I Test Pricey Skin Care for a Living, but This $8 Glow-Inducing Lotion Is My Go-To

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My beauty editor confession: I hate lotion. After a shower, the last thing I want to do is lather on a thick, goopy substance that never fully absorbs into my skin, forcing me to spend extra time rubbing it in while shivering. I know this is why my skin is perpetually dry—sometimes even scaly—but I refused to change my ways. That is, until Vaseline launched its new body serum-lotion hybrid earlier this year.

While a new Vaseline body product might not seem groundbreaking, its formula certainly is. Featuring the brand’s new antioxidant complex, which “delivers 10 times more antioxidant power than vitamin C to provide advanced beauty benefits,” according to Vaseline, this product stands out. Instead of leaving a greasy residue, it transforms into water droplets upon application, leaving the skin smooth and velvety.

Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion Supple & Soft

$8 at Amazon

As a perk of the job, I’ve had the chance to try hundreds of high-end body care formulations with steep price tags. While many of them are undeniably praise-worthy, they’re not exactly practical for everyday use—especially when you have a lot of surface area to cover. Repeatedly restocking a splurge product isn’t in the cards for me, which is why I save those for special occasions or big nights out. And that’s where Vaseline’s affordable $8 (!!!) price tag comes in. I can use it generously across every nook and cranny without wincing at the cost or questioning why I have two legs.

This serum-lotion hybrid glides effortlessly onto the skin, requiring no forceful rubbing. It absorbs almost instantly, leaving behind a subtle sheen. If, unlike me, you actually enjoy the post-shower skin care process, you can layer another body lotion or a body butter over it right away. Thanks to its lightweight texture, it pairs beautifully with heavier formulas—just be sure to apply it first. Like facial skin care, the key is layering from light to heavy.

Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion Luminous Glow

$8 at Amazon

But don’t just take my word for it—customers agree. They rave about its impressive ingredient list, which includes vitamin B3 (a.k.a., niacinamide), hyaluronic acid, ultra-hydrating lipids, peptides, and vitamin E. Reviewers have shared that they are “totally in love,” saying this lotion has “changed their life” and that “it instantly absorbs into skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated.” It works quickly as well, with one reviewer noting, “[I noticed a] difference in my skin after using it for 2 days!”

When it comes to application, one reviewer, who previously avoided moisturizing due to living on a hot, humid island, is now a convert. They describe it as “great,” adding, “It dries super fast, feels silky going on, very light. I can’t feel it on me after I’ve put it on.”

Lotions might be the beauty equivalent of getting socks for Christmas, but let’s not underestimate their importance in our daily routines—they make for a practical and thoughtful stocking stuffer. Better yet, this formula comes in two variants: Supple & Soft and Luminous Glow, both priced at just $8. You can find them on Amazon, either individually or as a duo.

Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst 2-Pack Lotion

$16 at Amazon

Read the original article on InStyle