Body oil can seem luxurious but if you have dry skin like me, it’s more of a necessity than indulgent skincare, especially during the winter months.
Today we are diving into some of the best natural body oils so you can be confident that your daily ritual is helping not harming your skin.
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Best Natural Body Oil
OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil is the very best when it comes to natural body oils. It is one of a kind with its star ingredient being Undaria Algae. This body oil is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and essential fatty acids, providing so many benefits to the skin. It is a lightweight and non-greasy formula and offers such a luxurious application experience while also supporting skin’s natural barrier function. A must have when it comes to natural body care!
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Is It Safe To Use Body Oils On Your Skin?
Body oils are safe to use for any skin type and can be a great alternative to heavy lotions or other moisturizers. Body oils are a natural way to relieve dry skin and minimize signs of aging, however as with anything, you want to make sure they don’t contain any harmful ingredients.
One of the tell-tale signs of a preservative-filled body oil is water. Yes, water. A body oil doesn’t typically require preservatives because it doesn’t contain water.
However, some companies might include a preservative in the oil when it’s diluted with water. When you add water to formulas, the risk of bacteria proliferating increases. Lotions contain water, that’s why preservatives are also found in lotions.
Water in a body oil is a red flag in my opinion and signals that it’s not a true moisturizer or it’s a cheaply made body oil.
Ingredients To Avoid In Body Oils
- Parabens- (This includes methyl-, propyl- ethyl-,butyl-) Pretty common in most skincare products. Parabens are hormone disruptors also known as endocrine disruptors. They have been linked to breast cancer tumors, and may cause male infertility and early puberty. They are added to body lotions to help preserve the product.
- Petroleum/Mineral Oil- Found in body oil products and lotions. Can cause skin irritation from rashes and have been linked to cancer.
- Fragrance- Can cause photo-toxic reactions and can be photo-allergic along with being a skin irritant, and potential neurotoxin. Fragrance is especially common in body oil and lotion. This word alone can contain up to 700 chemicals.The FDA doesn’t regulate it, all they ask is that companies list fragrance. With fragrance also comes phthalates
- Propylene Glycol & PEG’s- (This includes -4, -6, -8…etc) Has been found to be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane, which is cancer causing. Can cause acne and a general skin irritant. This ingredient actually helps other ingredients penetrate deeper into your skin. So not only are you getting exposed to this harmful chemical but you’re also helping other harmful chemicals dive deeper into your skin!
- BHA & BHT– Known hormone disruptors, carcinogenic, and have been linked to liver damage. They are in body oil products or lotion as a preservative.
- Canola Oil- Now this might not be toxic to your body topically, but most canola oil produced is genetically modified(GMO) and is inflammatory when ingested. I’ve seen this on so-called natural brands. If you see this on a label be wary of the company. This is a cheap way to produce body oil. Who wants to be rubbing GMO’s all over their skin? Not me!
- Stearalkonium Chloride– Reproductive toxicity, potential negative effects on the nervous system and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
- FD&C Dyes (artificial dyes)- This is a little bit of a grey area. I wanted to address it because I’ve actually seen artificial dyes in body products and it concerns me. I do use some products with artificial dyes, however it’s only with makeup – a body lotion does not need color! But again it’s important to know the sourcing and to consider the amount. Many makeup colors cannot be made without the use of synthetic colors.
Related Content: Body Butter vs Body Lotion (What’s The Difference?)
How To Apply Body Oil
Now you might wonder why you should use a body oil over a body lotion, or what the difference is? Allow me to explain.
A body oil is similar to what our own skin naturally produces to hydrate our skin.
A lotion is going to penetrate the skin deeper because of the water content in it and bring other nutrients deeper into the skin as well.
It really comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a body oil or body lotion. I like using a combination of both.
| Oil | Lotion | |
| When to apply? | When skin is damp to seal in moisture. | When skin is damp to seal in moisture. |
| Should I put body oil on before or after lotion? | Apply oil after lotion to seal in moisture | Apply lotion first to moisturize skin |
| Which is better for very dry skin? | Great for very dry skin because it can repair skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss. | Can be great for dry skin, it depends on the formulation. Generally lotion is good for all skin types. |
| Benefits | Can help fade hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, calm and soothe skin and be used as a natural perfume. | Can moisturize some of the rough parts of the body like knees, elbows, heels and some lotions can improve water-retention ability of skin. |
Related Content: Best Natural Body Lotions
Best Oils For Your Skin
- Jojoba Oil- This oil is so similar to our body’s own oils making it a perfect skincare oil. A very hydrating oil, plus it contains Vitamin E too. This oil is also non-comedogenic so it’s not going to clog your pores. A review found that Jojoba oil may have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, among other skin benefits.1
- Rose Hip Seed Oil- This oil is naturally very soothing. It contains both Vitamins C and A. It helps reduce redness, helps fight sun damage, and brightens skin. Research has shown that Rose Hip Seed Oil can protect against inflammation and oxidative damage.2
- Argan Oil- Known for evening out skin tone, hydrating, and helping improve overall elasticity. Good for stretch marks and scars. Scientific studies have revealed that argan oil is an effective moisturizer for individuals with dry skin, due to its capacity to aid in the restoration of the skin barrier and enhance the skin’s ability to retain essential moisture.3
- Sesame Oil- It’s anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, also an oil filled with antioxidants. Vitamin E is rich in sesame oil which can help with free radical damage from environmental factors. According to research, the antibacterial properties of sesame oil can help eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of stubborn acne.4
- Avocado Oil- Rich in chlorophyll which naturally brightens the skin. Very hydrating and helps relieve inflammation. Also, can speed up wound healing. Research has demonstrated that incorporating avocado oil into your skincare routine can serve as a safeguard against skin damage and exacerbating dry skin.5
- Olive Oil- Great for sensitive skin. It is rich in fatty acids, it is a natural humectant that draws moisture into your skin. Contains antioxidants Vitamin E and K.6
- Sunflower Seed Oil- Contains stearic acids which are great for toning and tightening the skin. Great for sensitive skin and very hydrating. For infants, sunflower seed oil may be a better option in protecting the skin barrier and doesn’t aggravate eczema.7
- Almond Oil- Has Vitamins, A, E and B which help to seal moisture into the skin. It’s a very hydrating and nourishing oil. It also is anti-inflammatory and can help reduce puffiness around the eye area. Also, great for skin tone. Research has indicated that B-sitosterol acts as an active agent with moisturizing and skin-soothing properties. Studies have also demonstrated its potency in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.8
- Macadamia Nut Oil- A great rich oil that doesn’t feel greasy, melts right into the skin. Also, anti-inflammatory. It has linoleic acid in it which helps to restore skin’s barrier function. Macadamia nut oil is rich in vitamin E so it is believed that it may offer protection against sun damage and there are test tube studies that suggest that this is the case.9
Best Natural Body Oil Products For Dry Skin
**Prices are accurate as of date of publishing***
OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
This body oil is truly a decadent treat for the body! I can’t stop using it. It is so full of skincare nutrients. This oil is infused with seaweed. They do this by soaking the Undaria Oil in seaweed for 6 months which creates an antioxidant rich body oil that is full of minerals.
Your skin will feel completely nourished and so soft after using it. Plus, it smells incredible! The sweet refreshing scent comes from passionfruit oil and grapefruit oil.
Key Ingredients
Undaria Seaweed: Replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier.
White Lupin (Flower): Helps contour, firm, and improve skin elasticity for healthy, vibrant looking skin.
Botanical Oil Blend: Moisturizes and replenishes skin through a blend of passion fruit, acai, babassu and rice bran oils.
Cost: $84
Pros
- Filled with antioxidant rich seaweed
- Smells so good- like passionfruit and grapefruit
- Clinically proven to improve skin elasticity and moisturize
- Help to firm skin and improve tone
- Not greasy
- Comes in an easy to pump glass bottle
Cons
- Spendy $$
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True Botanicals Pure Radiance Body Oil
It is filled with so many antioxidants and fatty acids that make this a power packed oil, while at the same time a very nourishing and hydrating oil. But get this- it doesn’t feel greasy, not at all! It glides on your skin effortlessly but doesn’t leave that slimy feeling. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked! A great natural perfume too.
Key Ingredients
Green Tea Seed Oil: Supports hydration and can reduce signs of aging through its antioxidant and nutrient-rich profile.
Hemp Seed Oil: Nourishes the skin through its fatty acid profile.
Sandalwood Oil: Calms skin and has a nice woodsy scent.
Cost: $48
Pros
- It moisturizes the skin with ceramides and omega-fatty acids
- Not greasy
- Comes in a glass pump bottle making it easy to use
- Very subtle relaxing sandalwood scent
- Keeps skin hydrated all day long
Cons
- Spendy $$
One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum
This one is a great option for a teen or young adult. The scent is stronger and it smells like something you would wear in the tropics. The spray application makes it easy to apply as well.
Key Ingredients
Pumpkin Seed Oil: A natural source of salicylic acid that refines and smooths the skin.
Antileukine 6®: An antioxidant-rich sea botanical that protects against environmental stressors.
Cost: $39
Pros
- Comes in a convenient spray bottle
- Smells like the tropics
- Gives a slight dewiness to the skin
- Includes antioxidants to combat environmental stressors
- Great for layering with other products
- Budget friendly compared to many clean body oils
Cons
- Comes in a plastic bottle
- The scent is stronger than others so can be too much for some
- Does contain natural fragrance, so not just essential oils
Primally Pure Blue Tansy Body Oil
I love how the ingredients are simple in this oil and how soothing it feels on the skin. I’m a sucker for anything with blue tansy in it. It feels so calming and I love the scent.
Key Ingredients
Fractionated Coconut, Argan and Pomegranate Seed Oil: Nourish and heal the skin and are easily absorbed.
Cost: $46
Pros
- Includes healing oils like pomegranate oil
- Very short ingredient list compared to other body oils
- Very soothing with blue tansy
- Comes in a glass pump bottle
Cons
- Pricey for the size
- I don’t love that it has coconut oil for those with oilier skin or prone to acne
Use code GURLGONEGREEN10 to save 10% off your order!
Cliganic Jojoba Body Oil
I love having an oil around that is basic and can be layered easily. This one does just that. Perfect for even the most sensitive skin and I can use this easily on myself and my kiddos and baby too. Plus, it’s budget friendly!
Key Ingredients
100% Pure, Unrefined, Organic Jojoba Oil: Naturally moisturizes and softens skin.
Cost: $8.99
Pros
- Jojoba is one of the closest oils to our natural skin oils
- Cold-pressed
- Fast absorbing
- One ingredient
- Great for sensitive skin
- Comes in an easy to use glass dropper bottle
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Doesn’t have a scent, or the scent naturally smells a little nutty
Free + True Body Prophet
It wouldn’t be right not to include this product in the best body oil, even though it’s technically not a body oil! Obsessed with it! They actually call it a body serum. In my mind it’s a cross between a body oil and a lotion- it’s like a creamy lotion/oil. Whatever, you want to call it, it’s so good.
I was introduced to the brand in a Beauty Heroes box and fell in love with the product. For a beauty blogger to go through a product you know it’s a big deal! I literally am currently scraping the bottom of the bottle- it’s that good.
I love how it comes in a glass pump bottle – makes it so easy for application. I also love how it smells.
Key Ingredients
Aloe Vera Juice, Comfrey Extract, Geranium Oil, Olive Leaf Extract, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Rose Flower Extract, Sea Buckthorn Berry
Cost: $48
Pros
- Contains olive leaf extract which is two times higher in antioxidants than Vitamin C and E
- Contains Sea Buckthorn Berry that contains 190 bio-active substances that stimulate regeneration, firming and toning
- It’s both nourishing and hydrating for the skin, and protective
- The scent comes from essential oils
- It absorbs quickly into the skin
- Comes in an easy to use glass pump bottle
- Smells incredible- a blend of geranium, bergamot, and orange oil
Cons
- It’s spendy
OSEA Anti-Aging Body Balm
This is another favorite body product of OSEA! It is the perfect mix of a serum and a lotion. So while it technically may not be a “body oil” it’s technically not a body lotion either. Plus, it’s too good to not share! You get the hydrating benefits of a lotion but also the anti-aging benefits of a serum. The best of both worlds- who doesn’t want that?
Coconut oil and Gigartina Seaweed help give the skin it’s elasticity, while Alaria Seaweed gives the skin a tighter feeling all over.
Plus, you get a full range of antioxidants in the lotion, Omega-fatty acids and sea minerals. It takes your skin to the next level. I love knowing I’m being proactive about my skin and helping it age gracefully.
Key Ingredients
Alaria Esculenta Seaweed: Improves the appearance of skin elasticity.
Passion Fruit Seed Oil: Increases skin’s water-holding capacity to promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Coconut Oil: A plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids seals in moisture.
Safflower Seed Oil: Emollient oil derived from the safflower plant nourishes and soothes dry skin.
Cost: $54
Pros
- Feels like a lotion and serum in one
- Improves skin elasticity and makes skin feel firm and toned
- Smells amazing- like passionfruit and coconut
- Comes in a glass pump bottle
- Contains seaweed that helps to firm skin and babbasu oil
Cons
- It’s pricey
Use code gurlgonegreen10 to save 10% off your order!
Prima Beyond Body Oil
This body oil feels so nourishing on the skin and I love the added CBD in it. So great for calming myself, while also moisturizing my skin. It really does it all!
Key Ingredients
600mg Organic Hemp CBD: Aids in promoting balance, all the while countering the effects of environmental stressors.
Magnesium: Soothes and aids in relaxation
Helichrysum: Helps soothe the skin and protect the skin from signs of aging
Squalane: Has antioxidant benefits and mimics skin’s natural sebum to moisturize, and protect the skin’s moisture barrier. Sustainably derived from sugarcane.
Jojoba Seed Oil: This silky moisturizer is similar in structure to the natural oils of our skin
Apricot Kernel Oil: This oil helps to balance out the look of uneven skin tone and nourish the skin with naturally occurring vitamin A, vitamin E, and oleic and linoleic fatty acids
Cost: $56
Pros
- Contains CBD
- Contains plant actives and fatty acids to truly nourish skin
- Not only does it nourish skin but also repair and rebuild
- Contains squalene which helps to increase elasticity
- Smells amazing- a blend of citrus, clove and geranium
- Helps your body to de-stress and promotes a sense of calm
Cons
- Pricey
- Not everyone wants their oil to contain CBD
Olverum Nourishing Body Oil
I love this oil because it’s a dry body oil and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. It absorbs instantly. The spray applicator is a nice addition. I wouldn’t purchase it in the future because of the synthetic ingredient components. I’ve heard others rave about it, but didn’t love that synthetics are used in it. Plus, it’s pretty pricey!
Key Ingredients
Raspberry Seed Oil and Poppy Seed Oil – Sources of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, necessary for maintaining soft, supple skin.
Alaria Esculenta Extract – Aquatic botanical contributes to supple skin.
Coconut Extract – Seals in moisture.
Fair Trade Shea Butter Esters and Shea Butter Oil – Provides a deep cushioning effect.
Cost: $72
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Helps to tone and firm skin
- Over 30 sustainably sourced botanical oils
- Very nourishing but doesn’t feel like a heavy oil
- Comes in a convenient to spray glass bottle
Cons
- Pricey
- Don’t love all the ingredients, contains a synthetic C15-19 which is a synthetic solvent.
- It has some synthetic fragrance in it too which I don’t love.
Did I miss your favorite body oil? Share it below!
If you liked this post, check out past posts below:
- Best Natural And Non Toxic Body Washes
- Organic Beauty Foundation Guide
- Ilia Beauty Makeup Review + Tutorial
References
- G Ital Dermatol Venereol (2013) Jojoba in dermatology: a succinct review
- Int J Mol Sci. (2017) Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils
- Int J Mol Sci. (2017) Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils
- 4. Altern Ther Health Med (2005) Effects of topical sesame oil on oxidative stress in rats
- 5. Pharmacogn Rev. (2011) Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation.
- 6. Journal of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (2016) Enhancement of antioxidant and skin moisturizing effects of olive oil by incorporation into microemulsions
- 7. Pediatr Dermatol (2013) Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care
- 8. Exp Biol Med (2014)The β-sitosterol attenuates atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions through down-regulation of TSLP.
- 9. Sci Rep.(2018) Vitamin E inhibits the UVAI induction of “light” and “dark” cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and oxidatively generated DNA damage, in keratinocytes.
Very well explained about various types of oils.