Our Favorite Body Oils for Skin That Glows

(Image credit: Jonathan Storey)

published 18 December 2020

Many of us have extensive skincare routines when it comes to our face, but the skin on the rest of our bodies gets neglected. Sure, towel-drying off in a hurry post-shower and throwing on your clothes won't kill your or send your skin into a tailspin, but you're skipping some essential nourishment for the biggest organ in your body—and some crucial opportunities for self-care. And if you're starting to notice signs of aging like I am, it might be time to up your body care game. Enter: the wonderful world of body oils.

While body lotions are always reliable—there are many I love—I find oils to be more my style. They always smell heavenly, they easily sink into the skin, and the experience of applying them is more sensorial. Since they're currently all the rage, more and more luxurious formulas are cropping up every day. And they're not one-size-fits-all! If your skin is looking a little dull, an exfoliating formula will dissolve dead skin for a freshly-buffed glow. Or maybe your elbows and knees are looking cracked and dry, and a super-hydrating blend of oils is in order. Even if your skin is looking healthy as can be, moisturizing it is key for keeping it that way. Whatever the issue, there are hundreds of options out there, so we've rounded up the best body oil for every skin type and concern.

1/14

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Bath Body & Massage Oil

For the Bath

Coconut oil is the MVP in this oil. Pro tip: pour a capful into your bath to set the mood, then hop out and massage some more into your skin while it's still damp for maximum moisture.

2/14

True Botanicals Pure Radiance Body Oil

For a Triple threat

This potent option takes a three-pronged approach to revitalizing your skin. Green tea seed oil prevents free-radical damage that accelerates signs of aging, hemp seed oil provides nutritious fatty acids, and sandalwood oil soothes inflammation and imparts a sensual woody scent.

3/14

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

For Stretch Marks

Bio-Oil has a cult following for a reason: the affordable oil has been shown to reduce the appearance of scars, aging, and stretch marks.

4/14

Augustinus Bader The Body Oil

For Even Tone

The brand's cream is famous for a reason, and now their oil is getting buzz, too. Vitamin E, Argan, and squalane help to improve elasticity, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and even out pigmentation for smoother, more refined skin.

5/14

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil

For Dull Skin

Tata Harper's formula has a cult following thanks to its brightening, vitamin packed formula. (And it smells like a flower garden and a citrus grove combined.)

6/14

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

For All Over

A French-girl beauty classic! You'll find this nourishing dry oil in most Parisian pharmacies (and online, thankfully) and you can use it just about everywhere.

7/14

Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil

For Something Herbal

Ever seen the lavender fields in Provence? If not, this oil is the next best thing: the formula will make your skin feel like butter, but the scent alone will zen you out.

8/14

Voya Beauty Angelicus Serratus Nourishing Body Oil

For Firming

Angelicus Serratus, a strain of seaweed that grows wild off the Irish coast, has been shown to boost elasticity and stimulate the skin which can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

9/14

Peet Rovko Body Oil

For Sensitive Skin

If your skin is so sensitive that it's practically vindictive, reach for this option that smells like nothing but is actually everything. The short AF ingredient list includes jojoba, sunflower seed, avocado oils for silky-smooth legs that won't break out in hives.

10/14

One Love Organics Vitamin C Body Oil

For Gentle Exfoliation

We exfoliate our faces all the time, but sometimes we forget about the rest of our skin. This oil contains vitamin C ester and papaya enzymes that eradicate dead skin cells and leaves your complexion glowing.

11/14

Susanne Kaufmann Detox Oil

For Detoxification

Circulation can be the key to radiant skin, and this detoxifying oil focuses on just that. Betula alba leaf extract firms while ginger root extract promotes microcirculation to rid the skin of toxins.

12/14

Tom Ford Soleil Neige Shimmering Body Oil

For Going Out

Sure, the scent is intoxicating and the oil is hydrating, but we're mostly here for the gorgeous fine glitter that illuminates your complexion. Rub a little extra along your collarbone before you head out.

13/14

Eminence Organic Skin Care Apricot Body Oil

For Pure Luxury

This stone-fruit scented formula is practically a spa in a bottle. It smells heavenly, and its apricot kernal oil supplies vitamins A, C, and E for suppleness and brightening.

14/14

Diptyque Satin Oil for Body and Hair

For Radiance

We love a spray bottle, and this one contains one of the most luxe formulas on this list. Jasmine, ylang-ylang, and saffron impart a spicy, elegant scent and a blend of oils give the skin and hair softness and shine.

Taylore Glynn is the Beauty and Health Editor at Marie Claire, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, wellness, and more. If you need her, she’s probably roasting a chicken, flying solo at the movies, or drinking a bad Negroni at JFK.