Body oil: which oils help dry skin and how to use them
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- Pure jojoba oil. Best for: Dry or easily irritated skin that needs a simple, single-ingredient oil. See options on Amazon
- Fragrance-free sunflower or linoleic-rich body oil. Best for: Daily all-over use on normal to dry skin. See options on Amazon
- Mineral oil body oil (baby oil type). Best for: Very dry legs and arms after the shower. See options on Amazon
- Coconut body oil. Best for: Mild to moderate dry skin on the body. See options on Amazon
- Dry-touch body oil spray. Best for: People who dislike a greasy feel and want to dress soon after. See options on Amazon
What a body oil does
Oils are emollients and occlusives. A 2018 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences says plant oils may act as a protective barrier on the skin by an occlusive effect, which reduces water loss. The same review notes that oils such as almond, jojoba, soybean and avocado mostly stay at the surface of the skin rather than soaking in deeply.
That is why timing matters. Mayo Clinic says to moisturize while skin is still damp and that, for very dry skin away from the face, an oil such as baby oil stays on longer than lotion and helps hold water in the skin's surface. Put oil on dry skin and there is less water for it to hold in.
A body oil is not a treatment for a skin condition. If you have eczema or psoriasis, follow your dermatologist's plan.
Which oil to choose
Not every oil behaves the same on skin. The review above compares several:
| Oil | What the review says | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba | The review discusses wax esters and possible barrier uses; AAD lists jojoba for dry skin | Dry or sensitive skin |
| Sunflower seed | Higher in linoleic acid; shown to preserve skin integrity and improve hydration in adults | Everyday dry skin |
| Coconut | As effective and safe as mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate dry skin | Dry legs and arms |
| Argan | A small study in postmenopausal women reported improved elasticity with daily topical use | Dry skin that feels tight |
| Olive | Found to have a detrimental effect on skin barrier function | Better kept in the kitchen |
The review explains the olive oil result through oleic acid, which it says can disrupt the barrier with continuous use, while linoleic acid may support barrier repair. Mineral oil (baby oil) is on the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) list of ingredients that help dry skin, along with jojoba oil.
The review also notes that refined and cold-pressed oils can differ in makeup and effect, and that much of the evidence comes from small studies, so treat these as leanings rather than rules.
Scented and infused oils, including seaweed body oil
Many popular body oils are blends: a base oil plus botanical extracts such as seaweed, and often fragrance. The base oil does most of the moisturizing, so read the ingredient list from the top.
Fragrance is the part to watch. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says fragrance ingredients can be listed simply as "Fragrance," that some components may cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some people, and that even some products labeled unscented may contain fragrance ingredients. The AAD recommends fragrance-free products for dry skin.
If you want a scented oil for a massage, our massage oil guide covers glide and cleanup.
How to use a body oil
- Shower short and warm. The AAD and Mayo Clinic both suggest 5 to 10 minutes with warm, not hot, water.
- Pat, do not rub. The AAD says rubbing can irritate very dry skin.
- Apply to damp skin. A few drops spread further on damp skin than on dry skin.
- Choose the routine that suits your skin. If oil feels too greasy or your skin remains dry, consider a fragrance-free cream. The AAD favors creams and ointments over lotions for dry skin; see our body lotion guide for ingredient and texture choices.
- Mind the floor. Oil on a tub or shower floor is slippery, so apply it after you step out and wipe up drips.
- Let it settle before dressing. Oil can mark fabrics.
Mayo Clinic suggests noncomedogenic or oil-free products if you get acne, so keep heavier oils off breakout-prone areas such as the back and chest.
What to look for when you buy
Pure jojoba oil
Best for: Dry or easily irritated skin that needs a simple, single-ingredient oil
The AAD lists jojoba oil among ingredients that help dry skin, and the 2018 review calls its wax ester content a good repair option for skin with an altered barrier.
Watch out: Patch test first; any oil can irritate some people, and it can feel heavy on acne-prone areas.
See options on AmazonFragrance-free sunflower or linoleic-rich body oil
Best for: Daily all-over use on normal to dry skin
The review says sunflower seed oil, which is higher in linoleic acid, preserved skin integrity and improved hydration in adults, unlike olive oil.
Watch out: Blends vary; check that sunflower or another linoleic-rich oil is near the top of the list and that there is no added fragrance.
See options on AmazonMineral oil body oil (baby oil type)
Best for: Very dry legs and arms after the shower
Mayo Clinic names baby oil as an option for very dry skin away from the face, and the AAD lists mineral oil as a helpful ingredient.
Watch out: Many baby oils are scented; choose a fragrance-free one if your skin reacts.
See options on AmazonCoconut body oil
Best for: Mild to moderate dry skin on the body
The review reports coconut oil was as effective and safe as mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate dry skin.
Watch out: Solid at cool room temperature and rich in feel; keep it off acne-prone areas.
See options on AmazonDry-touch body oil spray
Best for: People who dislike a greasy feel and want to dress soon after
A light, sprayable blend spreads thinly on damp skin, which is where the occlusive effect described in the review helps most.
Watch out: Often scented, including many seaweed and botanical blends; FDA says fragrance can trigger sensitivities, so read the label.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Is body oil better than lotion?
- For very dry skin it can be. Mayo Clinic says an oil stays on longer than lotion and helps hold water in the skin's surface. The AAD recommends creams or ointments for dry skin; choose the texture you tolerate.
- Should I put body oil on wet or dry skin?
- Damp skin. Mayo Clinic says to apply moisturizer while skin is still damp after bathing, so the oil can help hold that water in.
- Is olive oil good for your skin?
- A 2018 review found topical olive oil had a detrimental effect on skin barrier function. The review reports different results for sunflower and coconut oil; these findings do not guarantee a particular formula will suit you.
- What is seaweed infused body oil?
- It is a base oil blended with seaweed extract and often fragrance. The base oil does most of the moisturizing, and the fragrance is the part most likely to irritate, so check the ingredient list.
- Can body oil clog pores?
- Heavy oils can. Mayo Clinic suggests noncomedogenic or oil-free products if you get acne, so keep oils off breakout-prone skin.
Sources
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), International Journal of Molecular Sciences (MDPI)
- Dry skin: Diagnosis and treatment (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic
- Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Fragrances in Cosmetics (fda.gov), US Food and Drug Administration