I like to play the long game in my beauty routine. That means I don’t necessarily go for products that provide instant results. Instead, I’m interested in using time-tested things like retinol, peptides, and most importantly, sunscreen. Sure, these things might not provide instant gratification, but they offer long-term benefits that accumulate with age. I take the same approach when it comes to bodycare. To me, daily moisture is one of the simplest, easiest ways to care for skin and keep it firm, plump, and supple. That’s why I’m loyal to using body lotion and body oil (sometimes at the same time—layer the former under the latter, and I promise you’ll have the smoothest, softest skin). I’m no stranger to thick and greasy formulations, and to be completely honest, I don’t mind them, because they tend to offer the most intense moisturizing benefits. However, I get it when people say they want something residue-free. After all, if you’re a morning-shower person and you’ll be getting dressed shortly after using body oil, you want something that sinks into your skin fast. (Is there anything worse than trying to pull on your jeans over oily legs?) That’s where dry body oil comes in. This category of body oil is lightweight and fast-absorbing and often leaves a matte finish on the skin. Translation? It won’t leave your skin feeling like an oil slick. Keep scrolling to see the eight best body oils in the game.
I love this dry body oil, not only because it’s only $15 (although that is a component). With sweet almond, macadamia nut, and coconut oils, as well as calendula flower extract and vitamin E, it leaves my skin soft and smooth. It also envelops it in a subtle, warm scent.
The main moisturizing ingredient in this body oil is Italian squalane, which helps prevent moisture loss in the skin. The stimulating and energizing scent of ginger, grapefruit, and peppercorn is just an added bonus.
Glossier is in on the dry-oil game. This formula includes three antioxidant-rich oils—sunflower seed, grape seed, and oat—to deeply moisturize. There’s also sea fennel extract to smooth the skin and a subtle orange blossom and neroli scent.
This one is a pure and utter classic. (French-pharmacy fans will surely recognize it.) It can be used on the face, body, and hair. The blend of vitamins and plant oils will instantly soften, smooth, and moisturize. What I love most about it is the scent. It’s warm and sophisticated and subtle, and sometimes, I’ll completely skip perfume when I’m wearing it. It’s that good.
Mist this luxurious oil on your skin, and it’ll absorb in no time at all. With ingredients like grape seed oil and squalane (two ingredients that are common among dry oils), it does everything you want a dry oil to do; it’ll moisturize, smooth, and soothe.
This body oil makes me feel so refreshed thanks to purifying ingredients like seaweed, chia oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E. It’s chock-full of vitamins and minerals, so I spray it on my skin with abandon.
Composed of over 30 essential and cold-pressed botanical oils, this product absorbs almost instantly and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. More specifically, it contains hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and alaria esculenta extract to boost collagen synthesis.
Argan, olive, and avocado oils work together to moisturize and protect the skin, while providing it with essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It’s also fragranced with a luxurious scent of amber and sweet florals.
With ingredients like niacinamide, vitamins, and peptides, this body lotion will moisturize and strengthen the skin. I like to layer it under a body oil for the utmost moisture.
With retinol and AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid, this body serum addresses roughness, dry patches, bumps, and dullness. Basically, it’s a one-way ticket to smooth skin.
Okay, admittedly, this is a heavy body lotion. In fact, it’s not a body lotion at all; it’s a body butter, and it does leave a bit of residue. However, it’s so worth it because it also has such strong moisturizing powers. I swear whenever I use this, my skin is instantly plumper, firmer, and more glowy.
This non-sticky, fragrance-free body lotion is one I reach for constantly to soothe my razor burn and moisturize my dehydrated skin.
It’s rare to find a bodycare product that contains vitamin C, which is a shame because who wouldn’t want the brightening and antioxidant benefits of this superstar ingredient? This body lotion delivers vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to dull, dry, aging skin.
