African skin is physiologically different from that of other races. For this reason, many Nigerians have found that using just any lotion, or lotions created with Caucasians in mind, often leaves much to be desired.

With more and more Nigerians making the decision to stay away from hydroquinone, kojic acid, and other skin bleaching and lightening lotions, preferring to stick to products that nourish and moisturize the skin naturally, the question looms, “which lotions are best for African skin?” Interestingly, when asked, “Which body lotion do you prefer?” 40 percent of respondents initially replied, “Anything with shea butter” before specifying their brand of choice. It is no wonder; even our great grandmothers treasured the precious ori, which, going by our survey, is still an essential commodity in the world of black skincare today, along with its cousin, cocoa butter.

Here are the Top10 lotions Nigerian women swear by:

10. AMBI Soft and Even Creamy Oil
This product has received rave reviews for its unique blend of natural ingredients; Shea Butter, known for its ability to soften skin, and Olive Oil which provides instant relief for dry skin. The Johnson & Johnson brand is highly respected all over the world, and promises healthy looking radiant skin for users of this lotion.

9. Pears Baby Lotion
This answer came up so often, it just had to be included on this list. After the initial surprise at the number of beauty savvy women who can afford more expensive lotions but prefer to use this, it became easier to see why. Black skin is typically oiler than that of other races, and this product, prepared with babies’ tender skin in mind, is lightweight and won’t clog your pores.

8. Dermatological E-45
This product has been clinically proven to heal even extremely dry skin, and is already one of the best-selling moisturisers in the United Kingdom. Nigerian women have caught on to the magic of this non-greasy, fragrance-free formula which offers an effective way to keep the skin soft and healthy. Suitable for use all over face and body, E-45 also comes as a cream (thicker, in a tub) can be used by the whole family, including kids!

7. Dove Pro-Age Body Cream Oil
Nigerians loyal to this lotion praise it for its superb combination of two powerful moisturizers—skin-nourishing oil and rich hydrating cream. It also contains alpha-hydroxyl which eliminates old skin cells, as well as sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful rays.

6. Nivea Naturally Even Lotion
This lotion, enriched with Vitamin E and double UV filters, is reputed to reduce irregular pigmentation, restore skin’s natural even tone and radiance and protect against dark marks and light-induced premature ageing. Often featuring black models in its ads, the pocket-friendly Nivea brand is a true favourite among people of African descent.

5. Vaseline Cocoa Radiant
Cocoa butter is widely loved for the way it erases marks and scars, evens the complexion, and leaves the skin smelling great. Here it is accompanied by natural oils to moisturize while alleviating dark spots. It also contains little alcohol, which can dry African skin. Add Vaseline’s Stratys-3 Innovation (patented technology suspending moisture across multiple layers of skin) to that, and you have an all-round winner.

4. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a fragrance-free lotion that has been clinically shown to moisturize for 24 hours. It contains natural colloidal oats and shea butter, relieving itchy, extra dry skin, and endearing it to many.

3. Shea Body Butter by The Body Shop-
It is no news that Nigerian women love shea butter; it is a natural source of antioxidants and vitamins. However, many have found the fragrance (or lack thereof) discouraging. The Body Shop is trusted for its commitment to natural, ethically produced beauty products, so for those who won’t use raw shea butter directly on their skin, Shea Body Butter is the next best thing.

2. Jergens Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Moisturiser
It is proudly stated on the bottle that this lotion is blended with Pure African Shea Butter, and Nigerians have definitely taken note. Many Jergens products have been popular in Nigeria for years, but when it comes to rejuvenating the skin so that it glows and is supple, ori remains a favourite, and therefore Jergens Shea Butter takes the cake.

1. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion-
Cocoa Butter shows up again, this time paired with the trusted Palmer name. Apart from its delicious fragrance which has many Nigerians hooked on it, this lotion also contains Vitamin E, which prevents the skin from oxidation (the over-exposure of air causing the skin to dry out and appear dull.) Worthy of note is the fact that many respondents have used it from childhood!

What do you think? Which body lotion should have been on this list? Has yours been good to your skin? Do tell us; leave a comment!

What about the extracts from from palm nuts Na dat 1 sure pass 4 afrikan skin

@ OP.. u too much I use Number 2 but during harmattan I switch to E45 sharply

Correct!

Ariel20:
@ OP.. u too much I use Number 2 but during harmattan I switch to E45 sharply