14 Best Body Oils to Hydrate, Smooth, and Glow This Winter

These multitaskers have a lot to offer: They can impart an incredible scent, nourish more deeply than body lotion, and leave skin soft and smooth, nixing dryness and dullness in one velvety layer.

This moisturizing power is in part because they’re brimming with nutrients. “Oils will generally have a more concentrated profile of active ingredients,” says Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut. (Translation: They have fewer filler ingredients, meaning more of the good stuff goes to your skin.)

Speaking of the good stuff: Oils are natural emollients. That means “they are formulated to mimic the natural lipids found in our skin, which support the skin barrier,” Dr. Robinson says. Because of these qualities, body oils can be especially helpful if you suffer from super-dry skin or eczema (heavier oils, such as avocado oil, are among the best body oils for dry skin).

The body oil versus lotion debate is officially settled: Why not both? Technically, they do two different things, which is why Dr. Robinson considers them teammates instead of competitors. “Moisturizers are typically made from a blend of oil and water, allowing them to penetrate the skin more effectively,” she says. Meanwhile, oils work on the outermost barrier of the skin to lock in moisture, and “by supporting the skin barrier, they can help the skin to balance its own natural oil production,” she says.

That’s not a great idea, no matter your skin type. “Body oils are typically comedogenic, meaning they clog pores, and could be too heavy for the face and lead to breakouts,” says Dr. Robinson. Stick with designated face oils to keep facial skin clear and radiant.

Apply your body oil after moisturizer to max out its benefits, Dr. Robinson advises. “If you layer an oil over moisturizer, you will lock that moisture in and support the skin barrier,” she says. While you don’t have to use both every single day, it may be worth doubling up in the winter, when skin tends to be especially dry—or if you’re dealing with dull, uncomfortable skin for whatever reason.

It can! So if you’re prone to body acne—think breakouts on your shoulders or back—consider sticking with body lotions or creams, because, as on your face, certain oils can exacerbate acne. “The body is less likely than the face to break out from body oils, but it is possible,” says Dr. Robinson. If you do reach for an oil, look for ingredients like tea tree, jojoba, argan, and rosehip oils, which are luxe yet lightweight enough for all skin types.

Save body oil for after you towel off. Not only will it give you the most benefits—since you’re not immediately rinsing it off with body wash, which may defeat the purpose—but, also, “if you apply it to damp skin, it will help to lock that water into the skin,” says Dr. Robinson. (Pro tip: Apply it after shaving or exfoliating, and let us know how it goes.) Just make sure you give it a moment to sink in before applying sunscreen.

Body oils can be a powerful addition to an aging-skin routine, especially as the skin’s natural moisture levels decline over time. Since the skin produces fewer natural lipids, this can lead to increased dryness, rough texture, and a compromised barrier. “Skin naturally loses moisture as we age, which leads to dry skin and a drier, rough texture, so adding a body oil to your skincare routine can help add moisture and soothe skin overall,” says Dr. Hartman

Because body oils are rich in emollients, they help soften the outermost layer of skin and reduce transepidermal water loss—the gradual evaporation of moisture from the skin. This can make skin feel smoother, more comfortable, and appear more supple over time. While oils won’t erase wrinkles or sagging, they can improve the look and feel of aging skin by restoring moisture and enhancing glow.

Dr. Hartman stresses that body oils work best when used alongside lotions or creams, not instead of them.

When layered properly, oils help seal in hydration, soothe dryness, and support overall skin-barrier health—key priorities for aging skin year-round, but especially in winter.

Yes, dermatologists regularly recommend body oils in the colder months when skin is more prone to dehydration and irritation. Dr. Hartman compares body oils to a protective outer layer, saying, “Think of a body oil like a raincoat.” In winter, cold air, wind, and indoor heating can affect moisture from the skin, making it harder for lotion alone to keep it hydrated.

Body oils are primarily lipid-based, meaning they excel at softening skin and locking in moisture rather than delivering water on their own. “A body oil doesn’t replace a body lotion or body cream; it complements it.”

For maximum benefit, he recommends applying body oil to damp skin immediately after your moisturizer, which helps reduce moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier. Ingredients rich in fatty acids—like sunflower oil, rosehip oil, hemp seed oil, squalane, and jojoba oil—are especially beneficial during winter because they help rebuild the skin’s lipid matrix and protect against environmental stress.

Despite their benefits, body oils aren’t universally loved—and they aren’t without drawbacks. One of the most common complaints Dr. Hartman hears is about texture. “Some patients may not like the feel of a body oil and may say it feels greasy or slippery,” he says, particularly if it’s overapplied or slow to absorb.

Dr. Hartman recommends that people with oily and acne-prone skin choose non-comedogenic formulas and to pay attention to how their skin responds over time. Another key limitation is hydration: oils alone don’t provide enough water to hydrate dry skin. “A body oil will not add enough moisture on its own.”

Those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin should also be cautious with fragrance. Highly fragranced oils—both natural and synthetic—can trigger irritation, redness, or flare-ups. Dr. Hartman specifically calls out essential oils like lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree as potential irritants for compromised or reactive skin.

When chosen thoughtfully and used correctly, however, body oils can elevate a winter body-care ritual—boosting glow, reinforcing the skin barrier, and helping skin stay comfortable through the harshest months.

• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, IL
• Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut

When selecting the best body oils, we focused on formulas that dermatologist recommend. We looked for ones high in fatty acids, such as sunflower oil, rosehip oil, and hemp seed oil. These all contain the fatty acids linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), which can help rebuild the skin’s lipid matrix. We also chose body oils that contain occlusives like squalane and jojoba oil to seal moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss.

We prioritized body oils made these skin-boosting ingredients and lightweight, fast-absorbing textures. We chose from luxe splurges to drugstore favorites. Every pick earned its spot by delivering noticeable hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

We tested each body oil over multiple uses, focusing on ingredients, texture, and how hydrated skin felt after use. Glamour contributors evaluated how the body oil boosted their body care routine—whether that means absorbing quickly after a shower, layering comfortably under clothes, or leaving skin visibly smoother and healthier over time. We paid attention to how skin looked after continued use and favored ones that made our skin softer, smoother, and visibly glowy throughout the day. The ones that made it to this list absorbed quickly, leaving skin moisturized and never feeling greasy or slippery.