If you’re struggling with dry, rough skin on your body and regular lotions and creams aren’t cutting it, body oils can take your moisturizing routine to the next level.
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These potent formulas deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin for both short- and long-term benefits.
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“Body oils consist of a blend of oils that soften and condition the skin, often used as an alternative to body lotions or creams,” says Dr. Connie Yang, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at PfrankMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank.
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Curious about how body oils work and if they’re right for you?
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I spoke to Yang and Dr. Elaine F. Kung, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Future Bright Dermatology in New York, about the benefits of using body oil and what to look for when shopping for one.
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I also put together a list of options based on their recommendations and guidance.
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I spoke to dermatologists about their favorite body oils and compiled their recommendations below.
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I also included a few NBC Selected staff favorites based on expert guidance.
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Best overall
Kung recommends this body oil from Nécessaire since it’s 100% cold-pressed (meaning it’s unrefined and unprocessed for maximum potency) and is formulated with a blend of avocado, marula and olive oils that help skin feel soft and supple.
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This is considered a wet oil since it leaves behind a dewy finish on the skin, so keep this in mind if your skin is on the oilier side.
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NBC Selected associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris is a big fan of Naturium’s Glow Getter products, and this body oil is her go-to for days when she wants an extra layer of moisture.
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“I love using body oil when I’m going out in the summertime, and Naturium’s is lightweight enough that it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy in the hot weather,” she says.
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“It has a light, natural scent from the blend of oils, and it doesn’t run when I get sweaty — I especially love using this at the beach.
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The body oil’s formula includes hydrating squalane, along with a blend of coconut, jojoba and rosehip oils to soothe and moisturize the skin, according to the brand.
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It can be used at any time of the day or night, and Morris says it absorbs quickly when massaged into the skin.
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Best for skin and hair
High in antioxidants, this argan oil-based product comes recommended by Kung, who says that the oily skin-friendly formula has a unique composition of fatty acids including oleic acid and linoleic acid, “which are crucial for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity.”
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It also has vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to protect the skin from free radicals, says Kung.
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As a bonus, you can apply this formula on the face, body and hair as needed (just apply a few drops into clean, damp hair).
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Best invisible
I use this body oil and love it for several reasons.
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For one, it’s completely clear, so there’s less risk of staining on my clothes or bed sheets.
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I also love its nonsticky finish and how readily it absorbs into my skin.
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In fact, I’m able to put on a pair of tight leather leggings a few seconds after application without the clothing getting stuck to my skin.
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I also don’t feel the need to wash my hands after applying, which is a sign of just how weightless and nongreasy it is.
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Best for hyperpigmentation
This wet body oil from Augustinus Bader comes recommended by Yang for its blend of amino acids and vitamins that help with repairing and renewing the skin.
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(The brand was founded by a biomedical scientist and physician who developed a gel that aids in skin regeneration for burn victims.)
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It’s ideal for those looking to target hyperpigmentation and loss of elasticity, and because it’s fragrance-free, it’s suitable for sensitive skin types, according to the brand.
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This body oil from +Lux Unfiltered is a no-fuss solution to adding in hydration before even stepping foot out of the shower.
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It has avocado oil, which Kung says is a good source of vitamins A, C and E.
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Those powerful antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging caused by environmental factors like UV radiation.
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Alongside avocado oil, the formula includes grapeseed oil and jojoba oil, which work together to reduce inflammation and smooth out rough patches, according to the brand.
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I use this shower oil on days my skin feels extra dry, especially in the winter.
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To use, I apply three to four pumps onto wet skin in the shower, massaging it into my skin until it transforms from a clear liquid into a milky lather.
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I like to let it sit for about 30 seconds before rinsing it off with warm water and gently patting dry with a towel.
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My skin is instantly smoother, and most of the time I don’t feel the need to follow up with a body lotion because it feels so moisturized.
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For extra emollient properties, Kung recommends this body oil because it’s deeply hydrating and has a comforting scent of vanilla and almond.
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It also has squalane to help keep the skin soft and grapeseed oil to replenish the skin, according to the brand.
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Plus, the fine mist applicator makes over-applying a nonissue, so it’s great for oily skin types who fear feeling greasy.
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Yang also recommends this dry oil from Avene for those with extremely dry skin because it’s formulated with a combination of emollients (like shea oil and camelina oil) and humectants (like glycerin and thermal spring water) to restore skin’s moisture levels and decrease transepidermal water loss, she says.
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It comes in an easy-to-use spray applicator that you can spritz on the face for a midday refresh or on the ends of the hair to conceal dryness.
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For a glowy body oil that absorbs quickly into the skin, this wet formula from Mutha is a great option.
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…and 43 more, not listed.
The Aporia
