Having smooth, hydrated, and glowing skin isn’t just about your face — your body deserves the same care and nourishment. Body oils have become a major trend in skincare routines for their ability to lock in moisture, enhance radiance, and give your skin a soft, healthy sheen. Whether you’re getting ready for a big event, transitioning into a new season, or simply want to achieve that all-over glow, the right body oil can transform your skin completely.
Here’s a detailed guide to the 5 best body oils for a total body glow-up, including their benefits, key ingredients, and tips on how to use them effectively.
1. Argan Oil: The Lightweight 'Liquid Gold'
- Key Benefit: Non-greasy glow and fast absorption.
- Why it Works: Extracted from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, this oil is a superstar for all skin types, especially those who hate a sticky feeling. It’s rich in Vitamin E and linoleic acid, which makes it incredibly nourishing without feeling heavy. It helps balance your skin's natural oil production and is often called "liquid gold" for the smooth, glossy sheen it leaves behind.
- Best For: Everyday use, humid climates, and combination or slightly oily skin.
- Glow-Up Tip: Mix two drops into your daily body lotion for an extra boost of non-greasy radiance.
2. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil: The Multi-Tasking Scar & Stretch Mark Fighter
- Key Benefit: Improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.
- Why it Works: This iconic formulated oil is a blend of plant extracts (like Calendula, Lavender, Rosemary, and Chamomile) and essential vitamins, suspended in an oil base. Its breakthrough ingredient, PurCellin Oil™, makes the formula non-greasy and easily absorbed. It's clinically proven to help improve the texture and appearance of old and new scars, making it a true glow-up essential for overall skin perfection.
- Best For: Targeting skin imperfections, healing post-acne marks on the body, and intensive nourishment for dehydrated skin.
- Glow-Up Tip: Apply it religiously twice a day to any areas you want to smooth or even out the tone.
3. Jojoba Oil: The Skin-Mimicking Barrier Builder
- Key Benefit: Balances all skin types and soothes sensitivity.
- Why it Works: Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax, and its chemical structure is remarkably similar to the sebum (natural oil) our skin produces. This means the skin recognizes it immediately, allowing for rapid absorption and deep moisturization without clogging pores. It’s excellent for reinforcing the skin barrier, reducing redness, and soothing dry, irritated patches.
- Best For: Sensitive skin, acne-prone body areas, and anyone needing a balanced, non-irritating oil.
- Glow-Up Tip: Use it as a post-shaving or post-waxing treatment to calm inflammation and prevent bumps, leaving the skin sleek and shiny.
4. Coconut Oil (Virgin, Cold-Pressed): The Deep Nourisher
- Key Benefit: Intense moisture lock and antibacterial properties.
- Why it Works: A cold-weather classic, unrefined coconut oil is packed with medium-chain fatty acids, especially lauric acid, which has incredible nourishing and mild antibacterial properties. It forms a protective layer on the skin, effectively locking in moisture and preventing transepidermal water loss. When skin is deeply nourished and plumped, the light reflects off it beautifully.
- Best For: Very dry skin, hands, and heels, or during cold, dry winter months for deep repair.
- Glow-Up Tip: Apply it right after a warm bath or shower while your skin is still damp. For an overnight hand mask, slather it on your hands and cover them with cotton gloves.
5. Rosehip Seed Oil: The Vitamin C and Retinoid Booster
- Key Benefit: Brightening, fading dark spots, and anti-aging cell renewal.
- Why it Works: More than a simple moisturizer, Rosehip oil is rich in Vitamin A (a natural retinoid), Vitamin C, and essential fatty acids. This unique blend supports collagen production, speeds up cell turnover, and actively brightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It’s the closest an oil gets to a targeted treatment, making it a must-have for a true skin glow-up.
- Best For: Uneven skin tone, sun damage, pigmentation, and boosting skin firmness.
- Glow-Up Tip: Use this on areas that have seen a lot of sun exposure to help restore and brighten the complexion over time.
How to Use Body Oils for Maximum Glow
Applying oil correctly is crucial for achieving that non-greasy, silky finish.
- Prep Your Skin: Gently exfoliate your body 2-3 times a week to slough off dead skin cells, allowing the oil to penetrate better.
- Apply to Damp Skin: The golden rule of body oil is to apply it when your skin is still damp, right after a shower or bath. Oil is an occlusive, meaning it locks in moisture. Applying it over water-soaked skin seals that hydration in for a long-lasting glow.
- Massage it In: Use upward, circular motions for at least a minute. This not only aids absorption but also boosts circulation, contributing to a healthier, more vibrant skin appearance.
Bonus Tips for a Lasting Body Glow
- Exfoliate weekly – Removing dead skin helps oils penetrate better.
- Apply on damp skin – This helps lock in maximum hydration.
- Mix with shimmer or lotion – For a red-carpet glow, blend body oil with shimmer drops or your moisturizer.
- Stay consistent – Regular use of body oils improves elasticity, tone, and radiance over time.
Whether you prefer luxury oils like Nuxe, classic choices like Bio-Oil, or natural remedies like coconut oil, adding body oil to your skincare routine is the easiest way to achieve a complete body glow-up. The right oil nourishes, smooths, and enhances your skin’s natural shine — helping you glow from head to toe all year long.
