Avoid overdrying your skin with these shower oils
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For the first 20 years of my life, I only ever relied on a traditional body wash to cleanse my skin. As I got older and needed to address some common concerns like dry skin and eczema, my dermatologist recommended I switch to shower oil. “A shower oil combines the properties of both oils and a body wash,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach. “The formulation cleanses the skin while also providing moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated.”
Since incorporating shower oils into my routine three years ago, I haven’t stopped using them. I love the way they effectively clean and treat my skin care concerns. To help you find the best ones, I consulted two board-certified dermatologists and had the NBC Select staff try highly rated options from popular brands.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best shower oils | The best shower oils | How to shop for shower oils | Why trust NBC Select?
How I picked the best shower oils
To help choose the best shower oils, our experts recommend I keep the following in mind:
Ingredients: Shower oils should have oils (like jojoba, almond and more) as the primary ingredient on its label. The next key factor to look for is either emollients (for example, ceramides), which are ingredients that lock in moisture or humectants (such as glycerin), which help attract and pull in moisture to the skin, according to Rabach.
Price: Shower oils can vary in cost depending on their size, packaging and ingredients. This list includes options as low as $16 and as high as $35.
The best shower oils in 2024
Best overall: Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil $29.99 at Amazon
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil $36.99 at Target
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil $29.99 at CVS Photo
This noncomedogenic shower oil is great for those with sensitive and eczema-prone skin because of its niacinamide, which helps soothe the skin, says Song. In my experience, many body washes irritate the eczema patches on my arms and neck, however, this is so gentle and reduces the tightness, flakiness and redness that my skin frequently experiences, even though it has a subtle added fragrance.
I also love how many uses I can get from this bottle. Typically, a 7-ounce body wash lasts me a month or so, but this has lasted me at least three months. All I need are a few pumps, which create a nice lather all over my skin, from my neck to my toes.
Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide | Certifications: n/a
Best for all ages: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil $16.99 at Amazon
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil $16.99 at Target
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil $19.99 at Ulta
La Roche-Posay’s cleansing shower oil also comes recommended by Song. For one, it’s a noncomedogenic, fragrance-free formula, which is helpful for those with sensitive skin. It’s also soap-free, which means it cleans the skin without using drying ingredients (like sulfates) that most typical body washes have, according to experts in our guide to body washes for sensitive skin. “I loved how easy it was to lather up this body wash with such a small amount, especially since not all shower oils get very sudsy,” says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez, who received a sample from the brand. “It’s also unscented, so it doesn’t clash with my other products.”
Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter, thermal spring water | Certifications: National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance
Editor’s Choice: The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash $15.99 at Amazon
The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash $15.99 at Ulta
The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash $17.99 at Target
“Since using this in my shower routine, I’ve definitely seen a difference in my skin,” says NBC Select Ashley Morris, who has acne-prone skin. “It feels smoother and more hydrated, and I especially love layering it with exfoliating body washes for an extra boost of moisture after using a chemical exfoliant.” It’s suitable for all skin types and shouldn’t leave skin feeling dry or tight, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane, jojoba seed oil, rosehip oil, sea buckthorn oil | Certifications: n/a
Most versatile: L’occitane Almond Shower Oil
L’occitane Almond Shower Oil
L’occitane Almond Shower Oil $29.00 at Amazon
L’occitane Almond Shower Oil $29.00 at Ulta
L’occitane Almond Shower Oil $29.00 at Sephora
You can use this silky yet milky shower oil in three ways: to cleanse the body, use it as a base for shaving (in place of shaving cream) or as a bath soak, according to the brand. “This shower oil is my current obsession,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. “It never feels oily or greasy, and the smell is absolutely incredible — it has a clean scent that’s subtle and not too overpowering. But my favorite part is how soft and smooth my skin feels after using this product. Simply, no other shower oil does it better.”
Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, grape seed oil | Certifications: n/a
Best scented: Glossier Body Hero Daily Oil Wash
Glossier Body Hero Daily Oil Wash
Glossier Body Hero Daily Oil Wash $28.00 at Glossier
To elevate her shower routine into a more luxurious, self-care experience, NBC Select social media commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri uses this oil from Glossier (the brand sent a courtesy sample.) “Since it’s an oil, it’s easy to dispense into my hand and spread over my body, but it immediately foams up, which gives it a little bit more substance and makes me feel more clean,” says Daruvuri. This shower oil has an orange blossom neroli, which she says is very calming and makes her skin smell nice after showering.
Key ingredients: glycerin, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, soybean oil | Certifications: n/a
Best for kids: Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Oil Baby Body Wash
Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Oil Baby Body Wash
Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Oil Baby Body Wash $26.00 at Amazon
Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Oil Baby Body Wash $26.00 at Mustela
Mustela’s multipurpose shower oil combats any dryness and itchiness your baby or child may be experiencing. It focuses on moisturizing, softening and soothing the skin while creating a silky and hydrating barrier on the skin, according to the brand. Reviewers say their children (from newborns to elementary-aged) have less irritation, get an effective cleanse, smell cleaner and appreciate the fact it’s nongreasy and doesn’t leave an unwanted and uncomfortable residue. Adults can also use this shower oil as a face wash or a makeup remover, according to Mustela. It has a 4.6-star average rating from over 1,600 reviews on Amazon.
Key ingredients: glycerin, sunflower seed oil, avocado perseose | Certifications: National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance
Best soothing: Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Shower Oil
Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Shower Oil
Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Shower Oil $34.00 at Amazon
Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Shower Oil $34.00 at Lovely Skin
Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Shower Oil $34.00 at Avene
Avène’s shower oil, which is suitable for all ages, largely focuses on moisturizing the skin and protecting it from future dryness, according to the brand. “It’s fragrance-free, which makes it great for people with sensitive skin like me, and I can totally feel it hydrating any dryness as I use it,” says NBC Select updates editor Zoe Malin. “I’m especially looking forward to using this shower oil in the winter, when my skin gets the most dry and flakey.” This option is noncomedogenic, free of common irritants and is safe to use if you’re experiencing flare-ups, according to Avène.
Key ingredients: thermal spring water, glycerin, evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil | Certifications: n/a
Best brightening: Kopari Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil
Kopari Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil
Kopari Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil $29.00 at Amazon
Kopari Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil $29.00 at Anthropologie
Kopari Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil $29.00 at Revolve
If you’re looking for a shower oil that hydrates and brightens your skin simultaneously, consider this one from Kopari. “It feels great against my skin, and I can work it into a foamy lather, which makes me feel extra clean,” says Malin, who was sent a sample from the brand. After using this consistency, Malin says she notices how much softer her skin is after showering and that it’s great for shaving because she doesn’t get razor burns when using it.
“I look forward to using this because it smells so incredible without being overpowering or perfume-y,” Malin says of the formula, which has notes of sweet coconut milk, vanilla, and warm spice.
Key ingredients: hibiscus seed oil, coconut oil, passionfruit seed oil, avocado oil | Certifications: n/a
Best splurge: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body $35.00 at Nordstorm
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body $35.00 at Ulta
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body $35.00 at Bloomingdales
This shower oil, which has a 4.5-star rating from over 100 reviews at Kiehl’s, removes dirt and oil easily without damaging the skin, according to the brand. Reviewers say it doesn’t create a big foaming lather but has a luxurious, lightweight feel that leaves their skin soft and smooth — even saying it helps minimize side effects of keratosis pilaris and eczema. They also recommend using a small amount because it goes a long way and prevents it from being too slippery in the shower.
Key ingredients: grape seed oil, castor oil | Certifications: n/a
How to shop for shower oils
Before shopping for a shower oil, there are a few things our experts recommend paying extra attention to.
Ingredients
This is the biggest factor you’ll want to pay attention to when shopping. Song breaks down a few key ingredients to keep an eye out for:
Almond or jojoba seed oils are great for dry or sensitive skin since they’re soothing and calming.
Coconut, avocado, or jojoba oils are carrier oils that deliver vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to the skin, giving it some-much needed nourishment. These oils also help moisturize the skin and replenish lipids, which is a crucial part of keeping your natural skin barrier in tact. (The skin barrier is what protects against environmental irritants and prevents water loss.)
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, humectant and emollient that helps the skin absorb and retain water.
Pro Vitamin B5 is another humectant that helps retain and preserve moisture in the skin barrier.
You’ll also want to be cautious of fragrances and artificial dyes if you have sensitive and dry skin. These may make you more prone to irritation and allergic reactions from additional ingredients, says Song.
Noncomedogenic
Shower oils are great for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, though they can be hit-or-miss with oily and acne-prone skin since they tend to be more occlusive than body washes, says Song. Occlusive ingredients and products tend to create a layer on your skin to protect it (think of products like Vaseline and Aquaphor), but by doing so, can lead to clogged pores, according to our experts. If you have this skin type, they recommend looking for noncomedogenic shower oils that won’t clog or block your pores.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do shower oils differ from traditional body washes?
While a shower oil and body wash will cleanse the skin, some key differences distinguish the two:
Consistency: Shower oils have an oily consistency that turns into a milky lather when in contact with water, according to Rabach. Standard body washes are gel- or cream-based products that lather into foams when mixed with water, says Song.
Function: Shower oils do a better job of preserving your skin’s natural oils and hydrating the skin compared to traditional soap body washes, which generally only prioritize cleansing the skin, says Song.
Concentration: Shower oils, like their name implies, typically have higher oil concentrations than standard body washes, says Rabach. They also typically have more plant-based oils, such as almond and coconut, whereas standard body washes have more effective cleaning surfactants like sulfates.
- Do shower oils actually clean your skin?
Yes, but only to a certain extent. If you need a deep clean, you may want to gravitate toward a standard body wash since shower oils focus more on offering hydration than cleansing, says Song.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a shower oil?
The main advantage of using a shower oil is how moisturizing and gentle it is on the skin, according to our experts. Shower oils don’t create a robust lather and don’t always provide that “squeaky clean” feeling people experience after washing with traditional soap, says Song. If you’re one of these people, consider doing a double cleanse, she says.
- What is the most effective way to use a shower oil?
Apply the shower oil of your choosing and use your hands to gently massage it in circular motions so your skin can better absorb the moisturizing ingredients. It’s essential to use your hands — as compared to loofahs — because this prevents over-exfoliation.
Rinse off the shower oil with lukewarm water (hot water can irritate the skin) and apply a hydrating body lotion on damp skin to trap in the moisture once you're out of the shower.
- Can you use shower oils on all areas of your body?
Generally speaking, yes. Shower oils tend to be gentle and are suitable for sensitive skin because they don’t strip the natural skin barrier. It's important to opt for a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free versions without strong essential oils when using one on sensitive areas of the skin, says Song.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. Morgan Rabach is a board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical in New York City and a clinical assistant dermatology professor at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Dr. Teresa Song is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate reporter covering skin care and hair care for NBC Select, including recent stories on the best SPF moisturizers and gua sha tools. For this article, I interviewed two dermatologists about how to properly use a shower oil and included their recommendations along with highly rated formulas the NBC Select staff liked.
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