I’ve got a thing for oils. Seriously — I’m typically covered in them from head to toe (hair oils, face oils and body oils).
This new installment in the “ultimate guides” series is an ode to body oils. It’s set up differently than previous ultimate guides, though. This guide clues you in to the oils I’ve had great experiences with, and whose scents and pricepoints span a diverse spectrum. You can view my absolute favorite body oils on my faves page; this guide serves as a wider list that has a variety of scents.
That’s because my personal body oil philosophy is centered around scent. While I’m not rolling deep in the dough, I will pony up for body oils that have incredible, complex scent profiles — and last. I love layering my fragrances, and a body oil can truly carry the scent.
I’m also very intrigued by body oils that offer an arotherapeutic benefit. Invigorating scents, like mints and spices, get me going in the dreary days of winter, while bright citrus aromas pep me up as winter turns to spring.
Flowers are necessary for me year-round, so I’ll always be drawn to them (and that’s why I wanted to create my own body oil that combines florals, citrus and spice — best of everything I love!).
Here’s to finding your favorite body oils! Dry, itchy skin be damned.
*Indicates press sample. Yes, I do buy my own products, and yes, free stuff gets the same level of criticism as stuff I paid for myself!
(Bookmark for later reading: The Ultimate Guide to Natural Deodorants; The Ultimate Guide to Natural Face Cleansers; The Ultimate Guide to Natural Hand Creams; The Ultimate Guide to Natural Mascaras; The Ultimate Guide to Natural Shampoos ; The Ultimate Guide to Natural Sunscreens)
{My mom is not easily swayed by packaging and fluffy language. It was a relief to get her approval on my limited edition body oil!}
Best Body Oils $25 or Less
*Eliah Sahil Almond & Sandalwood Organic Body Oil ($20)
Made with just two ingredients (almond oil and sandalwood oil) this body oil absorbs quickly and softly scents your skin with sandalwood and fresh almonds. Your skin is left feeling soft and smooth — never greasy. This oil is also easy to repurpose as a hair oil. I’m not fond of the applicator (it has one of those stopper tops like essential oils have), because it takes forever to get the oil out … and I like to slather this stuff on!
INGREDIENTS: Prunus Dulcis (Almond oil), Santalum Album (Sandalwood oil)
Meow Meow Tweet Frankincense & Flowers Body Oil ($22)
I love the way this oil smells — calming and lightly floral. It’s made with organic sunflower, hempseed, jojoba and coconut oils and blended with frankincense, geranium and palmarosa oils. These ingredients help nourish, tone and heal skin. This is another body oil that can also be repurposed — as a facial oil! It has a lockable pump applicator, which I prefer.
INGREDIENTS: *Helianthus annuus (sunflower) oil, *cannabis sativa (hempseed) oil, *simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil, *cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, *boswellia serrata (frankincense) essential oil, *cymbopogon martinii (palmarosa) essential oil, *pelargonium graveolens (geranium) essential oil. *certified organic ingredient
Best Body Oils $50 or Less
*Etta + Billie Clary Sage Black Pepper Bath + Body Oil ($35)
This body oil has such an intriguing scent! It’s uplifting thanks to clary sage, which is known for its ability to help combat stress, and zesty black pepper, which adds a touch of spice. This oil has a dropper top applicator, which is a bit annoying to use, but keeps me from using too much while still being able to get enough into my hands at once. This is the perfect unisex scent for the entire family. Boys, time to get your body oil on.
INGREDIENTS: Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) seed oil, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil*, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond) oil*, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil*, Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage) oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil*, Piper nigrum (Black Pepper) oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) extract, Non-GMO Tocopherol (Vitamin E) *Certified Organic
*Eu2Be Brasil Enrich + Radiate Oil ($50)
This small-batch blend of 15 anti-inflammatory oils, including avocado, passiflora and broccoli seed. It also features oils from the Amazonian babassu and buriti palm, which make this body oil extremely moisturizing and thick, yet fast-drying and fast-absorbing. It’s an especially luxurious treat after a long bath (and works well as a bath oil). It has a press-top applicator which makes it easy to travel with (and put a piece of tape over to secure during travel!).
INGREDIENTS: Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dicaprylyl Ether, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran) Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis (Maracuja) Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Canarium Indicum (Nangai) Oil, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil Nut) Seed Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Fragrance
kimberlyloc x Rachel’s Plan Bee Limited Edition Body Oil ($36)
Addicted to jasmine? Me too. In collaboration with Rachel’s Plan Bee, I created this Limited Edition Body Oil to celebrate my love for the “King of Flowers.” It features originally undiluted jasmine grande and jasmine sambac (which is why the scent lasts so long!) to feed my floral addiction. Layers of toasted nuts (hi, organic apricot kernel oil), comforting spices and creamy vanilla soothe your sense. A taste of citrus softens the sweetness, and Moroccan rose adds fresh familiarity to tie it all together. It has a long and narrow pump top applicator that makes it easy to get as much oil as you like, but it’s a bit messy to travel with. I decant mine into a smaller screw-top bottle.
INGREDIENTS: Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, tocopherol (mixed)**, jasminum grandiflorum (jasmine grande) flower oil, jasminum sambac (jasmine sambac) flower oil, rosa damascena (rose) absolute, vanilla planifolia, citrus sinensis (sweet orange) oil*, caprylic capric triglycerides. *certified organic **non-gmo
*LoveCraftTherapy Sexi Minx ($30)
Made with apricot kernel oil, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang and cocoa, Etsy brand LoveCraftTherapy’s Sexi Minx Oil is a must-have for the cocoa-floral-obsessed who’s on a budget. The scent is quite similar to “The Good Stuff,” but with a lighter take on cocoa and a bit more floral coming through in the notes. Made by a budding aromatherapist, LoveCraftTherapy is one you’ll want to watch — founder Hyde Walker has a knack for creating sexy scents! Just imagine soaking into the most decadent aromas of cocoa and flowers, but coming out not smelling like a gift shop, but like a sweet goddess. Yeah. I like it. The oil is packaged with a screw-top lid.
INGREDIENTS: Apricot Kernel Oil, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Cocoa Absolute
*Rachel’s Plan Bee Body Oil ($29)
Love vanilla? So does Rachel. Her original body oil, now made with certified organic ingredients, will have you smelling sweet and feeling your softest from head to toe. THIS is the body oil that made me realize I had to collaborate with Rachel. The base of this oil — organic apricot kernel, organic sunflower seed, meadowfoam, grapeseed, organic cranberry seed and vitamin E — is second to none when it comes to moisturizing extremely dry skin without leaving greasy residue. It has the same pump top bottle as the “k oil” mentioned above.
INGREDIENTS: Apricot kernel oil*, sunflower seed oil*, meadowfoam seed oil, grapeseed oil, tocopherol (mixed)**, cranberry seed oil*, vanilla planifolia, citrus sinensis (sweet orange) oil* *certified organic **non-gmo
*Stop The Water While Using Me! All Natural Almond Fig Body Oil ($45)
The mouthwatering scent of fresh figs and almonds makes this body oil absolutely irresistible. I love the softly sweet and nutty scent year-round. Besides scent, this body oils boasts an impressive ingredients list, including babassu and walnut oils as well as organic apricot kernel, sesame seed, sweet almond, sunflower seed, rice bran and black currant seed oils. It features the preferred lockable-top applicator.
INGREDIENTS: Walnut seed oil, organic orbignya oleifera seed oil, isoamyl laureate, organic sesame seed oil, organic apricot kernel oil, organic sweet almond oil, organic jojoba seed oil, octyldodoecanol, passiflora edulis seed oil, sunflower seed oil, rice bran oil, black currant seed oil, tocopherol, euterpe oleracea fruit oil, organic maurita flexuosa fruit oil, sunflower seed oil, cadriospermum halicacabum flower extract, organic fig extract, sunflower seed oil unsaponifiables, rosemary leaf extract, alcohol dent.**, perfume (fragrance), limonene**
** From natural essential oils
*Organic Bath Co. RefreshMint Body Oil ($45)
Minty and delicious! I love layering this oil with my cocoa-infused products (hello, mint chocolate chip) or using it straight for a softly invigorating, moisturizing oil. Jojoba oil combines with camellia seed oil, grapeseed oil, evening primrose oil and sweet almond oil to make up the lightweight, moisturizing base. While Organic Bath Co. doesn’t list its entire essential oil blend (“essential oil fragrance blend” in the ingredients list below), it’s noted that organic peppermint oil is responsible for the energizing, uplifting aroma. It has a lockable pump applicator.
INGREDIENTS: Simmondsia chinensis (Golden Jojoba) Oil*, Camellia oleifera (Camellia Seed) Oil*, Vitis vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil*, Oenothera biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil*, Prunus dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Essential Oil Fragrance Blend*. *Certified Organic Ingredient
Best Body Oils $75 or Less
*African Botanics Marula Firming Botanical Body Oil ($70)
This body oil is perfect for a heavy-handed girl like me. I tend to get more product than necessary in pretty much any situation (ahem, ice cream), but with this body oil, even at six pumps per leg, I’m never left overly drenched in oil. My skin eats up the fast-absorbing formula and is gently coated in this gorgeous light cream and tea scent that is pleasant for day or evening. It has a pump applicator with lid.
INGREDIENTS: Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula Seed Oil)**, Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed Oil)**, Aspalathus linearis (Green Rooibos Tea extract), Cyclopia (Honeybush extract). ** Certified Organic
Lina Hanson Global Body Serum ($63)
This body serum combines 10 of the world’s most beautiful oils into a sleek black pump jar that begs you to slather it from head to toe after every morning shower. And — small detail — it smells just like a Creamsicle! I’m completely taken by the yummy orange-vanilla scent (which, actually, is pink grapefruit and vanilla!). I reserve this oil for daytime use, though I think it would be perfectly appropriate for summer evenings. It has a lockable pump applicator.
INGREDIENTS: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Nut Oil*, Bertholletia Excelsia (Brazil) Nut Oil, Cucurbita Maxima (Pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Oil, Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Oil. *Certified Organic
Malaya Citrus & Bloom Organic Moisturizing Body Oil ($68)
Of course I like this oil: It combines citrus and florals, including grapefruit, neroli, rose and jasmine. The soft scent is uplifting as well as soothing — the neroli really shines through in this blend. Nothing is overpowering at all, so for those who are bit shy to scent, this is a great introduction to some complex yet delicate fragrances. Rich with vitamins and antioxidants, this formula feels dense when poured into the hands, but applies beautifully as a thin, non-greasy moisturizer. It features a pourable, open mouth with screw-off lid.
INGREDIENTS: Jojoba Oil*, Sweet Almond Oil*, Sunflower Oil*, Safflower Oil*, Argan Oil*, Avocado Oil*, Rosehips Oil*, Herbal extracts – [Arnica Flower*, Plantain Leaf*, Calendula Flower*, Chamomile Flower*, Yarrow Leaf and Flower*, Lavender Flower*, Elder Flower*], Proprietary blend of Essential Oils and Absolutes *^ including – Bulgarian Rose Absolute*, Neroli Oil*, Jasmine Absolute*, Grapefruit Oil*, Vitamin E Tocopherols (GMO Free).
Osmia Organics Body Oils ($75)
If anybody knows scent, it’s Osmia Organics (the brand name plays off the parts of some words that relate to the sense of smell!). The line features a well-edited collection of moisturizing oils that soften and lightly scent the skin with the most creative fragrances. My favorites include Sunset (light jasmine and vanilla) and Light (lemongrass and ylang ylang). Osmia doesn’t list out its exact essential oil and extracts blended into each product, but does a great job of highlighting the notes in each description. The large size features a long neck pump top.
INGREDIENTS: Caprylic/capric triglyceride (fractionated coconut oil), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil*, aleurites molaccana (kukui) oil, prunus amygdalus (sweet almond) oil*, rosa rubiginosa (rosehips) seed oil*, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil*, persea gratissima (avocado) oil*, borago officinalis (borage) seed oil*, oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil*, hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn berry) CO2 extract*, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) CO2 extract*, and a proprietary blend of organic and wild-harvested essential oils and CO2 extracts
*Saison Body Oils ($59)
Available in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter scents, Saison’s Body Oils combine camellia seed, jojoba, safflower and grapeseed oils for a luxurious blend that leaves a sexy sheen. I’m partial to the spring and autumn scents, but have been impressed with the collection’s ode to the scents of each season. Each body oil uses the same base but a different blend of essential oils to create the signature scent; unfortunately, Saison doesn’t list these ingredients, but I was able to get the notes from them to help you navigate. The oils feature plastic pump tops and lids.
Spring // Floral: Rosy notes blended with Lavender and Ylang Ylang
Summer // Citrus: Lemony notes paired with Bergamont
Autumn // Herbal: A special blend of herbal notes with hints of Lavender
Winter // Spicy Citrus: Spicy Juniper notes paired with Bergamont
INGREDIENTS: Camellia Sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Organic Safflower) Oil, Fragrance (made from pure essential oils), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Organic Rosemary) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Oil
*Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil ($65)
A seemingly simple, one-note body oil, Tammy Fender’s Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil is something of a dream for minimalist beauties who love lavender but want top-notch carrier oils for moisture and suppleness. The luxe, clear, medium viscosity oil moisturizes thirsty skin while filling your senses with the powerful aromatherapeutic effects of Bulgarian lavender. Bulgarian lavender has a full, rich, heady scent compared to other types of lavender. The beautiful floral scent smells truly like fresh-cut lavender and is so multidimensional, making it outstanding in a one-note body oil. It has a long and narrow pump top applicator.
INGREDIENTS: Glycine Soja (Soybean Oil), *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, *Rosa Mosqueta (Rose Hip Seed) Oil, Essential Oils of Lavendula Angustifloria (Pure Bulgarian Lavender). *Certified Organic
Best Body Oils $100 or Less
Kahina Giving Beauty Fez Body Serum ($98)
Just the thought of Fez body oil takes me to a state of bliss. I am so taken by this spicy, warming, exotic body oil — it’s got an air of mystery to it that keeps me coming back for more. Rose and orange blossoms combine with citrus and spice for a scent so complex and different, you’ll be sniffing yourself every hour. Patchouli, sandalwood and ylang ylang offer grounding and a touch of sweetness, making Fez the ultimate layering oil no matter what scent profile you love most. As with all Kahina products, organic argan oil is the star (and first ingredient) in this blend. It has a lockable pump applicator.
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Nut Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Flower Oil, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Pink Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Leaf/Flower Oil, Backhousia Citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) Leaf Oil, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Wood Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Cuminum Cyminum (Cumin) Seed Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Vetiveria Zizanioides (Vetiver) Root Oil, Bisabolol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol. *EcoCert Organic
*KYPRIS Inflorescence Body Elixir ($95)
This gorgeous body oil, delicately scented with beautiful neroli, provides serious care for the rest of your skin. KYPRIS’ oil is loaded with clinically proven actives and 12 potent botanicals. I love the KYPRIS includes wildcrafted-from-Arizona prickly pear seed oil in its body oil formula; this magical ingredient works wonders on our faces, so why not spread the love from head to toe? The formula dries quickly yet leaves skin feeling nourished and looking supple. Use this as a wonderful base layer for your citrus or floral perfumes. The oil bottle features a pourable, open mouth with screw-off lid.
INGREDIENTS: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Seed Oil, Calophyllum Inophylum (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Opuntia Engelmanii (Prickly Pear) Seed Oil, Trichilia Emetica (Mafura) Seed Butter, Iris Pallida (Sweet Iris) Leaf Cell Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, Citrus Sinesis (Orange) Peel Extract, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol (Non GMO), Citric Acid.
*Laurel Whole Plant Organics California Body Oil ($80)
The combination of floral, woody and earthy scents in this body oil makes for an interesting aroma that’s feminine yet grounded — and perfect for every day. I find that it doesn’t compete with my daily natural perfume (typically a floral-based scent), and the light, sheer formula glides onto my skin and leaves it with the prettiest sheen. Wins all around for scent, formulation, luxurious ingredients and beautiful packaging. It has a lockable pump applicator.
INGREDIENTS: Avocado Oil˚, Rosehip Seed Oil˚, Sunflower Seed Oil˚, Safflower Oil˚, Tamanu Oil˚, Red Raspberry Seed Oil˚, Rosemary˚; essential oil blend of Rose˚, Sandalwood˚, Vetiver˚, Scotch Pine˚, Cedar˚; flower and gem essences˚ ˚signifies certified organic ingredient
Skin & Bones Luxurious Moisturizer ($76)
I can’t tell you how sexy, earthy yet fresh this scent is — you won’t be able to stop smelling yourself. An intoxicating, interesting mix of ylang ylang, rosewood, lemon, grapefruit, cedarwood, sandalwood, jasmine, myrrh and frankincense gives this body oil its mysterious, sexy scent. Quite honestly, I think it could work well on men and women. This is like the CK One of natural body oils. (And I loved CK One, damnit!) It has a lockable pump applicator.
INGREDIENTS: Jojoba oil, ylang ylang, rosewood, lemon, grapefruit, cedarwood, sandalwood, jasmine, myrrh and frankincense essential oils.
Best Body Oils Over $100
*Bottega Organica Peppermint & Chili Pepper Body Contour Formula ($125)
It’s getting hot in here! This body oil/gel is made with two key ingredients sure to warm you up this winter. Pure organic chili peppers increase blood flow while peppermint stimulates the skin and senses. I love using this oil on dreary Monday mornings when I could use a little pick-me-up after a long, hot shower. Of course, be mindful about washing your hands after applying this oil — chili peppers and peppermint work well on the body, but not in your eyes. The oil’s bottle features a pump top with lid.
INGREDIENTS: Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil bo, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter *,capsicum frutescens (chili pepper *) fruit extract, cera alba (beeswax *), peppermint (mentha piperita) oil , limonene eo, prunus armeniaca (apricot *) fruit extract, salvia officinalis (sage *) extract, daucus carota sativa (carrot *) root extract, salvia haenkei (prawn sage bo) extract, linalool eo. * certified organic herbs flowers and fruits (bo) harvested by Bottega Organica (eo) natural component of essential oil
May Lindstrom Skin The Good Stuff Radiance Oil ($110)
May lovingly calls her products “skin treats,” and with one sniff, you’ll understand why. This body oil has an amazing layered, balanced cocoa scent, complete with hints of lavender, rose and ylang ylang that complement each other beautifully. The amber-gold oil has a bit of shimmer to it, thanks to mica, yet it’s barely noticeable and doesn’t leave that odd mica residue on your palms after application. It has a lockable pump applicator.
INGREDIENTS: Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Plum Kernel Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil, Organic Cocoa Absolute Oil, Organic Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil, Organic Rose Absolute Essential Oil, Organic Lavender Essential Oil, Mica