Cleansing your skin is a must—but soap can be stripping to your skin. Body wash is a serious step up, but there's an even more moisturizing option: shower oils.
If you're new to them, here's the lowdown: "A shower oil is a cleansing product that uses oils to clean the skin," explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Kunal Malik. "Unlike shower gels or body washes—some of which can strip the skin's natural oils—shower oils actually help maintain the skin barrier while cleansing." And don't worry about the formulas feeling greasy: "When they come in contact with water, they transform into a light, milky texture that cleanses while leaving skin moisturized," the derm adds.
Not sure which one to add to your routine? Find our picks for the 10 best shower oils, including recommendations from Malik, below.
The Best Shower Oils
Best Fragrance
Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Shower OilRead more
Best Fragrance
Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Shower Oil
Pros
- Scent lingers all day
Cons
- Not for those sensitive to scent
If you're looking for inviting scents, look no further than Sol de Janeiro. This formula features their Cheirosa 59, a woody gourmand, and is made with nourishing oils to leave skin super-soft.
Key Ingredients: Brazilian oil blend, hibiscus, bacuri butter
Size: 13 oz
Customer Review: "I absolutely love this product! so so moisturizing, smells incredible!! makes you feel so soft and moisturized and leaves you smelling sooo good. Will repurchase!" —Ireland22
Pros
- Large size
Cons
- Doesn't lather much
Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, this shower oil from the French pharmacy staple keeps skin moisturized up to 24 hours and is "perfect for sensitive, dry skin" according to Malik.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide
Size: 33.8 oz
Customer Review: "Shaving legs has become comfortable with this shower oil and no need for post shower lotion. Absolutely love it!" —Maureen
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Pros
- Luxurious milky lather
Cons
- Pricey for the size
It's true: Le Labo low-key has a shower oil, and it's just as luxurious as you'd think. The mandarin fragrance is fresh and bright, making it perfect for early mornings.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E
Size: 8.5 oz
Customer Review: "I adore this shower oil. It’s very gentle and doesn’t leave any greasy residue just a gorgeous citrusy scent. Skin is lovely and soft after use." —Susan
Pros
- Dermatologist- and gynecologist-tested
Cons
- Scent doesn't last long
Glossier's oil cleanser has a sulfate-free, milky lather that nourishes skin thanks to a blend of natural oils. It also has a light, sophisticated scent that won't overpower your perfume.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E
Size: 8.4 oz
Customer Review: "It is the most amazing shower bath I’ve ever try on, the smell stays in the bathroom hours after I finished!" —Ana Y
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Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Accepted by National Eczema Association
Cons
- Some reviewers found it not moisturizing enough
Formulated for use on both the face and body, this cleansing oil helps restore skin's delicate microbiome, and is even gentle enough for eczema-prone skin, according to Malik.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter, thermal spring water
Size: 13.52 oz
Customer Review:
"I love how moisturizing it is. This is my first time using cleansing oil and my parched skin said thank you."
Pros
- Helps support skin barrier
Cons
- Some reviewers found the scent medicinal
If you want something great for dryness that still feels like a treat, try this cleanser: It soothes, smoothes, and moisturizes skin all while wrapping it in a spa-like amber scent.
Key Ingredients: Panthenol, cica, ceramides
Size: 9.46 oz
Customer Review:
"The beautifully balanced body oil cleanser has quickly risen to the top of my favorite cleansers. It leaves my skin feeling clean and smelling nice while not leaving any residue or sticky or oily feeling. I really love this cleanser and think it’s amazing." —Cinderblock1
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Pros
- 4 fragrances to choose from
Cons
- You may still need lotion on top if you have dry skin
Unlike cleansers, this formula is meant to be applied right after you finish washing off, but before you get your of the shower. It's water-activated, so once you massage it in, you'll get all the skin-nourishing effects—then simply towel off as usual.
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil
Size: 8.45 oz
Customer Review:
"This scent is incredible clean and a little sweet. It also is super moisturizing. I use it while my skin is still damp and the smell lasts 6/7 hours. Sea lavender is incredible!" —Najah
Best Solid Shower Oil
Kate McLeod The Pebble - Deep Moisturizing Solid Bath & Shower Oil
Pros
Cons
- They can melt during warmer months
These moisturizing little bath drops can also be used in the shower: Simply hold it in your hand and let it melt over your skin to enjoy the relaxing scent and moisturizing ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, baobab oil
Size: 20 pebbles
Customer Review:
"I used these in the shower, and I love them! They melt very quickly under hot water and make your skin feel so soft afterwards. The scent does make me drowsy, so I recommend using one before bed." —Blushwjh
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Pros
- Gourmand coconutty fragrance
Cons
- Doesn't have a very rich lather
Give your shower a tropical twist with this coconut-scented formula enriched with nourishing avocado oil, as well as passionfruit seed oil, which is naturally rich in vitamin C.
Key ingredients: Passionfruit seed, avocado oil, hibiscus oil, coconut oil
Size: 8.45 oz
Customer Review:
"I recently tried this product. Love a good oil to cream body wash. This was better than most imo. It has a very nice, light scent, not overpowering. It was hydrating, and not at all drying on my extremely dry eczema prone skin. It did not cause any irritation, or dryness. I would absolutely recommend this product." —Christine M
Best for Shaving
L'occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil
Pros
- Recyclable and refillable bottle
Cons
- Some reviewers found the scent too strong
Malik says this almond-oil-enriched formula "leaves skin soft without residue." The texture is also great for shaving, as it provides just the right amount of slip.
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil
Size: 8.4 oz
Customer Review:
"I love this product. I buy this every year as Christmas presents to friends and family. No more itchy dry winter skin. Smells fantastic and is luxurious addition to winter baths! Recommended for everyone. A must have for winter skin." —Andrea
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Rinse Shower Oil Off?
Typically, yes. Shower oil is used like a body wash, so you'll rinse it off the same way. However, the Korres shower oil above is an exception and is not rinsed off.
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What Are the Benefits of Shower Oils?
According to Malik, shower oils have several benefits for the skin. First of all, they keep you clean—and also "preserve skin barrier function while providing gentle and effective cleansing."
They also provide extra moisture compared to regular soap. "They help prevent moisture loss during a shower," says the derm, adding that shower oils "moisturize dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin."
Should You Use Shower Oil Instead of Soap?
It depends on your skin type, but shower oils will generally be better for skin barrier support. "As a dermatologist, I generally recommend shower gels or shower oils over traditional bar soaps because traditional soaps often have a high pH that can disrupt skin barrier," explains Malik. "Many bar soaps can be drying and harsh on skin, while modern shower gels and oils are formulated with gentle surfactants and are not overly stripping of the skin."
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Who Should Use Shower Oils?
Whether you have sensitive skin or dry skin, there's a shower oil for you. That being said, "while shower oils are generally excellent for most skin types, those with acne-prone skin on the body should consult their dermatologist for specific recommendations," says Malik.
Meet the Expert
- Kunal Malik, MD FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist and on faculty at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
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Looking for More Bath and Body Recommendations?
- The 8 Best Showerheads for a Spa-Level Bathing Experience
- The 10 Best Salicylic Acid Body Washes for Clear Skin from the Neck Down
- 9 Calming and Energizing Shower Steamers That Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa
- The 30 Best Bath Gifts for Ultimate Rest and Relaxation
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