Your skin is your body’s largest organ and the first line of defense against infection. So, it only makes sense that you should treat it like the priority that it is. These body oils will leave your skin feeling soft, properly moisturized, and smelling great.
Buying Guide for Body Oils
Why buy body oil?
Most people loathe having dry skin, but it can happen all too easily. Body oil is but one of many ways that you can moisturize your skin to soothe or prevent dry patches. Many people prefer body oil over lotions, creams, and even body butters because they absorb easily into your skin and can also improve the health and look of your skin with repeated use.
What should you consider when shopping for body oils?
- Texture: Not all body oils are created equal. For example, while jojoba oil and coconut oil make for excellent body moisturizers because they absorb quickly into the skin and are fairly light, castor oil is effective but heavy. Thicker oils tend to take longer to absorb and may even stain your clothing if you don’t time your application properly.
- Ingredients: If you’re a naturalist, you might prefer a single-ingredient body oil such as jojoba, coconut, or even almond oil. But body oil blends are also popular and can be ideal if you’re looking for a pick with fragrance in it. Also be mindful that having more total ingredients in your body oil can equal fewer key ingredients. For example, a body oil billed as rosehip oil but with fillers such as glycerin may mean that the actual rosehip oil used in the product is minimal. Likewise, consider whether you want other certifications such as organic, vegan, fair trade, or clean.
- Volume: Consider whether you plan on using a body oil as an all-over moisturizer or simply for concentrated areas such as knees, elbows, pregnant bellies, or hands.
- Scent: Not all body oils are scented. But if you want a scented oil, consider whether you want naturally scented or synthetic. Keep in mind that synthetic scents can be labeled as perfume or fragrance and don’t have to be fully defined.
Is body oil better than lotion?
This depends on your moisturizing goals. If you’re looking for a versatile moisturizer that can be used on your skin and hair, body oil is a better option, as versions such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, amla oil, and even olive oil can be used all over your body. Likewise, if you find that traditional lotions don’t have enough staying power to keep your skin hydrated, body oil can be a better alternative.
Our Picks for the Best Body Oils for Your Skin
Pros: A good organic oil is a great starting point if you’re ready to graduate from lotion to body oils. This jojoba oil from NOW Solutions is made with only certified organic jojoba oil—no fillers. You’ll get 4 ounces of vegan, paraben-free oil that’s also non-GMO project verified.
Cons: If this is truly going to be your daily oil for body moisturizing, 4 ounces will go fairly quickly. So, this might not be the most economical pick, but you can opt for the larger 8-ounce size.
Bottom Line: Jojoba oil is a great way to keep your hair and body properly moisturized. Upgrade to the larger size if you want to use it daily.
Pros: With a large 16-ounce container, you can’t go wrong with this faithful body oil option from Neutrogena. The lightweight sesame oil formula absorbs quickly into your skin, ensuring that your skin is moisturized without oil stains on your clothing. You’ll also appreciate that this oil is unscented and won’t leave a greasy texture on your skin.
Cons: Although sesame seed oil is high on the ingredient list, this pick does come with fillers and contains fragrance as well as parabens.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an all-over body oil that absorbs quickly into the skin and won’t leave you feeling greasy, this large 16-ounce sesame oil option is ideal.
Pros: Some people believe that stretch marks are a badge of honor. And while it’s great to be proud of what your body can do, not everyone wants to rock them. One way to help prevent stretch marks is to keep your skin properly hydrated—a tip that’s especially given to pregnant women. This body oil from Honeyskin is intended for just this purpose and contains vitamin E as well as omega 3 to soothe and replenish dry skin as well as prevent stretch marks.
Cons: Some people may feel that this oil is a bit pricey for just 4 ounces. However, there are two sizes available.
Bottom Line: Keep stretch marks at bay with a body oil specifically designed to soothe skin and keep it supple.
Pros: For those that prefer naturally scented body oils, you can’t go wrong with this pick featuring a blend of lavender, olive, and almond oils. You’ll also get an infusion of vitamin E and grapeseed oils to aid in improving the look and feel of your skin, hair, and nails. This is a vegan pick that’s also non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from parabens and preservatives.
Cons: While this pick is intensely moisturizing, some people may find that the blend of so many oils may mean that the texture is a bit heavier and takes longer to absorb into the skin.
Bottom Line: Give your thirsty skin and hair the TLC it needs with this powerfully moisturizing oil blend.
Pros: There’s no ignoring that applying body oils can feel a bit messy at times. This spray bottle version that combines oat and jojoba oil is designed to effectively nourish your skin without the greasy feeling. It absorbs quickly and is designed to be gentle, even for sensitive skin.
Cons: Some reviewers noted that while the oil is effective, the sprayer produces a stream rather than a mist, which defeats the purpose of a spray bottle.
Bottom Line: Your skin will thank you for the moisture infusion this spray body oil can provide.
Final Thoughts
Dry skin isn’t just uncomfortable to look at; it can encourage skin woes like discomfort, scrapes, stretch marks, and more. Give your skin the moisture it’s been craving with an effective body oil that leaves it hydrated and cared for.
