One of each. They're not competing, they're a routine.
The short answer
Soap cleanses. Oil and butter moisturize. That's the whole split. From there, the choice between oil and butter comes down to how dry your skin runs and how much time you want to spend.
Whipped Body Butter
The richest of the three. Whipped from raw shea butter and cold-pressed oils with no water at all, it leaves a protective layer that helps skin hold on to moisture for hours. Best for dry skin, cold weather, and spots that work hard: hands, elbows, heels. Full details in our whipped body butter guide.
Body Oil
The lightest and fastest of the three. A few drops on damp skin seal moisture in with a soft sheen, no heavy layer left behind. Best for daily use, warmer weather, and anyone who wants moisture without a rich feel. Full details in our body oil guide.
Bar Soap
The one product on this list that isn't about moisture at all. Our Oatmeal Soap cleanses gently, without stripping skin the way many drugstore bars do, which makes it a good first step before either of the other two. Full details in our bar soap guide.
Can you use more than one?
Yes, and most people do. Soap in the shower to cleanse, then oil or butter afterward to moisturize is a complete routine on its own. On especially dry days, layer all three lightly: soap first, oil on damp skin right after, and a fingertip of butter over the driest spots to finish. It takes an extra minute and it's worth it.
Questions people ask
Do I need all three products?
No. Most people settle on one or two based on their skin and routine. Soap covers daily cleansing for almost everyone. From there, pick oil if you want fast, light daily moisture, or butter if your skin runs dry and needs richer, longer-lasting care.
What's the real difference between body oil and body butter?
Body oil is pure liquid oil, light and fast-absorbing, best applied to damp skin where it seals moisture in with a soft sheen. Body butter is whipped oils and butters, thicker and richer, and it leaves a protective layer that lasts for hours. Oil is the everyday option; butter is for when skin needs the heavier lift.
Which is best for very dry skin?
Whipped body butter on its own handles most dry skin well. For skin that's especially dry, layer both: body oil first on damp skin, then a fingertip of whipped butter pressed over the driest spots, like hands, heels, elbows, and knees.
Which is best for sensitive skin?
Start with the Oatmeal Soap for cleansing and the unscented Shea Blend for moisture. Both keep the ingredient list as short as possible, with no added fragrance beyond what's naturally in the butters and oils themselves.
This page shares general information about cosmetic ingredients. It isn't medical advice, and our products aren't intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. If you have a skin concern, talk with your doctor or dermatologist.