The best body oils to keep your skin silky-smooth and gleaming
There's plenty to love about body oils. Limbs are shellacked with an other-worldly glow, a heavenly scent and natural extracts designed to soften and trap moisture in the skin.
This is important as the skin from the jaw down has less sebaceous (oil-producing) glands than our faces, which is why you’ll often find that your shins are scaly while your chin’s looking a little shiny. Not to mention, showers and baths are the death knell for moisture. Hot water strips away any natural oils, so while you may enjoy a steamy shower, your skin is unlikely to thank you for it.
So what exactly do body oils do and how can they help? Oils are essentially occlusive ingredients that form a nourishing, protective layer on the skin's surface and act as a barrier to prevent moisture from escaping. So if dry skin is a persistent issue, or exposure to air-conditioning and central heating have caused flaky patches to bloom across your skin, then a body oil can smoothly step in like a tuxedo-clad security guard.
Plus, the massaging motion you deploy to work a body oil into the skin not only feels good, but also boosts your circulation so fresh oxygen and nutrients are sent to your cells. All of which means you can trade in cracked, scratchy skin for limbs that feel plush and cashmere soft. Pretty persuasive, no?
Best body oils at a glance:
- Most Hydrating: Summer Fridays Pool Time Glowing Body Oil, £40
- Best Luxury: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle The Body Oil Silky Moisturising Oil, £62
- Best Anti-Pollution: 111 Skin Rose Gold Radiance Body Oil, £85
- Most Relaxing: Tatcha Forest Awakening Hinoki Body Oil, £61
- Best For Glow: Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil 30ml, £19
What are the benefits of using a body oil?
There are myriad benefits to using a body oil. “Firstly, it serves as an emollient that replenishes and fortifies the skin's natural moisture barrier,” says Dr Yannis Alexandrides, a plastic surgeon who is also the co-founder of 111Skin and medical director of the 111 Harley Street Clinic.
“A body oil formulated with antioxidant-rich botanical ingredients will also bestow a layer of protection, safeguarding the skin from the harmful effects of external aggressors while helping to shield against moisture loss,” Dr Alexandrides continues, adding that the scent should not be overlooked. "It's a sensorial journey that elevates not only the condition of your skin but also your overall wellbeing."
This self-care element is also important to Therese M'Boungoubaya, founder of KOBA skincare and bodycare. “As well as protecting skin from free radicals and pollution, which cause dullness and dryness, when used as a massage oil, body oils help to relieve tension and reduce aches and pains,” she explains.
Then there's the healthy glow that an oil imparts. "This is all thanks to the essential vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants found in many plant extracts,” Therese notes.
But it's the convenience of a one-and-done product that is really appealing. “One of the key benefits of adding body oils into your routine is that they are convenient; one product does it all and can be used on the hair, face, beard, cuticles as well as a massage oil," she says.
Why should we opt for body oils instead of body lotion?
Both body oils and body lotions prevent moisture from escaping through minuscule cracks in the skin barrier. “Unlike lotions, body oils do not contain any water, so they are thicker and take longer to be absorbed, making them great at locking moisture into the skin’s outermost barrier," says Therese, adding that a well-formulated oil also won't feel greasy or sticky.
“Ingredients such as jojoba and almond oil mimic the natural hydrating lipids found in our skin," she continues. "So when they're applied via a body oil, the top layers of skin treat these oils as their own.”
Should you apply body oil to wet or dry skin?
How you apply your body oil is just as important as the ingredients it contains. You can work a body oil into dry skin, but when applied to damp skin post-shower, it nourishes the skin and holds the moisture for longer.
Dr Alexandrides advises taking a small amount of oil in your palms and using upward strokes to spread it over the skin. “This technique not only boosts blood circulation, but also improves the oil's absorption,” he notes. “Coupled with the oil's nourishing properties, these strokes contribute to better skin texture and elasticity.”
Body oils are also designed to be used year-round, says Therese. “Many people opt for oils in the summer months to enhance a sun-kissed glow but they support the skin barrier to improve the texture of the skin no matter the season.”
What key ingredients should you look out for in body oils?
As with any skincare product, focus on ingredients that offer tangible benefits, says Dr Alexandrides. "These include oils rich in essential fatty acids, especially seed-based oils, as they enhance skin's natural moisture retention and strengthen its barrier function.”
Antioxidant-rich oils, including vitamin E and rosehip oil, are also key, notes Dr Alexandrides, as they counteract the damaging effects of free radicals and promote a more even skin tone. For this reason, the 111Skin Rose Gold Radiance Body Oil includes the antioxidants goldella from a microalgae strain, camellia oil and tocopherol (vitamin E) to nourish and brighten.
Theresa, meanwhile, is a fan of jojoba oil. “As general a rule of thumb, all body oils should contain jojoba oil," she says. “It is naturally-derived, super lightweight and well-known for soothing and hydrating the skin. This means it works well on all skin tones and skin types including dry, sensitive, oily and acne-prone.”
She also name checks argan, sweet almond, grape seed and sesame oils as beneficial for repair, although she warns against using a body oil laced with mineral oil. "It has a large molecular size and is not easily absorbed so it can clog your pores,” she notes.
Ahead are 29 of the best body oils that are a joy to use and smell incredible.
Best pool side accessory
Summer Fridays Pool Time Glowing Body Oil
Top Notes: macadamia, jojoba, apricot kernel and sunflower
Perfect For: long lasting hydration and to keep your skin soft and supple even post pool dive time.Save when you shop for the best body oils with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best for luxury escape core
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle The Body Oil Silky Moisturising Oil
Top Notes: Amber
Perfect For: Coco Mademoiselle EDP lovers and for those looking for long-lasting hydration and a non-greasy, supple and silky finish.Save when you shop for the best body oils with these Boots discount codes.
Best for glowing city skin
111 Skin Rose Gold Radiance Body Oil
Top Notes: Damask rose, chamomile and rosemary
Perfect For: City skin exposed to pollutants as it contains a hardworking, sophisticated blend of antioxidants to protect skin's elastin and collagen from damage, while imparting an ethereal glow.
Save when you shop for the best body oils with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best for multitasking
Koba Gold Drip Nourishing Body & Hair Oil
Top Notes: Safou, Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Grape Seed
Perfect For: helping hydrate the skin and retain its moisture powered by vitamin A, B and E. The grape seed oil also absorbs quickly to guard against UV damage, stimulate hair growth and protect against environmental damage.
Best for forest bathing
Tatcha Forest Awakening Hinoki Body Oil
Top Notes: Cedar, hiba, hinoki
Perfect For: those looking for deep relaxation and a moment of self indulgence and self preservation.Best for fully dewy glow
Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil 30ml
Top Notes: jasmine, saffron and ambergris
Perfect For: deeper boost of radiance and increase in collagen production. There are three shades to choose from with transparent bases but different coloured pearl reflects.Save when you shop for the best body oils with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best for body bronzing
Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H. body Drip Shimmering Dry Oil
Top Notes: Jojoba and avocado
Perfect For: those looking for get an instant bronzed glow head to toe.Best for instant moisture
Top Notes: Argan, Olive, avocado
Perfect For: skin in need of instant moisture and nourishment. This body oil is also delicately perfumed with the signature Moroccanoil scent. Yum.Save when you shop for the best body oils with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best reducing puffiness
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil 100ml
Top Notes: Coconut and Jojoba
Perfect For: dry skin and for reducing puffiness and tightening the skin overtime.Save when you shop for the best body oils with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best for all skin types
Top Notes: Rose, grape, apricot
Perfect For: men and women at all stages of life (from pregnant through to menopausal) to nurture and nourish skin (even the most sensitive) with a soothing blend of 100% botanical seed oils.Best fragrance-free
Top Notes: Fragrance-free
Perfect For: those looking for a nutrient-rich, organic, and cold-pressed treatment oil with no additives.Best for cashmere skin
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Florale Multi-Purpose Dry Oil 100ml
Top Notes: Grapefruit zest, Magnolia and Musk
Perfect For: being the French-girl approved multi-purpose oil to give cashmere soft hair and skin. It smells intoxicating and sinks in quick.Save when you shop for the best body oils with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best sun-kissed opulence
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil 45ml
Top Notes: Amber, Sandalwood
Perfect For: sun-kissed summer ready skin that compliments its sister fragrance for a long lasting scent, shimmer and skin nourishment.Best vegan body oil
Top Notes: Camellia, Ricinus Communis Seed, Vitis Vinifera
Perfect For: vegans who want to use an oil with a non-greasy texture that can absorb easily into the skin formulated with essential oils that give that woody, smoky fragrance.Best natural shimmer
Rituals of The Ritual of Karma Shimmering Body Oil
Top Notes: Lotus Flower, White Tea
Perfect For: those looking for a blend of jojoba, olive and safflower oil (96% naturally derived) with a subtle shimmer of pearlescent mineral particles for a radiant finish.Save when you shop for the best body oils with these Boots discount codes.
Best for sleep
The Body Shop Sleep Relaxing Massage Oil
Top Notes: Vetiver, Lavender
Perfect For: comforting full body massages to relax the body just before bedtime.
Best for golden pink shimmer
Top Notes: gentle summer scent
Perfect For: leaving skin silky-soft with a golden-pink shimmery finish.Best for after bath
L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
Top Notes: Fresh almonds
Perfect For: a nourishing hit almond oil packed with omegas 3 and 6, as it melts into skin and leaves it feeling satin smooth.Best luxurious hit of sunshine
Dior J'Adore Huile Divine Dry Silky Body & Hair Oil Spray
Top Notes: Apricot
Perfect For: a sensorial experience that can leave skin feeling soft and silky. It's designed as a spray for generous application and a lingering floral scent.Save when you shop for the best body oils with these Boots discount codes.
Best for golden hour glow
Gisou Body Oil Golden Shimmer Glow
Top Notes: Mirsalehi Honey
Perfect For: preventing moisture loss and helping to heal and nourish the skin over time.
Best for promoting skin elasticity
Top Notes: Jojoba, apricot and sunflower
Perfect For: those looking to improve skin elasticity. It also works hard to hydrate the skin leaving it with a soft and silk-smooth sheen.Best for a tan top-up
Top Notes: Jojoba, pear and pomegranate
Perfect For: An instantly bronzed and moisturised sheen to the skin, that will amplify any tan wether false or natural.Best for that French Girl sheen
French Girl Lumiere Jasmin Body Glow Oil
Top Notes: Subtle notes of jasmine
Perfect For: a lightweight oil loaded with argan, camellia and sunflower oil to nourish skin and help it glow.Best for body wellness
Aesop Breathless Body Treatment Oil in
Top Notes: Wonderfully captures blood orange fragrance
Perfect For: post bath, apply a teaspoon to warm skin and boom, you're soft as a peach and smell divine.
Best for unique scents
Top Notes: Rose, bergamot, lychee and white musk
Perfect For: a delicately fragranced oil enriched with absinthium, shea and rosehip oils that works equally well at treating thirsty hair or skin.Best affordable option
No7 Beautiful Skin Pampering Dry Body Oil
Top Notes: Slightly sweet
Perfect For: those on a budget. Complete with a handy spray nozzle, the blend of almond oil and vitamin E is quick to use, feels silky, but sinks in fast.Save when you shop for the best body oils with these Boots discount codes.
Best for vanilla lovers
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Nourishing Dry Body Oil
Top Notes: Vanilla and almond
Perfect For: A lightweight oil that mists on evenly, doesn't feel greasy and leaves skin soft and glowy.Best for holiday nostalgia
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil
Top Notes: Creamy, tropical frangipani
Perfect For: Escapism in the form of a body oil. This has a sunshine scent that'll transport you to somewhere tropical. Deeply hydrating and leads skin soft and supple.
Best for flaky skin
Caudalie Soleil Des Vignes Oil Elixir 50ml
Top Notes: Grape, pear and argan
Perfect For: flaky patches and to flood skin with moisture. The multipurpose golden elixir blend of grape, pear, sesame and argan oils can be used on cuticles, split ends and dry skin.
