When you think of indulgent skin care, you may envision silky face serums or tinted moisturizers, but don’t overlook body oils. True skin care is a commitment to your entire body, not just your face. The best compositions lock in moisture, alleviate dryness, and leave your skin with a healthy, luminous look, so you won’t have to reapply body lotion to keep it from drying out. “I think of body oils as a complementary boost and really great at serving as an occlusive to seal in moisture,” says Ranella Hirsch, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. She says that the best body oils soothe, heal, and leave the skin with a smooth, glassy sheen.
However, physical maintenance frequently takes a back seat. “Body oils are more than just skin care; they can become a ritual. According to board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., massaging them improves circulation, lymphatic movement, and even provides stress relief. “So yes, they’re functional, but they’re also a moment of self-care.” Our beauty experts spent four weeks researching and testing dozens of the best and buzziest body oils, grading each on application, consistency, absorption, and overall efficacy.
Why We Love It: Our tester fell in love with this body oil because of its mess-free pump and deeply moisturizing, velvety feel. She was able to cover her entire body with just a few pumps, and she appreciated that there was no oily or slippery residue left behind. While the brand characterizes the perfume as warm vanilla, our tester thought it smelled more like buttered popcorn with a tinge of fruit—a strange shift at first, but one that grew on her over time. While the initial glow faded as it absorbed, the nourishing effects remained, leaving her skin feeling hydrated and smooth, especially on dry areas like her knees.
Who It’s For: This botanical body oil will appeal to anyone looking for a fresh glow in the summer and long-lasting moisture for dry skin. It’s ideal for using after a swim shower to add extra hydration, as well as with one of the brand’s face-smoothing serums.
It is worth noting that depending on whether your skin is dry or damp, it can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to fully dry.
Maria, tester with dry skin: “I’ve observed that my driest areas, my knees, are no longer as dry and appear more hydrated. My legs feel quite itchy when they’re dry, and this truly helped keep them hydrated for longer.”
Why We Love It: Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil is a standout in the body oil category, providing the ideal balance of trademark aroma and glow-boosting hydration. Our tester couldn’t stop talking about the packaging: “The cute, convenient pump works flawlessly and avoids the mess,” she said, praising it above other oils that frequently left residue on her dresser. With only a few pumps, the silky, lightweight cream glides on smoothly and absorbs swiftly, leaving skin with a natural, healthy shine that does not feel sticky. Whether layered with lotion or worn alone, it provides a long-lasting radiance and all-day suppleness. This oil’s warm, gourmand Cheirosa 62 aroma, vanilla-forward with a hint of sweetness, lingers well, providing a velvety finish.
Who It’s For: Anyone who is infatuated with the brand (or who enjoys smelling good in general) will adore this aroma-rich body oil. It softens the skin and keeps it bright and glowing all day.
Worth noting: Those who like more understated scents may struggle with this editor favorite.
Anya, tester with regular skin: “My favorite aspects of this product are the non-sticky glow and the amazing scent.”
Why We Love It: Augustinus Bader’s Geranium Body Oil is the ultimate pleasure, providing a wonderful, spa-like sensation with each application. The rich, velvety substance deeply hydrates and gives you a dazzling glow, but it’s the invigorating floral aroma that really stands out. The oil’s thick viscosity absorbs fast, leaving skin silky smooth and non-greasy. Our tester noticed that her skin had become firmer, smoother, and more supple over time.
Who It’s For: With this incredibly giftable body oil, texture and tone improve almost quickly. The wetness, ingredients (such as grapeseed, sunflower, and olive oils), and scent all make it stand out.
Worth noting: Our tester reported that properly coating the body took more product than expected, which was a small disappointment given the high price.
Amanda, who has dry skin, said, “It has definitely made my skin less dry, and it has enough moisture and hydration to use on its own or with a moisturizer.”
