Sure, body lotions serve their purpose, but sometimes your skin is craving something a little more luxurious. This is where the best body oils come in. Much like face oils, they’ve come a long way from heavy and greasy formulations. Instead, they sink in quickly to nourish dry skin, give a healthy glow, leave your limbs feeling oh-so supple and, most importantly, they smell amazing.
Still wary of a slippery after-feel? Fear not. Our selection of the best body oils deliver intensive hydration for dry skin and soak in completely to leave you cashmere-soft from neck to toe. Whether you’re looking for natural ingredients or you’re after a body oil with skin-loving benefits, there’s something for every taste and budget. Your skin, your story. With a sprinkle of silk from Sephora.
A: Body oils are uplifting in every sense of the word, offering several benefits for the skin. They hydrate and moisturise by creating a barrier that helps prevent water loss from the skin, keeping it soft and supple. Nourishing ingredients like Antioxidants, Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamins are a big tick in our books, helping to improve the overall health and appearance of skin.
And what is body oil used for? Using a body oil regularly can soften and smooth dry, rough or scaly patches, promoting a more even skin texture and surface. They're a soothing win for post sun care, replenishing moisture and providing relief to sun damaged skin. Not only does this improve skin elasticity, it enhances radiance. Body glow is our attitude, that's why we love the reflective properties of oil, giving skin a gorgeously healthy sheen.
Scent lovers, rejoice. Most body oils smell delicious, many of which come from natural essential oils. In need of some relaxation? Use a scented body oil for a sensory, aromatherapeutic experience. Or glide it over the skin as a body massage oil to relieve any tension. Certain blends with Lavender Oil will help you drift off to sleep in no time. Wellbeing at its finest.
A: You can use body oil at any time, daily or a few times a week. But you might be wondering how to apply body oil after a shower, or is it best to apply body oil to wet or dry skin. A couple of application tips: If you’re applying your body oil solo, massage into slightly damp skin post-shower or bath to lock in moisture. If you’re using it in tandem with a richer moisturiser or cream, apply the body oil as the final step in your bodycare ritual to seal in all the good stuff.
Use a body oil to create a soothing, relaxing bedtime ritual. The oil can work overnight to nourish your skin as you sleep, and you wake up with the softest of skin. During dry, cold weather, body oils can be especially beneficial to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture loss. Or hydrate and prep your skin before heading out in the sun (but don't substitute for sunscreen!).
Our pro tips? Apply some body oil to specific areas of your body you want to highlight, such as your collarbones or legs. You'll be gleaming from head to toe. After your 'everything' shower, exfoliate your skin, then use body oil to enhance the effects. It's the perfect time to incorporate it into your self-care routine, revealing freshly moisturised skin. And if you love a lasting tan like us, you can use body oils in the same way as tan enhancer lotions to prolong your tan (whether real or fake!).
A: Whether body oil or lotion is better for you depends on your specific skin type, needs, and personal preferences. There's advantages to both, and the choice between them is completely yours. So what's the difference between body oils and body lotions or moisturisers?
Body oils are generally more concentrated than lotions, providing intense hydration levels with nourishing, natural ingredients. This make them super effective for those of us with very dry, dehydrated skin. If you love a dewy finish, body oils are the one for you as they often leave a subtle sheen and radiant glow on the skin. Not to mention their smooth gliding massage benefits. We love using them during colder, drier months at nighttime or post-shower.
Lotions are lighter in texture than body oils, which is advantageous for those who have normal or oily skin types, or prefer a non-greasy feel. As they spread and absorb quickly, they're more convenient for everyday use, especially as a morning moisturiser or in warmer summer weather. Whether for sensitive skin, addressing acne or ageing, or with SPF for sun protection, you're spoilt for choice with a variety of formulas, all of which have easy application.
A: When narrowing down the best body oils, we look for silky formulas that hydrate without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. Deeply nourishing and softening, these are the ones that sink in quickly to leave your limbs super-soft in a matter of minutes. Our fave body oils include beneficial ingredients such as Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, and Jojoba Oil. As with the luxurious body oil scents, always consider your skin type and preferences. From moisture replenishing to post-shaving or delivering the perfect glow, check out our line-up of best body oils below.
By Sephora UK Bodycare Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 5 February 2024
Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil
A bona fide beauty icon, this versatile oil can be used to hydrate the face, body and hair. Made with 98% naturally derived ingredients, it stars a lightweight blend of restorative plant oils - Borage, St. John’s Wort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut and Macadamia - so not only does it intensely nourish, but it leaves behind an addictive holiday-worthy fragrance that lingers for hours after application. Apply straight onto skin for instant hydration, run a little through hair to add shine or add a few drops to bathwater for a spa-like scent. We say this miracle elixir deserves a special place in every beauty cabinet. For skin that glitters, apply NUXE's shimmer body oil, or lather on Huile Prodigieuse Florale for a fresh, floral and delicate scent.
Tried and tested: “The best daily oil I've ever used. It dries quickly and leaves a beautiful sheen to the skin without being overly oily. The smell is gorgeous - I use it to bolster my perfume.” - Francesca, Customer Review
Perfect Night’s Sleep Body Oil
Struggling to drift off to sleep? Set the scene with NEOM’s Perfect Night’s Sleep Body Oil, which is full of skin-nourishing and soul-soothing essential oils to help you drift off. Made with Lavender, Sweet Basil and Jasmine, you’ll be sold by the indulgent aroma. Massage a little onto pressure points before you hit the pillow - wrists, inner ankles and the back of your neck - you’ll be amazed how well it works. Make it a fixture in your pre-sleep ritual and you’ll never want to be without it.
Tried and tested: “Beautiful. I use this every night on my arms and neck then snuggle down in its sumptuous aroma. Amazing. Envelopes me in lavender fields for a peaceful sleep.” - Customer Review
Spa@Home Frangipani Monoi Body Oil
If you love an intoxicating scent, you’ll fall hard for the sun-soaked aroma in ELEMIS’ best-selling body oil. A sumptuous mix of Polynesian Monoi and Coconut Oils replenishes skin with long-lasting moisture and leaves behind an addictive heady trail of Frangipani fragrance. An extra tip? Work through parched strands, leaving on for 15 minutes before shampooing and rinsing - you’ll find it brings lustre to even the driest strands.
Tried and tested: “Give yourself a luxury manicure or pedicure by massaging this into nails; apply to hair and wrap it up in a warm towel for an intensive moisture boost, or use on slightly damp skin after showering to seal in moisture and leave skin silky smooth and soft - it works wonders on dry knees, elbows and ankles. Tahitian Monoi (an oil made from Tahitian Gardenia Petals soaked in Coconut Oil) and Frangipani Flowers leaves skin with a heady, exotic scent.” - Independent
Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
If you need a well-deserved treat, Tom Ford’s shimmer body oil is pure indulgence. It uses pieces of platinum and gold leaf (yes, really) to leave you glowing. Then there’s the dreamy floral, Amber and Sandalwood scent that draws from the brand’s bestselling scent - so luxurious you’ll want to bathe in it. Working double-duty as an illuminating body oil and a fragrance, this one is definitely worth the investment.
Tried and tested: “If you're feeling frivolous, this is the ultimate self-indulgent treat for your bod. It imparts tiny pieces of platinum and gold leaf, which leave your skin looking and feeling glossy AF. Oh, and it smells like a floral/sandalwood DREAM.” - Cosmopolitan
Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil
From the creators of sellout Bum Bum Cream comes an oil that’s just as silky and just as effective. With a powerhouse lineup of Olive, Coconut, Jojoba, Sunflower and Acai Oils, every application helps to reduce puffiness, improve skin’s hydration and, of course, impart their iconic Salted Caramel and Pistachio scent. Bringing us the glow we need to feel confident in our own skin, no skin type, texture or tone is left unloved with Firmeza.
Tried and tested: “My absolute favourite!!! I've been using the cream and was hesitant to purchase an 'oil'. I decided to try and I love it. I feel like the scent is stronger and lasts longer than the cream. Plus it gives your skin a beautiful bright radiant glow! I wear it almost everyday now. It also absorbs very well into the skin and skin is super soft to the touch. I just recently purchased another bottle. It's my new favourite product!” - Nina, Customer Review
Dry Body Oil
Light but powerful, this dry body oil is the perfect match to our Sephora Collection Shower Gel. Infused with the same warming, Argan scent, you’ll find Sweet Almond Oil and a host of other moisturising agents coming together to give you your silkiest skin yet. Our pick for everyday, we apply this easily absorbed formula straight out of the shower to lock in hydration in seconds.
Tried and tested: “Light and easily absorbed, this is one of my go-to oils! It keeps my skin hydrated and smooth all day long.” - Customer Review
Skin Relief Body Oil Spray
Give your body a little love with one spritz of Aveeno Body Oil at a time. Your body deserves it. Tried and trusted by those with Eczema or itchy skin, Aveeno is the brand to provide ultimate skin relief. Oil-based with a fast-absorbing formula, this spray intensely moisturises the body to help relieve and repair very dry, sensitive skin. With a long-lasting silky finish from the first application, Oat and Jojoba Oil improves skin elasticity and uneven skin texture, while ingredients rich in lipids and fatty acids help restore the skin barrier. After a bath or shower, spray the body oil on dry skin, massaging it twice daily for instant softness. Go a step further and moisturise your body first with Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion before layering with the oil right after for best results.
Tried and tested: “Best Body Oil Spray. The mature skin on my body and feet was extremely dry and scaly before I tried the Aveeno Skin Relief body oil spray but after a week of using it every day, I saw a massive improvement in it. Using it has certainly hydrated it and it has really managed to penetrate my dry scaly skin and really lock in moisture. It has a lovely natural scent and sinks into your skin straight away so it doesn't leave a greasy residual. I shall buy this product in the future as it is far better than using a lotion.” - Customer Review
Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Hydrate Body Oil
Coconut oil - is it good for your skin? It is when it comes in the form of Palmer's Coconut Body Oil. Gloriously scented with antioxidant-rich Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Green Coffee Extract, this formula moisturises and softens for silky skin. Rich in natural lipids and proteins, it keeps skin looking youthful, maintaining a healthy glow. Apply to damp skin to lock in moisture, or add 4-5 pumps to warm water for a soothing spa bath. Massage is always a good idea; warm the oil in your hands and massage into dry skin for an instant radiance boost.
Tried and tested: “Fabulous! I've used this oil for years and I love it. The smell is much lighter than the cocoa butter oil. I love it! I used it just after the shower and it lasts all day, leaving my skin soft and smelling fantastic.” - Customer Review
The Everywhere Oil for Ingrowns, Redness + Bumps With Rosehip Oil
If you need an oil for anything and everything, this body oil does it all! Formulated with dermatologists and gynaecologists, Luna Daily is for all skin - even your most intimate. Clinically shown to target ingrown hairs, blemishes, bumps, dark spots, scars, and stretch marks. You really can use it everywhere. And smell delicious at the same time with Organic Tamanu Oil, Rosehip Oil, and Vitamins C and E. Gently massage one to three drops directly to dry skin daily. It's just as thoughtful as it's certified clean body care at Sephora.
Tried and tested: “A MUST have. My absolute favourite oil, I can't live without it. Just discovered it a little over a month ago and I'm on my second bottle. I'm so happy they just came out with a bigger size! I use it after every shower. I have sensory issues, and this oil doesn't bother me at all. It's not sticky or heavy. It smells INCREDIBLE.” - Cece, Customer Review
Skin Food Ultra-light Dry Oil
Create a beautiful moisturising layer for both your face and body with Weleda Dry Oil. This ultra-light oil gives long-lasting hydration - without the greasiness. Its hydrating blend of plant oils with extracts of Calendula, Chamomile, Pansy, and Rosemary sinks seamlessly into the skin, leaving behind a soft, subtle scent. Ideal to wear alone or under makeup, just spritz onto skin and allow it to absorb fully. Pair with the iconic Weleda Skin Food for an extra creamy sheen.
Tried and tested: “Great on dry and oily skin. My partner and I have very different skin types but have been pleasantly surprised at how well this light oil works for both of us. I've been using it for a couple of months at night and have seen a huge improvement on how hydrated my skin looks. I would recommend it for dry skin and oily skin, just going lighter in the T-zone.” - Em, Customer Review