Choosing a body cream is not always so simple. On the shelves we find products of all types and above all of all prices: from creams that cost a few euros to those sold for tens of euros, often accompanied by promises of intense hydration and softer skin.
And so we might be led to think that a higher price is synonymous with greater quality and that, to really take care of our skin, it is worth dipping into our wallet. But is it really like that?
He tried to answer this question Altroconsumotesting various body creams from the main brands sold in supermarkets, pharmacies, perfumeries, herbalists and organic shops. The products were evaluated from various aspects, from moisturizing effectiveness to consumer satisfaction, including ingredients, correctness of the label and packaging.
The result is interesting, in fact a direct relationship between price and quality does not emerge. Indeed, the two creams that obtained the best ratings are also among those with the lowest price per litre. In other words, to have a good body cream you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot.
Here are the three products that, according to Altroconsumooffer the best relationship between quality and price.
The 3 best body creams in the test
Taking first place is the Nivea 72h Velvety Body Cream, which gets an overall excellent rating. In the laboratory it obtained good results regarding hydration, while in the practical test it was particularly appreciated by consumers for the sensation of hydrated and soft skin it leaves after application.
Testers also liked the scent. However, there is one aspect to consider: the cream contains perfume allergens, an element to which Altroconsumo invites you to pay attention especially in case of sensitive skin, considering that a body cream is applied frequently and remains in contact with the skin for a long time.
The label was then promoted, while the packaging could be improved: according to the test, there remains a quantity of product that cannot be used completely.
The strong point is also the price. The Nivea 72h Velvety Body Cream costs on average around 14 euros per litre, almost ten times less than the most expensive cream among those analysed. It is precisely the good balance between performance and cost that makes it win the title of best value for money.
In second place we find the Nivea 72h Nourishing Body Cream, designed in particular for dry or very dry skin. Also in this case the overall rating is excellent, although slightly lower than that of the velvety cream. Laboratory tests gave good results for hydration and consumers especially appreciated the feeling of hydrated skin without a sticky effect.
The scent is also promoted, although, as with the other Nivea product, the presence of perfume allergens represents an element to keep in mind for those with particularly sensitive skin.
Here too the label was judged positively, while the packaging presents the same problem: part of the cream remains inside and cannot be used.
The average price is just under 14 euros per litre, therefore slightly cheaper than the 72h Velvet Body Cream. For a 500 ml pack, Altroconsumo indicates an average price of around 6.97 euros for this cream, compared to around 7.01 euros for the 72h Vellutante.
The Omia Argan Body Cream from Morocco concludes the podium, receiving a good overall rating. The cream positively passed the hydration test in the laboratory and was liked by consumers above all for its consistency and ease of application.
More divisive, however, is the argan oil fragrance, which did not convince all test participants in the same way. This product also contains perfume allergens.
Altroconsumo raised some doubts about the label, which presents some claims considered misleading, such as the indications “0% silicones, pegs, synthetic dyes“.
On the packaging front, the tube format was positively evaluated because it allows a greater quantity of product to be recovered compared to the pump bottles of the two Nivea products. However, there is a downside: the package contains only 200 ml, therefore, in proportion to the product, it generates more packaging waste.
The average price is around 20.28 euros per litre: around 30% more than the cheapest Nivea creams in the test, but still almost seven times less than the most expensive cream analysed.
How the body creams were tested
Altroconsumo has selected creams from the main brands present in the various sales channels. The evaluations were not limited to hydrating capacity alone. The effectiveness was analyzed in the laboratory, while a panel of consumers evaluated the practical experience and satisfaction with the products.
The experts also examined the list of ingredients, looking for any unwanted substances, the correctness of the information on the label and the environmental impact of the packaging.
The final result, therefore, not only shows how much a cream hydrates the skin, but takes into account various aspects that can be useful to consumers when making their choice, including the price per litre.
