Summer always has the habit of creeping up on us. And if your legs and limbs are too in need of some hydration as we transition seasons, allow our edit of the best body oils to come to the rescue.
Don’t get us wrong, there’s a special place in our hearts for body lotions too, of course. But when it comes to post-winter skin rehab, a body oil can really work some luxurious magic.
Intense hydration aside, the right formula will rapidly absorb into your skin, which means less downtime before you can get dressed or jump into bed.
But, like all beauty products, not all body oils are built the same. While some will turn you into a shiny, glazed ham, others will leave you with a lightweight, antioxidant-rich, nourishment that works as the perfect alternative or partner to your regular moisturising routine.
Here are our seven fail-safe body oils for a guaranteed glow all year-round.
Clarins Anti-Eau Body Treatment Oil
We say: We know, $70?! But trust us, you get what you pay for. Bursting with powerful, natural ingredients, this formula helps to minimise puffiness and leaves skin dry to the touch and satin-soft. It contains vitamin A, E, geranium and hazelnut oil, and is one of the closest things to liquid gold.
You say: “The oil feels light and luxurious and smells beautiful with citrus tones (it is a French product after all). I believe this is more packed with skin-nourishing elements beyond average body oils.” – Herrikadrizzle
$84 at Myer
Neutrogena Body Oil (Sesame Formula)
We say: A budget fave, Neutrogena’s lightweight body oil works like a dream. Use it to moisturise damp skin post-shower or try adding a few drops into your bath for some full body nourishment.
You say: “My skin has never felt softer, even on the days I don’t apply the product. My elbows are especially loving this product.” – Nove
$8.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Garden of Wellness Nourishing Body Oil Honey Citrus
We say: And the crown for ‘best-smelling body oil’ on the market goes to Garden of Wellness. With a formula combining pure Aussie honey myrtle oil with an array of antoxidant and omega-rich plant oils, prepare for the most hydrated, sweet-smelling skin of your life.
$39.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more about the Garden of Wellness Nourishing Body Oil Honey Citrus
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturising Body Oil
We say: Palmer’s is no stranger to blessing dry skin with a cocoa butter-rich hit of moisture. Watch as stubborn dry, scaly patches disappear and supple, glowing skin is left in its place.
You say: “I do a lot of swimming, being outdoors so my skin is often quite dry. I love love love the scent, the sweet cocoa smell is perfect. The oil easily absorbs into my skin, leaving it feeling super hydrated and soft.” – Peta908
$9.69 at Chemist Warehouse
Dermalume Rejuvenation Therapy Neck and Décolletage Firming Oil
We say: If you’re looking to do some rehab on your neck and décolletage specifically, this is the oil for the job. As a body area that’s often exposed (and let’s be honest, neglected) this antioxidant-rich blend is ready to get to work reviving and firming the skin. It contains frankincense oil, rice bran oil, sea-buckthorn oil, and 11 other active oils, and the brand is locally based in Melbourne.
$58 at Dermalume
Read more about the Dermalume Rejuvenation Therapy Neck and Décolletage Firming Oil
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Oil Mist
We say: If you think you don’t have time for a body oil (we get it, they can be messy), allow this quick-dry mist to change your mind. Conveniently packaged for fast application and with a deeply hydrating formula that leaves the greasy after-feel at the door, it’s the lazy gal’s answer to body oil.
$9.74 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more about the Aveeno Daily Moisturising Oil Mist
Clémence Organics Ultimate Body Oil
We say: If you’re prone to sensitivity, this organic pick provides deep hydration without irritation. Camellia and jojoba oils take care of the moisturising task, while calendula soothes to ensure skin comfort. It contains no artificial fragrance but carries a subtle scent from the blend of chamomile and lavender essential oils.
$74.99 at Clémence Organics
Read more about the Clémence Organics Ultimate Body Oil
Main image credit: @summerfridays
Do you use a body oil? If so, which is your favourite?
I am new to using oils. I have tried several different brands. I have mainly used them on my face and have really loved how hydrating they are.
Trilogy body oil is brilliant,
I adore the Clarins body oil and a little goes such a long way. My skin drinks it in especially my legs and they look and feel revitalized.
Oooo I should try this!!
Do you apply it after shower?
I’ve done that too!
I should try some of these! I haven’t before.
I like adding oil to baths but think I prefer body lotion to moisturise my skin,
Have used body oils off and on. Conclusion: my skin responds better to butters/moisturizers (mineral oil/petrolatum/paraffin free). And when using oils, better value/quality/effect-on-skin/packaging (glass) is to get just cold pressed oils from the supermarket (like macadamia, avocado, olive) and use as a body oil. Plus, I just can’t handle plastic packaging of regular body oils.
The Clarins Body Oil is divine, as are all their body products.
Body oils are lovely especially in the drier winter months.
I’ve never used a body oil. I really should. My skin has been a bit dry lately.
Very true!
Great body oil recommendations, especially with the cooler months coming.
would mind trying a body oil preferably a subtle scent
their rosehip oil should come in a bigger bottle then!
Such a big fan of Body Oils especially love Sukin Rosehip Oil and I usually use it a couple of times a week, but if my legs feel dry I put it on to moisturise.
I have the Garnier. I use it as a hair oil too. It does smell amazing.
I’ve mixed it with body lotion and it is really good.
That is a great idea! I should get some in time for winter.
I love Sukin products. Always a winner with me.
Need it for Winter
I always thought that body oils actually dry your skin out.
I haven’t tried any of these, I do love bio oil though
Ive been using bio oil for ages now. I love the smell.
Do you use the oil on your body by itself? After a shower?
I must try it!
Me too!
For my first pregnancy I got really bad stretch marks, bumpy and looked like a strange rash and it completely got rid of it all.
I love using a body oil in winter, I find it’s best to apply on damp skin after a shower, it absorbs much better
Oh really? How do you mean?
Body oil is great in winter time.
The Palmers body oil is lovely.
Adds more time to getting ready as it needs to be absorbed
I love plunketts body oil. It was given at a natural beauty event some time ago and it was lovely!
I do like the concept of a spray bottle, that looks very easy to use
I don’t use body oil to moisturise my skin. I use herbal oils on my joints and it soothes my aches and an old injury
I seldom use anything on my body except body wash.
I think I have the Palmers and the Neutrogena ones in my stash. I should check they haven’t gone off (they haven’t been opened) and use them.
Body oils are stunning to use for occasions as well. I like using a tiny bit on my shoulders knees and arms, looks so nice, especially with a little bit of a brush of highlighter on top
Me too! I got that too!
The squirt function on that worked really well, even to the end when there wasn’t much product left in the bottle.
I find the Palmers one smell a little funny, do you think so too?
That is a good tip!!
Yes use it for the body mainly on my scaly legs!
Legs do get dry during winter! Mine are a little bit exposed when I wear dresses.
I checked (so now it is open!) – it just smells really chocolatey to me.
a little bit now that you mention it.
Not a fan of body oils. Although they give a lovely sheen.
Totally agree Ellyloves Sukin Rosehip Oil should come in a much larger bottle.
I like to use body oil on my legs! Keeps them really hydrated and gives it a nice glow
I use Palmers and find it does the trick, my skin feels hydrated all day
The Clarins Body Treatment Oil is beautiful.
can’t wait to try some