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Top 8 Best Oils for Dry Skin

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Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Last updated July 31, 2024

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Most people will experience dry skin at some point, and it can cause a lot of discomfort. Fortunately, there are many products available on the market that can effectively control this condition. Since it is important, this article will try to help you find the best oils for dry skin.

Some people like using oil for moisturization because it seals the skin and prevents the skin from drying up further. However, it is very important to note that not all oils are the same. To select an oil for dry skin, it is necessary to focus on the following properties of the oil: viscosity, oil uptake, and nutrients.

Top 3 Best Oils for Dry Skin

  1. Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula
  2. Palmer's Skin Therapy Body Oil
  3. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Oil

We know how irritating it can be sometimes to put up with the problem of dry skin most especially in winter. That is why we have described the best oils for dry skin: they ensure that your skin remains healthy and moist at all times. These oils are endowed with rich nutrients that would help to soften the skin once it is applied. Well, let’s not waste any more time and get right to our recommendations for the best oils for dry skin.

Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula

The Editor's Choice

Experience silky, non-greasy hydration with Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula. Perfect for daily use, it quickly absorbs, leaving skin glowing and subtly fragrant. Ideal post-shower or in your bath for a nourishing soak. Discover radiant, healthy skin without heaviness. Highly recommended for dry skin.

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We highly recommend Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula as it is light and non-greasy, making it convenient to use as a substitute for lotion for dry skin.

Pros

  • The light sesame oil formula provides a subtle, soothing fragrance and leaves skin with a radiant, healthy-looking glow.
  • It glides on easily for a sheer moisturizing experience that instantly vanishes and absorbs quickly into the skin, providing essential hydration while locking in moisture without leaving a greasy feel.
  • It can be used as a skin oil after a shower or bath by smoothing on a few drops and massaging onto the body while skin is still damp. It can also be added to bath water to help soften and nourish the skin while bathing.

Cons

  • The bottle is not travel-friendly due to its size.
  • It may not be suitable for those with allergies to sesame oil.
  • It may not provide enough hydration for extremely dry skin.

It is an ideal product for people with dry skin type who need to hydrate their skin without the greasiness of a lotion. It is a far better product as compared to lotion as it is non greasy and has a very thin consistency. We like how it penetrates the skin and gives a delicate, calming scent and the skin looks glowing and healthy.

As for our verdict, let us note that Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula is ideal for daily use, at least after showering or bathing. It is very easy to apply since it is in gel form and gives an instant moisture boost to the skin. We also like the fact that it can be mixed with bath water so as to enhance skin softening and moisturizing when taking a bath.

In conclusion, we suggest Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula to anyone in need of immediate skin nourishment from a non-greasy water-in-oil formula for dry skin.

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I also recommend the Palmer’s Skin Therapy Body Oil if you are seeking a body oil that will ensure that your skin remains healthy and moisturized.

Pros

  • The cocoa butter and Vitamin E work together to keep your skin moisturized and healthy-looking.
  • This body oil can help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dry, damaged skin, uneven skin tone, aging skin, and fine lines and wrinkles.
  • The rosehip fragrance smells amazing and can leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Cons

  • The oil can be a bit greasy, so you'll want to make sure to let it soak in before getting dressed.
  • Some people might not like the strong cocoa butter smell.
  • The oil might not work as well for people with oily skin.

For the past few weeks, this has been the body oil we have been using and we have not been disappointed. It has become smoother to touch and even the stretch marks seem to be fading away. The smell of rosehip is great and it is not overbearing at all.

All in all, we would certainly advise the Palmer’s Skin Therapy Body Oil to anyone who is searching for an effective body oil capable of maintaining healthy skin.

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In our opinion, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Oil is perfect for a person who wants to maintain soft and healthy skin during the day.

Pros

  • Instant absorption and radiant looking skin
  • Long lasting 48 hour moisture for dry skin
  • High-quality natural ingredients for soft, hydrated and beautiful hair & skin

Cons

  • Some users may not prefer the cocoa butter scent
  • May leave a slightly oily residue if too much is applied
  • The bottle may be difficult to squeeze when the product is almost finished

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Oil is a light oil that includes cocoa butter and Vitamin E ingredients to reduce the effect of harsh, dry skin. This quickly penetrating penetration enriched with Soybean, Sesame and Safflower seed oil helps maintain optimum moisture for 48 hours for skin affected by dryness. It can be used in the bath or washed on after the shower and it can also be used as massage oil.

I particularly like that this body oil gives skin a glorious glow and feels silky smooth within a few minutes. The usage of high-quality natural products such as sustainably sourced Shea & Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil makes users feel good about using it on their skin. Moreover, Palmer’s has been in business for more than 180 years offering natural products that can be inherited from one generation to another.

In general, if you desire healthy and well moisturized skin, we implore you to give Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizing body Oil a try.

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We strongly recommend the Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Face and Body Oil to anyone in search of a non-synthetic, chemical-free, organic skin product suitable for the face, body, hair, hands, cuticles and nails.

Pros

  • The blend of organic cold-pressed olive oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, vitamin E oil, and lavender essential oil makes this product a fantastic moisturizer for all skin types and hair.
  • It is 100% natural, vegan, non-GMO, gluten, paraben, and preservative-free.
  • It is a safer and superior alternative to face creams and lotions.

Cons

  • The bottle nozzle may not mist out like it should, but instead, it may squirt long streams.
  • It may take a while to rub in good for legs and arms, or it may still be too oily.
  • Some may find the smell too strong.

This oil is good for everyday use by applying it on the face to reduce the size of pores, tighten the skin, solve acne issues, and reduce acne scar formation. This is also a natural moisturizer for skin, whether it is sensitive skin, dry skin or oily skin. The organic body moisturizer can reduce the visibility of stretch marks and cellulite and enhance the skin’s complexion and texture; it can also be used as a bath oil. Also, it is appropriate to use on all hair types as an organic hair conditioner, as well as for the regrowth of weak, thin, brittle, damaged hair, frizzy hair, and split ends. This hand lotion is all natural and can be used as a remedy to hand creams and lotions that can cause dry and cracked hands due to weather or hard work. It is also a natural cuticle conditioner and nail builder, strengthener, and repairer of damaged nails for enhancing their growth.

Therefore, I highly recommend the Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Face and Body Oil for anyone who is seeking a natural, organic solution for moisturizing the face and other parts of the body.

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For a good moisturizing lotion for the skin, we suggest PURA D’OR Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Pros

  • Quick to absorb
  • Non-greasy and scent-free
  • USDA Certified Organic

Cons

  • May not be suitable for those with coconut allergies
  • Some users may prefer a scented oil
  • Pump may malfunction over time

This organic fractionated coconut oil is non greasy, the best for daily use as a lotion or to remove makeup. It also makes it a perfect carrier oil especially when diluting essential oils. We like that it hydrates dry skin and lackluster hair without leaving behind an oily sheen. Besides, it does not cause the formation of acne by blocking the skin pores and does not stain clothes.

We acknowledge that PURA D’OR’s Fractionated Coconut Oil is USDA Certified Organic. This oil is bottled domestically at eco-friendly facilities. It is further non-scented and non-greasy, hence suitable for people with sensitive skin.

In summary, the PURA D’OR Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil is a product we recommend for anyone in search of a multipurpose skin moisturizer, especially for dry skin.

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If you are searching for a non-greasy and quick absorbing body oil for dry skin, SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil Virgin Coconut Oil is perfect for you. It nourishes and gives skin that velvety touch and feel but it does not make it look oily.

Pros

  • Provides everyday hydration for all skin types, even skin that only requires a drop of moisture.
  • Infused with exotic Acacia Senegal, Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk and other oils for skin to create a hydrating and lightweight, fast-absorbing body oil.
  • Formulated with no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil and no sulfates.

Cons

  • The scent may be overpowering for some people.
  • It's a little thin, so you may need to use more than you would with a thicker body oil.
  • The consistency may be too runny for some people.

We especially like that SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil Virgin Coconut Oil leaves the skin with a non-greasy feeling. We also understand that it does not contain any bad thing in its composition as well as that it is not tested on animals.

From our experience with it, we observed that the skin glowed naturally, leaving it not oily at all. We like this since it can be used as bath oil, shower oil, after-shower body oil, and body lotion. It’s all-purpose and can be applied to all skin types irrespective of how much is needed—one drop would do.

It didn’t bother us much, but we did feel that the scent was a little overpowering. Also, because it has a very watery consistency, we had to apply more of the product as compared to what we would apply when using a body oil that has a thicker consistency. Lastly, the consistency may be too liquid for some people, depending on what they wish to use the dough for.

All in all, SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil Virgin Coconut Oil is one of the best products if you want a non-greasy body oil for your dry skin type. It’s safe, practical, and free from any undesirable addition.

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For a natural and refreshing oil for the body to help revitalize the skin, we highly recommend the Provence Beauty Peony Multi-Use Oil.

Pros

  • This natural blend of apricot, vitamin E, and sweet almond oil delivers firming, smoothing, and brightening effects while supporting the skin's natural cell metabolism.
  • The oil is safe and gentle enough for all skin types, and it can be used on your body, hair, face, hands, and nails.
  • The powerful antioxidants in this oil help to reverse the signs of aging, scarring, dark sun spots, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Cons

  • The bottle is only 4 ounces, so it may run out quickly if used frequently.
  • The scent may not be to everyone's liking, as it has a strong rose petal and bergamot essential oil fragrance.
  • The oil may feel greasy on the skin if too much is applied at once.

We had an incredible time using the Provence Beauty Peony Multi-Use Oil. The oil contains natural and organic compounds that make it to be safe but efficient when used in skincare routines. We also enjoy the fact that it can be applied virtually anywhere on the body, including the hair and nails. The oil has a citrus smell that stays on the skin and our skin feels soft and not oily after applying it.

We learned that the oil is especially beneficial for dry and cracked hands, and Vitamin E helps to strengthen nails and cuticles. We also like the fact that the oil is made in the USA, and we also like their policy of using sustainable methods and choosing products that focus on the conservation of nature.

All in all, the Provence Beauty Peony Multi-Use Oil is highly recommended to anyone seeking for an organic and invigorating oil for the skin.

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If you are searching for a facial, body, hair, cuticle, and nail moisturizer with natural ingredients then Ancient Greek Remedy Oil will be helpful for you.

Pros

  • Made of only six raw ingredients, including organic extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E oil.
  • Safe for sensitive skin, as it doesn't contain chemicals or preservatives.
  • Can be used as a natural hair moisturizer, hand moisturizer, and cuticle oil.

Cons

  • Might not be suitable for those who prefer scented products.
  • The oil might feel too greasy for some people.
  • The bottle might leak if not stored properly.

I think it’s been a few weeks since we started using the Ancient Greek Remedy Oil, and I commend its effectiveness. It is non-greasy and quickly gets absorbed into our skin and that is why we have softer skin after use. We’ve also realized that it effectively reduces the visibility of acne scars and reduces the size of skin pores.

It is a moisturizing oil recommended for all skin types, and we like that it is free from toxic ingredients and preservatives. We have applied it as a hair conditioner, and it has not let us down as far as the shiny and healthy hair look is concerned.

Nonetheless, we guess that some individuals will consider the oil too slick for their skin type, especially for those who are prone to oily skin. Similarly, another con could be the absence of fragrance, which might be a drawback to people who like scented items.

In conclusion, we strongly encourage individuals interested in using an organic remedy for the face, body, hair, cuticles, and nails to incorporate the Ancient Greek Remedy Oil into their skincare regimen.

Buying Guide

This means that when one is looking for the right oil to use for dry skin, some aspects need to be put into consideration to enable one to select the right product for their skin. Below are some features to look for when choosing an oil for dry skin:

Skin Type

This is important especially when you are choosing an oil to use for your dry skin. It is also important to state that some oils are better for oily skin than others, and some don’t sufficiently hydrate very dry skin. Recognize what kind of skin you have and choose the oil that is right for it.

Ingredients

Always go for oils which has natural and healthy components like vitamin E, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, etc. Some of these can assist with moisturizing and preventing skin damage and could contain anti-aging properties.

Absorption

Suppose we take into account the absorption rate of the oil. It is also important to note that there are some types of oils which will make the skin greasy and cause discomfort due to clogging of the skin pores. Choose the oils that easily penetrate the skin and do not leave the face oily or greasy.

Scent

Some oils possess a pungent smell that may prove irritative to the nose of certain people. Men with sensitive skin should preferably use oils that have no or minimal smell.

Packaging

Select oils that are contained in dark-colored glass containers since exposure to light and air negatively affects the efficacy of the oil. Also, oils containing a dropper or the pump dispenser help to reduce wastage and make use of the oil easier.

If these factors are taken into consideration, one can be able to choose an oil that is most suitable for the skin type of the individual and the dry skin in particular.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which oil is preferred by the dermatologist for dry skin?

The dermatologist suggests choosing oils containing linoleic acid, which includes rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, and evening primrose oil. They are non-comedogenic and assist in reinforcing the epidermis’ protective layer.

What are the best homemade face oils that can be used for dry skin?

The face oil can be prepared with a carrier oil, like jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil, and several drops of aromatic oils, like lavender or chamomile. It’s also important that you conduct a small patch test of the oil on the skin before applying it to the face.

Which natural oils are good for dry skin?

Argan oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are some of the natural oils that are good for use when the skin is dry. These oils contain fatty acids and vitamin E that assist to moisturize the skin as well as supply it with the necessary nutrients.

Can coconut oil be used for dry skin?

There is some truth to this, as coconut oil can be beneficial for dry skin, but it should not be used universally. Coconut oil contains a lot of oleic acid which is known to inflict acne because it blocks the pores in the skin. Coconut oil is not recommended for those who have acne prone skin or a sensitive skin type.

Which oils will help with dry skin and eczema?

Jojoba oil, almond oil, and sunflower oil can be helpful for dry skin and eczema treatment. These oils are mild in nature and aid in healing as well as moisturizing the skin.

Is it advisable to use oil instead of lotion for the treatment of dry skin?

Both oil and lotion are helpful for dry skin and the best one to use varies based on the skin type and personal choice. Oil has better moisturizing and nourishing qualities and is thicker than lotion which is thinner and less greasy. People with very dry skin should use oil, while those with normal to oily skin should use lotion on their skin.

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Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...
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