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier, leaving skin noticeably soft rather than tight.
Key specs: Shea Butter · Glycerin · Niacinamide · Prebiotic Thermal Water · Fragrance-Free · Non-comedogenic
2 of 2: Best Body Wash for Body Acne, Ingrown Hairs & Rough Texture
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Body & Face Cleanser | $18.99
Shop CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser at Ulta Beauty →
This salicylic acid gel cleanser exfoliates body skin while simultaneously hydrating and reinforcing the skin barrier. The BHA (salicylic acid) penetrates into pores to clear out buildup and smooth rough, bumpy texture, while 3 essential ceramides restore the moisture barrier and hyaluronic acid adds hydration. Safe for face and body use.
Key specs: Salicylic Acid (BHA) · 3 Essential Ceramides · Hyaluronic Acid · Niacinamide · Fragrance-Free · HSA/FSA Eligible
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation removes the buildup of dead skin cells that can make skin look dull, feel rough, or contribute to ingrown hairs and clogged follicles. There are two approaches, and each has its place in a routine.
Physical exfoliation: body scrubs
Body scrubs use gritty particles (sugar, salt, walnut shell, or microbeads) to manually slough off dead skin. Physical scrubs work well on rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels. Apply to damp skin in gentle circular motions, then rinse thoroughly. Aggressive scrubbing can create micro-tears and worsen texture over time, so use a light touch.
Best for: Occasional deep exfoliation, pre-shave prep, or when you want an immediate smoothing effect.
Chemical exfoliation: AHA and BHA body washes and lotions
Chemical exfoliants dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells so they shed naturally, with no scrubbing required. The main options for body skin are:
Glycolic acid (an AHA): The smallest alpha hydroxy acid molecule, so it penetrates deeply. Glycolic acid body lotions improve overall texture, address hyperpigmentation, and help with rough patches. Best used on the body rather than sensitive facial skin.
Lactic acid (an AHA): Gentler than glycolic acid, with added humectant properties that draw moisture into skin while exfoliating. A good starting point for anyone new to chemical exfoliation or who has sensitive, reactive skin, and it is well-studied for use on keratosis pilaris.
Salicylic acid (a BHA): Oil-soluble and able to penetrate follicles. Salicylic acid exfoliating body washes are the go-to for body acne, ingrown hairs, and bumpy back skin.
Best for: Ongoing maintenance of smooth, even skin tone and texture.
Best body scrub & exfoliant picks at Ulta Beauty
1 of 2: Best Everyday Sugar Scrub
Tree Hut Vanilla Shea Sugar Scrub
Physical Exfoliating Body Scrub | $9.99
Shop Tree Hut Vanilla Shea Sugar Scrub at Ulta Beauty →
Tree Hut's body scrub combines real sucrose crystals with shea butter, colloidal gold, vanilla extract, and a 6-oil blend to physically buff away dead skin while adding moisture. Use on damp skin in gentle circular motions, then rinse thoroughly.
Key specs: Sucrose (Sugar) · Shea Butter · Colloidal Gold · 6-Oil Blend (Avocado, Macadamia, Sweet Almond, Evening Primrose, Safflower, Orange) · Vegan · Paraben-Free
2 of 2: Best Body Scrub for Keratosis Pilaris & Stubborn Texture
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Physical + Chemical Dual-Action Scrub with 10% AHA | $36.00
Shop First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub at Ulta Beauty →
Combines physical exfoliation (natural pumice buffing beads) with 10% AHA (glycolic and lactic acids) for a dual-action approach to keratosis pilaris, strawberry skin, and rough body texture. Bisabolol, colloidal oatmeal, and vitamin E are included to help minimize irritation. In a First Aid Beauty consumer study, 95% of users reported softer skin within 10 days.
Key specs: 10% AHA (Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid) · Pumice Buffing Beads · Bisabolol · Colloidal Oatmeal · Vitamin E · Cruelty-Free · Clean Ingredients · 10 oz
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: Use the KP Bump Eraser two to three times per week on KP-affected areas, followed by an AHA lotion while skin is still damp.
How often should you exfoliate your body?
Exfoliate your body one to two times per week with a physical scrub. More frequent scrubbing disrupts the skin barrier and causes irritation rather than smoothness.
AHA or BHA leave-on exfoliants (body lotions or serums with glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid) can be used three to five times per week, and some formulas are gentle enough for daily use. Start at two to three times per week and increase as your skin adjusts. Redness or sensitivity is a signal to scale back.
Step 3: Treat
Once your skin is clean and freshly exfoliated, it's primed to absorb active treatments. This is also where targeted ingredients can address specific concerns like KP, body acne, and ingrown hairs.
Keratosis pilaris (KP): rough, bumpy arms and thighs
Keratosis pilaris (those small, rough bumps that often appear on the upper arms and thighs) is caused by a buildup of keratin protein that blocks hair follicles.
Look for AHA body lotions (lactic acid at 10-15% is a well-studied concentration for KP), urea creams (10-20%), or retinol body treatments that promote cell turnover. Consistency matters. KP responds to treatment over weeks, not days.
Best Body Treatment for Keratosis Pilaris
AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Cream
Targeted KP Treatment with 15% Lactic Acid | $19.99
Shop AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Cream at Ulta Beauty →
Specifically formulated for keratosis pilaris, this concentrated cream uses 15% Ultraplex (AmLactin's proprietary blend of Ammonium Lactate, Potassium Lactate, and Sodium Lactate) for exfoliation of blocked follicles and deep hydration. Non-greasy, fragrance-free, and designed for twice-daily use directly on affected areas like upper arms and thighs.
Key specs: 15% Lactic Acid (Ultraplex Blend) · Glycerin · Fragrance-Free · Dye-Free · Paraben-Free · Dermatologist Recommended · 4.9 oz
Dry patches and rough elbows
Thick, flaky patches on elbows, knees, and ankles typically need both exfoliation and occlusive moisture. Urea is useful here because it is both a humectant (draws in water) and a keratolytic (softens and helps shed thickened skin). A body lotion or cream with 10-20% urea applied directly to rough patches can help soften them with consistent use.
Body acne
Body acne on the back, chest, and shoulders often responds well to salicylic acid body washes used daily, followed by a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. For more stubborn breakouts, a benzoyl peroxide wash used two to three times per week may help. Leave it on for a minute before rinsing to allow adequate contact time. Avoid heavy body butters on breakout-prone areas, as occlusive formulas can trap debris in pores.
Ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs are caused by dead skin trapping the hair beneath the surface. Chemical exfoliation is generally preferred over physical scrubbing for this concern. Reach for a salicylic acid or glycolic acid body lotion applied to ingrown-prone areas after showering. Exfoliating body washes used in the direction of hair growth can also help. Avoid tight clothing directly after shaving until the area settles.
Uneven skin tone and texture on the body
Glycolic acid body lotions and body serums with vitamin C target hyperpigmentation and uneven texture from sun exposure or post-inflammatory discoloration. Apply to affected areas (inner arms, decollete, thighs) after cleansing, before your main moisturizer.
Best Retinol Body Treatment
OSEA Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum
Nighttime Firming & Smoothing Body Serum | $52.00
Shop OSEA Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum at Ulta Beauty →
A nighttime body serum powered by algae-derived bio-retinol (Spirulina and Jania Rubens red seaweed). Hyaluronic acid hydrates and shea butter nourishes while you sleep. Apply before your body lotion or butter on evenings when you're not using a strong AHA.
Key specs: Bio-Retinol (Spirulina + Red Seaweed Extract) · Sodium Hyaluronate · Niacinamide · Shea Butter · Cocoa Butter · Vegan · Cruelty-Free · Clean · 4 oz
Application note: Because bio-retinol promotes cell turnover, apply SPF to treated areas the following morning. This is especially important if you're also using AHA body lotions in your routine.
Step 4: Moisturize
Moisturizing immediately after showering, while skin is still slightly damp, improves absorption. Applying moisturizer to damp skin helps seal in hydration more effectively than applying it to completely dry skin.
Choosing the right moisturizer format
Body lotion is the most versatile format. It's lightweight, absorbs quickly, and spreads easily over large areas. Body lotions are ideal for everyday use, normal to slightly dry skin, and anyone who dislikes a heavy or greasy feel. Look for lotions with hyaluronic acid (draws water into skin), ceramides (rebuild the skin barrier), or glycerin (humectant) for genuine hydrating benefits.
Body butter is thicker and richer, formulated with high concentrations of emollients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or mango butter. Body butters create a protective occlusive layer that helps lock moisture in. They're best suited for very dry skin, winter months, or targeted areas like elbows, knees, and heels. Apply sparingly to avoid a greasy finish.
Body oil sits in a category of its own. Oils don't contain water, so they can't hydrate skin on their own, but they help seal in moisture. Apply lotion first, then oil, so the oil acts as a sealant over the water-based formula beneath. If you apply oil first, the lotion's hydrating ingredients have a harder time penetrating.
Choose body lotion when: your skin is normal to moderately dry and you want a quick-absorbing, all-over formula.
Choose body butter when: your skin is very dry, you're dealing with cracked or rough patches, or you're in a dry climate or cold season.
Choose body oil when: you already have good baseline hydration and want to lock moisture in, or you love a luminous glow. Apply to damp skin for best results.
Best Body Moisturizer picks at Ulta Beauty
1 of 4: Best Everyday Body Lotion
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
48-Hour Hydrating Body Lotion with Ceramides | $14.99
Shop CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion at Ulta Beauty →
CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion uses an MVE delivery system to continuously release ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. A practical everyday option for normal to dry skin.
Key specs: 3 Essential Ceramides · Hyaluronic Acid · Glycerin · MVE Technology · Fragrance-Free · Oil-Free · Non-Comedogenic · Dermatologist Recommended
2 of 4: Best AHA Body Lotion for Texture & KP
AmLactin Daily Nourish Lotion
12% Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Body Lotion | $15.99
Shop AmLactin Daily Nourish Lotion at Ulta Beauty →
AmLactin's daily lotion uses 12% Ammonium Lactate (a pH-balanced form of lactic acid) to exfoliate dead skin cells and hydrate in one lightweight, non-greasy step. Use it in place of or alongside your standard body lotion when targeting rough skin, ashy skin, or KP.
Key specs: 12% Ammonium Lactate (Lactic Acid AHA) · Glycerin · Dimethicone · Fragrance-Free · Dye-Free · Paraben-Free · Dermatologist Recommended · 14.1 oz
3 of 4: Best Body Butter
Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter
Deeply Moisturizing Body Butter for Dry Skin | $48.00
Shop Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter at Ulta Beauty →
Sol de Janeiro's body butter features bacuri butter, cupuacu butter, shea butter, and coconut oil to support the skin barrier and penetrate deep for lasting moisture. Prebiotic hibiscus nourishes the skin's microbiome; a Brazilian Soothing Complex (copaiba resin and passionflower oil) calms stressed skin. In a 104-person consumer study, 100% agreed skin looked smoother after 4 weeks. Best applied to damp skin immediately after showering.
Key specs: Bacuri Butter · Shea Butter · Cupuacu Butter · Coconut Oil · Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid · Prebiotic Hibiscus Ferment · Squalane · Vegan · Cruelty-Free
4 of 4: Best Body Oil
Kopari Beauty Golden Aura Body Oil
Luminous Dry Body Oil with 24K Gold & Hyaluronic Acid | $42.00
Shop Kopari Beauty Golden Aura Body Oil at Ulta Beauty →
A dry body oil that blends microspheric hyaluronic acid with colloidal gold, squalane, and sunflower, shea, and coconut oils. Apply after your body lotion, not before, to seal in hydration. In a Kopari-conducted consumer study, 98% of participants noticed an immediate improvement in skin hydration. Free of PEGs, silicones, sulfates, and phthalates.
Key specs: Sunflower Oil · Shea Oil · Coconut Oil · Squalane · Colloidal Gold · Microspheric Hyaluronic Acid · Vitamin E · Vegan · Cruelty-Free · PEG-Free · Silicone-Free · 3.3 oz
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: Apply body oil while skin is still slightly damp after your lotion. On very dry skin, try warming a few drops between your palms before applying for better spreadability.
Step 5: Protect
SPF isn't just a facial-skin concern. Exposed body skin (decollete, arms, hands, legs) accumulates UV damage year-round, and that damage can show up as discoloration, texture changes, and signs of early aging over time.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ body sunscreen to any skin that will see daylight. Reapply every two hours when outdoors. If you're using a glycolic acid or retinol body lotion as part of your evening routine, daily SPF is especially important, as AHAs increase photosensitivity.
Best Body Sunscreen
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Broad-Spectrum Body Sunscreen with Antioxidants | $18.00
Shop Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 at Ulta Beauty →
Supergoop!'s flagship body sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection against UVA, UVB, and IRA (infrared) rays. The fast-absorbing, non-greasy lotion is water- and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes, suitable for both daily use and active days outdoors. Formulated with sunflower extract, rosemary extract, rice bran extract, and vitamin E. Available in multiple sizes, including a refillable 18 oz.
Key specs: Broad Spectrum SPF 50 · Water & Sweat Resistant (80 min) · Sunflower Extract · Rosemary Extract · Vitamin E · Vegan · Cruelty-Free · HSA/FSA Eligible · Refillable Option
Full body care routine example
Morning
Cleanse with a moisturizing or salicylic acid body wash (based on skin type)
Moisturize with a body lotion, applied to damp skin immediately after toweling off
Protect with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on all exposed areas
Evening
Cleanse with your body wash
Exfoliate (two to three times per week) with a body scrub or AHA/BHA body wash
Treat targeted concerns with an AHA lotion, urea cream, retinol body serum, or salicylic acid formula applied directly to problem areas
Moisturize with a body lotion, body butter, or layer lotion then oil for very dry skin
Skip SPF at night; this is your window to use retinol and AHA actives
Frequently asked questions
How often should you exfoliate your body?
Use a physical body scrub one to two times per week. More frequent use risks disrupting the skin barrier. Chemical exfoliants like AHA body lotions with glycolic or lactic acid can be used three to five times per week. Start with less frequent application and increase gradually as your skin adjusts. Redness and tightness are signs you're overdoing it.
What's the difference between a body butter and a body lotion?
Body lotion is a lightweight, water-based formula that absorbs quickly and is practical for everyday all-over use on normal to moderately dry skin. Body butter is a thick, emollient-rich formula made with ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter. It creates a stronger protective barrier and is best for very dry skin, rough patches, or cold-weather months. Which you reach for depends on your current skin needs.
How do you get rid of dry patches on your body?
Dry patches on the body respond best to a two-part approach: exfoliation to remove the thickened dead skin buildup, followed by an occlusive moisturizer to seal in hydration. Use a body scrub or lactic acid body lotion to exfoliate two to three times per week, then apply a urea cream (10-20%) or a thick body butter directly to the patch immediately after cleansing. For very stubborn patches on elbows and heels, apply body butter at night and cover with cotton socks or sleeves to maximize absorption.
What body care ingredients should you look for?
Glycolic acid: Resurfaces texture, targets discoloration, exfoliates.
Lactic acid: Gentle AHA exfoliant with added humectant benefits; well-studied for KP and sensitive skin.
Urea: Softens thickened and rough skin.
Shea butter: Rich emollient for deep moisture and softening.
Hyaluronic acid: Draws water into skin to improve hydration.
Ceramides: Rebuilds the skin barrier and locks in moisture.
Retinol: Speeds cell turnover; effective for KP and texture.
Salicylic acid: Oil-soluble BHA that clears pores and helps with body acne and ingrown hairs.
Is body oil or lotion better for dry skin?
For most people with dry skin, body lotion is the better starting point because it contains water and hydrating ingredients that oil alone cannot deliver. Body oils seal in moisture but don't add it. For very dry skin, apply a body lotion first, then layer a body oil on top. Apply both to slightly damp skin for better absorption.
Can you use retinol on your body?
Yes. Retinol body treatments and body serums are formulated specifically for body skin, which is generally thicker and more tolerant of retinol than facial skin. Retinol on the body promotes cell turnover and can help with the appearance of keratosis pilaris and uneven texture over time. Start with a lower concentration two to three times per week and apply SPF the following morning, since retinol increases photosensitivity.
What causes keratosis pilaris and how do you treat it?
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common, harmless condition in which keratin protein builds up inside hair follicles, creating small rough bumps most often on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. According to the Mayo Clinic, KP is best managed with topical exfoliants containing lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or urea to loosen the buildup, followed by consistent moisturization. Topical retinoids can also help by promoting cell turnover. Plan on at least four to six weeks of consistent treatment before evaluating results, and note that stopping treatment typically means the condition returns.
Does body care order actually matter?
Yes. Applying moisturizer to damp skin immediately after cleansing is more effective than applying it to dry skin. Treatments like AHA lotions and retinol body serums should go on before your moisturizer so actives can reach the skin without a barrier in the way. When layering lotion and body oil, lotion goes first so the oil can seal in the hydration rather than block it.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a guarantee of results. Consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for personalized skin care guidance.
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