How to Use Body Oil the Right Way

April 29, 2022 (updated January 31, 2023) — Written by

Are you using body oil and still experiencing dry skin? If so, you could be using your body oil the wrong way. And although there is really no “wrong” way to use body oil, there are definitely better ways you can be using it. Here’s 6 tips to make your body oil more effective. 

a bottle of prima beyond body oil is held up to the camera while a woman stands in the background

By: Lisa Fennessy

This post is partially sponsored by Prima, an ethical, EWG Verified, Certified B Corp, Certified Climate Neutral CBD line. As always, The New Knew only works with brands who we trust are making the world a better place.

IN THIS POST:

Why use body oils over body lotion

Here’s the thing about body oil: It’s a moisturizer that has no water. This is cool because with the absence of water there are two major benefits. First, body oils are typically preservative-free. And while I’m not here to demonize preservatives (yes, they do play a vital role in our skincare), it is pretty cool when you don’t need to add one in.

Why don’t body oils need a preservative? In a nutshell, water breeds life (AKA mold) and without the addition of water or a water-based ingredient, a product can be shelf-stable on its own. 

Second, we get more skin-benefiting ingredients and less “other” ingredients. Some lotions can be up to 80% water, which means water takes up the bulk of the product, leaving less room for skin nourishing ingredients. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to pay 50 balloons for a lotion that is 80% water. 

So with that being said, you can’t start using your body oil like you use your lotion and expect the same results. Body oils are a fantastic moisturizer, but they are not great at hydrating the skin. This means you have to add the water back in. There are a couple ways you can do this. 

RELATED: 6 best natural body lotions for dry skin.


The most effective way to use body oils 

Apply body oils after getting out of the shower 

The easiest way is to apply body oil straight out of the shower while the skin is still damp. 

Layer body oils with a mist or hydrosol 

Or if it’s not shower day or you want to apply in-the-moment, you can consider misting your skin with water, a mist or a hydrosol to dampen skin before layering oil over it. 

Mix and match

Another way to add water back in is to pump a bit of body oil into your favorite body lotion. We love this tip, especially in the winter.

Check the expiration date

Natural skincare tends to have a shorter shelf life in general compared to conventional skincare. This is a good thing! Just like food. No one wants to eat a Twinkie that’s “still good” after 20 years. In general, you want to do this with all your skincare. 

RELATED: The best vegan lip balm.

Keep body oils in a cabinet or drawer 

Light can break down some oils and essential oils, so, generally speaking, your body oil will last longer if you keep them away from light. 

Don’t apply too much

We can all be a little extra at times, but applying body oil is a time to practice restraint! Apply too much and you’ll be slip-sliding around, apply too little and you will be left wanting more. Finding the right amount may take a few tries AND will vary from formulation to formulation.


My favorite body oils

And of course not all body oils are created equal. These are some of my faves in light, medium and serious categories.

Best lightweight body oil


Best medium weight body oil

RELATED: How to shop for CBD oil (hint: stop buying oil-based CBD!).


Best serious weight body oil

Do you have a favorite body oil?

xo, lisa in cursive

TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.

By Lisa Fennessy

Lisa is the founder of The New Knew. Passionate about clean beauty, organic eats and nontoxic lifestyle, Lisa writes to create awareness. Conscious consumerism and informed decisions will impact the marketplace, our health and THE WORLD!

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