BurgerClosechevronBagSearchUser
  • Logo
  • servicesStores & services
    Westfield White City
    Stores
    Sephora Westfield White City
    1081 Ariel Way, Shepherds Bush W12 7GF
    View All Hours +
    Cycle
    Change your store

    Your favourite store allows you to see services available and book appointments

    In-Store Services
    Make-up and skincare services, Benefit BrowBar, gifting and personalisation workshop, Sephora offers you a whole range of services to come and discover in store Make an appointment See all store services
  • Wishlist
  • Cart0

12 Best Body Oils of 2024 for Silky Skin


Best Body Oils for Silky Skin


Sure, body lotions serve their purpose, but sometimes your skin is craving something a little more luxurious. This is where the best body oils come in. Much like face oils, they’ve come a long way from heavy and greasy formulations. Instead, they sink in quickly to nourish dry skin, give a healthy glow, leave your limbs feeling oh-so supple and, most importantly, they smell amazing.

Still wary of a slippery after-feel? Fear not. Our selection of the best body oils deliver intensive hydration for dry skin and soak in completely to leave you cashmere-soft from neck to toe. Whether you’re looking for natural ingredients or you’re after a body oil with skin-loving benefits, there’s something for every taste and budget. Your skin, your story. With a sprinkle of silk from Sephora.


Q: What does body oil do and what is it used for?


A: Body oils are uplifting in every sense of the word, offering several benefits for the skin. They hydrate and moisturise by creating a barrier that helps prevent water loss from the skin, keeping it soft and supple. Nourishing ingredients like Antioxidants, Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamins are a big tick in our books, helping to improve the overall health and appearance of skin.


And what is body oil used for? Using a body oil regularly can soften and smooth dry, rough or scaly patches, promoting a more even skin texture and surface. They're a soothing win for post sun care, replenishing moisture and providing relief to sun damaged skin. Not only does this improve skin elasticity, it enhances radiance. Body glow is our attitude, that's why we love the reflective properties of oil, giving skin a gorgeously healthy sheen. 


Scent lovers, rejoice. Most body oils smell delicious, many of which come from natural essential oils. In need of some relaxation? Use a scented body oil for a sensory, aromatherapeutic experience. Or glide it over the skin as a body massage oil to relieve any tension. Certain blends with Lavender Oil will help you drift off to sleep in no time. Wellbeing at its finest.


Q: When to use body oil


A: You can use body oil at any time,  daily or a few times a week. But you might be wondering how to apply body oil after a shower, or is it best to apply body oil to wet or dry skin. A couple of application tips: If you’re applying your body oil solo, massage into slightly damp skin post-shower or bath to lock in moisture. If you’re using it in tandem with a richer moisturiser or cream, apply the body oil as the final step in your bodycare ritual to seal in all the good stuff. 


Use a body oil to create a soothing, relaxing bedtime ritual. The oil can work overnight to nourish your skin as you sleep, and you wake up with the softest of skin. During dry, cold weather, body oils can be especially beneficial to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture loss. Or hydrate and prep your skin before heading out in the sun (but don't substitute for sunscreen!).


Our pro tips? Apply some body oil to specific areas of your body you want to highlight, such as your collarbones or legs. You'll be gleaming from head to toe. After your 'everything' shower, exfoliate your skin, then use body oil to enhance the effects. It's the perfect time to incorporate it into your self-care routine, revealing freshly moisturised skin. And if you love a lasting tan like us, you can use body oils in the same way as tan enhancer lotions to prolong your tan (whether real or fake!).


Q: Is body oil better than lotion?


A: Whether body oil or lotion is better for you depends on your specific skin type, needs, and personal preferences. There's advantages to both, and the choice between them is completely yours. So what's the difference between body oils and body lotions or moisturisers?


Body oils are generally more concentrated than lotions, providing intense hydration levels with nourishing, natural ingredients. This make them super effective for those of us with very dry, dehydrated skin. If you love a dewy finish, body oils are the one for you as they often leave a subtle sheen and radiant glow on the skin. Not to mention their smooth gliding massage benefits. We love using them during colder, drier months at nighttime or post-shower.


Lotions are lighter in texture than body oils, which is advantageous for those who have normal or oily skin types, or prefer a non-greasy feel. As they spread and absorb quickly, they're more convenient for everyday use, especially as a morning moisturiser or in warmer summer weather. Whether for sensitive skin, addressing acne or ageing, or with SPF for sun protection, you're spoilt for choice with a variety of formulas, all of which have easy application.


Q: How we choose the best body oils


A: When narrowing down the best body oils, we look for silky formulas that hydrate without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. Deeply nourishing and softening, these are the ones that sink in quickly to leave your limbs super-soft in a matter of minutes. Our fave body oils include beneficial ingredients such as Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, and Jojoba Oil. As with the luxurious body oil scents, always consider your skin type and preferences. From moisture replenishing to post-shaving or delivering the perfect glow, check out our line-up of best body oils below.


By Sephora UK Bodycare Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 5 February 2024