While an extended self-care ritual sounds like a dream — think a hot bath, candles, nature music on the playlist — for many it may actually be, well, just a dream. But that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate moments of luxury into your everyday routine. And therein is the beauty of body oils. Not only are they brimming with incredible nutrients for skin, but the latest formulas are proving more elegant and user-friendly than ever, too — without skimping on indulgence.

Not only are newer body oil formulas more elegant and quick to absorb than in years past, but they can actually be as powerful for skin, too, as their cream- or lotion-based counterparts. “Body oils, by their very nature, help to smooth, soften and repair our skin,” says NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti. “They help to reinforce and balance our skin barrier by mimicking the naturally occurring lipids found in our skin.”

That can be a game-changer for skin from head to toe, especially since the skin of the body tends to take a backseat to the skin on our face. And, as a result, “the right body oil can really change and make a difference in skin, giving it that natural glow,” says NakedPoppy research scientist Marisa Plescia. With that in mind, here’s what makes it so great.

The many benefits of body oil

Body oil stands apart from the whips, creams, and butters of the world in a few big ways. Not only does it feel more indulgent — transforming a rote step in your routine into more of a ritual — but the right formula can also be a cleaner option, and one packed with more skin-friendly benefits. 

Let’s break it down.

It provides an essential compound

For starters, your skin doesn’t really work without oil, which keeps it feeling (and looking) smooth, supple, and soft. “For skin to function properly as a barrier with the environment, the outermost layer of the skin consists of a lipid matrix,” says Plescia. “This lipid matrix works to prevent excessive water loss and helps protect the body from environmental compounds.”

Oils, for the uninitiated, are a type of lipid — along with its buddies, ceramides and fatty acids. 

So, as with face oils, when you apply a body oil to skin, it can in turn improve that lipid barrier function. “That leads to healthier skin that can retain moisture,” Plescia says. “Since skin is the largest organ in the body, its overall integrity is important for a healthy body.”

They’re rich in good-for-skin nutrients

Body oils contain multitudes — literally — since they’re rich in valuable compounds. 

That’s especially true of those derived from botanical sources. “Plant-derived oils can deliver a variety of skin nutrients to the skin, such as vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to help moisturize the skin,” says Plescia. “They also have antioxidant properties to help protect your skin from oxidative stress and damage caused by environmental factors, for example UV radiation and pollution.” 

So, because body oil may be so jam-packed with nutrients, it can offer a wide variety of skin benefits in a single application — such as smoothing, brightening, and firming skin, depending on the formula.

They can be more potent

Body oils tend to be powerful by nature, since they need fewer additives. In many cases, you’re getting only that potent, active-packed oil blend without any superfluous fillers; looking at it another way, that’s more bang for your buck, too.

“Many body oil lovers find the more simplified ingredient profiles — that is, no preservation system or functional ingredients, such as surfactants — to be desirable and in alignment with a more minimalist ethos, without compromising results,” says Parenti.

FYI: If you’re on the hunt for clean, effective skincare above the neck, too, we’ve got you covered there, too. Take your easy, 3-minute beauty assessment to get personalized recommendations to glow big.

What to look for in body oil

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a popular oil ingredient, and for good reason; it’s basically a doppelganger of skin’s natural sebum, says Parenti, which makes it ideal for all skin types. It has a satisfying slip to it, texture-wise, which also makes it a winner for nourishing large areas, like the body — a luxurious win-win.

Jojoba oil goes above and beyond the requisite moisturizing abilities of most oils, too. “It also has skin-soothing properties to help lessen the symptoms of inflamed skin,” says Plescia. “In addition to being a nourishing moisturizer, jojoba oil can help regulate sebum production. It’s also rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, and has a high level of vitamin E.” And, because it can help regulate sebum production, it can be a great choice for those with naturally oily skin.

Grapeseed oil

Although it’s a common ingredient in body oils, grapeseed oil isn’t as well known as jojoba — although it should be. “It’s rich in antioxidants and has been shown to not only moisturize, but to help with loss of elasticity, improve sun damage, reduce inflammation and blemishes, and help fade hyperpigmentation,” says Parenti. That makes it ideal for mature skin.

Vitamin E

While it’s not ~technically~ an oil, few ingredients can beat vitamin E, also known as tocopherol. Not only is it added to protect body oils to protect them from oxidation and going rancid, but “as an antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect both the skin and the product itself,” says Plescia. 

Plus, she says, “in addition to helping to protect the cells against free radicals, it’s an effective moisturizing agent and helps improve the elasticity and smoothness of the skin.” That makes it a winner for anyone with dry skin — or experiencing dryness due to seasonal changes (looking at you, winter).

How to use body oil in your routine

Body oil isn’t just an easy way to deliver glowing, nourished skin from head to toe — it can also double as a self-care moment. In our new Radiance Body Oil, you’ll find jojoba oil paired with vitamin E, sesame oil, and squalene to lock moisture into skin, leaving it smooth, soft, luminous, and not at all greasy. 

Then, to round out the sensorial experience, we paired an unlikely yet serendipitous pairing of ginger and bergamot essential oils to uplift and invigorate. (Read more about how it came to be!)

Once you have your body oil in hand, use it as soon as you rinse off. “I recommend applying body oils immediately after the shower, ideally with water still on the skin,” says Parenti. “I love to incorporate a mist beforehand as well.” Try it as a deeply nourishing overnight treatment before bed, or to give skin some glow before you head out for the day.

Worth keeping in mind: Although body oil is great on its own, you may still need a lotion, especially if skin seems dehydrated. Lotions are emulsions, which are blends of oil and water. Although they do contain some oils, “they also include additional ingredients, such as humectants,” says Plescia. “Common humectants such as glycerin and sodium hyaluronate can attract water and thus can hydrate the skin.”

From the indulgent experience of applying it to the tons (and tons) of nutrients within, it’s clear that body oil deserves a spot in any body-care routine — including yours.

Shop the Story: