Too many people neglect moisture because that isn’t their priority. I was one of those people. But soft, supple skin requires constant hydration and nourishment all year long, so with this in mind, I’m sharing what body oils I’m currently using and some bottles I’ve since finished. I have a partial bottle of Golden Hour, I love it, but this one smells like Rarotonga and freedom, so until we’re no longer forcefully grounded, this one waits. Click the links to pick one up for yourself.
NOTO botanics Agender Oil
I haven’t been this excited about a product in a long time. Queer makeup artist and founder of NOTO botanics, Gloria Noto, has reimagined personal care, celebrating radical self-acceptance, encompassing diversity, queerness, giving back and transparency. Housed in recycled post-consumer waste and biodegradable materials, NOTO botanics products are multi-use, formulated using only clean ingredients that are safe for the body, mind, and Earth and never tested on animals. Direct To Consumer Agender Oil sales support money mission charity give back.
I love oils, period. Especially a dual-action one. Agender Oil is a hero body oil for everyone with skin who prefers to have healthy, deeply hydrated skin. And this oil smells gorgeous. I love the smoky aroma of Vetiver and Lavender, which is so revitalizing. Also, this anti-inflammatory oil absorbs quickly. I love how it seeps into my skin without leaving a heavy residue or feeling greasy. Slather it onto your limbs and strands, focusing on mid-lengths and ends for more moisture and shine. It also works to detangle and tame flyaways. Use the excess to massage into your cuticles and nails for well-maintained hands.
UMA Oil Absolute Anti-Aging Body Oil
UMA Oils are 100% natural and organic botanicals. UMA’s Absolute smells, well, interesting. The vibe—heavily herbal. Pomegranate Seed and Moringa Oil, both known for their impressive antioxidant properties, support the skin barrier, protecting us from environmental insults. An Ayurvedic and aromatherapeutic blend dominated by Frankincense and Juniper Berry Oils, intoxicating because of Neroli and Sandalwood Oils. Absolute is ultimately ritualistic. I had purchased the tester-sized wellness oil vials, 3 ml each, and smelt interesting for two weeks, so with 100 ml, I am a better version of myself.
Sans[ceuticals] Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil
Meaning wellbeing without, Founder Lucy Vincent describes her Sans[ceuticals] as “a convergence of everything that matters to me; it is pure, sustainable, highly active and considered.” Clean ingredients, handsome packaging, and just the right amount of fragrance—I alternate days between Activator 7 and the Bio Active Body Exfoliant.
An invigorating, reliably multifunctional oil that firms, tones, and revitalises the body, Activator 7 stimulates cell repair, increasing collagen production to firm, tone and hydrate, reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks. For those with compromised skin barriers, Meadowfoam, Evening Primrose and Squalane Olive Oils deliver anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that aid in treating dry skin, eczema and acne.
In addition, this reparative oil is perfect for pre-or post-sun exposure, as it contains a high concentration of Vitamins A and E to defend against free-radical damage. Sex Therapist Juliet Allen (highly recommend her podcast) uses Activator 7 as a lubricant for sex. So many uses.
Salt by Hendrix Nourish + Revive
Most nights after exfoliation, I’ll apply Nourish + Revive neck to toes. Organic Rosehip, Argan and Marula Oils marry to nourish and energise while encouraging deep hydration and elasticity improvement. Several of my favourite essential oils are contained within, Frankincense, Cedarwood (which is great for problematic skin) and Ylang Ylang. With anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, Cedarwood is ideal for acne or any possibility for infection where hair grows. For many months I mixed organic cedarwood essential oil with fractionated coconut oil. It got things done. However, Nourish + Revive smells less forest. Lather and decompress. Super hydrating, quick-absorbing, this golden body oil offers post-sun skin the nourishment it needs to radiate.
Salt by Hendrix Blush Skies
This body oil is another I have been able to use on my body and face. Also, use it as a strategic highlighter for your hair. It’s perfectly balanced for my dry legs—all the shimmer without glitter AND fully absorbed within 10 minutes of application. Coconut, Apricot, Argan and Jojoba Oils provide antioxidant protection while encouraging deep hydration. Camellia and Baobab Oils rejuvenate dry, damaged skin. Blush Skies is a favourite oil of mine to take care of summer skin. I purchased Blush Skies because I was going to Rarotonga, and I have scars [Eczema has been a lifelong struggle], so if you’re conscious of scarring or just want your skin to glisten, rain or shine, then this peachy body oil is the one.
Everyday Oil
I love Everyday Oil, I’d initially discovered this one through Pinterest (where I discover a lot of things), and my best friend brought it back to me from Hawaii. It smells like what you want your body to always smell like — exxxtra nice. Everyday Oil (the Mainstay Blend) is a heady base of Coconut, Olive, Argan and Jojoba Oils that creates something that smells almost exactly like a hot summer night. Earthy woody oils such as Palo Santo and Clary Sage introduce grounding energy. It’s not too light, but it’s not so heavy that it coats instead of sinking in. I don’t use this every day, but almost. Use liberally, and your skin will be healthier sooner. Second purchase, I’ll opt for the 100 ml—it is more economical.
Aesop Breathless Body Oil
Anything Aesop, honestly. The earthy woodsy scents of Sandalwood and Patchouli are balanced perfectly with notes of Orange in this grounding oil. Sweet Almond, Macadamia and decongesting Jojoba Oils make this a deeply hydrating and nourishing post-shower treatment. And the scent is subtle but ultimately — gender-neutral.
Aesop does not define their ingredients as organic or 100% natural—they never claimed to be, opting to combine powerful botanical ingredients with human-made ones. Body oils like Breathless are bottled botanicals, so like everything, do your research. A lot of your questions will be answered here. Aesop products are vegan—so no animal-derived ingredients used in their formulations (no beeswax, honey or lanolin et cetera) and Aesop are also Cruelty-Free — International Leaping Bunny approved. From clavicle to ankle bone on slightly damp skin, Breathless is particularly useful when I’m feeling tired and uninspired.
Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine
Herbivore has a whole line of oils, a prism spectrum for all parts of you. My most recent—Emerald CBD + Adaptogens. Though I used their Coconut body Oil for the longest time, I know you can use the grocery store variety, but I swear their version smells more like the tropics. Last December I ordered Jasmine, because, for one, I love the flower, but also I like to have options. Sourced from the night blooming variety of Jasmine and a host of botanicals, this bottle combines Coconut Oil with Omega rich Camellia Seed Oil and antiseptic Jojoba Seed Oil. Herbivore is a one hundred per cent natural brand that uses many certified organic ingredients, is cruelty-free and vegan, many things.
Dr. Singha’s Mustard Rub
Dr. Singha, the renowned Acupuncturist and Osteopath, created his Ayurvedic Mustard Bath over 50 years ago in London, England, where he ran four Holistic Wellness Centres. He taught his patients how to rid their bodies of impurities through various forms of fasting and activating skin function in hot Mustard Baths—his original formula is considered "the OG of Bath Salts", and this is the oil. Or rather, the Mustard Rub, an equally restorative and stimulating blend of Sunflower, Mustard Seed and Sweet Almond Oils—all certified organic. This oil is VERY herbaceous, combining essential oils of Lavender, Rosemary, Marjoram, Thyme and Sandalwood. This oil has become my mainstay as the temperature cools.
Ayu Rose Otto, Fig and Black Pepper Body Oil
Rooted in the sacred science of Ayurveda, led by the idea that within a petal exists a cosmos of healing, each Ayu blend infuses plants, resins and barks informed by the energetics of Vata, Pitta and Kapha—thee Doshas of which Ayurveda philosophises all universal life force manifests. The smoky scent of Rose, Fig and Grapefruit Oils linger on a rich oil base of Moroccan Argan, Jojoba, Sunflower, Sweet Almond and Apricot Seed Oils. Black Pepper stimulates and provides antioxidants to the skin. After I’m done smoothing the Rose Otto, Fig and Black Pepper Body Oil over my legs, arms, neck and décolletage, I apply the Smoking Rose Perfume Oil to my pulse points and then run my hands through my Shiba Inu’s fur.
And for those in a thrifty mood, celebrate individual ingredients from above and pick up organic oils from bulk supply stores. We have one locally called Pure Nature that will sell you Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil for $15 for 100 ml, and then you create custom blends. We would also love to hear everyone's recommends for a not $40 body. Let us know by sending us an email.
Everything we create is an effort to participate in a culture shift. All products featured are independently selected and curated by the authors, and we only feature items we use or would use ourselves that align with our values. As part of our business model, we do work with affiliates such as Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases if you decide to purchase through our links. The price would be the same to you either way, but if you find value in our work, then these affiliate links are a way to support it. We only recommend brands, makers and products we use — that we support. Transparency is important to us, so if you have any questions, please reach out to us.