Moisturizing your skin every day is a good habit, but to maintain it over time you also need to feel a certain pleasure in applying it. The scent of a body cream is often the deciding factor that makes us reach for the tube every morning or ignore it for weeks. But which cream can really convince, without sacrificing safety for the skin?
He thought about answering Altroconsumowhich tested 12 moisturizing body creams both in the laboratory and in real conditions of use, evaluating hydrating efficacy, texture, absorption and, of course, the satisfaction of the fragrance. The results tell us something interesting: fragrance matters, but it is not the main criterion in the choice, and it is a decidedly divisive aspect between those who prefer intense and long-lasting notes and those who opt for almost neutral products.
It should be noted that in the general ranking of the test, which also evaluated other parameters besides the scent, the positions change: the best overall is the Collistar Latte Fondente Sublime. The products selected below specifically excel in their scent and skin tolerability.
The best scented creams
Of all the creams tested, the one that won over consumers for its scent is Yves Rocher Lait Corps Réconfortant Avoine & Sarrasin (around €9.95 for 390 ml). It gives a delicate but persistent fragrance, appreciated both directly from the bottle and on the skin during and after application. It must be said, however, that it contains two perfume allergens – linalool and geraniol – so those with reactive skin should consider its use carefully.
For those looking for the best quality-price ratio, the answer according to the test is Dove Deep Hydration Body Cream for dry skin (around €4.88 for 400 ml). The scent is pleasant and delicate, although it tends to fade quite quickly. Keep in mind that this formula contains eight perfume allergens, including limonene, coumarin and benzyl alcohol, so it is best to avoid it if your skin is sensitive or prone to reactions.
The best creams for sensitive skin
The perfume is not dangerous in itself, but it can hide allergens which can cause irritation on sensitive skin, especially in products that remain in contact for a long time without being rinsed off. For this reason, Altroconsumo also identified the best options for those looking for more tolerable products.
The first is the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion (around €17.79 for 473 ml) which is completely free of perfume and allergens. Those looking for a neutral cream will find it perfect; those who need a minimum of fragrance to feel motivated to apply it every day may find it too anonymous.
Then there is the Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait (around €22.76 for 400 ml) which contains perfume but is formulated without allergens, an interesting solution for those who want a light olfactory note without risking reactions. However, the scent is very delicate and fleeting.
How the test was conducted
The test of Altroconsumo involved 12 body creams purchased in the main sales channels: supermarkets, pharmacies, perfumeries, herbalist’s shops and organic shops.
Half of the final score depends on the hydrating effectiveness measured in the laboratory with a corneometer, on at least 20 volunteers per product who applied the cream twice a day for two weeks without knowing which brand they were using. 30% of the judgment comes from the practical test conducted by 562 consumers (aged 20 to 78), who received the creams at home in anonymous containers and evaluated them on aspects such as perfume, consistency and spreadability.
The remaining 20% is divided between packaging, with extra points for those who use recycled plastic and reduce product waste, and labels. In the overall evaluation, products containing non-recommended ingredients, such as potential endocrine disruptors, were also penalized.
