Struggling to get that healthy, lit-from-within glow no matter how many products you layer on? Chances are your skin's missing something it actually needs, and body oil might be the answer you've been overlooking.
Body oils work differently from your standard lotion or cream. They're typically built around plant-based carrier oils (think coconut, olive, grapeseed, sunflower, jojoba or argan), each bringing their own skin-loving properties to the table. Together, they nourish, hydrate and replenish your skin in a way that water-based products often just can't match.
When your skin's regularly exposed to environmental stressors and stripped by harsh cleansers, it loses the natural lipids that keep it looking healthy and radiant. Body oils help put those back. The result? Skin that feels genuinely soft and supple.
In this guide, we're covering the science behind what makes body oils work, the top-performing oils for glowing skin and how to apply them properly to get the most out of every drop.
Key Takeaways:
- Glowing skin is actually two things working together: well-hydrated, healthy skin that reflects light evenly, and cosmetic shimmer that gives you an instant boost on top.
- Fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E each play a role in glow, from evening out tone and texture to reducing the visible signs of ageing.
- Apply body oil using warm, circular motions after showering to improve absorption and lock in hydration where your skin needs it most.
Jump to a Section
- What Actually Makes Skin Look Like It's Glowing?
- The Best Body Oils for Glowing Skin
- What Makes Body Oils So Effective?
- Natural Oils for Glowing Skin (and Ingredients to Avoid)
- How to Apply Body Oil for Best Results
- Body Oil FAQs
What Actually Makes Skin Look Like It's Glowing?
Here's the thing nobody tells you: "glow" isn't just one thing. It's actually two different jobs happening at once, and once you know the difference, getting the results you're after gets so much easier.
The Glow That Comes From Healthy Skin
This is the real deal. It's the kind of glow that comes from well-hydrated, smooth skin genuinely doing its thing. When your skin's plump with moisture and the surface is even (no rough, flaky patches catching the light in weird ways), it reflects light more evenly across the board.
That even reflection is what your eye reads as "glowing." It's not magic, it's just physics doing you a favour. The fatty acids and antioxidants in a good body oil support this by keeping your skin barrier strong and your lipid levels topped up, so this kind of glow tends to stick around rather than fading by the afternoon.
The Glow That Comes From Shimmer
Then there's the fun kind of glow. Shimmering body oils (like ours) use fine cosmetic mica to catch and bounce light straight off your skin. Kind of like a body highlighter! It's instant, it looks incredible in photos and there's zero waiting around for results.
The catch is that it's temporary. Wash it off and it's gone, though it's not doing your skin any harm sitting on top of a nourishing oil base while it's there. If you're curious what shimmer body oils actually are, our guide on what body shimmer actually is is worth a look.
Honestly, the best routines use both. Let your natural oils do the slow, steady work of building genuinely healthy skin day to day, then reach for a shimmer formula when you want that extra bit of sparkle for a night out or a beach day.
The Best Body Oils for Glowing Skin
Good news: there are a handful of body oils with genuinely strong track records for delivering that radiant, healthy glow. Each one has a distinct set of benefits, so finding the right fit really comes down to what your skin needs most.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most nourishing body oils you can reach for. Its natural antibacterial properties and rich, moisturising fatty acids work to hydrate and protect the skin, while its antioxidant content helps guard against environmental stressors.
It's a heavier oil, so it's best suited to particularly dry or rough patches, or as a full-body treatment for skin that isn't prone to breakouts. It sits higher on the comedogenic scale than some other carrier oils, so if you're acne-prone, it's worth patch-testing first. For most people, though, it leaves skin soft, supple and noticeably more radiant.
It's also the everyday workhorse behind our own Bronze Shimmering Body Oil and Natural Sun & Body Oil, both built on a coconut oil base, with or without an added shimmer.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the oldest beauty staples around, and it holds up for good reason. It's rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help soften rough patches and shield your skin from everyday environmental stress.
It's a heavier oil, so it works best on drier areas like elbows, knees and heels, or layered into a body oil blend rather than used entirely on its own. Used regularly, it leaves skin noticeably softer and more supple.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lighter option, prized for how quickly it absorbs without leaving a heavy residue behind. It's rich in linoleic acid and antioxidants, and it's genuinely non-comedogenic, making it a solid pick if you find richer oils sit too thick on your skin or you're prone to congestion.
Because it sinks in fast and leaves nothing sitting on the surface, you get a clean, natural sheen rather than a greasy shine, which is exactly what you want if you're after glow without the heaviness.
It's well suited to oilier or combination skin types that still want the benefits of a body oil without feeling weighed down. A little goes a long way, and it layers easily under other products.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is gentle, high in linoleic acid and genuinely well tolerated by sensitive or reactive skin. It helps reinforce your skin's natural barrier while delivering lightweight hydration that doesn't feel greasy.
A strong, well-supported barrier is the foundation for that healthy, light-reflecting glow we talked about earlier, so even though sunflower seed oil doesn't shout about it, it's quietly doing the groundwork.
It's a good everyday option if you're new to body oils or have skin that tends to react to richer formulas, offering a gentler introduction without compromising on results.
Argan Oil
Argan oil gets called "liquid gold" for a reason. Packed with fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, it's particularly well-suited to targeting dullness and visible signs of ageing.
It hydrates deeply, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and imparts a natural, healthy-looking glow that works well for most complexions.
Used consistently, high-quality argan oil tends to reveal a noticeably more luminous, even-toned complexion over time.
| Body Oil | Examples | Key Ingredients | Skin Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | Rich body oils, hair masks, everyday moisturisers | Fatty acids, antibacterial and antioxidant compounds | Deeply hydrates for a soft, radiant finish (higher comedogenic potential, best avoided on acne-prone areas) |
| Olive Oil | Body oils, cleansing balms | Fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E | Softens rough patches, protects against environmental stress |
| Grapeseed Oil | Lightweight body oils, massage oils | Linoleic acid, antioxidants | Absorbs quickly for a clean, natural sheen, non-comedogenic |
| Sunflower Seed Oil | Sensitive-skin formulas, everyday hydrators | Linoleic acid, vitamin E | Gentle hydration, strengthens the barrier that supports long-term glow |
| Argan Oil | Luxury body oils, anti-ageing serums | Fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E | Enhances hydration, minimises wrinkles, imparts a healthy glow |
What Makes Body Oils So Effective?
Body oils are a genuinely different category of skincare product, working with your skin's natural lipid structure rather than sitting on top of it.
Unlike traditional lotions and creams, body oils are typically formulated around a blend of carrier oils like: coconut, olive, grapeseed, sunflower, jojoba and argan oil, each offering their own set of skin-nourishing benefits. They're rich in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that deeply hydrate your skin, and blending a few together tends to bring out the best of what each one does.
Understanding what's actually inside your body oil helps you choose one that'll deliver real results for your skin, rather than a nice scent alone. And those results are exactly what we mean when we talk about glow, so let's break down what's actually happening there.
The Key Ingredients Driving Results
Here's what actually separates a body oil that builds real glow from one that just smells nice sitting on your shelf. Keep an eye out for these on the label.
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Fatty acids: think of oleic and linoleic acids as your skin barrier's best friends. They're found in pretty much every good natural oil and they work hard to seal in moisture, which is what gives you that smooth, even surface light actually bounces off nicely. No smooth surface, no glow.
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Antioxidants: a lot of body oils bring vitamin E and carotenoids to the party, and these guys neutralise free radicals and fend off oxidative damage. That's your skin's lipid barrier being protected, which is exactly what keeps your glow looking good long term rather than just for the afternoon.
- Vitamins A, C and E: each one's got its own job to do. Vitamin A speeds up cell turnover and helps calm blemishes. Vitamin C is your collagen and brightness booster, helping even out tone so light reflects consistently rather than patchily. Vitamin E is the antioxidant powerhouse. If your oil's got all three, you're onto a winner.
Natural Oils for Glowing Skin (and Ingredients to Avoid)
Coconut, olive, grapeseed, sunflower and argan oils are a great starting point, but the right body oil really comes down to two things: which oil actually suits your skin, and what's not in the bottle.
Getting both right is what separates a body oil that delivers on its promises from one that just sits in the bathroom cabinet.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Skin
With so many natural oils to choose from, getting your glow really comes down to picking the one that actually agrees with your skin type. The right oil for your best friend might not be the right oil for you, and that's okay!
If you want a full breakdown of how each natural oil compares, our guide to the best natural body oils for your skin is a good place to start. Also if dry skin is your main concern, this guide on the best body oil for dry skin is worth a read too.
Once you've narrowed down the oil that's right for you, it's worth taking a closer look at the label, since not every formula on the shelf is doing your skin any favours.
Body Oil Ingredients to Avoid
A few ingredients are worth checking the label for:
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Mineral oil: it just sits on top of your skin instead of sinking in. Most dermatologists will tell you it's safe, so it's not going to hurt you, but it's also not doing much. You won't get any of the vitamins, antioxidants or fatty acids that plant-based oils bring to the table.
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Alcohol: it strips your skin's natural oils and leaves it feeling dry and stripped rather than nourished. Not a great trade-off.
- Silicones: they'll give you a lovely smooth feel in the moment, but they sit on top of your skin, which can make it harder for anything you layer on afterwards to actually sink in.
Choosing an oil with a short, recognisable ingredient list is generally a safe bet. It's one of the simplest ways to keep your skin barrier intact, and remember, that barrier is what's doing the actual work behind your glow.
How to Apply Body Oil for Best Results
Even the best body oil won't perform at its peak if you're applying it the wrong way. A few simple adjustments to your technique can make a genuine difference to how well the oil absorbs and how your skin looks and feels afterwards.
For the full rundown, our dedicated guide on how to use body oil covers everything from start to finish.
Getting Your Application Technique Right
These aren't complicated steps, but each one matters for getting the most out of your oil.
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Start small: a little goes a long way with body oil. You can always add more, but starting with a modest amount prevents wastage and helps your skin absorb it properly.
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Warm it up first: warm the oil between your palms before applying. It absorbs more easily when it's not cold, and your skin will thank you for it.
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Use gentle, circular motions: massage the oil into your skin using circular movements, giving extra attention to areas that need it most. This helps absorption and boosts circulation.
- Let it absorb before dressing: give the oil a moment to fully sink in before you get dressed. It helps avoid any oily residue transferring to your clothes (we've all made that mistake).
Layering Body Oils with the Rest of Your Routine
Body oils work well as standalone products, but they can also be layered into a broader skincare routine for even better results. Try applying your body oil over a serum or a moisturiser to lock in hydration and enhance your skin's overall radiance.
You can also use body oil as a pre-cleanse or post-exfoliation treatment to nourish and replenish your skin after it's been stripped back. Both approaches work well, so it's worth experimenting to see what your skin responds to best.
If you're using both a lotion and an oil, the order you apply them in makes a real difference. As a general rule, lighter, water-based products go on first, with your body oil applied last to seal everything in and lock in hydration.
Our guide on layering body lotion and body oil for maximum hydration walks through the exact order and timing, so you're getting the full benefit of both products rather than one cancelling out the other.
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Body Oil FAQs
What is the best body oil for glowing skin?
There's no single best body oil for glowing skin, since the right pick depends on your skin type and what you're after. Coconut oil is popular for delivering rich, deep hydration and a soft, radiant finish for skin that isn't prone to breakouts. Argan oil is another popular oil, known as an all-rounder for an even, luminous glow thanks to its fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E. Olive, grapeseed and sunflower oil are worth considering too, offering everything from gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly hydration to a lightweight option for oilier skin types. Trying a few different natural oils is often the best way to find what works best for your skin.
How often should I use a body oil for best results?
Applying a body oil once a day tends to work well for most people, with after showering and before bed being two great windows. It depends a bit on your skin type and what you're trying to achieve, but consistency is what really counts here. Applying regularly over time will deliver noticeably better results than the occasional once-in-a-while treat.
What's the best time of day to apply body oil?
Straight after a warm shower or bath is generally the best window to apply body oil, while your skin is still slightly damp and softened by the warmth. This helps the oil absorb more easily and lock in extra moisture. Many people also find applying a lighter layer before bed helps skin feel soft and supple by morning. If you're using a shimmering formula, applying before you get dressed for the day (or a night out) also makes sense so the glow has time to settle.
Can body oils clog pores or cause breakouts?
Some body oils can clog pores or cause breakouts, particularly richer, more comedogenic oils like coconut oil. Non-comedogenic options like jojoba, argan and grapeseed oil are far less likely to cause this and can actually help regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of blemishes over time. That said, everyone's skin is a bit different, so it's always worth doing a patch test first, especially if you're acne-prone or have sensitive skin. A small test area on your inner arm for a day or two before you go full-body is a sensible precaution.
Are there any body oil ingredients I should avoid?
Alcohol and silicones are worth checking labels for, as they can sit on the skin's surface rather than nourishing it, and some can trigger irritation. Choosing a formula with a short, recognisable ingredient list, built around natural carrier oils, is generally the safer choice.
How can I get glowing skin naturally?
Consistent hydration, gentle exfoliation, protecting your skin from environmental stressors and nourishing it with natural oils rich in fatty acids and antioxidants are the biggest factors in getting glowing skin naturally. Buffing away flaky skin before applying oil can also help it absorb properly. None of it needs to be complicated. Small, consistent habits tend to make the biggest difference over time.
What's the difference between a body oil and a body lotion?
Body oils are packed with a higher concentration of plant-based oils and lipids, so they get to work deeply hydrating and nourishing your skin from within. Body lotions have a higher water content and usually contain emulsifiers, giving you a lighter texture that soaks in faster. Both can absolutely get you that glowing complexion, but body oils tend to go deeper and last longer. If your skin's very dry or compromised, oil's usually your stronger bet. For everyday maintenance, a lotion can be the lighter, more versatile option, and honestly, a lot of people find layering both gives them the best of everything.
Conclusion
Body oils are one of the most underrated tools in a skincare routine, and when it comes to glowing skin specifically, they're doing more work than most people give them credit for.
The right oil helps your skin build and hold onto that healthy, light-reflecting glow from the inside, replenishing your natural lipids and protecting against environmental damage along the way. Layer a shimmer formula on top and you've got the instant version too, whenever you want it.
The approach that works for most people is pretty straightforward: choose an oil with the right ingredient profile for your skin's needs, apply it consistently using the right technique, and reach for a shimmer oil whenever you want to turn the glow up a notch. Give the natural oils time to do their work. Results build gradually, and that's completely normal.
Ready to get started? Exploring a nourishing body oil that suits your skin type is a solid next step worth trying, and our Glow Bundle pairs our Bronze Shimmering Body Oil with the Natural Sun & Body Oil, giving you everyday hydration and shimmer in one, if you'd like a curated starting point!
