The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (2024)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (1)

If you’re after soft, supple, hydrated skin, body oil is a great moisturising must-have. And with winter weather on its way, which can often leave our skin dry and hydrated, now is a great to stock up (we'll be dousing ourselves in it!).

But first, let us clear up any misconceptions you may have over these nourishing, all-over treatments. If you still associate oils with breakouts and greasy residue, we’ve got news. Similar to facial oils, body oils are generally light in texture (or, at least, lighter than you may think), fast-absorbing (so no greasy finish) and actually help to balance sebum levels (the natural oil in your skin) to leave your complexion looking clearer and brighter.

There are hundreds of products out there, so the Good Housekeeping Institute oiled up find the best ones on the market, monitoring the areas where they excelled, or didn’t, with the help of our panel of at-home testers.

We also spoke to Dr Hasan Benar, dermatologist at Dr Elif Clinic in London, to find out what to look for in a body oil.

See below for a glance but read on for the full reviews.

  • 1

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (2)

    Joint winner and best body oil for firming skin

    Balance Me Super Firming Body Oil

    Read more

  • 2

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (3)

    Joint winner and best for instant absorption

    Aurelia Firm & Revitalise Body Oil

    £52 at LookFantastic

    Read more

  • 3

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (4)

    Best for long-lasting hydration

    L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil

    £40 at John Lewis

    Read more

  • 4

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (5)

    Best for scent

    Space NK Caribbean Shores Body Oil

    £16 at Space NK

    Read more

  • 5

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (6)

    Best for sensitive skin

    Necessaire The Body Oil Fragrance Free

    £40 at Sephora

    Read more

  • 6

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (7)

    Best multi-purpose body oil

    Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream All-Over Miracle Oil

    Read more

  • 7

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (8)

    Best lightweight body oil

    Gisou Honey Infused Body Oil Mini

    Read more

  • 8

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (9)

    Best shimmer body oil

    Rituals Karma Soul Shimmering Body Oil

    Read more

  • 9

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (10)

    Best for brighter skin

    Omorovicza Gold Shimmer Oil

    Read more

  • 10

    The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (11)

    Best for softer skin

    Mirror Water Smooth Body Oil - 50ml

    Read more

What’s the difference between body oils and lotions?

The key difference is that body lotions are more lightweight and are better able to penetrate the skin for an instant softening and smoothing effect. Oils, on the other hand, tend to be thicker and are designed to sit on top of the skin, nourishing the protective barrier and preventing moisture loss.

“Lotions are typically water-based, lighter in texture, and can hydrate the skin because of their water content,” explains Dr Benar. “They’re good for everyday use and for people with normal to slightly dry skin, as they absorb easily.

“If you’re looking for deep moisture retention and have very dry skin, a body oil may be more suitable,” she says. “For general hydration, a lotion may be a better choice.”

You may, of course, choose to use the two together. If so, leave your body lotion or moisturiser to sink in before adding the oil on top to seal in all that hydration.

Oils are also more versatile, with real wellness benefits, as they can double as a lubricant for massaging aching joints, and many are infused with ingredients like lavender and rosemary, to help soothe the mind as well as the body. Some on our list can also be used as hair oil, such as the Elizabeth Arden All-Over Oil.

Is body oil better than body lotion?

What works on your skin may not suit the next person, so there’s no definitive answer here. But, as Dr Benar explains, there are some benefits to using oils over lotions.

“Body oils are generally more occlusive, which means they lock in moisture better, making them ideal for very dry or mature skin,” she explains. “They’re usually absorbed quickly and give the skin a smooth, radiant finish. They are best applied to damp skin to trap in moisture.”

We recommend applying your body oil and massaging it in straight after your shower.

What ingredients should I look for in a body oil?

When choosing a body oil, look for ingredients that nourish and protect the skin. Dr Benar breaks down some key ones below.

  • Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, making it a great choice for all skin types, especially sensitive types.
  • Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids and helps to hydrate and nourish the skin while also providing anti-ageing benefits.
  • Coconut oil is deeply moisturising and has antibacterial properties, though it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some skin types.
  • Rosehip oil is high in vitamins A and C, helping with skin regeneration, improving texture and reducing the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation.
  • Squalane is a lightweight oil that mimics the skin’s natural sebum, which is great for hydrating without leaving a greasy finish.
  • Grapeseed oil is a light, antioxidant-rich oil that’s easily absorbed and suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. These oils can provide deep hydration, protection from free radicals, and support for skin barrier function.

How we test

We put 17 market-leading body oils to the test over a two-week period with the help of more than 320 testers. We asked them to assess ease of use, packaging and how effectively each body lotion hydrated, nourished, softened and brightened their skin.

Back in the Good Housekeeping Institute beauty lab, we used a specialist hydration metre to measure the moisture levels of the skin both before and four hours after application, to see if they lived up to their claims.

Score: 84/100

Founded by two sisters experiencing the negative effects of a busy routine on their skin, the Balance Me range is on a mission to balance skin and minds, as well as doing good for the environment – three big ticks. This award-winning firming body oil was one of the first products the brand developed, and it’s come a long way.

It claims to firm and smooth the skin, and our testers confirmed it did just that. “It made my skin feel smooth and look less crepey, especially around the upper arms,” said one. Another noted a “visible improvement in the décolleté area.”

But what’s the secret? Well, the formula contains juniper to help boost blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, leaving skin feeling and looking more lifted. Macadamia oil works to moisturise the skin, and antiseptic bergamot clears it. The oil has also been bolstered with some aromatherapeutic geranium oil, to help soothe and ease stress.

Score: 84/100

Replenish dry, lacklustre skin with this luxurious dry body oil, which testers loved for how quickly it absorbed into the skin without leaving behind any sticky residue. This is thanks to the lightweight Kalahari oil, a blend of macadamia, borage, mongongo and kukui, which are packed full of fatty acids and antioxidants that help repair and replenish hydration levels.

Not only was this one a hit with our panel for its ability to soften, but it also achieved almost full marks in the lab for lasting hydration. The scent, made from lavender, neroli, rose and mandarin, also proved popular. "It left my face feeling moisturised and soft,” said one tester, while another gave this one-word review: “Divine”.

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3

Best for long-lasting hydration

L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (16)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (17)

Score: 83/100

The star of the show in this body oil is sweet almond oil, alongside three other key skin-saving ingredients. The formula is rich in omega 9 fatty acids, which help to nourish skin and increase suppleness. It also contains squalene, an emollient that keeps the skin barrier protected, and therefore looking more toned, as well as antioxidants vitamin E and beta-sitosterol, both great for minimising any reduction in skin elasticity.

The oil made a big impact on our testers’ skin, with many loving the long-lasting nourishment and hydration it provided. “It leaves skin glowing and moisturised for the whole day,” said one happy panellist.

Score: 83/100

As the name suggests, this oil's scents of coconut, mandarin and sandalwood will take you on a sensory trip to the Caribbean, hydrating the skin with jojoba and avocado oils as you go. Like you would a piña colada on a bright, white beach, our panellists' skin lapped this up and loved the “gorgeous, subtle summer smell” as much as we did.

A few mentioned the bottle had a slightly loose lid, with one tester saying they couldn't take it in their hand luggage as a result. But when it came to the actual formulation, this holiday-in-a-bottle oil gained a whole new fan base, as all our testers said it hydrated skin throughout the day.

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5

Best for sensitive skin

Necessaire The Body Oil Fragrance Free

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (20)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (21)

£40 at Sephora

Score: 82/100

Scent isn’t for everyone, so we wanted to try a fragrance-free option too. This one is enriched with ultra-hydrating vitamins B7, E and C, which all work together to replenish dry skin, repair the barrier and protect from external aggressors.

Our testers with sensitive skin approved. “It was brilliant, I had absolutely no reaction whatsoever,” said one. This fuss-free formula also comes in a simple, chic glass bottle, with a dropper head for easy application.

6

Best multi-purpose body oil

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream All-Over Miracle Oil

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (22)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (23)

Now 35% Off

£20 at Amazon

Score: 82/100

The Eight Hour range from Elizabeth Arden is nothing short of legendary in the skincare game. The products are known for their versatility and effectiveness, and this hair and body oil is no exception. One tester said it smoothed their dry and coarse split ends (their words!), and it left another panellist's skin feeling “moisturised but not oily.” Now there’s some multi-purpose magic.

It uses a mix of Tsubaki and grapeseed oil, both rich in omega 6 and 9, which are great at reducing inflammation and protecting the skin barrier.

The spray bottle dispenses a fine spritz, which testers said was useful for targeting specific areas. Some found that this oil wasn’t as effective at treating extremely dry patches, such as on the legs, but most agreed that it was a great option for face and hair.

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Score: 82/100

Body oils have historically been known for feeling extremely rich and heavy, but this lightweight one from Gisou debunks that theory. “It easily buffed into the skin and didn’t make my clothes greasy,” said one of our testers, so it's great for applying after your morning shower, even when you’re in a rush. Despite it being lightweight, it still delivered a heavy dose of “all-day hydration to very dry skin,” according to another panellist.

Its honey-infused formula is rich in replenishing fatty acids and leaves a sweet, lingering smell on the skin. It’s also available in a shimmer version to provide a perfect festive glow.

Score: 82/100

This shimmering body oil received glowing reviews from our panel for the subtle, yet radiant gleam it gave them. So, it looks good, and it feels good too – one tester said it left their skin feeling “hydrated and softer after applying”. Isn’t that exactly what you want from a body oil?

It reflects the light beautifully, especially along the collarbones and the décolletage area. The added sweet white tea and lotus flower aromas make it the perfect night-out option, too.

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9

Best for brighter skin

Omorovicza Gold Shimmer Oil

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (28)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (29)

Score: 81/100

Omorovicza Shimmer Oil is, quite literally, liquid gold. It’s formulated with complexion-clearing colloidal gold, which works to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and age spots. There’s also soothing calendula oil, and collagen-boosting vitamin E for a rejuvenated look.

These nourishing ingredients encourage a natural glow, but the oil also includes some gold particles for good measure. You’ll glisten without feeling greasy too, as the oil absorbs quickly. Take care when dispensing, though, as some testers found it comes out quite fast.

10

Best for softer skin

Mirror Water Smooth Body Oil - 50ml

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (30)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (31)

Score: 81/100

With 99.65% naturally derived ingredients, Mirror Water does the job of softening your skin, without using any harsh chemicals. Instead, it’s made up of three nourishing oils: Grapeseed oil to soothe; fatty acid-rich marula oil to soften; and camellia oil to rehydrate dry skin.

Testers said it softened their skin immediately on application and lasted all day. It's quite thick in consistency, which some testers didn’t enjoy, but it works a dream on dry and cracked patches. It’s also fragranced with smoky, woody essential oils, to help you find your zen.

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11

Best for protecting the skin barrier

BYOMA Nourishing Body Oil

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (32)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (33)

Now 25% Off

Score: 79/100

Dodging a damaged skin barrier is a hard feat these days, as there are so many things that are out to get it – from environmental aggressors such as UV or pollution exposure, to natural ageing, and even pH-disrupting skincare products. The result can be dry, scaly, inflamed skin.

That’s why Byoma founder Marc Elrick extensively researched the skin barrier before he developed the brand’s patented Barrier Lipid Complex. It’s formulated with sphingolipids, which maintain the barrier and encourage the production of ceramides, to better draw in and retain moisture.

But how did it perform on test? Well, to sum it up in three words, one panellist said it left their skin “hydrated, moisturised and softer.” Another said it helped soothe their “dry, itchy and cracked feet” too, an area particularly susceptible to dryness.

Score: 78/100

Like all the brand’s products, this Aveeno oil uses the power of oats to relieve and repair skin. It’s rich in ceramides, a humectant that’s highly effective at absorbing and retaining moisture in the skin. The impact of this key ingredient was evident in our feedback too, as many claimed it smoothed, hydrated and plumped their skin.

Some did find that it took longer to absorb, though, as its consistency is on the heavier side, so it may be more effective for those with extra dry skin. But at under £10, it’s an easy-to-apply, nourishing and affordable body oil. What’s more, it scored the same for long-lasting hydration in the lab as some of the more expensive options on our list.

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13

Best for travel

Weleda Skin Food Body Oil, Ultra-Light Dry Oil

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (36)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (37)

Now 25% Off

Score: 77/100

Lightweight in all senses of the word, our testers thought this conveniently packaged spray oil was perfect for travel. “The packaging is portable, so I’ve been taking the oil to work, and while I’ve been travelling,” said one – massage on the move anyone? However, some did find the spray quite strong, so be sure to aim close to the skin to save you from losing the deposit on the Airbnb.

Overall, it revitalises and hydrates without clogging the skin and causing breakouts. Instead, our testers with dry legs said it “noticeably improved” their skin. It’s naturally fragranced with essential oils, so the lovely scents of lavender, rosemary and orange will follow you around after application.

14

Best for contouring skin

Olverum Firming Body Oil

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (38)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (39)

Score: 77/100

When a brand claim rings true with our panel, we have to shout about it. And for one tester, this body oil left a “noticeable difference in the firmness of my skin after using it”. Simply massage into your skin and let the exfoliating black pepper extract do its repair work, while grapefruit extract encourages the production of plumping collagen, for a tighter and more toned look.

A little goes a long way too – testers agreed that the pump was effective at dispensing just the right amount of the rich and nourishing formula.

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15

Nuxe Sun Face and Body Tanning Sun Oil SPF50 150ml

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (40)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (41)

£16 at Amazon

Score: 77/100

As much as we love a golden tan, we all know the damaging effects the sun has on the skin. This body oil uses ingredients to minimise the photoaging effects on the skin as much as possible. This is thanks to the high SPF 50 protection, along with rice and rosemary extracts, which help to brighten your complexion and protect cells.

It soothed and hydrated all our testers’ skin, with one saying it “provided intense hydration that lasted all day.” This was clear in the lab test results too, as it scored nearly full marks for retaining moisture over a four-hour period.

16

Best mousse body oil

Sanctuary Spa Golden Sandalwood Mousse to Oil Moisturiser

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (42)

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (43)

Now 37% Off

£9 at Amazon

Score: 76/100

It wouldn’t be a Sanctuary Spa oil without the presence of golden sandalwood, an anti-inflammatory that help to smooth your skin, as well as coconut and shea butters to soften.

But with a unique mousse-to-oil formula, we were intrigued to see how it performed on test. Some of our panel enjoyed it – one said it effectively “locked in moisture” – but others thought it had “no benefit whatsoever”, and instead made it harder to judge how much to dispense.

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Score: 71/100

Retinols are extremely effective at resurfacing and renewing skin, but they can be harsh. This is why the brains behind the Facetheory brand decided to pair up this super ingredient with an extremely moisturising body oil.

The retinol stimulates the production of collagen and accelerates skin renewal to leave it looking rejuvenated and fresh, while the oil-based vitamin C brightens and hydrates even the driest skin on the arms and legs, the brand claims.

Test results showed that it didn’t keep our testers’ skin hydrated for as long as some of the other body oils we tested, however. But the majority of our at home panel of testers agreed that it made their skin appear brighter, smoother and more glow-y.

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (46)

Madeleine Evans

Lifestyle Writer

Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.

When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (47)

Tested byNora Merik

Beauty and Grooming Tester

Nora is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has a master's degree in cosmetic science. She is using her expert knowledge of product development, formulation, product evaluation and market research to test a wide range of hair and beauty products in the beauty labs for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, ELLE, Men’s Health. In the lab she uses a variety of methods such as the Diastron, The Multi Skin Test Centre, The VISIA Complexion Analyser to test anything from hydration, skin barrier function, pore size and more.

The 17 best body oils, according to 320 women (2024)

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