The 12 Best Body Oils, According to Experts and Editors

I’m whole-heartedly *obsessed* with every product on this list.

best body oils including Alo and Caudalie
(Image credit: Future)

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 take your skin to a whole new level of hydration (and get a little glow while you’re at it), body oil is going to be your best friend. There are dry oils, shimmery oils, extra-nourishing oils. The options are plentiful and adding one to your body care routine should be a no-brainer. 

“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 Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky. “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. And should that be the case, I’m happy to report that you’re in luck. I, along with the rest of the Marie Claire team, kind of have a thing for body oils. We’ve tried dozens over the years. We know which cult classics live up to the hype and the new releases that deserve a spot in your bathroom. So, without further ado, read ahead to shop the best body oils of all time. 

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 an added bonus,” says Dr. Zubritsky. “Look for ingredients like jojoba oil which closely mimics our body's natural sebum. 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.” 

  • Texture 

This is always going to be a personal preference, but nevertheless something that’s very 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. 

The Best Body Oils

Meet the Expert

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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. 

Samantha Holender
Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and keeps up with the latest trends in the beauty space. She has previously written for Us Weekly, Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Follow her on Instagram @samholender.