Bath & Body Works Body Butter Review

Bath & Body Works Body Butter
7.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Bath & Body Works Body Butter Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Bath & Body Works Body Butter has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.6 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Bath & Body Works Body Butter has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.6 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Bath & Body Works Body Butter

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Bath & Body Works Body Butter:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Bath & Body Works Body Butter is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 5.2 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10.0 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (est. ≈11.0%) and Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very dry skin. The occlusive profile of Bath & Body Works Body Butter suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Bath & Body Works Body Butter has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.6 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
Among others, Bath & Body Works Body Butter also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Ubiquinone, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, and Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Bath & Body Works Body Butter

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Bath & Body Works Body Butter to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Bath & Body Works Body Butter contains a moderate level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Bath & Body Works Body Butter

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Bath & Body Works Body Butter to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
11
6
4
3.5
3
1
1
1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Isopentyldiol
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-2
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxycitronellal
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Coumarin
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Pantothenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Azurite
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces/Calcium Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.2
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
19.9
11.0
6.0
1.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.2 10
5.2
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 19.9 20
10.0
11.0
6.0
1.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.2 10
5.2
All humectants
5.2
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
11
6
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 19.9 20
10.0
All occlusives
19.9
11.0
6.0
1.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.6
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %3.5
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Fragrance
Est. %1
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Isopentyldiol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Isopentyldiol

An alcohol that improves moisturization by drawing in water.

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ButterAlso known as cocoa seed butter, it is a popular emollient and occlusive moisturizer. Skincare products with cocoa butter as their main ingredient have a sweet, chocolatey scent. Cocoa butter is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Steareth-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-2A waxy, naturally derived or synthetic emulsifier that can handle extreme formula conditions such as a low pH. It offers emulsifying properties to a formula by helping oils and water to mix.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl PropanolA synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root ExtractA purple-red extract with antioxidant activity that is obtained from red beetroot.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeA fragrance ingredient that is supplied as a pale, yellow liquid. The scent it emits is very clean and features notes of violet and orris. Alpha-isomethyl is also used as a flavoring agent in lip care products and even in some foods and drinks.
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Salicylate

A fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.

Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed ButterA butter-like, occlusive moisturizing, and emollient fatty oil extracted from the seeds of Murumuru palm. It consists mainly of lauric and myristic acid, as well as smaller amounts of oleic acid.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Hydroxycitronellal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxycitronellal

A fragrant compound with a scent reminiscent of lilies and sweet tropical melon. It can be found in many different essential oils (such as palmarosa, ylang-ylang, and lemongrass essential oil) but is manufactured synthetically from citronellal.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Coumarin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coumarin

A plant-based fragrant compound that occurs in sweet-smelling grass, sweet woodruff, and sweet clover. It has a sweet and vanilla-like scent in high concentrations and a similar scent to freshly mowed grass in low concentrations.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Pantothenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pantothenic AcidAlso known as vitamin B5, this ingredient helps to restore healthy moisturization of the skin and is essential for good skin health. Due to poor stability and skin penetration, panthenol is usually preferred over pantothenic acid.
Azurite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Azurite
Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces/Magnesium FermentA biotechnological ingredient that serves to supplement magnesium in the skin. Magnesium is essential for the skin because it helps to maintain healthy elasticity and moisture levels.
Saccharomyces/Calcium Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces/Calcium Ferment
Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces/Iron FermentA biotech ingredient that serves to supplement iron in the skin. Iron is essential for the creation of DNA, oxygen metabolism, and elastin production.
Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces/Copper FermentA biotech ingredient that serves to supplement copper in the skin. Copper is essential for elastin production.
Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces/Zinc FermentA biotech ingredient that serves to supplement zinc to the skin. Zinc is essential for wound healing and the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces/Silicon FermentA biotech ingredient that serves to supplement silicon to your skin. Topically applied silicon provides a soft and velvety after-feel.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract

For the most part, shea butter extract has the same composition and uses as the regular shea butter. It is used in skincare products as an emollient ingredient.