Best body oils for smooth skin
Here’s exactly why I was totally blown away by Moroccanoil’s latest addition. Get ready for soft, silky, smooth skin.
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Let’s face it, looking down at your legs and seeing dry, flaky skin isn’t an ideal situation.
Taking care of dehydrated skin using a body oil – especially during cold periods – is certainly an extra step in your self-care body routine, but it sure is worth it.
Not only can body oils hydrate and moisturise your skin, they can also improve the overall texture and may even help diminish the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
We’ve rounded up the best body oils on the market right now – for every budget and skin type – based on our own experience with the products and customer reviews. Farewell, scaly skin.
EDITOR’S PICKS: OUR FAVOURITE BODY OIL
Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil, $75 at Sephora
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The long-awaited body range from Moroccanoil has finally hit stores and one of the hero products is the Dry Body Oil. It’s fragranced with Moroccanoil’s signature scent and infused with a unique combination of argan oil, olive oil and avocado oil to hydrate, nourish and soften the skin. The dry body oil texture means it’s super fast-absorbing and feels totally weightless on the skin.
What reviewers say: I was lucky enough to test the Dry Body Oil as it launched and all I can say is that I am totally blown away. This was my first time using a dry body oil, and I am very impressed with the formulation. You don’t feel oily and sticky after use – it dries down after just a few minutes and I can visibly see a difference to my skin. It looks so healthy and nourished and feels incredibly smooth – a total game-changer for the dry winter season.
If that’s not enough to convince you, the product has already racked up over 3400 five-star ratings on Google Reviews. Happy customers have said it’s their “go-to winter favourite”, noting they’ve finally found the “perfect dry oil”.
BEST NOURISHING BODY OILS
The Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba, $52.95 at The Iconic
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
There’s no body oil quite like 100 per cent Australian Jojoba oil. Turns out the liquid wax stored in its seeds has the same molecular structure as what’s found in healthy human skin – so your body is going to drink this oil right up.
It’s designed for all skin types and is naturally rich in vitamins A, D and E plus omegas six and nine.
What reviewers say: A five-star reviewer on The Iconic website described this oil as “quick absorbing” and “leaving the skin feeling luscious and soft”.
Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil, $78 at Myer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This Clarins body oil is packed with essential oils of rosemary, broom, geranium, marjoram, lemon, orange and hazelnut. The unique concoction of invigorating ingredients offers a gorgeous and relaxing scent, while also promising to hydrate the skin and leave it feeling totally supple and smooth.
What reviewers say: This oil has racked up an average rating of 4.9 out of five on the Myer website. It’s been described as being the “best oil” and smelling “fantastic and therapeutic”.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil, $13.99 at Amazon
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Formulated with cocoa butter, a rich natural moisturiser, and vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant – this oil promises to deeply nourish dry and dehydrated skin, as well as improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone.
What reviewers say: The humble oil has racked up over 800 five-star ratings on Amazon, with countless customers describing it a “gorgeous” oil with a “lovely” smell. One five-star rating customer said their “skin feels soft and smooth after use”.
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $72 at Adore Beauty
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
If you’re looking for the ultimate pampering experience, this nourishing almond shower oil will do the trick. You apply the oil in the shower and while it hydrates your skin, the product turns into a luxurious foaming cleanser for your body. So really, it’s two products in one.
L’Occitane is widely known for this gorgeous almond oil scent that smells just like an almond croissant.
What reviewers say: 94 per cent of people recommend this product on the Adore Beauty website. One happy customer said it’s their “favourite shower product in winter, perfect for my dry legs. After this, I can skip body cream”.
Weleda Wild Rose Pampering Body Oil, $34.95 at The Iconic
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Weleda offers a 100 per cent certified natural oil that’s suitable for all skin types. The relaxing rose scent combined with the nourishing sweet almond and organic jojoba oil is designed to soothe and soften your skin.
What reviewers say: This body oil has racked up over 7000 five-star ratings on Amazon with one reviewer describing it as “a little bit of rose luxury”. They continued to say “it smells divine and is very soft and moisturising”.
KORA Organics Noni Glow Body Oil, $84 at Adore Beauty
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
With the price tag being a little higher than others, the Noni Glow body oil is the ultimate treat for your spa experience at home. Formulated with organic Noni extract, rosehip and sunflower seed oils, this multipurpose oil nourishes the skin while still feeling super lightweight and fast-absorbing.
What reviewers say: 96 per cent of reviewers on the Adore Beauty website recommend this product, thanks to its “delightfully uplifting scent” and ability to not “feel sticky or greasy or oily.”
Salt by Hendrix Nourish + Revive Oil, $34.95 at The Iconic
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Fragranced with orange sweet oil and formulated with rosehip, argan and marula oils, this product is designed to completely revitalise the skin. The Australian-made formulation is packed full of essential fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants to lock in moisture and assist with premature ageing.
What reviewers say: The luxe body oil has an average rating of 4.5 out of five on The Iconic website, with one reviewer noting its “gorgeous light fragrance … very nourishing … a great purchase”.
BEST ILLUMINATING BODY OILS
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil, $165 at Myer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Who doesn’t love a shimmering body oil when the weather gets warmer? This one from Tom Ford, while it is expensive, delivers on both scent and formulation. The body oil offers a sexy floral and sandalwood fragrance in an illuminating yet easy-to-use formulation.
What reviewers say: With an average rating of 4.7 out of five on the Myer website, this body oil is certainly popular. Many happy customers have said it’s “addictive”, “absolutely divine” and an “amazing product”.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or Multi Purpose Dry Oil, $32.99 at Chemist Warehouse
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This multipurpose dry oil is one to add to your collection. It’s incredibly fast-absorbing and can be used on the body, face and hair to nourish, soften and illuminate. The slight shimmer combined with the golden undertone ensures your skin is left looking glowy and bronzed, perfect for the summer time.
What reviewers say: Described as being a “holiday in a bottle” and an “amazing product”, this body oil is the favourite of many. It’s racked up an average rating of 4.6 out of five on the Chemist Warehouse website.
IS BODY OIL BETTER THAN BODY LOTION?
There’s no right or wrong answer here. Both body oils and body lotions do a great job at moisturising and hydrating the skin.
Choosing to use a body oil instead is certainly going that extra mile and adds a very luxurious step to your self-care routine.
But ultimately you’re going to want to pick whichever one feels more comfortable on your skin, and which one you will actually enjoy using regularly.
If you’re interested, you can also check out our roundup of the best moisturisers for dry skin.
WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY BODY OIL?
If you want the best results out of your body oil, it’s advised to apply straight after you get out of the shower or bath. Pat your skin down with a towel just gently – you want to apply the oil on slightly damp skin.
Massage the oil into your skin for a few seconds and pat yourself fully dry, while avoiding rubbing the skin with the towel.
This will ensure you lock in and seal all the moisture from the water and the body oil.
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Looking to save time? You can also apply your body oil in the shower, following your body wash and before drying down. Just be aware that it may cause a slippery mess in the shower if you’re not careful.
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