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Question: Does your skin feel dry and tight after a shower? Yeah, same. Allow me to introduce you to a product that will change everything... Body oil. Trust me when I say, there is nothing quite like stepping out of a hot bath (or shower) and loading up the skin with an indulgent, nourishing oil. As far as unsung heroes go, body oils are number one, IMO.
Take the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil, for example, slather it onto your damp limbs and the clever formula locks moisture into the skin, banishing flaky patches and leaving the body smooth and supple. Oh, and did I mention it's scented with notes of salted caramel, pistachio and vanilla to instantly transport your mind to a far-flung tropical vacation?
A sneak peek at some of our faves
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Then there's the Dreem Distillery Among The Stars CBD Sublime Body Oil, which might well be the most divine product I've ever had the pleasure of rubbing into my dry skin. Loaded with skin-absorbable CBD, organic essential oils and soothing botanicals, it's the nighttime ritual guaranteed to help calm your mind and de-stress your body.
Intrigued? Check out our all-time favourite body oils for glossy, smooth, nourished skin...
I wish I’d had this body oil on my recent holiday – it’s my new favourite everyday product. The creamy cocoa butter scent is heavenly, and its gorgeous golden shimmer perfectly complements my warm brown skin tone. The formula also feels really buttery and hydrating, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth for hours. Get ready to spot my glow from a mile away!
– Kiera Egan, Social Media Manager
ICONIC London Glow All Over Melting Balm Stick 17g
A multi-use stick is perfect for when you’re on the go, especially as it doesn’t take up space in your liquids bag. This balm melts into the skin without any oily slip – I loved using it on my legs and collarbone for a lil’ shimmer when I didn’t yet have a tan. The chunks of shimmer are a bit much for the face IMO, but other than that I’m a fan.
– Keeks Reid, Beauty Director
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Oil Spray 200ml
I usually rely on body butter to get my skin soft, but this oil is a game-changer. I love the spray function – it’s easy and quick to apply, aka more time for morning coffee. My skin definitely felt moisturised after each use, although it sometimes took a while to soak in, despite the promise of fast absorption. But at less than £10, it’s an instant win for my beauty routine.
– Lydia Venn, Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer
Being pricey, this is tough to justify. But if it’s luxury you’re after, it’s unrivalled. Infused with platinum leaf, the formula is silky and lightweight, drying in seconds. Its glittery finish lasts well; I applied it in the morning and still glistened like a mirror ball after my evening shower. I’d argue that the gorgeous citrus jasmine scent alone makes it a worthwhile investment.
– Urmi Pandit, Former Beauty Intern
As a lifelong artificial watermelon hater (childhood trauma involving a rogue lip balm), I was prepared to dislike this oil – but I’m a convert. Its sweet, fruity yet subtle scent and non-greasy formula make it the perfect daily post-shower body hydrator. Plus, that SPF50 means my glowing limbs are getting maximum UVA/UVB protection, too.
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil 100ml
Following the success of Sol de Janeiro's award-winning Bum Bum body cream, the brand released a luxurious body oil that transforms dry, ashy skin with Rio-ready radiance; courtesy of a smoothing and tightening blend of Amazonian guarana, jaboticaba and muirapuama.
Not to mention its iconic scent. Think: birthday cake, aka the irresistible blend of pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla.
Skin that's good enough to eat... kinda.
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Golden Shimmer Multi Usage Dry Oil 50ml
Alexa, play 'Diamonds' by Rihanna because that is what you'll look like with just a few drops of this body oil.
With Nuxe's dry (!!) oil, not only will you appear as a golden goddess this summer, but you'll smell like one (I imagine), too, thanks to its notes of orange blossom, rose, lily and vanilla.
Oh, and did I mention you can use it in your hair? Winner winner.
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil 100ml
This vegan, cruelty-free oil is loaded with nourishing properties for hydrating any dryness. The squalane is 100% plant-based and comes from renewable sugarcane, it's designed to work as a moisturiser on the face or body, and can be used as an intensive hair soothing mask.
– Victoria Jowett, Former Beauty Director
Dreem Distillery Among the Stars CBD body oil 100ml
Dreem Distillery are known for their incredible Night Drops, which use broad spectrum CBD to help calm the nervous system and enhance deep sleep. Lucky for us, they've now channelled all that sleep-inducing goodness into a stunning body oil.
Loaded with skin-absorbable CBD, organic essential oils and soothing botanicals, the lightweight oil is the ultimate bedtime skin treat.
– Victoria Jowett, Former Beauty Director
palmers Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Body Oil 150ml
It's no wonder that this budget body oil has racked up over 70 5-star reviews on Boots.com. They all agree that not only does the coconut oil smell divine, but it absorbs quickly (so you aren't left with any stickiness) and hydrates like a dream. What's not to love?
– Victoria Jowett, Former Beauty Director
Mirror Water MIRROR WATER Smooth Body Oil 50ML
Close your eyes and this beautifully scented body oil will whisk you away to a serene forest (seriously). It's earthy and woody with a touch of fresh citrus and, quite frankly, smells better than any perfume out there. But it's not just the heavenly scent, the vegan-friendly formula is non-greasy but softens and smooths skin instantly.
– Victoria Jowett, Former Beauty Director
How to best apply body oil
To get the lowdown on all things body oil, we spoke to consultant dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari, who weighed in. "Oils are best applied after bathing, when the skin is still damp," Dr Angela says. "Use the oil as a base, then layer a body lotion on top to seal the oil in. I also prefer oils as part of a massage routine – following the direction of hair growth and working towards the heart can aid circulation."
Best body oil ingredients
"For those with dry or more porous skin (which can absorb thicker products), oils are excellent, particularly in summer," says Dr Angela. "I recommend ones with safflower oil for its anti-inflammatory properties. Shea butter, grapeseed and hemp seed oil (which are all rich in antioxidants) are also great choices. If you have sensitive skin, go for non-fragranced oils – plain almond oil is a good option."
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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