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When the weather (or the occasion) calls for bearing a little skin, the best body oils are ready to deliver. An essential in every body-care regime, a top-notch body oil leaves the skin hydrated and soft while flooding it with antiaging perks. From restoring elasticity to quenching dryness and nourishing the skin with essential vitamins and minerals, the best body oils can make everything below the neck supple, satiny, and ready to shine. (Not to mention, many of them carry a tantalizing scent.) Below, we’ve rounded up the body oils the pros recommend to stay gleaming and glowy all summer long and beyond.
Vogue’s Favorite Body Oils
- Best With SPF: Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50, $40
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Body Oil, $18
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil, $10
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist, $9
- Best for Dry Skin: Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil, $48
- Best With Shimmer: Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil,
- Best for Scars and Stretch Marks: Katini Skin Signature Body Oil, $85
- Best for Soft Skin: L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil, $52
In This Story
- What oils are best to use on your body?
- Is body oil better for you than lotion?
- Body oil vs. body creams and lotions
- Why choose body oil
- How to apply body oil
- What to look for in a body oil
- Meet the experts
Best for Crepiness: Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil
Why we love it: Osea’s softening oil harnesses potent antioxidants to give the skin a firmer, more supple appearance after just one use—and it works smoothing wonders on crepey areas. If that’s not enough to boost your mood, the moisturizing oil has a light grapefruit scent—and it’s vouched for by the pros. “I really love this body oil,” raves Kristyn Smith, esthetician and founder of Practise NYC. She notes that the formula, rich in omega fatty acids, contains Undaria seaweed, passionfruit, acai, babassu, and rice bran oils. “This is great for elasticity and barrier replenishment,” she says, adding that it’s particularly beneficial for dry or mature skin. But it’s not for those skin types only: At 28 years old, model Abby Champion uses the oil on her neck because, well, “I don’t want neck wrinkles,” she told Vogue. “Does anyone?” Nope—which is all the more reason to reach for this hydrating body oil.
- Key ingredients: Undaria seaweed, passionfruit, acai, babassu, rice bran oils
- Size: 5 fl. oz.
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| Firms the skin | Not the best choice for those seeking a fragrance-free option |
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Body Oil
Why we love it: It only takes a few strokes of this drugstore classic to feel a noticeable shift toward softer, silkier skin. The fast-absorbing oil can be massaged onto damp skin post-shower, or drop it into the bath for a fragrant, skin-nourishing soak. From a well-established, dermatologist-approved brand, the sesame-scented oil has the added perk of stirring up nostalgia. “This is the first body oil I ever used. It’s an old favorite—I use it often in my bath water,” dermatologist Dr. Alicia Zalka says. “Just note that it can make skin slippery—as well as the shower floor. Be careful!” While I love the smell—speaking of nostalgia, it takes me right back to finishing The Fountainhead for high-school English in the tub—a fragrance-free option is also available.
- Key ingredients: Sesame oil
- Size: 16 fl. oz.
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| Budget-friendly | May necessitate a bit of cleanup, as it can leave the bath or shower floor a bit slippery |
| Easy to find | |
| Dermatologist-approved |
Best for Soft Skin: L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
Why we love it: Steeped in nourishing omega fatty acids, this French blend of essential and natural oils imparts a soft skin texture and a silky gleam to match. All the while, it firms the skin and can help diminish the appearance of stretch marks with consistent use. Its star ingredient—almond oil, bien sûr—is packed with antioxidants that nourish the skin, including vitamins A and E. It also contains soothing Camelina oil, and it smells as good as it feels. The oil’s vanilla-and-almond-tinged scent offers a whiff of almond groves in the South of France. Pro tip: Suds up with the matching body wash for a layered scent that lasts.
- Key ingredients: Almond oil
- Size: 3.3 fl. oz.
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| Pleasant scent | Some users say it has a relatively short shelf life |
| Can be paired with a matching body wash for a complete skin-softening regimen |
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil
Why we love it: Clinically proven to improve the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and uneven skin tone, this drugstore standby is noncomedogenic. The upshot? You can also use it on the face without fear of breakouts. “This one is a mineral oil base with added retinyl palmitate, vitamin E, calendula, and lavender,” Smith notes. A derivative of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate can stimulate collagen and elastin production, protect the skin from free radicals, and create a more even skin tone. Meanwhile, the blend of natural oils—including calendula, rosemary, and lavender—boosts radiance, soothes the skin, and helps reduce puffiness and swelling.
- Key ingredients: Rosemary, lavender, and chamomile oils, vitamins A and E
- Size: 2 fl. oz.
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| Moisturizes dry skin without leaving a greasy residue | Though it can be used on the face, some users feel it’s too oily for the face and tends to pill under makeup |
| Can improve dark spots and discoloration |
Best for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist
Why we love it: Aveeno’s conditioning mist softens rough
patches with a soothing blend of plant-based oils and butters. Made with 98% natural ingredients, it contains prebiotic oat to support the skin barrier, jojoba to combat inflammation, and other gentle ingredients that nourish and smooth the skin. Plus, its lightweight texture helps it sink right in, and it comes in a handy spray bottle. “This mist is a convenient way to hydrate on the go, with oat extract that soothes and calms irritated skin,” says Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at Mona Dermatology. She adds that the brand’s signature ingredient, colloidal oatmeal, is “a superstar for soothing redness and reinforcing the skin barrier,” which makes the formula great for sensitive skin. “It’s hydration made effortless,” she concludes.
- Key ingredients: Oat and jojoba oils
- Size: 6.7 fl. oz.
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| Made with 98% natural ingredients | Some users report that the spray nozzle clogs easily |
Best for Dry Skin: Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil
Why we love it: Light as gossamer and quick to absorb, Moroccanoil’s sweetly scented offering comes in an easy-to-use, sprayable format. It’s fragranced with the brand’s signature scent, a compulsively sniffable mix of spicy amber and sweet florals, and it floods the body with the benefits of Moroccanoil’s signature ingredient. “Moroccanoil’s signature argan oil blend offers intense hydration and leaves a soft, luminous finish,” Dr. Bowles says. “It’s perfect for dry skin that needs nourishment without heaviness.” She notes that argan oil is packed with vitamin E and fatty acids, which support skin repair and lock in moisture.
- Key ingredients: Argan and avocado oils
- Size: 3.4 oz.
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| Infused with the brand’s addictive signature scent | The bottle can be a tad difficult to grip |
| It absorbs quickly |
Best Depuffing: Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil
Why we love it: Firming and depuffing, this option from the TikTok-famous brand nourishes the skin with Brazilian olive oil. Its fragrance, which features notes of pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla, channels a beach day in Brazil. Dr. Bowles approves of its formula, noting: “This oil combines guaraná extract and cupuaçu butter to smooth and firm the skin while delivering a tropical scent. I love how it encourages skin elasticity and softness.” She adds that the caffeine in the herb guaraná stimulates circulation, which can improve skin texture and firmness.
- Key ingredients: Algae extract, caffeine
- Size: 3.38 oz.
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| Summery scent | Not ideal for those seeking a fragrance-free option |
| No greasy residue |
Best With Shimmer: Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
Why we love it: One of Vogue’s favorite shimmering body oils, this Tom Ford offering is infused with gold and platinum leaf to give the skin a gilded sheen. The heady scent—a mix of white florals, amber, and sandalwood—induces daydreams of tanning on a white-sand beach. And it lasts and lasts: The fragrance stays on the skin for four to six hours. Made with a moisturizing blend of jojoba and olive oils, the oil also keeps the skin from getting dry.
- Key ingredients: Jojoba seed, olive, and safflower seed oils, parfum
- Size: 3.4 oz.
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| Lovely scent | Though it’s gorgeous on deeper skin tones, the shimmer doesn’t show up as well on fair skin tones |
| Leaves skin shimmering |
Best French Pharmacy: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
Why we love it: The French-pharmacy classic delivers a head-to-toe glow. Formulated with botanical oils and rich in vitamin E, it softens the hair, body, and face. Plus, it leaves a light vanilla-magnolia-orange-blossom scent in its wake. Dr. Zalka uses it as a nourishing salve for her nails and appreciates its nongreasy feel. “I discovered it while traveling in Europe and have used it ever since,” she notes. The oil also contains pearly golden particles, which leave the skin with a subtle shimmer.
- Key ingredients: 7 precious botanical oils
- Size: 1.6 fl. oz.
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| Can be used all over the body | Some users find it a bit too heavy for the face |
Best Firming: Costa Brazil Kaya Jungle Firming Oil
Why we love it: Costa Brazil’s body oil is infused with vitamin-rich ingredients from the rainforest floor, which give the skin a firmer, more radiant appearance. “This features kaya, cacay, and breu, making it dense in omegas and antioxidants,” Smith says. She notes that the Brazilian salve also lends itself to luxurious ritual. “It is slower to absorb, which supports massage and deeper penetration,” she explains. Smith most recommends the oil for those with dry or aging skin that needs a boost of elasticity. Breu Branco, an aromatic resin, lends a dash of aromatherapy to the mix, and Vogue editors can’t get enough of its citrusy, woodsy fragrance. “Ever since a friend treated me to a bottle of Kaya Jungle Firming Body Oil, I’ve been obsessed with Costa Brazil’s fragrance,” says Nicole Phelps, global director of Vogue Runway. “I spray the Aroma de Parfum on every morning, keep the Aroma in Oil roller bottle in my purse, and have two Vela candles at home, one on each side of my bed. Obsessed!”
- Key ingredients: Kaya, cacay, and Brazil nut oils, murumuru butter
- Size: 100 ml
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| Firming | Absorbs relatively slowly, so it’s not ideal if you’re in a rush |
| Filled with antioxidants |
Best Calming: Avène Skin Care Oil
Why we love it: This multitasking dry oil has thermal water and plant-based oils to calm and hydrate the skin on the face and body; it also nourishes the hair. Dr. Carolyn Stull, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, calls the French oil one of her go-tos, praising its nongreasy formulation. Dr. Bowles is also a fan. “Avène’s body oil is formulated with soothing thermal spring water and gentle emollients that calm sensitive or irritated skin,” she notes. “It’s a nice option for those prone to redness or dryness.” She adds that the formula’s hero ingredient, thermal spring water, is packed with minerals and antioxidants that support skin barrier repair and reduce inflammation.
- Key ingredients: Thermal spring water, glycerin, and shea, Camelina, and safflower oils
- Size: 3.3 fl. oz.
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| Soothing on sensitive or irritated skin | Some users find the scent off-putting |
Best With SPF: Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50
Why we love it: Formulated with SPF 50, the silky oil offers lightweight yet potent protection from the sun. Fancy a swim? It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes. It’s a go-to for Bowles, who notes: “Supergoop offers a rare combo of hydration, glow, and broad-spectrum sun protection in one product.” Praising the oil’s ability to protect against UV damage while adding a healthy radiance, she says: “It’s a great choice for anyone who wants sun defense without sacrificing that healthy, lit-from-within finish.”
- Key ingredients: Argan, grapeseed, and meadowfoam seed oils
- Size: 5.0 oz.
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| Provides broad-spectrum UV protection | May not be hydrating enough for those with dehydrated skin |
Best Multitasking: Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil
Why we love it: Tata Harper’s botanical blend rejuvenates the skin with an infusion of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that leave the whole body gleaming and soft. It’s made with rose hip oil, which contains vitamin C; it also has anti-inflammatory calendula and argan extracts. Smith praises the garden-fresh oil for its ability to restore skin tone and resilience; it also has secret powers as a hairstyling salve. The oil can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment to hydrate the scalp, and it can also be used to tame flyaways and smooth split ends.
- Key ingredients: Sunflower seed, olive, green tea, evening primrose, apricot, and jojoba oils
- Size: 4.1 oz.
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| The multitasking oil can also be used on the scalp | Users have mixed feelings on the botanical scent: While some love it, others find it too strong |
Best for Stretch Marks: Katini Skin Signature Body Oil
Why we love it: Katini’s body oil not only hydrates but also firms the skin and minimizes the appearance of scars and stretch marks. To get the most out of the body oil, the brand recommends pouring it into a hand, rubbing the palms together, and then giving the oil a few minutes to absorb after massaging it into damp skin. The oil has a matte finish, and its delicate scent—spiked with bright yuzu—has a calming effect.
- Key ingredients: Yuzu, macadamia, shiso
- Size: 3.3 oz.
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| Helps fade scars and stretch marks | Takes a few minutes to absorb |
Best Trending: Saltair Pink Beach Nourishing Body Oil
Why we love it: Saltair’s TikTok-famous body oil has the blushing hue of a summer sunrise—and the coconut-flecked smell of a beach. The product’s appeal bursts off For You Pages and onto the skin, where it leaves the whole body with a dewy glow and a veil of nourishing natural oils. “This includes kukui, cacay, moringa, and squalane,” Smith says. “Cacay offers natural retinoic acid, while squalane supports barrier function.” In particular, she recommends the tropical-fruit-hued oil for humid climates or post-shower use. Pro tip: Double down on moisture (and beachy scents) by pairing it with one of Saltair’s body moisturizers. The Pink Beach Multi-Lipid Body Butter is infused with shea butter and coconut oil, making it a shoo-in for plump, radiant skin.
- Key ingredients: Kukui, cacay, squalane, karanja oils, Saururus oil, plumeria flower extract, biomimetic plant actives
- Size: 4 oz.
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| Lightweight, quick to absorb | Though the scent is a perk, some wish it lasted longer |
Best for Date Night: Victoria Beckham Portofino ’97 Golden Shimmer Body Oil
Why we love it: If ever there were a body oil to reserve for date night or special occasions, it’s Victoria Beckham’s chic, shimmery blend of jojoba, olive fruit, and safflower oils. “All are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants,” Smith says. Jojoba mimics skin’s natural sebum, making it fast-absorbing and nonirritating. This is a good choice for skin that needs surface hydration without weight.” Infused with gold and bronze pearl, the concoction is fragranced with the brand’s Portofino ’97 scent. Inspired by Victoria and David Beckham’s trip to Italy in the early days of dating, the sultry scent melds notes of sea breeze, incense, amber, and vetiver with patchouli and musk.
- Key ingredients: Jojoba, olive fruit, safflower oils
- Size: 1.69 oz.
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| Chic packaging | The glass bottle can be difficult to grip with slippery fingers |
| Luxurious scent | |
| Fast-absorbing |
Best for Post-Exfoliating: Nerrā Dry Body Oil
Why we love it: Inspired by Mediterranean bathing rituals, Nerrā’s dry body oil was technically designed as the fourth step of an exfoliating regimen. That said, it can also be used on its own to give the skin a softened texture with a gleaming look, and brightening benefits thanks to vitamin C. Smith notes that the formula’s blend of argan, jojoba, and rose hip makes it well-balanced in oleic and linoleic oils, so while the oil is deeply hydrating, it also absorbs fast. It’s also quick to spritz on, thanks to its sleek spray bottle. “This is great for layering or warm-weather use,” Smith notes. The scent, a vacation-evoking mix of jasmine, freesia, rose, and wood, is an added perk, though there is a fragrance-free option available for those who prefer it.
- Key ingredients: Botanical oils, vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, omegas 3,6, and 9
- Size: 3.1 oz.
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| Its spray bottle allows for easy application | Those who are sensitive to scents may prefer the fragrance-free option |
Best for Hair: Caudalie Moisturizing Fig Body Oil Elixir
Why we love it: “Using argan, prickly pear, and grapeseed oils, this delivers antioxidant protection and barrier support,” Smith says. She adds that grapeseed oil—Caudalie’s signature ingredient—is particularly beneficial for softening rough skin without clogging the pores. Plus, while castor oil may get all the love for its hair-loving benefits, don’t sleep on using this French concoction above the chin. Designed to multitask, the fast-absorbing oil can be patted into the hair to nourish the strands and leave them soft and shiny.
- Key ingredients: Grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, sesame seed oil, sweet almond oil, rosemary leaf extract
- Size: 3.4 oz.
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| Benefits the hair and the body | The earthy smell is not for everyone |
Everything You Need To Know
What oils are best to use on your body?
“I recommend lightweight, nutrient-rich oils like jojoba, argan, and sweet almond for everyday hydration,” Dr. Bowles says. “These oils closely mimic your skin’s natural lipids and absorb beautifully without feeling greasy.” For those looking to boost barrier repair, she recommends sunflower seed or avocado oils, which are both rich in essential fatty acids. For added antioxidant support, she says that argan or rose hip oil can help protect and nourish aging or environmentally stressed skin. And in general, she says, oils that are cold-pressed and 100% pure will maximize benefits and minimize irritation.
Is body oil better for you than lotion?
“Body oils and lotions each have their place, and the best choice often depends on your skin’s needs,” Dr. Bowles says. “Oils excel at locking in moisture and strengthening the skin’s barrier, making them ideal for very dry or mature skin that needs extra nourishment.” On the other hand, she says, lotions, with their water-based formulas, provide lighter hydration and may feel more comfortable in humid weather or for those prone to breakouts. “I often suggest layering,” she offers. “Apply a lotion when you want quick, light moisture, then seal it in with a body oil to keep your skin soft all day.”
What’s the difference between a body oil, cream, and lotion?
“Oils are the purest form of moisturizer, in a sense, because they do not require a lot of preservatives to maintain their shelf life,” says Dr. Alicia Zalka, board-certified dermatologist, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and founder of Surface Deep. “Typically, body oils are 100% oil, with no water added.” By comparison, Dr. Zalka says, lotions contain approximately 80% water and 20% oil, while creams generally have an equal mix of water and oil.
Oils also stand apart from body lotions and creams in the way that they moisturize the skin. “Oils are considered occlusive, which means they create a layer on the surface of the skin and function like a lid on a pot,” Dr. Zalka explains. “Oils keep what is under them occluded or protected.” Lotions, on the other hand, penetrate the skin cell layers and use ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acids to strengthen the skin barrier function to prevent water loss. Dr. Zalka describes creams as an “intermediate” method of hydration: “They help trap moisture within the skin better than lotion, but they’re typically less greasy than an oil,” she explains.
Why would you choose a body oil?
According to Dr. Zalka, body oils are soothing on dry or irritated skin types. Because of oils’ relatively pure formulations, she also recommends them for sensitive skin. “Fewer preservatives means fewer ingredients that may cause skin reactions,” she notes. Additionally, body oils “are particularly useful in cold climates where the skin is chapped, dry, and flaky,” Dr. Zalka notes.
But for anyone, body oil offers shiny perks. “It makes skin smooth and dewy with a shine,” Dr. Zalka says. What’s more, “it’s long-lasting, and it can be easily applied as it glides onto the skin.”
How to apply body oil
“To harness the full potential of body oil for glowing skin, apply it right after showering when the skin is still damp. This locks in moisture for deep hydration and is particularly beneficial during dry, colder months,” says Lindsay Holdorf, resident esthetician for Dermstore. “For an all-season approach, consider combining body oil with lotion. Apply lotion first for hydration, then seal it in with oil. Or mix the lotion and the oil together for a lighter feel.” According to Dr. Zalka, body oil can also be used on its own to refresh the skin and give it a dewy sheen.
What to look for in a body oil
When it comes to product selection, use the below considerations to find a body oil that’s best for your skin—and your desired level of shine.
- Skin Type: Oils that are particularly nourishing and rich, such as avocado or olive oil, are great for dry skin, Holdorf says. Noncomedogenic oils, such as grapeseed or jojoba oils, won’t clog pores and are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, she says.
- Oil Type: Though the best type of oil for you will depend on your goals, Smith says, she offers a few rules of thumb. “Jojoba, squalane, and sunflower are good for daily use and quick absorption,” she says. “For barrier support or dry skin, look to argan, cacay, almond, or avocado oils—each high in essential fatty acids and vitamin E.”
- Key Ingredients: For those with sensitive skin, Holdorf recommends oils with minimal ingredients and calming agents, such as chamomile and calendula; Dr. Bowles likes colloidal oatmeal for sensitive skin. Dr. Bowles adds that argan oil, which is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, is ideal for locking in moisture. Other ingredients to look for include SPF, present in Supergoop’s formula, and vitamin C, a brightening agent that’s whipped into Nerrā’s dry oil.
- Finish: The right body oil for you depends, in part, on how you take your gleam. Some oils, such as Victoria Beckham’s sultry, scented formula, lend a dose of shimmer to the skin, while others—like Saltair’s beachy blend—lend a more straightforward gleam. Still other body oils, including Katini’s stretch-mark-taming offering, have a matte finish.
- Weight: Holdorf says that “the beauty of body oil is its versatility across seasons, though your application method might change. In dry, colder months, a [heavier] body oil is a savior for the skin, offering deep hydration. During the warmer, humid months, lighter oils can help maintain skin’s moisture without feeling heavy.”
Meet the experts
- Kristyn Smith is an esthetician and the founder of Practise NYC.
- Alexandra Bowles, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist at Mona Dermatology.
- Lindsay Holdorf is the resident esthetician for Dermstore.
- Dr. Carolyn Stull is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Alicia Zalka is a board-certified dermatologist, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and founder of Surface Deep.