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You have your facial skin-care routine on lock, but what of body care? Here’s a tip: The best body oils can majorly upgrade your body-care routine, delivering nourishment, radiance, and skin barrier support in one step. Unlike body lotions, which can feel heavy during warmer months or take longer to absorb, body oils seal in moisture and deeply condition with lightweight formulas. And today's options are nothing like the slippery, overly scented oils you might remember from the early 2000s. These are fast-absorbing options that offer everything from subtle shimmer to SPF protection, and you can use them on their own or add a few drops to your favorite daily lotion.
Our Top Body Oils
- Best Overall: OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil, $52
- Best Firming: Mara Sea Sculpt Body Oil, $68
- Best with SPF: Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50, $40
- Best Shimmer: L'Occitane Instant Golden Glow Shimmering Body Oil, $59
Whether you prefer a soft, dewy finish or full-on editorial gleam, there's a body oil that delivers that just-moisturized sheen (without feeling greasy!) for everyone. Some are subtle and scent-free, perfect for layering under your favorite fragrance. Others are rich with gourmand, beachy, or floral notes that linger like a personal signature. Even the application itself feels like a ritual—slow, intentional, indulgent. Whether you're pressing oil into damp skin post-shower, blending it with lotion, or dabbing a little onto your collarbones before going out, it's a moment of self-care that feels luxurious.
Whether you're looking to firm, hydrate, protect, or simply glow like you just stepped off a beach, keep reading to discover the best body oils that our editors love.
Best Overall: OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
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Osea
Undaria Algae Body Oil
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If there’s one body oil you can count on for an all-day, summer glow, it’s OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Oil. The star ingredient, undaria seaweed, is rich in antioxidants and essential minerals that help replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and improve overall texture. It’s paired with white lupin flower extract to support firmness and elasticity, and passionfruit oil for deep hydration that won’t feel overly heavy or clog pores. The formula melts in like a dream, leaving skin soft and smooth without any greasy residue. One pump goes a long way, and the fresh citrus scent—with notes of grapefruit, lime, and mango mandarin—lingers lightly, leaving you smelling like a vacation in a bottle. For our sensitive-skinned friends, there's a fragrance-free formula that's just as lovely.
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
Jailynn Tayler
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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“I’m officially on my third bottle of OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Oil, and yes, it’s that good. What I love most is the shine it offers from head to toe. It’s not greasy or glittery, just this subtle, healthy, natural-looking glow. The scent is super light and fresh, so it never competes with my perfume. And it absorbs fast, which is a non-negotiable for me. I use it every day, post-shower, and my skin feels baby soft and stays hydrated all day.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I'm not a diehard body-oil user, but when I'm pregnant, it becomes a must-have. I've been slathering this stuff on my belly, and it's just as good as everyone says. It's rich and viscous in a satisfying way—unlike, say, a dry oil—but sinks in so fast that it has yet to stain any of my clothes. And the scent is a little fruity, a little herbal, but all-around uplifting, making it perfect for slathering on before I start my day.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: undaria seaweed, white lupin flower extract, passion fruit oil
- Fragrance-free: no
- Scent option: grapefruit, lime, cypress, mango mandarin
Best Firming: Mara Sea Sculpt Body Oil
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Mara
Sea Sculpt Body Oil
Bluemercury
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Mara Sea Sculpt
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: Harnessing the power of plankton—which has fatty acids that can boost firmness and elasticity—and kelp sea oil, which addresses collagen production and smoothing, Mara’s Sea Sculpt dives deep to help support smoother, less textured skin. It also contains flax and celery seed, which help strengthen the skin barrier, and moringa, which contributes to its non-greasy finish. It’s got a bergamot and cedar scent that’s delightfully citrusy, and even though the oil is a bit thicker, it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy—just luxurious. Even on its own, it leaves the skin looking shinier and plumper, but you can also pair it with a lymphatic drainage tool to really reap the smoothing benefits.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I haven’t noticed a dramatic difference in Mara’s Sea Sculpt Body Oil firming abilities for my arms or thighs just yet since it’s only been about a couple of weeks of using this, but I’m curious enough to keep at it and see what happens over time. What I can say with confidence is that this oil nails hydration. I kind of like that it doesn’t disappear instantly, which is a plus if you’re using Mara’s sculpting tool, since it gives you enough slip to really massage the skin before fully absorbing. It does take a little bit of extra rubbing to make sure it all sinks in fully before getting dressed.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: flax, celery seed, kelp sea oil, plankton
- Fragrance-free: no
- Scent notes: bergamot, cedar
Best with SPF: Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50
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Supergoop!
Glow Oil SPF 50 Body Oil
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50 Dry Body Oil Sunscreen
Sarah Han
Why we love it: It’s rare to find body oil that doubles as sun protection, and Supergoop’s Glow Oil SPF is the exception. It’s a barely-there oil that nourishes skin while offering broad-spectrum SPF 50 to help defend against UV damage. Argan oil hydrates without feeling greasy, grapeseed oil provides antioxidant support, and meadowfoam seed oil helps lock in moisture. It’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it just as ideal for beach days as it is for everyday wear—and yes, true to its name, it gives your skin that “lit from within” glow. Pro tip: If you want your face to glow as much as the rest of your skin, pair this sunscreen oil with Supergoop's Glowscreen.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Look, I personally find body oils too heavy for daily use, but when I show up to the beach this summer, best believe I'll be slathering up with this SPF 50-infused Supergoop body oil. It makes me look extra glowy (which my pale limbs seriously need) and provides UV protection so I (hopefully) don't burn! Luckily for me, I can't stand baking in the sun for long, so I should be safe there. I also really like that it's not glittery, just shimmery—and the oil brightens the colors of my arm tattoos!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: argan oil, grapeseed oil, meadowfoam seed oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Scent notes: beach flower, sun-kissed coconut
Best Shimmer: L'Occitane Instant Golden Glow Shimmering Body Oil
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L'Occitane
Instant Golden Glow Shimmering Body Oil
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the L’Occitane Instant Golden Glow Shimmering Body Oil
Sarah Hoffmann
Why we love it: L'Occitane’s Instant Golden Glow Shimmering Body Oil imparts a gold-tinged glow without any obvious sparkle. This subtler, glitter-free approach to radiance makes it as suitable for brunch or the office as it is party-ready, while its combo of sweet almond, sunflower seed, and castor oils softens the skin and locks in moisture. The lightweight, transfer-resistant formula dries down quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy or sticky residue. Plus, it has L’Occitane’s signature almond scent, a sweet gourmand that isn’t too strong or cloying.
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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“Name a scent more delicious than L'Occitane's signature almond scent, I dare you. Applying body lotion is one of my least favorite tasks, but body oils are a totally different story. Maybe it's the immediate gratification of seeing the sheen appear on your skin, but it's just a much more enjoyable experience, IMO. The skin on my arms and legs is naturally super dry and dull, so a serving of this subtly shimmery body oil is a necessity in shorts, skirts, and tanks weather.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
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- Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil, castor oil
- Fragrance-free: no
- Scent notes: sweet almond
Best Scent: Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Body Oil
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Chanel
Eau Tendre Body Oil
Nordstrom
Chanel
Allure global senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Body Oil
Lexi Herrick
Why we love it: Chanel’s Chance Eau Tendre Body Oil is not to be confused with the perfume of the same name—though it does have the same elegant, fruity-floral scent, which blends notes of grapefruit, quince, jasmine, and white musk. This 2025 Best of Beauty winner leaves a delicate trail of fragrance that lingers, but never overpowers. The glass bottle mirrors the iconic pink design of the eau de parfum, but inside is a weightless oil infused with sunflower seed and barrier-boosting vitamin E; they deliver a hydrating glow with a fast-drying, satin-smooth finish that feels as luxurious as it smells.
Tester feedback from global senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick
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“The Chance Eau Tendre Body Oil by Chanel is the perfect mix of perfume and body oil. It has the most refreshing scent that lingers without being too overpowering. I have always been sensitive to strong fragrances, often avoiding regular perfume to prevent migraine headaches. But this body oil is very gentle and holds up subtly throughout the day. The scent is fresh, floral, and elegant, with added skin hydration as a plus!” —Lexi Herrick, global senior director of commerce audience & analytics
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- Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, tocopherol (vitamin E)
- Fragrance-free: no
- Scent notes: grapefruit, jasmine, and white musk blend
Best Drugstore: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist
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Aveeno
Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist is anchored by oat kernel oil, which is loaded with fatty acids—meaning it's top-tier at locking in hydration and preventing water loss. Here, it works alongside soybean and jojoba oils, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin, too. The formula is medium-weight with a light, vanilla-tinged floral scent—and while it can take a second to dry down, once it does, you’re left with a healthy glow on your skin (but not on your clothing). Apply it right out of the shower for lightweight moisture, or use it over your lotion for more serious hydration.
Blay-Tettey before applying the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist
Annie Blay-Tettey
Blay-Tettey after applying the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist
Annie Blay-Tettey
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“This lightweight body oil leaves my skin with a glowy sheen—minus the greasiness. I apply it immediately after showering to lock in moisture and my skin looks and feels soft all day.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: oat kernel oil, soybean oil, jojoba oil
- Fragrance-free: no
- Scent notes: floral-gourmand
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use body oil?
Body oil can leave your skin feeling soft and glowy while simultaneously moisturizing and strengthening your skin barrier, says Michele Green, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. They offer long-lasting hydration for all skin types without stickiness, grease, or waxy residue, unlike denser body lotions, Dr. Green adds. "Many people might assume that using a body oil would do the opposite and cause the skin to feel greasy, but body oils tend to be fast-absorbing," she explains.
Still, absorption can depend on the specific formula and the skin type in question. Morayo Adisa, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, breaks it down further by comparing how oils, lotions, and creams function across the hydration spectrum: "Body oils are smooth, slick, slow-absorbing liquid topical skin-care products that leave a glowing sheen on the body, while lotions are lightweight, hydrating, and fast-absorbing topical moisturizers great for normal to dry skin, and creams are thicker, deep moisturizers that help protect the skin barrier and are great for very dry skin areas."
Head-to-toe elixirs are especially essential in warmer weather, since oils can replenish any moisture lost due to heat and other causes. "Being in chlorine pools, the beach, and the sun over the summer can leave our skin feeling dry and dull," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD, notes.
What is the best firming body oil for older skin?
The best firming body oils for older skin typically contain ingredients focused on moisture retention and increased collagen production. As Corey Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama, told Allure, you’ll want to keep an eye out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin for the former, and retinol for the latter. He also pointed to oils rich in fatty acids (such as sunflower oil and rosehip oil, “which can help rebuild the skin’s lipid matrix”), as well as peptides and ceramides for firming. Our top picks include OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Oil, which is filled with amino acids and antioxidants that can boost elasticity, and Nécessaire’s The Body Oil, which is formulated to visibly improve tone and texture through ingredients such as capsaicin (which increases circulation).
Meet the experts
- Michele Green, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Marina Peredo, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Morayo Adisa, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Dermatology Physicians
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a Birmingham, Alabama-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best body oils, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
