This Body Lotion Doubles as My Signature Summer Scent

There’s no shortage of body lotions promising silky-soft skin, but very few feel like they transport you somewhere else the moment you smooth them on. That was my first thought when I tried the Santu Body Lotion ($42)—an NB100 Winner. Inspired by the landscapes, botanicals and wellness traditions of Mexico, the luxurious formula not only hydrates dry skin but also offers a mental getaway, even for the minute or two it takes to massage in. Here’s my honest review.

The Benefits of Santu’s Body Lotion

Available in three distinct scents—Lima Mexicana, Coco Corazón and Jazmín Tropical—the lotions all share the same nourishing formula and cushiony texture. Shea butter and cocoa butter replenish lost moisture and soften rough patches, while aloe vera delivers an instant soothing effect that’s especially welcome after a beach day or time spent in the sun. Vitamin E adds antioxidant support to help defend the skin’s barrier, and jojoba esters help lock in hydration without a heavy, greasy feel. The addition of caffeine—an ingredient I always look for in body care—helps give the skin a smoother-looking finish and subtle glow.

The standout ingredient, however, is copal oil, a botanical resin long used in Mexican culture for ceremonial and wellness rituals. Santu Beauty incorporates the ingredient throughout its body-care collection for its calming, skin-conditioning benefits, while also using it as part of the brand’s broader philosophy of encouraging mindful, intentional self-care. It’s an ingredient you don’t often see in body lotions, and it gives the formula a unique identity that sets it apart from the many body-lotion options on the market.

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Back to the scents, which are another major selling point. Each fragrance tells its own story: Lima Mexicana (my personal favorite) combines Mexican lime with eucalyptus and rosemary for a crisp, energizing scent; Coco Corazón combines coconut, Mexican vanilla and Guerrero coffee, giving it dessert-like vibes without being overly sweet; and Jazmín Tropical blends pineapple, mango and jasmine into a bright, juicy floral. None of them smell synthetic, either. Instead, they wear more like subtle perfumes that linger on the skin.

The packaging also reflects the brand’s emphasis on conscious beauty: It is free of microplastics and designed with sustainability in mind. The bottom line: This is a luxurious, eco-conscious body lotion that will layer well with your perfume (or replace it) and quench dry skin without leaving a greasy residue.