We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare The 12 Best Body Oils of 2024 Pick from luxury oils, allergen-free options, and more to achieve smooth, supple skin. By Andrea Pyros Updated on May 06, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Brian Kopinski Body oils can make skin feel hydrated, impart a bit of glow, and in many instances, give off a delightful scent that lingers for hours. To find the very best body oils, we went looking for ones that were full of gentle moisturizing and repairing ingredients that support healthy skin and prevent water loss. “Some of the hero ingredients for [body oils that protect] the skin barrier are fatty acids, lipids, ceramides, vitamin E and antioxidants,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD. In addition to ingredients, we also took into consideration factors like price, fragrance, size, and more when researching the best body oils. We also consulted with Dr. Mraz and fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Karp, DO, to get their advice on what to look for in a quality body oil and how to best use one to enhance moisture. Whether you have a favorite fragrance profile, specific skin concerns, or simply looking for a shimmery oil, we gathered several options at a range of price points. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Tatcha The Hinoki Hydrating Body Oil at Amazon $58 Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE Jason 5,000 IU Vitamin E Skin Oil at Amazon $12 $8 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Mara Algae + Moringa Sea Sculpt Body Oil at Amazon $68 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Eminence Organic Skin Care Yuzu Solid Body Oil at Dermstore $56 Jump to Review Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best for Mature Skin: Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil at Amazon $52 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Bolden Shea Butter Oil at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best for Shower: Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Shimmery: Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse at Amazon $45 Jump to Review Most Versatile: Vacation Chardonnay Oil at Amazon $23 Jump to Review Best Overall Tatcha The Hinoki Hydrating Body Oil PHOTO: Tatcha $58 at Amazon $58 at Sephora View on Tatcha.com What Stands Out It has a nature-inspired, woodsy aroma that is soothing and subtle. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t provide as much of a shimmery glow compared to other picks. Tatcha Hinkoi Body Oil, from the popular Japanese-inspired brand, is part of the brand’s Forest Awakening Body Collection, a trio of products inspired by the benefits received from spending time in nature. Made with a blend of cedar, hiba, and hinoki oils, as well as nutrient-rich olive, rice bran, jojoba, coconut, and argan oils, this body oil has a lovely and silky feel that sinks into your skin like a dream. The fresh, woodsy scent is calming and pleasant, which is great for those who prefer subtle fragrances. Additionally, the body oil is extremely lightweight, allowing it to absorb fairly quickly. It does leave your skin looking hydrated and refreshed, but if you’re seeking more shimmer, there are other oils that accomplish this better. Key Ingredients: Cedar oil, hiba oil, hinoki oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil | Scent: Forest fresh | Size: 1 and 3.4 ounces Best Budget Jason 5,000 IU Vitamin E Skin Oil PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $12 $8 at Amazon $14 at Target $12 at Walmart What Stands Out It provides exceptional moisture at a low cost. What Could Be Improved It is a little rich, which can make the skin feel too oily. When it comes to caring for the skin barrier, Dr. Mraz recommends prioritizing body oils that contain vitamin E, which can be found in abundance in the affordable Jason 5,000 IU Vitamin E Skin Oil. In addition to this moisturizing ingredient, the product contains a blend of plant oils like sunflower, safflower, and more, offering all-day moisture. However, the product is a little rich, so you do have to give it a few minutes to sink in before you get dressed. Although the product is listed as unscented, do be advised that there is a bit of a lingering, almond-like scent from the blend of essential oils. The bottle also does have the propensity towards leaking, so be mindful if you choose to travel with it. However, the formulation is paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalates-free, making it a great option for those looking to avoid body oils filled with such compounds. Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, rice bran oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil | Scent: Unscented (may have notes of almond) | Size: 4 ounces Best Splurge Mara Algae + Moringa Sea Sculpt Body Oil PHOTO: Sephora $68 at Amazon $68 at Sephora View on Credo Beauty What Stands Out It temporarily improves your skin tone and texture while also offering stellar moisturizing benefits. What Could Be Improved It has a slight yellow tint that completely disappears into skin, but it can transfer onto a light-colored towel. For those looking for a luxe body oil, the Mara Sea Sculpt Body Oil contains the brand’s proprietary, sustainably-harvested algae blend that has phytonutrients and fatty acids to keep skin plump and even. Housed in a gorgeous blue glass bottle with a handy plastic pump top, it’s chock full of other moisturizing ingredients including sunflower, castor seed, and grapefruit peel oils. Though the product provides all-day moisture, it feels nicely balanced upon application, so it really feels like it’s sinking into your skin rather than laying on top. This body oil is vegan and gluten-free and Mara is a Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free brand. Moreover, when you order directly from the Mara website, you can choose to add a small additional fee to offset your carbon and make your order carbon neutral. The only thing worth noting about this oil is that it does have a slight yellow tint that doesn’t show on the skin, but can appear on light-colored towels and fabric if it isn’t given enough time to absorb. Key Ingredients: Algae blend, sunflower seed oil, and castor seed oil, | Scent: Woodsy/Citrus | Size: 4.06 ounces Best for Dry Skin Eminence Organic Skin Care Yuzu Solid Body Oil PHOTO: Dermstore $56 at Dermstore View on Eminenceorganics.com What Stands Out It provides gentle exfoliation and hydration for rough, dry skin. What Could Be Improved The body oil’s semi-sold texture needs to be warmed up in your hands before applying. Unlike the other body oils on this list, the Yuzu Solid Body Oil from Eminence Organics is a semi-solid, which you find to be less messy than a liquid and more travel-friendly. To use, you take a small dab out of the jar with clear fingers and rub it together between your palms to warm the oil up. A little goes a long way, as the oil is chock-full of moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and more. The product can be used all over, or just on those extra-dry spots like your heels or elbows. The oil also contains lactobionic acid which provides a gentle chemical exfoliation of flakey, dry skin. We did mention earlier that this product is somewhat solid, so it does need to be rubbed together before every single application, which be a little burdensome for those on a tight schedule. Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, green tea leaf, algae, and lactobionic acid | Scent: Citrus | Size: 5 ounces Best For Acne-Prone Skin Bio-Oil Skincare Oil PHOTO: Ulta Orig. $14 $12 at Amazon Orig. $30 $7 at Target $22 at Walmart What Stands Out Its lightweight, make it tolerable on acne-prone skin. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have a strong scent, which some may find disappointing. Bio-Oil contains jojoba oil, a lightweight but highly impactful ingredient that Dr. Karp likes because it “closely resembles the skin's natural sebum and is often well-tolerated by acne-prone individuals.” In addition to jojoba oil, this body oil contains rosehip oil which contains vitamins A and C that work as antioxidants. Together, both key ingredients help promote a balanced complexion, without the greasy feel. The rest of this formula is non-comedogenic, so there is less risk of Bio-Oil causing breakouts than some other thicker body oil blends on this list. It also tends to be a popular choice for people who wish to reduce the appearance of scars and uneven skin tone. The oil smooths over skin easily and absorbs quickly, without any sticky residue, and has a pleasant, albeit subtle, floral scent. Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, rosehip oil | Scent: Floral | Size: 0.9, 2, 4.2 and 6.7 ounces Best for Mature Skin Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil PHOTO: Ulta $52 at Amazon Orig. $84 $52 at Nordstrom $16 at Target What Stands Out It comes with a convenient pump top bottle for a less messy, simpler application. What Could Be Improved It takes longer to sink in than some other faster-absorbing oils. The OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil is made with a vitamin-rich undaria seaweed that is then soaked in oils like babassu, sunflower seed, and more to offer plenty of hydration. As a result, the oil visibly reduces the appearance of skin imperfections, making it an appealing pick if you're experiencing some loss of elasticity due to aging. If that wasn’t enough, this luxurious, last-all-day moisturizer also impacts a lovely citrusy scent from its natural oils. This soothing hydrator comes in a pretty frosted glass bottle with a pump top that allows for a less messy, easier application. However, some may notice that this skin does take a bit longer to absorb compared to other picks on this list. Despite this small drawback, OSEA is a Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free brand, and all their products are vegan, including this body oil. Key Ingredients: Undaria seaweed, babassu oil, sunflower seed oil, and acai | Scent: Citrus with notes of mandarin and cypress | Size: 1, 5, and 9.6 ounces Best for Sensitive Skin Bolden Shea Butter Oil PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon View on Boldenusa.com What Stands Out It’s unscented, which is great for those with sensitive skin or allergies. What Could Be Improved Though there is no added fragrance, the oil does have a mild nutty scent from the shea butter. When it comes to sensitive skin, unscented body oils, like the vegan Bolden Unscented Shea Butter Oil, are a safer best. The product’s formula just contains shea butter and vitamin E as its key ingredients, neither of which typically cause skin irritation. Instead, both ingredients work together to deliver hydration to improve your skin’s tone and texture. Bolden, a cruelty-free brand, derives their shea butter from shea nuts ethically sourced in West Africa. The oil does have a bit of scent from the shea butter, but otherwise no added fragrance. Though this is an overall gentle oil, people can and do react to any ingredient. Before using it all over, both dermatologists recommend testing a tiny bit of the product (your inner forearm works) to make sure that it doesn’t cause any itching or redness. Key Ingredients: Shea butter and vitamin E | Scent: Unscented; also available in a sweet vanilla scented version | Size: 3.4 and 16.9 ounces Best for Shower Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Target $30 at Amazon $30 at Target $30 at Dermstore What Stands Out It’s gentle and soap-free, making it great for hydrating your skin after soaping up your body. What Could Be Improved The added fragrance may not appeal to people with skin sensitivities who prefer sticking to unscented products. Soaps can be drying, so if you’re prone to tight, itchy skin after bathing, or you just want a silkier feeling in your shower, consider using the Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil. This soap-free, oil-to-foam cleanser is gentle and non-comedogenic, so it can be used all over, including the face. It’s also made from glycerin and niacinamide to protect and support the skin barrier. This rinse-off oil comes in an easy-to-use plastic, pump-top bottle and the 1-liter size will last forever. In addition to serving as a fantastic body wash, it’s also an excellent alternative to shaving cream. While some may enjoy the product’s floral scent profile, those with skin sensitivities or prefer unscented products may want to try a smaller size option before splurging on the 1-liter bottle in case of irritation. Key Ingredients: Glycerin, fatty acids, lipids | Scent: Fresh | Size: 3.4, 6.7 and 33.8 ounces Best Shimmery Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon View on Nuxe.com Orig. $34 $26 at Anthropologie What Stands Out It’s very glowy and features an iconic French fragrance that perfumes your skin. What Could Be Improved It’s one of the most expensive picks on this list. Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse is a perfume, makeup, and body oil all wrapped in one pretty little glass bottle. After spraying and rubbing it in, you’re left with hydrated skin, a golden glow, and the lingering scent of orange blossom, magnolia, and vanilla. The formula is also completely vegan, and is made with nourishing botanicals like argan, macadamia, and sweet almond oil, along with a bit of rosemary leaf extract. While the product does add a nice shimmer, it’s non-greasy, so it can be used on body, face, and hair. However, proceed with caution when using an oil on your face if you’re prone to breakouts. Although refreshing and certainly luminescent, this body oil does cost a pretty penny compared to other picks — but its shine is certainly worth it. Key Ingredients: Argan oil, macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, and rosemary leaf extract | Scent: Orange blossom, magnolia, vanilla | Size: 3.3 ounces Most Versatile Vacation Chardonnay Oil PHOTO: Ulta $23 at Amazon $22 at Nordstrom View on Vacation.inc What Stands Out Its sunscreen properties gives your skin a sun-kissed look without the risks from tanning. What Could Be Improved Like typical sunscreens, it needs to be reapplied every two hours to maintain its sun-protecting properties. The Vacation Chardonnay Oil SPF 30 is certainly one of the most unique options on this list. This pick has the moisturizing and glowy benefits of a body oil, while still providing solid sun protection on warm-weather days. It’s made with soothing bisabolol, vitamin E, jojoba oil and shea, and like all Vacation products, it’s vegan and Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free. If you’re using Chardonnay Oil for sun protection, you'll need to reapply it at least every two hours — or more if you’ve been sweating or swimming. The SPF comes in the form of chemical sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. Those with skin sensitivities may want to try just a bit of this before rubbing it all over their body to ensure that this unique body oil’s formula doesn’t cause any reactions. Key Ingredients: Chardonnay grape seed oil, bisabolol, shea oil, passionfruit seed oil, marula seed oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E | Scent: Champagne-inspired with notes of ginger, peach, vanilla, cocoa and musk | Size: 3.4 ounces Final Verdict Our overall best body oil pick is Tatcha Hinkoi Body Oil, a silky-feeling moisturizer that is packed with soothing ingredients like rice bran, jojoba, coconut, and argan oils. It’s also housed in an attractive glass bottle that has a pump top for easy application. If you are looking for an under $10 option, the JĀSÖN Vitamin E Skin Oil is a quality and budget-friendly pick, but just note that’s rich formula may not be good for acne-prone skin. How to Shop for Body Oil Like a Pro Key Ingredients When shopping for body oils, Dr. Mraz recommends prioritizing formulas that contain ingredients that support the skin barrier. “The skin barrier protects the deeper skin structures from outside irritants, and helps the skin to regulate hydration levels by preventing water loss,” she says. She lists fatty acids, lipids, ceramides, vitamin E and antioxidants as some examples of these types of ingredients. Dr. Karp also recommends body oils that contain jojoba oil as a main ingredient since their properties are, “similar to our own natural oils.” She also advises choosing products with rosehip oil because it contains vitamins A and C which offer skin-supporting, antioxidant benefits. Scent Much like any scented product, whether it’s eau de toilette or a body oil, it’s mostly up to you to decide which fragrance you want on your skin. Just be mindful that if you have very sensitive skin, you should stick with fragrance-free products to avoid potential irritation. To minimize or prevent a possible reaction, both doctors suggest doing a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying a new product all over. Application While most body oils are meant to be rubbed all over, there are some that may need a little extra work than others. For example, the Eminence Organic Yuzu Solid Body Oil comes in a solid form rather than liquid, requiring a bit of extra rubbing before applying. If you lack the time to do this, you may want to opt for body oils that are more true to their name, and can easily be sprayed and applied without needing to grind it down. Questions You Might Ask What are the benefits of using body oil? Body oils can really seal in moisture, helping restore dehydrated skin. “When the skin is clean and freshly exfoliated from a shower, that’s the ideal time to nourish it with body oil,” advises Dr. Mraz. “When we’re in the shower or bath, our skin becomes dehydrated, so applying afterwards helps to restore that moisture loss.” Another major benefit of using body oils is the shine they leave behind which can make for a fresh, dewy appearance. How often should you use body oil? You should always apply oils, creams, or lotions after bathing, as this is the best time for sealing in moisture from your shower or bath. However, Dr. Karp says that you can use it throughout the day if you desire. Just be sure not to overdo it in case you have acne-prone or oily skin, since rich body oils can clog pores. Is body oil better than lotion? If you can’t decide between a body oil or a lotion, know that neither is really “better” than the other. “A body oil has less water content and really helps seal moisture in more than a cream or lotion, making them more quick-absorbent,” explains Dr. Karp. “A cream will have more water content than an oil, and a lotion will have the most water content. Ultimately, it is a personal preference on what consistency you like.” However, you should opt to stick to creams or lotions if you have oily skin that’s prone to breakouts, as body oils will just exacerbate the issue by clogging your pores. If you’re in this boat, Dr. Mraz advises opting for an oil-free lotion or cream instead. “If you’re acne-prone, don’t use an oil on your face, especially one formulated and marketed for use on the body,” she explains. “Body oils tend to have heavier, more comedogenic oils in them than those formulated for the face.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Andrea Pyros, a freelance writer for Real Simple with several years of experience writing about beauty, health, and wellness. To find the best body oils, she compared ingredient lists, price points, fragrances, texture, and absorption of various oils. She also spoke with two board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Anna Karp, DO, who practices in New York City, and Dr. Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, President and Co-Founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut for expert advice on how to pick the best body oils.