You spend big on antioxidant-laden jojoba or rosehip oils for your face, and regularly nourish your hair with coconut masks, but then kind of forget about your skin on the rest of your body. Sound like you? Well, oils like argan, jojoba, and coconut are just as effective when lathered from the neck down, and are the most direct way to apply all-natural nourishment to your skin. They hydrate, lock in moisture, and help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks – plus, many of them smell damn delicious too.
Experts suggest applying liberal amounts of product all over your damp skin as soon as you get out of the shower. Massage in a circular motion until the oil’s absorbed, and then rub the excess into your nail beds and cuticles to make the most of the nutrient-rich properties.
Not all oils are created equal however, which is why I personally tried and tested dozens of different products at all price points. Ahead, you’ll find my nine favorite body oils that hydrate, smell fantastic, and won’t leave behind too much icky, greasy residue. Lather up.
Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Body Oil, $57.20
Minimalist packaging, fragrant Jasmine scent, and a lightweight mix of camelia flower and grapeseed oils that absorbs lightening-fast. Use this blend in the morning before getting dressed for the office and you’ll have none of that greasy residue body oils are known for.
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Bio-Oil Nature Skincare Oil, $42.90
Perhaps the GOAT when it comes to the stretch mark-fighting, scar-reducing skin care category, lather bio oil all over your thighs, tummy, breasts, and anywhere else you might be prone to stretch marks.
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Uma Absolute Anti Aging Body Oil, $90
With pomegranate, sandlewood, grapefruit, frankincense, and juniper berry, this oil smells good enough to eat. Don’t though – it’s much more effective to apply a generous amount all over your body and hands. Massage with circular movements until it’s absorbed, and then enjoy how glow-y and hydrated your pins look.
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Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, $72.80
Use this coconut-based oil on your body, hair, and nails to nourish yourself head-to-toe. I have one tip for you thought – keep it in a warm space, otherwise the oil will harden, and be no use to anyone.
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Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil, $57.40
Lock moisture into your skin with luxurious Moroccan rose otto extract – it smells great, and feels even better.
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Davines Authentic Nourishing Oil, $44
Organically-grown safflower oil, jojoba oil, and sesame combine to make a protein and antioxidant-rich moisturizer. They recommend massaging it into damp skin after a shower, but I find it absorbs just as well if you massage a smaller amount into dry skin.
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Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil, $29.47
Don’t let the lower price-tag and not-so-fancy packaging fool you – this sea buckthorn body oil works just as well as the high-brow brands on this list. It’s packed with essential fatty acids, and vitamins A and E, and will hydrate and heal your skin.
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Fig + Yarrow Bath and Body Oil Meadow, $48
While you could lather this oil all over your body to moisturize and perfume the skin, I prefer to drop a few dashes into a warm bath for a nutritive, relaxing, and aromatherapeutic experience. The scent is light and floral, but not too overpowering, so you can still wear your normal perfume over the top.
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Rejuvenate Energizing Body Oil – Pure Argan Oil, $20
While this humble argan oil might not look as pretty sitting on your vanity as some of the earlier options, it will keep your skin soft and hydrated, and help to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. The fact that it’s relatively inexpensive also means I feel totally guilt-free about soaking myself in the elixir multiple times per day.
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