The Best Body Oils for Dry Skin & Aging

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Body Serum

Augustinus Bader The Geranium Rose Body Oil

Naturium The Glow Getter Body Oil

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil at Amazon

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil

Oak Essentials Dew Body Oil at Nordstrom

KORA Organics Noni Glow Body Oil

Naturium The Glow Getter Body Oil

What to Look For

We talk a lot about what ingredients to look for in our “best” product roundups, but since many oils have copious skin-friendly benefits (that’s an entire article in itself!), we’re going to focus on those you should try to avoid in a body oil.

If you’ve read a lot of our product and brand reviews, then you’ll know that Elle, our in-house biochemist, doesn’t necessarily approve of essential oils in any skincare product. While these fragrant oils have a lot of the same skin-friendly benefits as their fragrance-free counterparts, they come with mixtures that have the potential to irritate the skin. 

That’s not the only issue. Citrus oils can potentially change the color of the skin when exposed to UV light — they also make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Other essential oils contain compounds that oxidize quickly.

Studies suggest that one of the most common adverse effects of essential oils is dermatitis, a general term for conditions that cause skin inflammation. Examples include atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). These conditions are characterized by red rashes, dry skin, and itchiness, among other symptoms. Lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil, and ylang-ylang were the most common essential oils responsible for adverse effects.

A Non-Comedogenic Carrier Oil

Carrier oils are typically used with essential oils since EO’s can’t be applied directly to the skin. However, they’re also present in fragrance-free body oil formulations. The best carrier oil for body is a non-comedogenic one that won’t clog your pores.

You can use these oils alone, and while some skincare brands sell singular oils, here’s a tip: you can frequently find them cheaper at a health food store than an online beauty retailer or department store. Keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate carrier oils labeled for use as cosmetics.

Note this is far from an exhaustive list of the best carrier oils, but a few to keep your eye out for include:

• Squalane: Still having a bit of trepidation about using a body oil? Start with a formula that contains squalane — not squalene, which is found naturally in the skin. It’s light, stable, and suitable for most skin types. 
• Sunflower Seed Oil: This gentle oil is another excellent pick for body oil newbies. It has a comedogenic rating of 0, absorbs into the skin quickly, and is suitable for all skin types — even those with acne. Studies show that sunflower oil can help improve the skin barrier. 
• Grapeseed Oil: Perhaps you’ve seen this oil listed as Vitis vinifera on an ingredient label. This lightweight oil is rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid, also known as omega-6 fatty acids. It’s great for balancing and moisturizing the skin.
• Rosehip Oil: While it can be challenging for someone with acne to wrap their head around the fact that oils can help balance acne-prone skin, an oil such as rosehip should not be overlooked. As with grapeseed, this plant oil has a high level of linoleic acid. 
• Hemp Seed Oil: This top non-comedogenic pick is also a great acne fighter as it is also rich in linoleic acid. Studies found that LA can help control acneic skin. Why? Because those with acne naturally have low levels of it in their skin, leading to clogged pores. 
• Jojoba Oil: While jojoba oil is technically a wax ester, it’s a desirable non-comedogenic pick because it mimics the skin’s natural sebum, meaning it’s excellent at balancing oil production. 
• Bakuchiol: This plant derived alternative to retinol is ideal for lines, rough texture and crepiness.

Best Body Oils

BEST OVERALL

Carrot & Stick The Renewal Face Oil

This hydrating anti-aging oil helps reverse the visible signs of aging. It contains 8 precious oils to replenish the skin and visibly target the signs of aging. It also contains a plant based natural bio retinol alternative to target crepiness and wrinkles that is gentle for daily use.

This is such a great formulation that we recommend it for the body. 

Best Body Oils: The Bottom Line

What’s the Best Face Oil? Overall, we suggest Carrot & Stick The Renewal Face Oil. This is such a great formulation that we recommend it for the body.