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Its time to rethink your moisturizing routine.

A side-by-side collage of body oil on skin, a hand holding L’Occitane Almond Skin Oil, and a hand applying body oil

Byrdie

Nothing against our belovedbody lotionsor creams, but body oils may just be our current favorite way to moisturize.

They are exactly what they sound likeoils formulated to hydrate and nourish the skin below your chin.

But why should you consider adding one to your routine instead of other moisturizing formulas?

Sephora Mara Algae + Moringa Sea Sculpt Body Oil

PHOTO: Sephora

Nathan Newman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills.

He adds that they add a nice sheen to the skin and impart more moisture than water-based lotions.

We had two testers, one with dry skin and one whose skin is balanced/sensitive.

Site Loop: Person’s body after using Mara Algae + Moringa Sea Sculpt Body Oil

Ultimately, these nine proved to be the best of the bunch.

(Thats thanks to a base of sunflower seed and castor oils, coupled with squalane as well.)

Despite that, it wasnt the least bit greasy and absorbed beautifully.

Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula

PHOTO: Amazon

It improved the texture of her dry skin too, leaving it feeling smoother and softer.

It feels like a real gem and a treat for your skin.

Doing so made it feel much more hydrating and also helped it absorb even quicker than it would otherwise.

Siteloop: Persons body after using Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Body Oil Light Sesame Formula

Also worth noting: Its fragrance-free, which Gabriella, our tester with balanced/sensitive skin, really appreciated.

However, just keep in mind that the moisturizing benefits didnt last as long as other options.

Still, youll be hard pressed to find a better body oil at this price point.

Tatcha The Hinoki Hydrating Body Oil

PHOTO: Tatcha

Gabriella was quick to call out that the change in moisture in her skin was immediate.

Plus, not only is it very moisturizing, that moisture also lasts and lasts.

Its appealing, for sure, but if youre sensitive to fragrance it may be slightly too overpowering.

Siteloop: persons skin after using Tatcha Hinoki Hydrating Body Oil

Gabriella, tester with balanced/sensitive skin:I definitely noticed an immediate difference after applying this oil.

My skin was very soft and silky.

Gabriella, tester with balanced/sensitive skin:I love how buildable this is.

Oui The People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss

PHOTO: Oui The People

Its lightweight feel allows you to really play with the amount you’re using.

Samantha noted how aptly named this winner was, lauding the beautiful, dewy glow it offered.

A subtle-yet-refreshing citrus scent was also a nice plus.

Siteloop: Persons body after using Oui The People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss Oil

But dont worry, it moisturizes beautifully as well.

And because the formula is slightly thicker, a little goes a long way.

It’s like two products, a scent and a moisturizer, in one.

Oak Essentials Dew Body Oil

PHOTO: Shopbop

Another reason to make it a part of yournighttime routine?

The soothing, citrus scent (which, it bears mentioning, is entirely naturally-derived.)

Gabriella, tester with balanced/sensitive skin:This was the heaviest and richest of the oils.

Site Loop: Person’s body after using Mara Algae +Oak Essentials Dew Body Oil

I personally loved it because it made me feel like the product was deeply-infused with great hydrating properties.

Immediately after system, my skin felt plumped and hydrated.

Best With SPF

Supergoop!

Saltair Body Oil in Santal Bloom

PHOTO: Amazon

Samantha also loved how incredible it left her skin feelingsoft and hydrated but not overly greasy or heavy.

It also had a lightning-fast absorption time.

The only minor drawback?

Site Loop: Person’sSite Loop: Person’s body after using Saltair Nourishing Body Oil

It does smell a little bit sunscreen-y, although that wasnt a huge deterrent.

Rich and decadent, it has a truly luxurious feeland packs tons of moisture to boot.

(Credit the use of sweet almond oil, one of the top oils our experts recommended.

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil

PHOTO: Ulta

Keep reading for more on that point.)

It felt like a very decadent experience.

Dr. Yadav adds that they may also take longer to absorb into the skin than body oils.

Siteloop: Persons body after using Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Body Oil Light Sesame Formula

It’s ideal to apply body oil to clean, damp skin right out of the shower.

The oil will help seal that water into the skin, promoting lasting hydration, says Dr. Yadav.

If you need lots of moisture, Dr. Newman recommendsarganorcoconut oils, both of which are richer.

Supergoop! Glow Body Oil SPF 50

PHOTO: Sephora

She also likessweet almondandgrapeseed oils, as theyre also not too heavy but do impart plenty of moisture.

Site Loop: Person’s body after using Mara Algae + Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50 Dry Body Oil Sunscreen

Amazon L’Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil

PHOTO: Amazon

Siteloop: persons skin after using L’Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil

A person applies Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil to their skin

Byrdie