Sure, body lotions serve their purpose, but sometimes your skin is craving something a bit more luxurious. This is where the best body oils come in. Much like face oils, they’ve come a long way from the heavy and greasy formulations of old, instead, they sink in quickly to nourish dry skin, give a healthy glow, leave your limbs feeling oh-so supple and, most importantly, they smell amazing.
A couple of application tips: If you’re applying your body oil solo, massage into damp skin post-shower to lock in moisture. If you’re using it in tandem with a heavier body cream or lotion, apply the body oil as the final step in your bodycare ritual to seal in all the good stuff.
Still wary of a slick and slippery after-feel? Fear not. Our selection of the best body boils for dry skin features a new breed of body oils that deliver intensive hydration but dry down completely to leave you cashmere-soft from neck to toe. Whether you’re looking for natural ingredients or you’re after a body oil with anti-ageing benefits, there’s something for every taste and budget.
By Alice Hamilton, 23 April 2022
How we choose the best body oils
When narrowing down the best body oils, we look for silky formulas that hydrate without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. Deeply nourishing and softening, these are the ones that sink in quickly to leave your limbs super-soft in a matter of minutes. Whether used to replenish winter-worn skin, post-shaving or to lend the perfect summer glow, these body oils deliver on all fronts. As usual, your glowing reviews play an important part; when a product racks up a bunch of 5-star ratings we can’t help but take notice.
Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil
Best for: Multitasking
Good luck finding something Nuxe’s body oil can’t do. A bonafide beauty icon, this versatile oil can be used to hydrate face, body and hair. Made with 98% naturally derived ingredients, it stars a lightweight blend of restorative plant oils - Borage, St. John’s Wort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut and Macadamia - so not only does it intensely nourish, but it leaves behind an addictive holiday-worthy fragrance that lingers for hours after application. Apply straight onto skin for instant hydration, run a little through hair to add shine or add a few drops to bathwater for a spa-like vibe. We say this miracle elixir is a must-have in every beauty cabinet.
The hype: “The best daily oil I've ever used. It dries quickly and leaves a beautiful sheen to the skin without being overly oily. The smell is gorgeous - I use it to bolster my perfume.” - Francesca, customer review
Sp@Home Frangipani Monoi Body Oil
Best for: Spa treatment vibes
If you’re a sucker for an intoxicating scent, you’ll fall hard for the sun-soaked aroma in Elemis’ bestselling body oil. A sumptuous mix of Polynesian Monoi and Coconut Oils replenish your skin with long-lasting moisture, leaving behind nothing but the heady Frangipani fragrance. Massage into damp skin or work through parched strands, leaving on for 15 minutes before shampooing and rinsing - trust, the results are seriously impressive. Take note: The oil solidifies at cooler temperatures, so pop it in warm water to bring it back to a silky liquid.
The hype: “Give yourself a luxury manicure or pedicure by massaging this into nails; apply to hair and wrap it up in a warm towel for an intensive moisture boost, or use on slightly damp skin after showering to seal in moisture and leave skin silky smooth and soft - it works wonders on dry knees, elbows and ankles. Tahitian monoi (an oil made from Tahitian gardenia petals soaked in coconut oil) and frangipani flowers leaves skin with a heady, exotic scent.” - Independent
Dry Body Oil
Best for: Body oil newbies
Famed for their Argan Oil-infused haircare, it’s little surprise that Moroccanoil’s bodycare range is just as incredible. This one is a great choice if you’re adverse to the feeling of heavy oils on your skin as it delivers an intensive moisture boost without a slick finish. As well as the brand’s signature amber and light floral scent, the featherlight formula scores top marks for its ability to seal in moisture, soothe dry patches (it works wonders on scaly knees and elbows) as well as improving overall skin texture and tone.
The hype: “Beautiful smelling oil that doesn’t leave a greasy film on the skin. I wear this in place of perfume on days I don’t want to wear anything strong and always get loads of compliments. A little goes a long way as well so a bottle will last ages, and the scent lingers on the skin all day.” - Emma, customer review
Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
Best for: Splurge
If you’re feeling bougie, Tom Ford’s Shimmering Body Oil is pure indulgence. It uses pieces of platinum and gold leaf (yes, really) to leave you glowing like a real-life angel with skin that feels as silky as your satin slip skirt. Then there’s the dreamy floral, Amber and Sandalwood scent which smells so damn delicious, you’ll want to bathe in it. So, yes it is on the spennier side, but if you need to justify the splurge, this one works double-duty as an illuminating body oil and a fragrance. As luxury beauty goes, we reckon it’s definitely worth the investment.
The hype: “If you're feeling frivolous, this is the ultimate self-indulgent treat for your bod. It imparts tiny pieces of platinum and gold leaf, which leave your skin looking and feeling glossy AF. Oh, and it smells like a floral/sandalwood DREAM.” - Cosmopolitan
Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment
Best for: Unisex scent
Not just a pretty face, what’s inside Aesop’s oh-so chic bottle is just as divine. This non-greasy, aromatic body treatment mixes a trio of green and citrus oils - Geranium Leaf, Mandarin Rind and Bergamot Rind - to soften and soothe skin as well as lifting your mood at first whiff. Whether you run a few drops in your bath water or massage onto damp skin, it instantly hydrates and leaves behind the most heavenly scent.
The hype: “Aesop’s invigorating mix is chock full of oils to help alleviate anxiety and lessen fatigue. This enlivening blend of geranium leaf, mandarin and bergamot rind is perfect after a warm morning shower. Achieve blissful calm, and feel as though you've been whisked away to the Mediterranean.” - VOGUE
Perfect Night's Sleep Body Oil
Best for: PM wind down
Struggling to nod off? Set the scene with Neom’s Perfect Night’s Sleep Body Oil, which is chock full of skin-nourishing and soul-soothing essential oils to help you drift off into a soundless slumber. Made with Lavender, Sweet Basil and Jasmine, you’ll be sold at first sniff. Massage a little onto pressure points before you hit the pillow - wrists, inner ankles and the back of your neck - you’ll be amazed how well it works. Make it a fixture in your pre-sleep ritual and you’ll never want to be without it.
The hype: “Beautiful scent and just a perfect way to unwind and relax.” - Gwen, customer review
Almond Oil
Best for: Sensitive skin
A no-nonsense 100% organic Almond Oil formula, this lightweight oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants to help soothe fragile skin and prevent moisture loss. It’s extremely gentle, so one of the best body oils for babies or those with skin that’s prone to sensitivity. Rub a little between your palms before massaging the sweet-smelling oil over skin from neck to toe.
The hype: “I use Almond Oil all the time and this is the best one I've ever tried. Firstly, it smells amazing and secondly, it leaves my skin feeling hydrated for longer. I know it might be slightly more expensive, but it's honestly so much better in my opinion.” - Laura, customer review