Summer is my favorite season—sun-drenched mornings, barefoot evenings, and that electric joy in the air that makes everything feel possible. But it’s also the season when my skin craves a different kind of care. The heat, salt water, and dry air have a way of zapping every ounce of moisture from my legs, arms, and shoulders. I’ve tried everything over the years—heavy creams, whipped body butters, overnight masks—but nothing quite compares to the radiant, lit-from-within finish I get from dry body oils.
These aren’t greasy, old-school oils that leave you sticking to your clothes or your bedsheets. Dry body oils are a different breed: lightweight, fast-absorbing, and gorgeously scented. They sink into the skin like silk, giving it that elusive sunlit sheen that looks especially dreamy on bare legs and collarbones. And the best part? They’re often packed with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, squalane, and botanical extracts that soothe, hydrate, and protect.
Over the past few years, I’ve tested more body oils than I care to admit. Some were flops, some were fine, and a few completely changed how I approach body care. Today, I’m sharing nine dry body oils that I keep reaching for—products that make me feel like I’ve just stepped out of a glossy vacation ad, even if I’m just running errands or sitting on my porch.
1. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
Texture: Silky, featherlight
Scent: A dreamy blend of orange blossom, magnolia, and vanilla
Price: Around \$49 for 3.3 oz
Where to buy: Ulta, Amazon, Revolve, and Dermstore
This oil is a Parisian icon for a reason. I discovered it during a hot, muggy July in New York when I was desperate for something that would moisturize my skin without making me feel like I was wrapped in plastic. The texture is borderline magical—soft as satin, never oily—and it sinks in almost instantly.
I use it on my legs after shaving, and it gives them this golden, healthy radiance that feels like summer in a bottle. I also like running a tiny bit through the ends of my hair when it’s feeling dry or frizzy. The fragrance is chic and subtle, and I’ve had strangers ask what perfume I’m wearing when it’s just this.
2. OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
Texture: Lightweight with a slightly nourishing slip
Scent: Citrusy and herbal
Price: \$52 for 5 oz
Where to buy: OSEA’s website, Sephora, BlueMercury
This oil feels like skincare for the body in the best way. The star ingredient is undaria seaweed, which is packed with minerals and antioxidants. When I started using this regularly, I noticed that the rough patches on my elbows and the backs of my arms began to smooth out, like I’d been getting body facials in my sleep.
It’s slightly richer than some of the other oils on this list but still dries down beautifully. I like applying it to damp skin straight out of the shower, then letting it soak in while I do my skincare or make coffee. There’s a subtle brightness to the scent that reminds me of waking up in a beach house with the windows open.
3. Neutrogena Body Oil, Light Sesame Formula
Texture: Very light and quick-absorbing
Scent: Clean, delicate sesame
Price: \$12–\$17 for 8.5 oz
Where to buy: Target, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart
This is the quiet classic that never lets me down. It’s not fancy, it’s not Instagram-worthy, but it works. I started using this in college when my skin was so dry it practically squeaked, and I’ve kept a bottle in my bathroom ever since.
It’s the perfect “starter” dry oil if you’re new to the category. I pour a little into my palms, rub them together, and glide it over damp skin post-shower. It gives a smooth, non-greasy finish that works well under sunscreen or even layered under lotion for extra moisture.
4. Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil
Texture: Ultra-light, almost weightless
Scent: Unscented
Price: \$32 for 3.3 oz
Where to buy: Sephora, Biossance.com
Sometimes you want something pure and simple—especially if you’re sensitive to fragrance. This one-ingredient wonder is just sugarcane-derived squalane, which mimics your skin’s natural oils and feels like a drink of water for dry limbs.
What I love about this oil is how versatile it is. I use it on my body, cuticles, face, even to tame frizz. It disappears into the skin with zero residue, and I find myself reaching for it on days when I want hydration without any scent. It’s especially great after a day in the sun when your skin needs calming, no-frills moisture.
5. Herbivore Jasmine Glowing Hydration Body Oil
Texture: Rich but fast-absorbing
Scent: Floral jasmine with a touch of exotic spice
Price: \$44 for 4 oz
Where to buy: Sephora, Herbivore.com, Anthropologie
This oil is pure romance. From the sleek glass bottle to the intoxicating scent, it feels like something you’d find on a vanity in a sun-drenched villa. I reserve it for days when I want to feel extra special—like when I’m wearing a backless dress or heading out for a summer dinner.
The jasmine oil lingers in the most delicate way, and the hydration lasts all day. I often mix a few drops into my body lotion for added glow, or I’ll pat it over my collarbones and shoulders for that soft candlelit highlight. Every time I use it, I feel like I’m treating my skin to something decadent.
6. Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Body Oil
Texture: Light and silky, with shimmer
Scent: That iconic sweet beachy fragrance
Price: \$35 for 2.5 oz
Where to buy: Sephora, Sol de Janeiro website
When I want that vacation-skin look—bronzed, shimmery, and glowy—this is my go-to. It’s not subtle, but that’s the point. I use it when I’m headed to a pool party or rooftop event and want my skin to glow. The shimmer isn’t chunky or glittery—it just gives a luminous sheen that catches the light beautifully.
It comes in a few shades, but I usually reach for the “Copacabana Bronze” or “Rio Sunset.” A little goes a long way, and I always get compliments when I wear it on my legs with sandals or brushed across my collarbones.
7. Caudalie Divine Oil
Texture: Ultra-smooth with a velvety finish
Scent: Woody and floral with a bit of spice
Price: \$49 for 3.3 oz
Where to buy: Amazon, Dermstore, Caudalie.com
This oil lives up to its name. It truly feels divine. The packaging alone feels luxurious, and the formula is a perfect blend of grapeseed, hibiscus, sesame, and argan oils. It makes my skin feel baby-soft, and the scent is warm, complex, and totally unforgettable.
I’ve used it both during the day and before bed, and either way, it leaves my skin looking lit-from-within. Sometimes I’ll mist it over my sheets just to fall asleep surrounded by its subtle fragrance.
8. Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil
Texture: Lightweight with a satin finish
Scent: Signature Moroccan oil scent—warm, spicy, amber-like
Price: \$48 for 3.4 oz
Where to buy: Sephora, Amazon, Moroccanoil.com
This is the dry oil version of the cult-favorite hair treatment, and it’s just as luxurious. It feels like pure indulgence every time I use it. The scent is rich and lingering—every time I apply it, it makes me feel like I’ve just stepped out of a spa.
I especially love this one in the evenings. After a shower and before slipping into something breezy, I smooth this on and feel instantly elevated. The oil itself is hydrating without being sticky and gives my skin a subtle glow that lasts for hours.
9. Glossier Body Hero Dry-Touch Oil Mist
Texture: Airy, fine mist
Scent: Bright orange blossom
Price: \$28 for 3.1 oz
Where to buy: Glossier.com
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I do, but the convenience and feel are unbeatable. It comes in a spray bottle that disperses the perfect mist, making it super easy to apply without ever getting your hands greasy.
It gives a soft, hydrated feel and a lovely subtle shine, and the scent—bright, cheerful, summery—lingers just enough to make you smile. I keep this one in my bag for days at the beach or spontaneous nights out. It’s perfect for touch-ups or layering over sunscreen.
A Few Tips for Using Dry Body Oils in Summer
- Apply to damp skin. This locks in moisture and helps the oil spread more evenly.
- Start with a small amount. You can always add more, but a little truly goes a long way.
- Mix with lotion. For deeper hydration, blend a few drops into your favorite body cream.
- Layer with SPF. Most dry body oils don’t include sun protection, so always top with sunscreen during the day.
- Highlight key areas. A dab on the collarbones, shoulders, and shins creates that sunkissed glow.
Where to Find These Oils
All of these dry oils are available in the U.S. at major retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, Dermstore, Target, and the brands’ own websites. I usually price-compare across a few platforms, and I also keep an eye out for sales or bundles—OSEA and Biossance especially offer great sets around summer.
When the sun is high and the air feels electric, I want my skin to reflect that same energy—soft, glowing, and full of life. These nine dry oils are more than just products to me; they’re part of the rhythm of my summer. They remind me to slow down, to savor the light, and to treat my skin with the kind of care that feels like a ritual. If you’re looking for that effortless summer glow, I can promise you this: the right dry oil changes everything.
