The 18 Body Oils for the Softest, Smoothest, Glossiest Skin Ever
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We're not exactly sure how we lived without them.
InStyle / Kevin Liang
It’s one of the great mysteries of the world that so many of us are discriminating to the millionth degree about the skincare we layer on our faces, but are meh about our bodycare routines. When we’re racing to get out the door (and if we’re being honest, even when we’re not), taking an extra few minutes to coat a layer of lotion from head to toe feels like an extra step that if we skipped, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
But opting for a luxurious body oil immediately transforms the entire process from tedious, to a self-care ritual. Yet body oils are more than just an indulgent treat for your senses, particularly in winter’s driest months. Packed with super-hydrators, soothing anti-inflammatories, and powerful repair ingredients, they leave your skin feeling softer and smoother with a more luminous look. “I think of body oils as a complementary boost and really great at serving as an occlusive to seal in moisture,” says Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston. Plus, she says, they’re a pretty universal product that almost every skin type can use for instantly radiant and hydrated skin.
Best Overall: Caudalie Moisturizing Fig Body Oil Elixir
What We Love: It’s formulated to be extremely and instantly hydrating.
What We Don’t Love: The scent is on the stronger side.
After the first use of this moisturizing body oil from Caudalie, you will crave the glorious scent of fig and cedar wood that it leaves behind. While the scent is a major selling point for this oil, how quickly it smooths and hydrates your skin is the winning aspect. It works for any skin type, and particularly caters toward those who are experiencing dryness, loss of firmness, and elasticity. It’s formulated with amazing ingredients such as prickly pear oil, grapeseed oil, and argan oil. The antioxidant-rich formula is extremely lightweight and works to seal in moisture while nourishing and smoothing your skin.
While the scent is more on the delicate side, the cedar wood may be a little too strong for some, but perfect for others. Scent aside – this body oil will help your skin feel luxurious for hours after applying. It glides on beautifully while your skin is slightly damp, and will hydrate your skin to prevent dryness.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Prickly pear oil, grape seed oil, argan oil｜Scent: Fig and cedar wood｜Size: 3.4 oz
Best Budget: Bio-Oil Natural Skincare Oil
What We Love: It features soothing oils and collagen-boosting vitamins.
What We Don’t Love: A little does not go a long way.
There’s a reason why this favored bottle of soothing oil is a go-to for celebrities like Meghan Markle, Kim Kardashian, and Kristin Chenoweth — it just works. And not only for celebrities, either.
This beloved formula targets discoloration, it helps to visibly even out skin tone, fade stretch marks, and reduce the appearance of appearance of scarring on the skin. “The natural plant oils and extracts in the formula are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory benefits,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Karp. A cocktail of soothing oils, like chamomile, lavender, and sunflower, along with collagen-boosting vitamins A and E, come together for a silky, light oil filled with powerful skin-loving goodness that feels simply divine on skin. Added bonus: All that skin-coddling magic can be yours for less than $10.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Chamomile oil, lavender oil, sunflower oil｜Scent: Light, earthy｜Size: 2 oz
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula
What We Love: It provides a sheer, healthy looking glow that lasts for hours.
What We Don’t Love: The product can pour out quickly, possibly creating a mess.
This body oil is perfect for anyone who is interested in creating their own spa right at home. Not only is the scent of this body oil refreshing, it feels wonderful once applied on your skin. A little goes a long way with this oil, which makes it that much more captivating considering the size of the bottle. If you're the type who hates the oppressive feeling of a thick layer of moisture on top of your skin, this oil feels incredibly lightweight and sinks in fast.
While there are a plethora of benefits for your skin when you use this body oil, its best quality is the fact that it can hydrate your entire body in ways other brands just can’t. After applying, your skin will look its healthiest, giving you a natural-looking glow you’ll become obsessed with.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Sesame oil｜Scent: Sesame｜Size: 8.5 oz
Best Body Oil with SPF: Supergoop! Glow Body Oil SPF 50
What We Love: It’s a more protective option as it is formulated with SPF 50.
What We Don’t Love: This oil may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Unless your skin is very sensitive, especially to SPF, there's not much to dislike about this glowing body oil from Supergoop. The oil is ultra-hydrating and infused with skin loving ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil, marigold extract, and grapeseed oil. Together, they work to nurture and soothe your skin while protecting it from environmental aggressors.
The greasy feel you may have experienced from other body oils is nonexistent with this one. Once you apply it to your skin, you’ll notice a brilliant glow. If you have dull, uneven texture, or dark spots, this oil will work to diminish them, all while protecting your skin from UV damage with SPF 50. This body oil is extremely lightweight, silky, and is water-resistant – making it perfect for year round use, but especially in the summertime. This is perfect for those who love to travel to warmer climates and enjoy the outdoors.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, grape seed oil, marigold extract｜Scent: Fruity｜Size: 5 oz
Best for Stretch Marks: Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil
What We Love: The silky formula absorbs quickly into the skin.
What We Don’t Love: The fruity-citrus scent may be too sweet for some.
If you’ve ever hesitated to use body oil for fear of leaving your sheets or clothes covered in a film of grease, this fast-absorbing formula is made for you. The lightweight oil soaks into skin impressively fast, leaving skin feeling hydrated and conditioned, instead of suffocated in a coat of grease. The formula is infused with antioxidant-rich seaweed – and is so true to form, you may find seaweed sediment floating in the bottle – which helps to soften and firm the skin. The conditioning oil soothes dryness on contact and overtime even helps visibly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, leaving skin looking healthy, hydrated, and with a pretty, natural glow.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Undaria seaweed, white lupin, botanical oil blend｜Scent: Fruity, citrus｜Size: 5 oz
Best for Stress Relief: Tatcha The Hinoki Hydrating Body Oil
What We Love: The oil adds lasting hydration to rough and dry skin.
What We Don’t Love: It’s pricey for the size.
This mood lifting and hydrating body oil is proven to ease stress, lift your mood, and seal in moisture each time you use it. It’s a must-have two-in-one product you’ll love incorporating into your body and self care routine. The body oil is made with a natural hinoki oil blend to lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling supple, as well as a forest awakening essential blend to lift the mood and release any stress you're experiencing.
If you are struggling with extremely dry skin, combining this oil with your favorite hydrating lotion will create a duo your skin will absolutely love. After applying the product, you’ll notice your skin looking revitalized and glowy. With a spa-like scent, it's an all-around indulgent treat for all the senses, and it's truly perfect for long, stressful days. Layer on with abandon your rough patches will thank you.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Natural hinoki oil blend, forest awakening essential oil blend｜Scent: Woody and earthy｜Size: 3.8 oz
Best Natural: Alo Head-to-Toe Glow Oil
What We Love: It will visibly brighten your skin right after you lather it on your body.
What We Don’t Love: The bottle is on the smaller side.
Finding a product that will actually help your skin appear brighter can be tricky, especially if you have sensitive, dry, or rough skin. This body oil will promote an even-looking skin tone and texture, while adding a noticeable and lasting luminosity. While it’s amazing for your skin, you can also use it in your hair and on your face for literal full body hydration and radiance.
This all-over skin nourishing body oil will deeply hydrate your skin each time you apply it. The scent is a mix of healing turmeric and soothing aloe vera, along with marula and avocado oils, topped with a sun-warmed citrus, scent, you'll feel like you're in a tropical paradise – and you'll glow like it, too.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Amla superberry, turmeric, marula oil｜Scent: Fresh｜Size: 3.2 oz
Best Dry Oil: Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil
What We Love: The formula is especially calming for dry, irritated skin.
What We Don’t Love: The orange-bergamot scent may not be for everyone.
There’s a reason Oprah stands behind this silky body oil, and one slather of the silky antioxidant-rich blend is enough to understand why. A small amount of this body oil, mixed with a splash of water in the palm of your hand, creates a milky texture that feels buttery-soft when applied to skin. There’s a blend of power-hydrators at work here, including French plum seed oil, avocado oil, and sunflower oil, along with fermented red ginseng to help calm skin and reduce any inflammation.
The fast-absorbing oil leaves skin supple and hydrated, rather than transferring grease stains onto your clothes or sheets. And how could we forget the scent? A delicate mixture of orange blossom and bergamot — subtle, calming, and immediately transports us (mentally) to a luxurious spa in the Maldives.
Type: Dry｜Active Ingredients: Avocado oil, plum seed oil｜Scent: Light citrus｜Size: 4.2 oz
Best with Shimmer: Sol De Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Oil
What We Love: The long-lasting glow.
What We Don’t Love: The formula can feel a bit greasy.
If you could bottle up a tropical getaway into a beauty product, this bottle of shimming gorgeousness would be it. It delivers that sought-after post-vacation glow in seconds and sends your senses on a dreamy – although temporary – mental escape to a land of white sand beaches and a sweet ocean breeze. The deep conditioning oil is formulated with coconut oil, açaí oil, and cupuaçu butter, which add a rich and pampering texture that leaves your skin feeling pillow-y soft.
The shimmer effect thankfully steers more luminous glow, than shiny glitter bomb, and looks tasteful and sophisticated head to toe. Add in the brand’s signature sweet (but not too-sweet) vanilla, jasmine, and salted caramel scent, and you complete the sensory daydream each and every time you apply it.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, açaí oil, and cupuaçu butter｜Scent: Warm vanilla gourmand｜Size: 2.5 oz
Best Smelling: Ellis Brooklyn SUN FRUIT Glistening Golden Body Oil
What We Love: It has a luxurious sun fruit scent that can also serve as your everyday fragrance.
What We Don’t Love: The bottle opening may lead to a messy application.
If you’re looking for a body oil that has a noticeable scent, this is the perfect product for you. Each time you apply it to your skin, you’ll feel like you just spent the day on the beach. The formula is a golden color, and is made with squalane to visibly soothe any redness, jojoba oil to hydrate, and calendula flower extract to further enhance hydration.
The fruity aroma of this body oil may not be enjoyable for those who are sensitive to stronger scents and have sensitive skin. If your skin falls within the “normal” category of skin types, you may quickly fall in love with this oil. It leaves a beautiful sheen on your skin, and your skin will feel softer than ever. When you apply it to the parts of the body where you have the most dry spots, you’ll quickly notice the oil sinking in and adding hydration to your skin. Avoid applying it near cuts or open wounds as it is a perfumed product.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Squalane, jojoba oil, calendula flower extract｜Scent: Fruity florals｜Size: 3.2 oz
Best for After Shower: Oui The People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss
What We Love: It absorbs into your skin quickly and doesn’t require drying time.
What We Don’t Love: The scent fades pretty quickly after application.
Your skin barrier can always benefit from a little boost, and this body oil meets serum will do exactly that. It’s formulated to work quickly, and once you apply it to your post-shower skin, it absorbs into your skin in the blink of an eye and doesn’t need a few minutes to dry. This body oil is a little more intense than others – meaning it will hydrate even the driest skin, while helping your skin improve how it retains moisture.
After each use, you’ll be impressed with how soft, firm, and healthy your skin looks and feels. This could partly be due to the ingredients that make up the product – plant-derived squalane, rosehip seed oil, and organic avocado oil. These three hero ingredients will help your skin thrive in ways you’ve always dreamed of. Think: Brighter skin, even-looking skin tone, and healthy skin barrier.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Plant-derived squalane, rosehip seed oil, organic avocado oil｜Scent: Orange blossom｜Size: 3.3 oz
Best for Pregnancy: Mutha Body Oil
What We Love: The packaging is aesthetically pleasing and will also serve as a chic decor piece in your bathroom.
What We Don’t Love: It’s on the more pricey side compared to other options.
If you’re really looking to invest in your skin, Mutha Body Oil is exactly what you need. The moisture this body oil provides your skin with is unmatched. Think of it as an IV drip of moisture for your skin. After each time you apply it, your skin will absorb the product and relish in its moisturizing benefits. It’s so good, you’ll want to bathe in it.
The trio of rosehip oil, jojoba oil, and botanical seed oil blend make up the body oil to deliver a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins C, A, and E. They work to repair your skin and with healing processes with any imperfections. Since it’s made with such moisturizing properties and zero fragrance and perfumes, it’s perfect for any skin type – especially those with sensitive skin.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Rosehip oil, grape seed oil, apricot kernal oil｜Scent: Citrus and fruit｜Size: 3.4 oz
Best for Firming Skin: Costa Brazil Sol Sunlight Body Oil
What We Love: The oil helps to enhance the appearance of firm skin.
What We Don’t Love: If you don’t shake it before using, the product may not distribute evenly on your body.
The deeply hydrating body oil from Costa Brazil absorbs deeply into your skin and doesn't leave that unpleasant greasy feeling other oils may leave behind. It’s formulated to help your skin boast in radiance every time you apply it to your skin. It’s hydrating, and feels silky smooth as you’re lathering it on your body.
After each use, you’ll feel like you spent the whole day under the sun. While the sun-kissed look is appealing, what’s even better is that it helps soften the appearance of fine lines and works to add firmness to your skin. Massage it in circular motions all over your body and embrace the natural looking, full-body luminosity. Formulated with cacay, kaya, and bacuri butters, it's a delicious treat for all skin types, but especially for those with very dry skin or live in harsh winter climates.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Kaya oil, cacay oil, pataua seed oil｜Size: 100 ml
Best Anti-Aging: Tata Harper Skincare Revitalizing Body Oil
What We Love: It glides smoothly and beautifully onto skin.
What We Don’t Love: We appreciate the pump dispenser, but ours got clogged.
Packed with a luxurious blend of antioxidants, your skin will thrive after applying this body oil to your body. If anti-aging is your goal, apply this oil from Tata Harper to your entire body to experience its moisturizing and toning properties. Your fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven looking skin will seem to bounce back and look more radiant and firm.
Use it on damp, post-shower skin to truly revitalize your skin. It’s formulated to promote microcirculation and oxygenation, and nourish your skin with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. After one use, your skin will noticeably look and feel softer and smoother. After incorporating it into your daily routine, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Evening primrose oil, Camellia oil, estate grown beauty complex｜Scent: Floral｜Size: 4.1 oz
Best for Eczema: Goē Oil All-Over Body Oil
What We Love: It does its best work on very dry and sensitive skin.
What We Don’t Love: It takes a second to get used to the thick consistency.
A little goes a long way with this superior grade body oil, and you can’t Goē wrong with it. The thicker formula is different from other body oils, but don’t let that steer you away from this quick absorbing product. Its texture is lighter than body butter, but lasts longer than a moisturizer, and works as a body oil. The thicker formula is perfect for those who experience eczema flare ups as it helps soothe rough patches and dry skin. You can use it from your head to your heels — anywhere you want to ensure you’re moisturizing.
It’s made with a combination that is more intricate than others: 28 plant, fruit, and flower oils, as well as butters which all work together to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance. To replenish your sebum, Goē infused the body oil with omega and phytoceramide-rich rosehip, hemp, meadowfoam, and rice bran oils, as well as a number of vitamin packed ingredients like avocado, grapeseed, and jojoba oil.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Rosehip oil, hemp oil, meadowfoam seed oil｜Scent: Floral｜Size: 3 oz
Best for Sensitive Skin: Environ A, C, & E Body Oil Forte
What We Love: It can treat sun damaged skin anywhere on your body.
What We Don’t Love: The oil feels greasy at first.
The star ingredients in this body oil help nourish and relieve sensitive skin, and all of its accompanying effects, like rough and scaly patches or redness. Using this rich oil will also assist in softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving uneven skin tone.
Because of its nourishing ingredients, it’s also ideal for those who have more problematic skin as it will add hydration and shine to it. Once you implement this oil into your skincare routine, the appearance of your skin will be impeccable. Think glowing, soft, and supple. The most important benefit of using this oil? How healthy your skin will look. For exceptionally soft skin, coat skin with an onerous layer of Enviorn Derma Lac, an exfoliating oil, to neutralize bumps and ketosis pilaris, for an even base.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Jojoba oil｜Scent: None added｜Size: 3.38 oz
Best for Summer: Hanni Water Balm Custom Hydration Body Moisturizer Mist
What We Love: You can easily add more layers of moisture with a few extra mists,
What We Don’t Love: It’s not as long-lasting as other body oils.
This Hanni Water Balm Hydrating Moisturizer Mist takes a different spin on normal body oils. It’s a weightless mist that feels like water on your skin. Spray it once to mimic using a light lotion, twice for a body cream, and three times for a body balm. The misting allows for no residue to be left behind, and it ensures your entire body is being deeply moisturized. It also allows for a mess-free application, which is perfect for those of us who are more accident prone.
The spray is packed with all the moisture you can imagine, and works well with all skin types, but especially those with oily skin. It’s formulated with a “moisture mesh” technology which works to keep skin nourished. The spray is also formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and red algae extract. They work together to ensure your skin is hydrated each time you use it.
Type: Wet｜Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, red algae extract｜Scent: Warm and spicy｜Size: 6.76 oz
What to Keep in Mind
Your Skin Type: Knowing your skin type and concerns before using a body oil is vital for your skin health. For instance, “if you have dry skin a body oil may be helpful,” board certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick explains. “But for those with oily skin, a body oil may not be necessary,” she adds that those with sensitive skin should “always be cautious when using a body oil to minimize the chance of sensitivity.”
Your Skin Concerns: Different body oils may target different concerns. For example, “some body oils may be better for those with discoloration, while others may be suited for those with dry skin,” Dr. Garshick shares.
“It’s always best to understand your skin’s needs to choose the best oil to address those needs,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce. She says “if you are prone to eczema or sensitive skin, you might consider a body oil with anti-inflammatory properties like safflower oil, and without fragrance.”
If you’re focused on anti-aging, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Heidi B. Prather says her favorite oils are ones made with jojoba oil, olive oil, and almond oil. Those who have acne-prone skin, you’ll want to make sure you’re using an oil that is non-comedogenic.Conditioning Ingredients: You should keep an eye out for body oils made up of high quality ingredients, which is often found in high quality products. These often contain grapeseed or rosehip oils, as well as jojoba, moroccan, argan, sunflower or safflower oil. It’s ideal to look for a product with these ingredients because they all have unique properties to improve skin quality.
“If you have sensitive skin or eczema prone skin, you may want to steer clear of heavily fragranced products,” says Dr. Prather. Sticking to the body oils that are formulated with safflower and cold-pressed coconut oils are beneficial to eczema prone skin, as they won’t irritate your skin.
While heavily fragranced products may smell wonderful, they pose an allergy and irritation risk for sensitive skin. If your skin is sensitive in any way, avoid essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, and lemon.
Your Questions, Answered
Do dermatologists recommend body oil?
In short – yes, they do recommend body oil. “Board-certified dermatologists are the experts when it comes to recommending products that improve the skin barrier, and body oils are one way to achieve this,” Dr. Geddes-Bruce explains.
While there is a role for body oils to help soften and smooth the skin, Dr. Garshick says that those with eczema or dry skin “may find that dermatologists recommend moisturizing creams or ointments that contain ingredients like ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and lock moisture in.” She explains that since some body oils contain fragrance, “it is important for those with sensitive skin to be cautious when using them.”
Is it better to use body oil on wet or dry skin?
“Body oils can be used on damp or dry skin, with best absorption on damp skin,” explains Dr. Prather. One of the properties of body oils is to prevent water from leaving our skin, so using it after a warm bath or shower would be best.
Is body oil better than moisturizer?
Not necessarily. “Body oils aren’t better or worse than lotions or gels – it all depends on your skin’s specific needs,” explains Dr. Geddes-Bruce, adding that for very dry skin types “oil-based products are superior at moisturizing.”
Can you use body oil and body lotion together?
Absolutely! “Body oils and moisturizers can both be incorporated into a routine, as moisturizers draw moisture into skin via humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin," says Dr. Garshick. She adds that formulas with ceramides to complete the trio of hero humectants, the skin barrier is strengthened and restored. Body oils, however, come into play to lock that moisture within the skin and seal the hydration, she says.
Why Shop With Us
Sydney Wingfield is a beauty writer and has over five years of experience in the beauty industry. For this article, she interviewed board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, and Dr. Heidi B. Prather, and Dr. Marisa Garshick to help determine what body oils work best for various skin types and concerns. Lindsay Colameo contributed to reporting by interviewing Dr. Ranella Hirsch.
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