Both a lotion and a balm moisturise. The difference is in how much they carry, how they feel going on, and when they make the most sense. Once you know that, choosing is easy, and you may find you want both.

The short answer

• Choose a lotion if you want something light that absorbs quickly, for every day and every season.
• Choose a balm if your skin runs dry, the weather has turned cold, or you like a richer feel in the evening.
• Use both if your skin changes with the seasons, or you want a lighter feel in the morning and a richer one at night.

What makes a lotion a lotion

Lotions contain more water and less oil than richer creams. That makes them easy to spread, quick to absorb and easy to wear under clothes, which is why they suit everyday use and warmer weather. Medical News Today describes lotion as lighter and more practical for regular use, and better suited to oily or combination skin.

Hydrate Lotion is silky and lightweight. It absorbs quickly and gives lasting hydration, so you can get dressed soon after. It is made with native Kakadu Plum, Lilli Pilli and Davidson Plum, alongside camellia seed oil, shea butter, argan, coconut and grape seed oils and aloe. The scent is lemon myrtle and tangerine with a hint of rosewood.

Use it on clean skin, morning and evening, and massage until absorbed.

What makes a balm a balm

Richer formulas have a higher proportion of butters and oils. They feel more cushioned on the skin and take a little longer to absorb. Creams and ointments generally do more for dry skin than lotions, and shea butter is one of the ingredients it lists to look for.

Nourishing Balm is an ultra-rich body cream that melts into the skin. It is made to be used all over the body, not just on the odd dry patch. It is best for drier skin, cooler months, or the evening when you have time to let it settle in. The formula combines shea and cocoa butters with argan, coconut, jojoba, camellia and sweet almond oils, plus native Kakadu Plum, Quandong, Tasmanian Pepperberry and Davidson Plum. The scent is rosewood with bergamot.

How to choose for your skin

Your skin type

If your skin feels tight or rough most of the time, start with the balm. If it is normal to oily, or you dislike any richness on your skin, start with the lotion.

The season

Plenty of people use lotion through summer and move to the balm when the heaters come on. Australian winters can be surprisingly hard on skin, especially with long hot showers and indoor heating.

The time of day

Mornings tend to suit a lotion, because it absorbs quickly before you get dressed. Evenings suit a balm, because you can let it sink in while you wind down.

Using both

You do not need to layer them every day. Alternating works well: lotion in the morning, balm at night, or lotion most days and balm when your skin is asking for more. If you do want to use both in one go on a very dry day, apply the lotion first and the balm over the top.

Common questions

Is Nourishing Balm only for dry patches?

No. It is a rich cream for the whole body. Smooth it over your arms, legs and torso, the same way you would a lotion.

Will a balm feel heavy?

It is richer than a lotion, so it feels more substantial. Start with less than you think you need and add more where your skin is drier.

Which is better for oily skin?

Usually the lotion. It is lighter and absorbs quickly, which most people with oilier skin prefer.

Still deciding?

If you would rather not choose, the Complete Body Routine includes both, along with our body wash and scrub. Or start with A Fresh Start, which pairs Hydrate Lotion with Awaken Body Wash.