The Best Body Oils to Revive Dry Winter Skin
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse
Pros:
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy
- Works for body, face, and hair
- Subtle, warm, sophisticated scent
Cons:
- Fragrance may not suit sensitive skin
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is the ultimate luxury body oil, leaving your skin silky and glowing. Infused with a blend of botanical oils, it hydrates, nourishes, and gives you that "I just got back from Paris" glow. This dry oil absorbs quickly, making it perfect for daily use, and it even doubles as a hair oil for a minimalist’s dream.
"I lather this on like water; it’s so luxurious," says our Commerce Writer, Emma Sutton-Williams. "It was first recommended to me on a trip to Paris when I hit the drugstores, and now it can be purchased in America in select places. Perhaps my favorite aspect is the sweet, sunny smell that leaves my skin soft and dewy. I use the sparkle version in summer for a sun-kissed glow."
Key ingredients: Macadamia oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil | Size: 3.3 oz | Fragrance: Yes
Neutrogena Body Oil
Pros:
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Affordable and widely available
- Subtle, fresh scent
Cons:
- Not intensely hydrating
- No added skincare benefits
Neutrogena’s Body Oil has been around forever, and for good reason – it’s simple, effective, and smells subtly expensive despite its drugstore price. The light sesame oil formula sinks in fast, giving you a soft, glowy finish without the heaviness of thicker oils. Perfect for slathering on post-shower when your skin is still damp, it locks in moisture without leaving you feeling sticky.
"This stuff is the definition of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it," says our Commerce Writer, Emma Sutton-Williams. "It’s been around forever, and every time I try a fancy alternative, I end up crawling back. The light sesame oil scent is clean and subtly bougie, like you just got out of a very expensive shower, and it absorbs so quickly that you can put on silk pajamas afterward without regretting all your life choices."
Key ingredients: Sesame oil | Size: 8.5 oz | Fragrance: Yes
Formulary 55 Body Oil
Pros:
- Very hydrating, especially when applied to damp skin
- Free of phthalates, parabens, SLS, and dyes
- Long-lasting scent from a ‘Clean’ fragrance oil
If your skin constantly feels like it’s begging for moisture, Formulary 55’s Body Oil is a game-changer. Packed with nutrient-rich oils like avocado, sunflower, and coconut, this formula deeply hydrates without feeling heavy or suffocating. The blend of essential oils gives it a subtle, natural scent – fresh and not overpowering. It’s the kind of body oil that actually soaks in rather than just sitting on top, leaving you feeling silky rather than patchy and dry.
Key ingredients: Raspberry seed oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E | Size: 5.07 oz | Fragrance: Yes
Vacation’s Chardonnay Oil
Pros:
- Enhances a rich, deep tan
- Luxurious wine-infused formula
- Smells rich (not like artificial coconut)
Cons:
- No SPF (layer it on before)
- Can feel slippery if overapplied
Vacation’s Chardonnay Oil is not your average tanning oil – it’s infused with actual chardonnay grape seed oil, making you feel like a sun-kissed heiress sipping white wine on a yacht. It gives you that deep, bronzy tan while keeping your skin drenched in hydration, plus it smells like luxurious vacation days rather than your typical coconut sunscreen overload. Just don’t forget to wear SPF underneath unless you want to age like a leather handbag.
Key ingredients: Chardonnay grape seed oil, coconut oil, vitamin E | Size: 3.4 oz | Fragrance: Yes
FAQs
What is a body oil?
According to Marina Peredo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in aesthetic dermatology and associate clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital with 31 years of experience, body oil is a skincare product recommended to be used on the skin (specifically, below the neck) as treatment or prevention of dry skin.
What are the benefits of using a body oil?
Though body oils instantly transport us to a serene spa, these indulgent formulas have some skin benefits. "A body oil can help combat extremely dry skin, especially because the skin tends to get dryer in the summer from being in the sun, swimming in chlorine pools," Peredo notes. This can make the skin look "ashy."
When should I use a body oil, and how often?
The best time to use a body oil? Like your favorite body lotion or body butter, Peredo recommends applying your favorite formula following your shower when the skin is moist to help lock in moisture. And yes, you can use it daily.
What ingredients should I look for in a body oil?
Much like your go-to toner or facial exfoliator, ingredients to scope out depend on your skin type. Peredo highlights what ingredients to look for in a body oil for each skin type:
- Acne-Prone Skin: Look for body oils with tea tree or coconut oil because they are lighter and won’t break you out. Note that patients with acne-prone skin should use body oils with caution, avoiding areas that are especially acne-prone, like the back and chest.
- Oily Skin: Look for body oils with jojoba oil to help balance your oil production and avoid leaving a greasy residue on the skin. Argan oil is also beneficial for oily skin because it can balance your skin’s sebum levels.
- Dry Skin: Look for body oils with avocado oil because it is heavier and will moisturize the skin more intensely.
- Combination Skin: Look for body oils with flaxseed oil, jojoba oil, and marula oil because they will keep the skin moisturized while also preventing oil and breakouts.
- Sensitive Skin: Look for fragrance-free body oils, as fragrance can cause a reaction.
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