- Key ingredients: Sunflower seed, olive, green tea, evening primrose, apricot, and jojoba oils
- Size: 4.1 oz.
Best for Stretch Marks: Katini Skin Signature Body Oil
Why we love it: Katini’s body oil not only hydrates; it also firms the skin and minimizes the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Its delicate scent, packed with bright yuzu, has a calming effect.
- Key ingredients: Yuzu, macadamia, shiso
- Size: 3.3 oz
What’s the difference between a body oil, cream, and lotion?
“Oils are the purest form of moisturizer in a sense because they do not require a lot of preservatives to maintain their shelf life,” says Dr. Alicia Zalka, board-certified dermatologist, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and founder of Surface Deep. “Typically, body oils are 100 percent oil, with no water added.” By comparison, Zalka says, lotions contain approximately 80 percent water and 20 percent oil, while creams generally have an equal mix of water and oil.
Oils also stand apart from body lotions and creams in the way that they moisturize the skin. “Oils are considered occlusive, which means they create a layer on the surface of the skin and function like a lid on a pot,” Zalka explains. “Oils keep what is under them occluded or protected.” Lotions, on the other hand, penetrate the skin cell layers and use ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acids to strengthen the skin barrier function to prevent water loss. Zalka describes creams as an “intermediate” method of hydration: “They help trap moisture within the skin better than lotion, but they’re typically less greasy than an oil,” she explains.
Why would you choose a body oil?
According to Zalka, body oils are soothing on dry or irritated skin types. Because of oils’ relatively pure formulations, she also recommends them for sensitive skin. “Fewer preservatives means fewer ingredients that may cause skin reactions,” she notes. Additionally, body oils “are particularly useful in cold climates where the skin is chapped, dry, and flaky,” Zalka notes.
But for anyone, body oil offers shiny perks. “It makes skin smooth and dewy with a shine,” Zalka says. What’s more, “it’s long-lasting, and it can be easily applied as it glides onto the skin.”
How to apply body oil
“To harness the full potential of body oil for glowing skin, apply it right after showering when the skin is still damp. This locks in moisture for deep hydration, and is particularly beneficial during dry, colder months,” says Lindsay Holdorf, resident esthetician for Dermstore. “For an all-season approach, consider combining body oil with lotion. Apply lotion first for hydration, then seal it in with oil. Or, mix the lotion and the oil together for a lighter feel.” According to Zalka, body oil can also be used on its own to refresh the skin and give it a dewy sheen.
What to look for in a dody oil
When it comes to product selection, Dr. Carolyn Stull MD, FAAD, double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, shares her general tips: “Look for products that are lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic. These are less likely to clog pores,” she says.
Holdorf offers additional guidance for various skin types.
- For dry skin: “Look for oils that are particularly nourishing and rich, such as avocado or olive oil,” she says.
- For oily or acne-prone skin: “Choose non-comedogenic oils that won’t clog pores, like grapeseed or jojoba oil.”
- For sensitive skin: “Seek out body oils with minimal ingredients and calming properties, such as chamomile or calendula,” Holdorf instructs.
Holdorf adds that “the beauty of body oil is its versatility across seasons, though your application method might change. In dry, colder months, body oil is a savior for the skin, offering deep hydration. During the warmer, humid months, lighter oils can help maintain skin’s moisture without feeling heavy.”
Meet the Experts
- Lindsay Holdorf is the resident esthetician for Dermstore.
- Dr. Carolyn Stull is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Alicia Zalka is a board-certified dermatologist, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and founder of Surface Deep.
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