The Best Body Oils Are My Secret to Hydrated and Glowing Skin

So glowy.

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Come winter, the dry skin club's membership roster grows like crazy. As an active participant in the group, I've reviewed the best body lotions, butters, and creams. But I'd like to take this moment to thank the best body oil for being silent heroes. Not only does a great body oil tackle dryness, but it also ups my skin's glow better than anything.

"Body oils are exactly what they sound like: a blend of oils meant to soften the skin and help with hydration. Body oils function primarily as occlusives and/or emollients, so they work exceptionally well to prevent trans epidermal water loss," explains board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD."

But here's the key question: Will they feel oily? Well, at least a little slip is to be expected, but that feeling will only last for a minute. The best body oils will sink into your skin quickly, leaving it soft, supple, and super glowy. Whether you’re looking for a heavy body oil to consistently provide your skin with a healthy sheen or a fast-absorbing oil for quick and easy moisture, I've got you covered. Keep reading to discover the best body oils on the market.

The Best Body Oils

Sophia Vilensky testing Goop Beauty Afterglow Oil.

Sophia Vilensky testing Goop Beauty's always great Afterglow Oil. the legs are positively glowing, promise.

(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Sophia Vilensky testing Hanni's Good Aura Oil.

Sophia Vilensky testing Hanni's wonderfully lightweight Good Aura Oil.

(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Sophia Vilensky testing Tree Hut's Twinkling Tulip Oil.

Sophia Vilensky testing Tree Hut's Twinkling Tulip Oil.

(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Sophia Vilensky testing LBDO's Mood Oil.

Sophia Vilensky testing LBDO's Mood Oil (and hoping for a massage).

(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

What Should I Look For In Body Oil?

  • Ingredients

As Dr. Zubritsky says, not all body oils are created equal. This is one of those products where, if you know what you're looking for, the ingredient list can immediately tell you what you're in for. "When choosing a body oil, look for one with ingredients that mimic or enhance our natural skin barrier, like fatty acids, cholesterol, or ceramides," she says. "This will reinforce our skin's natural protective layer."

Some go-to oils are jojoba (which closely mimics our body's natural oil), rosehip seed (rich in omega fatty acids and known to regenerate and heal skin), sunflower seed (rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant known to protect against environmental aggressors), and coconut (an excellent hydrator with anti-fungal and antibacterial properties).

  • Texture

The texture you look for when shopping for a body oil is always a matter of personal preference. You’ll typically find two main categories on shelves: Classic body oils and dry body oils. You can expect the former to be a little silkier, whereas the latter will dry down quickly without a super shimmery sheen.

"Look for a thoughtful blend of oils, preferably natural ones, that add moisture and are easy to rub into the skin without leaving a thick film or fragrance behind—which would make it cosmetically impossible to use," notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield, MD, who practices at Schweiger Dermatology Group.

  • Skin Type

While those with dry or dehydrated skin are obvious candidates, almost anyone can benefit from a body oil. Dr. Greenfield says to be wary if you're prone to body acne or have naturally oily skin already. (In this case, you might be better off using a lighter lotion instead.)

On the other hand, those with super dry or mature skin will probably love a body oil because their skin lacks natural sebum. And if you have sensitive or reactive skin? Skip the fragrance if possible! Many oils are naturally scented, but strong added fragrances won't do you any good.

An array of body oils for testing.

Some of Sophia Vilensky's favorite body oils.

(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

How Does Body Oil Work?

"Oils add in much-needed lipids that the skin may lack, especially during the dry winter months," says Dr. Greenfield. When the air is less humid in winter, moisture molecules evaporate from our skin into the air—this is called trans-epidermal water loss. When the skin isn't balanced, you can experience dull, sallow skin, tightness, or textural changes that can feel itchy and uncomfortable.

"Over time, this creates continued periods of low-grade inflammation and discomfort that contribute to premature signs of advanced skin aging—including decreases in collagen production. So, addressing the skin on our body (not just face) pays dividends in anti-aging benefits," she adds. "Using body oil can seal in the moisture, activate the sebaceous system, and protect the skin barrier, benefiting basically everyone."

Body Oils vs. Moisturizers

While body oils are primarily occlusives (which form a thick physical barrier on the skin's surface) or emollients (which strengthen and support the moisture barrier by filling in gaps), moisturizers function as emollients and humectants, adding moisture or drawing hydration into the skin. Moisturizers are also typically lighter in consistency.

The real brilliant move is to layer them, so you get the best of all three hydration methods.

How to Use Body Oil

It's best to apply a body oil immediately after showering, when your skin is still warm and damp. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, MD, says you can pat the skin dry slightly so you're not dripping, but you should be sufficiently damp to maximize hydration.

You can use a body oil alone or (this is my preferred method) alongside a moisturizer, applying the lotion or cream first and supporting its hydrating properties with your occlusive oil. "Moisturizers often have high concentrations of water-friendly (hydrophilic) ingredients. You want those ingredients to attach to skin cells, then you want to seal in that hydration (with an oil)," adds the doctor.

What Type of Oil Is Best?

There's no "best" oil. It's all about what works for you, and the greatest products often feature a mix of multiple options. "Look for a botanical blend of oils with fatty acids and antioxidants. Nutrient-rich oils are best to lock in moisture and seal the skin barrier. A great carrier oil can have blends with other active oils," explains Dr. Shamban. "Squalane, almond, jojoba, sweet almond, macadamia, flax, hemp, sunflower, and sesame are all good base ingredients to blend."

Why Trust Marie Claire

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How We Tested

Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky discovered the best body oils based on her own personal experience, Marie Claire editor recommendations, and the opinions of body oil lovers everywhere. After collecting an array of body oils, she took many mid-winter showers and—with her skin still damp—massaged them all over, evaluating each product based on texture, smell, dry down, hydration, and overall glow.

Meet the Experts

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Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky

Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in general medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, cosmetics, and pediatric dermatology. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she graduated summa cum laude from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA with a degree in Cell/Molecular Biology where she participated in collegiate soccer. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States. She then completed her medical school training at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA where she graduated at the top of her class and was inducted into the esteemed Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed a year of internal medicine training during her transitional year at Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. She then pursued her residency in dermatology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where she served as chief resident. She is passionate about all things dermatology, especially debunking skincare myths and educating the public using her social media platforms. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and serves as one of their social media ambassadors. She is also an editor for the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), the leading evidence-based peer-reviewed medical journal for dermatologists, and routinely reviews submissions for publication. She has contributed to numerous beauty articles as a skincare and dermatologic expert including Women's Health, Byrdie, InStyle magazine, Forbes, CNN, MSN, Esquire magazine, BuzzFeed, Allure, Yahoo!, The EveryGirl and many more. She has lectured at several national and local conferences and was the guest speaker for Grand Rounds at numerous dermatology residency programs across the country. Dr. Zubritsky utilizes her skills to optimize patient care and strives to form personal connections with her patients in order to build a strong, trusting relationship. She is thrilled to be providing dermatological care on the Mississippi gulf coast and surrounding areas at Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center.

dermatologist nava greenfield
Dr. Nava Greenfield

Dr. Nava Greenfield is a dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Dr. Greenfield earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College, City University of New York, where she graduated Cum Laude with honors in mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry and biochemistry.

Dr. Greenfield attended medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. She completed her internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital and her residency in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Greenfield has been published in many medical journals, including The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, the Journal of Women’s Dermatology and Pediatrics. Dr. Greenfield is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Ava Shamban poses for a headshot.
Dr. Ava Shamban

Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist who believes that appearance and self-esteem are one in the same. She dedicates herself to helping patients worldwide heal their skin to live happier lives. A California native, Dr. Ava graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She is currently a member of the ASDS, the AAD and serves on the editorial board for The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. In addition to her practices in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, Dr. Ava was also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the UCLA-Geffen School of Medicine. She lectures internationally and serves as a principal investigator on many clinical and FDA trials. She is the author of Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal (Wiley, 2011), makes regular television appearances on CBS’s The Doctors and ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and is a frequently quoted health and beauty...

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Sophia Vilensky
Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.

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