Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best Body Oil for Textured Skin: Ren Clean Skincare Atlantic Kelp and Microalgae Anti-Fatigue Toning Body Oil
Why It’s Worth It: Ren’s moisturizing Atlantic Kelp and Microalgae Anti-Fatigue Toning Body Oil does way more than keep skin smooth to the touch. The silky formula boasts red algae extract to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sea salt to remove dead cells, and magnesium salts to relax and soothe stressed skin. Expect intensive conditioning with a barely-there feel, thanks to this oil’s lightweight ingredients like vitamin E and omega fatty acids 6 and 9. No wonder it’s a past Best of Beauty winner.
Key Ingredients: Red algae, sea salt, vitamin E, omega fatty acids 6 and 9 | Fragrance-Free: No
Best Luxury Body Oil: Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil
Why It’s Worth It: Anything with a pump automatically gets extra credit for convenience. But the Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil is much more than just a pretty package (but look at that stunner!). The formula inside—which includes olive, sunflower seed, and grapeseed oils—also smooths scaly elbows and gives skin a glowing (not greasy) look. We love keeping it in the shower and applying it while our skin is damp. Pro tip: Apply and leave in your hair as a nourishing pre-shampoo treatment.
Key Ingredients: Evening primrose oil, vitamin B, arnica extract, borage extract, alfalfa extract, elderberry oil, meadowsweet oil, calendula oil | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use body oil?
The best body oils leave your skin feeling soft and glowy while simultaneously moisturizing and strengthening your skin barrier, according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD. Oils offer long-lasting hydration for all skin types without stickiness, grease, or waxy residue, unlike denser body lotions, Dr. Green adds. “Many people might assume that using a body oil would do the opposite and cause the skin to feel greasy, but body oils tend to be fast-absorbing,” she explains.
Head-to-toe elixirs are especially essential in warmer weather since oils can replenish any moisture lost due to heat and other causes. “Being in chlorine pools, the beach, and the sun over the summer can leave our skin feeling dry and dull,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD, notes.
Which ingredients should I look for in body oils?
According to Dr. Hibler, you should look for body oils that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as rosehip seed and jojoba oils, which “mimic the natural oil in our skin so it won’t clog pores.” He also recommends squalane, which he describes as a “great emollient” that’s “especially great for acne-prone skin.” Dr. Green also shouts out vitamin E, which acts as both a humectant (to absorb water into the skin) and an emollient (to trap water in the skin)—plus, it also protects skin against environmental irritants and pollutants.
