How does this cream differ from a regular body lotion, and when would I choose one over the other?

A body lotion is typically a water-in-oil emulsion with a lighter feel, designed for normal to slightly dry skin that just needs daily hydration. This cream has a thicker, more occlusive texture because it contains a higher proportion of oils — specifically 100% organic Inca Omega Oil (source of Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids) plus a blend of other oils — that work to replenish the lipid layer of the stratum corneum. That lipid layer is what slows transepidermal water loss; when it's depleted, skin feels rough, tight, and prone to flaking after showering, in heated rooms, or in cold weather.

Konjac Mannan, a plant-derived polysaccharide, adds a water-binding capacity that gives the cream a cushioned, supple after-feel rather than a greasy film. In practice, you'd reach for this cream instead of a lotion when: your shins, elbows, or forearms feel coarse or look ashy; skin feels "tight" within an hour of showering; you're in a low-humidity season (winter heating, summer AC); or after prolonged water exposure (swimming, long baths) that strips surface lipids. If your skin is only mildly dry and you prefer a quick-absorbing fluid, a lotion is fine. If you need barrier reinforcement plus hydration, the cream is the stronger tool.