Body oils are smooth, thick and highly concentrated liquids that soak deeply into skin to leave it hydrated. They often contain a blend of natural oil ingredients, as well as antioxidants and vitamins for skin nourishment. They are also typically scented with pure essential oils which help to soothe and balance the senses (unless labeled fragrance-free). Body oils can be applied to the skin as an effective skincare treatment, massage enhancer and even as an added layer of moisture to post-shower lotions or creams.
Many people shy away from using body oils for fear of feeling greasy or having their pores clogged, but with the right product this shouldn’t be an issue. The best body oils are non-greasy and absorbed quickly so you can go from bathing to getting dressed without any buildup. They can also be more hydrating than lotions, creams or butters since they can penetrate skin deeper.
If you find your skin feels dry or tight, body oils are a great way to add some extra hydration and moisture. Body oils can also be used to target specific areas such as elbows and knees that tend to be drier. Many products are infused with oils that are specially designed to treat different skin concerns. For example, jojoba and argan oils can be beneficial for those with acne-prone skin and eucalyptus and ginger oil are effective in treating inflammation, rashes and irritation.
Some body oils are also specifically designed to address concerns that can arise during pregnancy and beyond. A few examples include this soothing oil which improves the appearance of stretch marks and scars, as well as this body oil that contains a blend of vitamin A, shea butter, chamomile, sunflower and olive oils that promotes skin renewal. Lastly, this organic body oil from Ole Henriksen is infused with peptides to improve skin firmness and tone.
There are also several body oils that are designed to boost different aspects of mood, which can be a huge benefit for those dealing with anxiety, stress or depression. Some of these body oils include lemon lemongrass which increases alertness, blackthorn which boosts warmth and balances skin tone, birch arnica which helps with achy muscles and joints and ylang-ylang for relaxation.
Another reason to choose a body oil is that it’s more eco-friendly than traditional lotions. Lotions usually contain around 65% water, which requires a preservative system or can grow bacteria and mold. Body oils are made of oils only and don’t require the added emulsifiers that lotions do, meaning they use less packaging materials and chemicals. The majority of body oils on the market use natural preservatives as well as a range of safe and healthy plant-based essential oils. This means you can enjoy a luscious aroma that will last throughout the day.