Best Body Oils for Dry Skin, the Natural Way

Finding the best body oils for your skin comes down to one thing: choosing something your body already recognises, not a cocktail of synthetic fillers. A good body oil hydrates dry, flaky skin with a natural, non-greasy finish, a world away from mineral oil lotions. Here’s what to look for and how to make a natural body oil for dry skin.

What Makes a Good Body Oil? 

Not all body oils are made the same way. Natural plant oils, like coconut and jojoba, are rich in fatty acids and other skin-loving compounds that help nourish, soften and support your skin's natural moisture barrier. Pretty clever, huh?

Your skin is made up of different layers, including the epidermis (the outer layer) and the dermis (the layer underneath). The outermost part of the epidermis is where moisture protection really matters, helping keep hydration in and dryness out.

Mineral oils, which are derived from petroleum and commonly used in skincare, work a little differently. They mainly form a protective layer on the skin's surface to help prevent moisture loss, while many plant oils also contain fatty acids that help replenish and condition the skin.

If you’re used to reaching for lotion, you might be surprised by how quickly a natural body oil absorbs, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated, without the sticky residue!

Top Rated Body Oils for Dry Skin

Looking for the best body oils to give dry skin a little extra love? Two natural favourites consistently stand out when it comes to dry skin care: coconut and jojoba oil. Both are packed with skin-loving benefits, helping to soften, nourish and lock in moisture without the heaviness of a traditional skin lotion. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil: Best for Full-Body Hydration

Fractionated Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera) is a favourite natural body moisturiser, and for good reason. Rich in fatty acids, this lightweight oil helps soften, smooth and nourish dry skin without leaving a heavy, greasy feeling. But why are fatty acids so good for our skin? They help support the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing moisture loss and keeping skin feeling hydrated and protected!

Unlike regular coconut oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil stays liquid and has a silky, fast-spreading texture that makes it perfect for everyday use. It's especially good for full-body moisturising, helping to soften dry areas like elbows, knees and legs while leaving skin feeling smooth and supple. It can also be used as a lightweight face oil, although those with oily or acne-prone skin may prefer jojoba oil.

Coconut Oil vs. Fractionated Coconut Oil: What's the Difference?

Here's one distinction worth knowing! Regular coconut oil melts on contact with warm skin but solidifies below approximately 24°C. Fractionated Coconut Oil, on the other hand, has had most of its long-chain fatty acids removed, allowing it to stay liquid year-round.

The result? A lighter, less greasy oil that's ideal for everyday body moisturising, massage and blending with essential oils. While regular coconut oil can feel heavy and may clog pores on acne-prone faces, fractionated coconut oil generally feels lighter, although everyone's skin is a little different so make sure you choose the best oil for your skin type. 

Our favourite dry skin tip? 

Apply a few drops to slightly damp skin after showering to help seal in moisture. You can also use it as a carrier oil to create your own DIY body oils. Add a skin-safe dilution of your favourite essential oils for a beautifully scented blend!

Jojoba Oil: Best for Face & Body

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) is technically a liquid wax and that's part of what makes it so special! Its structure closely resembles our skin's natural sebum, making jojoba body oil a lovely lightweight option for moisturising without that heavy, greasy feeling.

Often considered one of the best oils for oily skin, jojoba is also a great choice for dry and combination skin types. It helps soften skin and support the natural moisture barrier, making it a versatile addition to your daily routine.

Unlike heavier oils, jojoba is particularly well suited to both the face and body. You can use it as a daily facial moisturiser, massage a few drops into dry patches, soften your cuticles or blend it with essential oils for a nourishing body treatment.

Dry Skin Causes, Symptoms and Our Best Dry Skin Tips

Dry skin can be caused by a range of factors, including a weakened skin barrier, hot showers, harsh soaps, cold winds and low humidity, all of which can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry, tight and dehydrated. 

Oil is also popular with people managing eczema prone or psoriasis affected skin, though a diagnosed condition is always worth discussing with your GP or dermatologist.

Our best dry skin tips: moisturise within minutes of showering while skin is still damp and the pores are cleansed and open; reach for the right oil for dry skin over a fragranced lotion. 

Is Body Oil Good for Oily Skin, or as a Face Oil?

It may sound counterintuitive, but the right oil can help balance oily skin, rather than making it worse, since stripping skin often triggers it to produce more. Lightweight body oils like jojoba double as an excellent face oil, you only need to apply a small amount after cleansing to experience the benefits of jojoba. For the best smelling body oil, look for one scented naturally with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance which can be hormone disrupting. 

DIY Body Oils: A Simple Blend to Try at Home

Making your own body oil is easier than it sounds, and it means you control exactly what goes on your skin. For a full step by step, see our DIY body oils guide or start with this one.

Calming Body Oil Blend (30ml)

• 25ml Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), or sweet almond oil
• 7 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 5 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
• Combine in a dark glass bottle, shake before use

This creates an approximate 2% dilution, generally suitable for adult use. We recommend performing a patch test before applying and consulting your healthcare professional before use during pregnancy.

FAQs

What’s the best natural oil for dry skin?
Coconut and jojoba are two of the best oils for dry skin, both rich in fatty acids that help skin feel softer and more hydrated. Jojoba is the closer match to skin’s own sebum, so it sits a little lighter.

Is coconut oil or jojoba oil better for the body?
Neither is strictly better, they just suit different preferences. Coconut body oil is rich and deeply moisturising, while jojoba absorbs faster.

Can I use body oil as a face oil?
Yes. Jojoba is usually the pick for oily or combination skin thanks to its lighter texture.