If you're part of the dry skin club (hi, yes, me), you know the importance of hydration. Body lotions, serums, and creams are likely your MVPs—and they should be. But if you’re looking to treat your skin (and get a little glowy while you’re at it), the best body oils are going to be your best friend. There are dry oils, shimmery oils, extra-nourishing oils—anything to suit your bodycare taste. Not to mention, the skincare benefits are plentiful.
“Body oils sit on top of the skin and act almost as a barrier to occlude the skin and prevent trans-epidermal water loss,” explains board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD. “Body oils help to make the skin soft and supple, while adding an immediate glow to the skin.” In short: It’s a win-win.
Given the laundry list of pros, I’m going to assume you’re interested in adding the best of the best to your routine. I’m happy to report that you’re in luck. I, along with the rest of the Marie Claire team, have tried dozens over the years. Whether you’re looking for a glowy oil to consistently provide a healthy sheen or a fast-absorbing oil for quick and easy moisture all over, I’ve got you covered. Without further ado, read ahead to shop the 12 best body oils on the market right now.
The Best Body Oils
- The Best Body Oil Overall: Lux Unfiltered N°30 High Gloss SPF 30 Oil
- The Best-Smelling Body Oil: PHLUR Missing Person Body Oil
- The Best Luxury Body Oil: Irene Forte Sage Body Oil With Arnica & Hypericum
- The Best Post-Sun Body Oil: Rahua Enchanted Island Body Glow Serum
- The Best Soothing Body Oil: Kopari Golden Aura Body Oil With 24k Gold & Hyaluronic Acid
The Lux Unfiltered N°30 High Gloss SPF 30 Oil is the best in the game. Thanks to SPF and skin-barrier-supporting ingredients—like jojoba seed and grapeseed oils—it protects while adding an occlusive layer to the skin, resulting in a healthy, soft, glowing complexion.
Finish: High gloss
Scent: Neroli with notes of orange flower and driftwood
What I Love: Hydrating; Adds instant color and shimmer; Doubles as sun protection; Long-lasting; Cheeky packaging copy
What I Don’t: Plastic packaging feels flimsy
Review for MC: “Complementing a tan, refining skin texture, and adding a glow to any look, this oil has become my go-to. The smell, the shimmer—the way I feel as I glisten—all contribute to the gift that is Lux Unfiltered's formula.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Beauty Writer
Malcia Greene uses Lux Unfiltered N°30 High Gloss SPF 30 Oil
Phlur's Missing Person Body Oil is a blend so unique and fragrant that nothing else on the market compares. Its light floral musk mixed with top notes of jasmine, a heart of fresh cyclamen and neroli blossom, and a base of sandalwood is a delicious and mysterious blend that ups the ante on the matching perfume. It's the go-to for Marie Claire Beauty Director Hannah Baxter as well.
Finish: Silky
Scent: Floral musk (bergamot nectar, orange flower, blonde wood)
What I Love: Subtle finish; Scent is sweet without overpowering; Works well for layering other fragrances; Body oil is more affordable than the perfume; Chic glass bottle
What I Don’t: Wish the formula were a tad thicker
Review for MC: “When my skin needs a boost of moisture or vitamin C, I turn to PHLUR. I turn to it as a base when layering with stronger florals. It dries down quickly and leaves a shiny—but not greasy—residue.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Beauty Writer
Malcia Greene uses Phlur Missing Person Body Oil
The Irene Forte Sage Body Oil With Arnica & Hypericum raises the wellness bar for every post-workout everything shower. Irene Forte’s formula, housed with alleviating ingredients like arnica and hypericum, calms both my muscles and my mind.
Finish: Dry
Scent: Sage
What I Love: Lightweight; Supports muscle recovery; Cooling
What I Don’t: Expensive
Review for MC: “One of my friends used this oil after massaging a knot out of my back and I've been hooked ever since. It's basically luxury in a bottle and smells like a spa you'd find at a five-star Italian retreat.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Beauty Writer
Malcia Greene uses Irene Forte Sage Body Oil With Arnica & Hypericum
Not only are the sun's harmful rays the primary cause of skin cancer and premature aging, but a full day outside can also contribute to dehydrated, irritated skin. That's where this glistening body oil comes in—packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate, skin-soothers to calm, and fatty acids to promote a healthy skin barrier, this oil is ideal for summer skin recovery.
Finish: Radiant
Scent: Tropical guava and coconut
What I Love: Shimmery; Shiny; Enhances natural glow through a family of antioxidants
What I Don’t: Orangey-gold tint can stain surfaces
Review for MC: “Fit for all skin types, I couldn’t stop using this to lock in a tan. Plus, I wish I could eat the scent.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Beauty Writer
Malcia Greene uses Rahua Enchanted Island Body Glow Serum
Kopari Golden Aura Body Oil is the key to silky smooth, dolphin skin. I compare the formula to liquid gold: simply shake your bottle, watch the metallic flakes swirl, apply post-shower or pre-beach day, and voila! Glistening, shimmery skin, delivered.
Finish: Glowy
Scent: Warm floral with notes of toasted sugar, jasmine, and sweet creamy musk
What I Love: Glow lasts for hours; Textured logo on packaging; Hyaluronic acid retains maximum moisture
What I Don’t: Product can be messy, so use sparingly
Review for MC: “I want to look like I bathed in oil before a night out, and Kopari has changed the game for my skin with its finish. The shine is not for the weak (it's very glowy), but I cannot recommend this enough for a gorgeous, shimmering finish!” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Beauty Writer
Malcia Greene uses Rahua Golden Aura Body Oil With 24k Gold & Hyaluronic Acid
When I’m itching for a minimal-fragrance, high-end, and dependable body oil, this one from Susanne Kaufmann Pomegranate is my go-to. Antioxidants like vitamin E and rosemary leaf extract sit alongside oils like jojoba and rosehip to soothe sensitive skin and provide a layer of moisture. I love using this before bed for an ultra-sensory sleep experience.
Finish: Dewy
Scent: Pomegranate
What I Love: Drys quickly; Soothes skin
What I Don’t: Little to no glow
Review for MC: “Susanne Kaufmann was the first luxe skincare brand I fell in love with after my esthetician introduced me to their perfect Soothing Toner, and to this day nothing feels fancier to me than rubbing one of their body oils into freshly washed (and still a little damp) skin. These oils smell so nice, and when I’m feeling really sumptuous, I’ll pour a little into the bath to prolong my experience enjoying the gorgeous scent. Wünderbar.” — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
With its blend of natural oils (e.g., grapeseed, jojoba, clary sage, and tea tree), the antibacterial defenses in this oil moisturize while calming redness and irritation at the same time. Given the brand's core mission to prevent ingrown hair, you can feel confident lathering this on freshly shaved skin.
Finish: Slight sheen
Scent: Light citrus
What I Love: Soothing ingredient profile; Moisturizes without the mess; Chic sphere packaging
What I Don’t: Scent disappears quickly
Review for MC: “I use this oil for everything: a body oil, hair mask, and cuticle oil. It absorbs quickly, smells nice and gentle, and looks chic on my vanity. Now I'm trying to convince my boyfriend to make the change from his beard oil. We’re a Fur household, doesn’t he know?” — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
At an affordable price point and with an easy-to-use reputation both in and out of the shower, the Neutrogena Body Oil strengthens the skin barrier in just one application. The star ingredient in the formulation is sesame oil, which works as a lightweight emollient that contains a heavy amount of fatty acids to provide moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.
Finish: Wet
Scent: Sesame
What I Love: Dermatologist-recommended brand; Secures moisture; Great for all body textures
What I Don’t: Greasy; Scent is overpowering, according to some customer reviews
Customer Review: “This Neutrogena body oil is very lightweight and soaks into the skin quickly. Great quality, easy to dispense, and has become part of my morning routine. Love the light but pleasant scent, not overpowering and doesn’t compete with fragrance you might apply afterward.” — Amazon
Glowing is a non-negotiable for any season of the year, but especially in the summer months when my skin is on full display. When I want to stand out, I swear by the L'Occitane Almond Oil. It’s seriously one-of-a-kind in texture and ingredient profile. The formula is soft and smooth, so it applies like a dream, and it dries down to a non-sticky finish.
Finish: Głowy
Scent: Almond
What I Love: Rich and creamy texture; Convenient applicator; Golden finish that feels fabulous
What I Don't: Because of the glass bottle and oily formula, it's easy to slip out of your hands
Review for MC: "If I can only have one body product in my life, it would be this. I bought my first bottle of L'Occitane's Almond Supple Skin Oil in Croatia in 2017, and I have been going through bottle after bottle ever since. I love everything about this oil, from its luxe glass packaging to its yummy, warm-yet-fresh almond scent. I use this almost every day, and it always creates a radiant glow and plump bounce in my skin, even in the dead of winter when I'm at my palest and driest. The spray pump is also super convenient for an even application that doesn't make me feel sticky after I massage the oil in." — Isabella Sarlija, Contributing Beauty Writer
A dewy finish and stunning bottle are pretty much non-negotiables for Oak Essentials. This body oil, which features a natural blend of skin-soothing ingredients, is no different. The secret is borage seed oil, which helps repair the skin's barrier while softening and temporarily firming at the same time.
Finish: Dewy
Scent: Lavender
What I Love: Fast-absorbing; Smells like a spa; Lightweight
What I Don't: Wish it were a touch more silky
Customer Review: "Very high quality body oil. It absorbs super fast, even dry skin, and it hydrates instantly, leaving a gorgeous glow. It smells AMAZING too. It's not residue and does not feel heavy or thick. It doesn't clog pores either, so you could put it anywhere! It lasts a good while too, so it is definitely worth purchasing if you've been on the fence." — Ulta
While you may know (and adore) Goop for its celebrity-owned founder and controversial candles, one of my most beloved products from the brand is the Afterglow Body Oil. Just a pinch will polish your entire body.
Finish: Shiny
Scent: Ginger, violet, cedar, vetiver
What I Love: Sleek feeling; Celebrity-owned brand; Clean ingredients
What I Don’t: Shiny finish fades
Customer Review: “I've struggled since my teenage years with my skin not absorbing moisturizers, and I tried many, many, MANY different variations with no luck. However, this oil works. Goes on smoothly, skin absorbs it quickly, very light, lovely smell, and keeps my skin noticeably soft, smooth, and hydrated. Excellent product.” — goop
Last but not least, if you struggle with dry skin—or just want a luxurious body oil that makes you feel like you're getting a massage at a five-star resort someplace sunny—then this cult-favorite formula needs to join your post-shower lineup. Primrose oil and camellia oil leave the skin silky smooth and supple, and the blend of nutrients, including arnica, borage, alfalfa, elderberry, meadowsweet and calendula, drench the skin in nourishment.
Finish: Demi-shine
Scent: Jasmine, geranium, sandalwood
What I Love: Lush texture, sinks in quickly, leaves skin silky soft
What I Don’t: Luxury price point
Customer Review: “This body oil may be an investment, but my skin drinks up the formula like it hasn't seen hydration in years. My body is touchably soft all day long, and not for nothing, the bottle looks so chic on my vanity. It's the perfect scent compliment to my favorite summer perfumes as well—earthy, floral, slightly woody. I can't recommend it enough." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
What to Look For In Body Oil
- Ingredients
“Body oils should contain a mix of fatty acids and ceramides for best results. The addition of antioxidants is a bonus,” says Dr. Zubritsky. He adds to look for ingredients like jojoba oil, which closely mimics our body's natural sebum and supports a healthy skin barrier.
Other oils like rosehip seed oil (rich in omega fatty acids and known to regenerate and heal skin), sunflower seed oil (rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant known to protect against environmental aggressors), and coconut oil (an excellent hydrator with antifungal and antibacterial properties that can be used even in those with eczema) are also excellent choices, explains Dr. Zubritsky.
- Texture
This is always going to be a personal preference when it comes to texture, but nevertheless, it's something that’s important to consider. You’ll typically find two types of body oils: Glow-giving oils and dry oils. The former you can expect to be a little silkier, whereas the latter will dry down quickly without a shimmery sheen.
What Type of Oil Is Best for the Body?
Board-certified dermatologist Angela Brimhall, MD, notes that it's important to consider your skin type when deciding on what type of oil is best for your body. "For dry skin, opt for heavier oils like avocado or olive oil," she says. "For oily skin, lighter oils like hemp seed or marula oil can be more suitable."
Looking for brighter skin? Check for rosehip oil. Want to decrease and prevent the appearance of wrinkles? Moringa oil should be your go-to. And for a classic deep moisture, sweet almond, avocado, and jojoba oils are key.
What Type of Oil Is Best for Sagging Skin?
The three ingredients for sagging skin? Rosehip oil, argan oil, and olive oil. "Packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins A and C, rosehip oil is known for its ability to improve skin texture and promote collagen production, making it ideal for combating sagging skin," says Dr. Brimhall.
Argan oil, on the other hand, is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which help to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of sagging. And while olive oil may seem like a silly ingredient for skincare, Dr. Brimhall explains, it's a powerful antioxidant that's excellent for deep hydration and can support skin’s elasticity over time.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Contributing Beauty Writer Malcia Greene found the best body oils based on customer reviews, Marie Claire editor recommendations, and her own personal testing. She evaluated each product based on texture, smell, hydration, and dry down.
Meet the Experts
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.
Dr. Angela Brimhall is a board-ceritied dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, as well as the owner of Sage Dermatology. Whether you're concerned about skin cancer, moles, brown spots, skin bumps, melanoma, acne, hair loss, spider veins, eczema, seeking preventative measures such as a full body skin exam, or desiring holistic skin health, Dr. Brimhall is dedicated to providing gold standard treatments.
