The best body oils are lightweight, hydrating and nourishing, often giving skin a beautiful sheen. Oils can also strengthen the skin barrier and deliver radiance-boosting antioxidants for long-term benefits. From the wildly popular L’Occitane Supple Skin Body Oil to the budget-friendly SheaMoisture Coconut And Hibiscus Body Oil, our top picks keep your skin feeling soft and supple.
In choosing a body oil, look for ingredients like vitamin E, squalane or hyaluronic acid for deep hydration that won’t irritate sensitive skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should generally avoid options with comedogenic (or pore-clogging) ingredients like coconut oil. After consulting with Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung and medical expert Dr. Azza Halim, we’ve rounded up the best body oils that hydrate, nourish and soften skin.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of skincare stories. These include bodycare topics like the best body scrubs and top self-tanners.
- Author of this piece Joline Buscemi is a beauty reporter with six years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle topics.
- This story was assigned and produced by deputy editor Jane Sung, who leads the beauty and grooming category and has 15-plus years of experience covering lifestyle topics.
- Buscemi also gathered key insight and guidance from Dr. Azza Halim, a board-certified physician and anesthesiologist.
How We Chose The Best Body Oils
To select the best body oils, we carefully evaluated options from top retailers and brands, including L’Occitane, SheaMoisture, Retrouvé and more. We also consulted experts on product recommendations and insights on what to look for.
- We prioritized formulas with active ingredients that hydrate, soften and nourish without leaving any greasy residue.
- Our final list includes options for different skin types and concerns, ranging from dry to aging skin.
- Additionally, our experts Halim and Sung made recommendations based on their experiences, while customer reviews were examined for standout product traits.
- As everyone’s budget looks slightly different, we included affordable and luxury options.
What To Consider In A Body Oil
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best body oils. These formulas are highly versatile and can often be used for more than hydrating dry elbows and knees. “Some oils contain antioxidants and non-comedogenic ingredients that can benefit the skin, scalp and hair—even for sensitive or acne-prone skin types,” says Halim. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Ingredients
Most formulas contain a blend of different oils, and Halim recommends jojoba, coconut, argan and rosehip oils. Jojoba oil is known for most closely resembling our skin’s natural oils and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Coconut oil hydrates and softens and has antimicrobial benefits—it’s worth noting though that it’s comedogenic so it should be avoided by anyone with oily skin or prone to conditions like bacne.
According to Halim, those with mature skin should look for blends that contain argan oil. “It nourishes and moisturizes the skin while improving elasticity to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. Rosehip oil can also be beneficial, as it contains vitamins A and C, which can brighten, repair and hydrate. “These oils work together to provide deep hydration and nourishment, and the antioxidants can improve overall skin health,” says Halim.
Fragrance
Fragrance is deeply personal; not all oils have a strong or lasting scent on their own, but some products contain added fragrance to enhance the scent and experience. This can come in the form of synthetic fragrances or essential oils, which can have skin-boosting or aromatherapy benefits of their own. If possible, test out a body oil in person to see if the fragrance is right for you. Common scents include citrus, warm vanilla and earthy, herbal blends that can promote relaxation.
Application
“The best time to use body oil is typically after a shower or bath when skin is still slightly damp for better absorption and to seal in moisture,” says Halim. It can also be used as a preventative measure. “Using body oil before swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water can help create a protective barrier on the skin and prevent it from drying out,” says Halim. Plus, it has the added benefit of making skin look glowy, and even more so if you opt for a body oil with subtle shimmer like the Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil.
What Is The Best Body Oil To Use?
The best body oil for you largely depends on skin type and personal preference. For a top pick with a warming scent, you can’t go wrong with the L’Occitane Supple Skin Body Oil. If you’re looking for an oil that also doubles as a perfume, the Ellis Brooklyn Myth Spectacular Scented Body Oil is a great option. Both picks contain nourishing and hydrating ingredients that leave skin feeling soft, supple and smooth.
What Body Oil Is Best For Mature Skin?
“For aging or mature skin, it’s beneficial to use oils that deeply hydrate, nourish and firm. Proper hydration can improve elasticity and skin's overall appearance,” says Halim. Argan, rosehip, jojoba and marula oil are all good ingredients to look for. Argan and jojoba oils are deeply hydrating, and marula oil is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Rosehip oil contains vitamins A and C, which can help with hyperpigmentation and stimulating collagen production. Many of our top picks contain a blend of these oils.
What Is The Best Oil For The Body?
Jojoba, grapeseed, safflower, argan and rosehip are all ideal oils to use on the body. “These oils are great if you’re looking for ingredients that penetrate the skin efficiently, providing hydration and nourishment without leaving a heavy or greasy feel,” says Haim. Additionally, look for products labeled “dry oil” or described as having a non-greasy feel.