The Gloss Report: Body Oils

A quick survey of GTG HQ found that we're quite divided when it comes to body oils; some swear by them and wouldn't be without one in their daily routine, while others see them as too fussy, messy, and assume they're a greasier alternative to our trusted lotions and creams. In the name of beauty research however we all put some of the market's finest body oils to the test, with surprisingly positive results. From the classic Bio Oil to luxurious organic options, read on for our body oil reviews and see which ones are slicker than your average (sorry)...

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The promise: “Improves suppleness and elasticity whilst purifying and cleansing tired skin."

We give it: 10/10

Review: “I’m quite the fan of this certified organic brand, but I must admit I’m not usually a fan of body oil - mainly out of laziness, I prefer a quick swipe of fragrance-free body lotion and that’s me done. However, this light, non-greasy oil is definitely the one to make me change my ways. With their signature seaweed extract as well as vitamin E, rosehip, evening primrose and sunflower oil, it’s a cocktail of skin-soothing ingredients which all help to hydrate. The beautiful glass bottle has a generous pump, so when dispensing it it’s worth being cautious as a little really does go a long way (something which also means the higher price point is worth it). It has a delicate natural fragrance with notes of lime and mandarin coming through on application, though this quickly eases off which, as someone sensitive to fragrance, is a welcome effect. Best of all, the texture isn’t in the slightest bit greasy; it’s very thin and instantly leaves skin looking healthy and radiant but not shiny. Suddenly my usual moisturiser doesn’t seem so appealing - the effects of this are longer lasting, and surprisingly it sinks in much faster than any lotion."

Reviewer: JJ

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The promise: “A luxuriously fragranced body oil to hydrate and comfort skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin glowing with health.”

We give it: 10/10
Review: “If I could rave about anything it would be oils. Give me oil over cream or gels on my skin any day, and it's fair to say I have tried pretty much every brand going in the oil department, so I'm quick at picking out the rotten ones. Votary however are in the holy grail of skincare category for me, and their Hydrating Body Oil ticks every one of my picky boxes. An exquisite aromatic blend of bergamot and mandarin, its zesty fragrance is instantly uplifting leaving you with good skin and a good mood to match. Peach kernel cocoons skin in a blanket for soft and replenished skin, without leaving leftover residue on the skin, because no one wants to feel like a grease ball after their shower! The unique blend of plant oils works hard to revitalise, refine and detox your skin, while upping the glow factor thanks to camellia - goodbye dull and flakey skin. I usually apply after showering, as when skin is still a little damp it locks in moisture that much better, so skin is left restored and nourished. There is also a Body Treatment Oil, £55 in the body range, which is brilliant at tackling any lumps, bumps and dry patches, which is all down the gentle inclusion of salicylic acid. In basic terms, deeply hydrating and luxuriously comforting - it' a true winter hero.”

Reviewer: SM

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The promise: “Creates a light protective barrier on the skin, locking in more than double the moisture”

We give it: 4/10

Review: “Very often short ingredients lists are a positive marker in the beauty industry - as in the case of food labelling, long, unpronounceable reams of chemicals signify a red flag, however in this case, the sole ingredients of this baby/ body oil could be cause for concern - simply mineral oil, palm oil and fragrance. The oil does indeed create a barrier as promised, helping skin to retain moisture, but that occlusion can also prove problematic for sensitive skins and potentially trap bacteria beneath. Fragrance is also a known irritant for delicate skin, so this cocktail could prove more harmful than helpful. Not everyone is in agreement about the negative aspects of synthetic emollients and petrochemicals, arguing that they’re derived from natural resources and pose very little risk of reaction, and while mineral oil does appear to do a superb job of making skin look and feel soft and silken, this may not be worth its potentially pore-clogging side effects. I do find the smell of this oil comforting and nostalgic, and the sheen it adds to limbs is certainly welcome, but I’d rather shell out more for a nourishing plant oil blend that sinks into skin rather than a petroleum based layer that sits on the surface.”

Reviewer: AH

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The promise: “Helps firm, tone and improve elasticity, smoothing the appearance of stretch marks and locking in moisture to leave body skin soft, satiny-smooth and elastic.”

We give it: 9/10

Review: “A body oil is not something that is in my usual routine, simply because I don’t usually have the time (or I’m just too lazy!). I tend to opt for convenience most of the time, preferring a spray on body moisturiser for a quick post-shower fix. However, trying this body oil from Clarins may have changed my mind. It does take longer to rub into the body, granted, but the effect is far superior than my usual choice. The word oil has a tendency to scare me away as I immediately associate it with greasy skin - however this is not the case. After getting out of the shower I applied the oil to my whole body - sparingly may I add - and it sunk in fairly quickly, leaving my skin looking radiant and feeling extremely soft and moisturised. The product is just a dream to use, it smells like a spa and feels luxurious to apply. I can’t say I noticed an immediate firming and toning effect but I feel as though this would come with time. I don’t think it will fit into my daily routine for timing reasons, however it will definitely have a special place in my Sunday evening pamper routine and will be a welcome addition now the colder months are ahead.”

Reviewer: ATH

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The promise: “A rich moisturizing body oil formulated with magnesium-rich kelp extract and nourishing omega 6 & 9 microalgae oil intensely replenishes skin and locks in moisture to restore softness and elasticity.”

We give it: 7/10

Review: “This is one of the richer body oils I've tried and I tend to steer towards a more lightweight formula so I can pull my jeans straight on afterwards, so I would probably add to this to a pamper Sunday evening routine rather than an everyday moisture fix. However saying that this is an intense oil that is specifically formulated to help hydrate and reenergise the skin, while in turn helping to de-stress and calm the skin. With a triple concoction of kelp, magnesium and algae, this oil locks in moisture to help restore elasticity in the skin, while working at increasing skin toning and firmness. The blend of essential oils gives a calming fragrance, allowing you to feel refreshed in both body and mind - it's great after a shower post-gym too as the magnesium and algae combination has anti-inflammatory properties which help to de-stress the skin. It's intense and it works wonders, but it is a little thick and not as lightweight as other oils, so may be off-putting for some.”

Reviewer: SM

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The promise: “Nourishing yet delicate dry body oil that firms and deeply hydrates.”

We give it: 8/10

Review: “A silky moisturiser, scent and mind relaxer in one, this body oil challenges all of the general qualms I have with body oil in that it softens without creating a sticky film, delivers on the fragrance front without overpowering and takes mere moments to both apply and absorb. I don’t want to be squeezing oily legs into tights sausage-factory style of a morning, and thankfully that situation will never occur with this light and lovely elixir. It’s packed with over a dozen bio-organic botanicals, and is it pleasantly aromatherapeutic on application - I’m a sucker for neroli, and there’s none of the occasional mustiness you get with some aromatherapy offerings. It does make skin look smoother, and while I can’t vouch for its effectiveness on stretch marks specifically, I’m at the end of my bottle and my skin texture does seem to have improved (it’s suitable for pregnancy and postnatal use). Just two gripes: the price, and the size of the bottle. I’d want something a bit more generously sized for near on £50, although I have been known to be a bit splurgy when slathering it on. Show restraint and it’ll last you a while, but personally I’m left wanting more in a literal sense.”

Reviewer: AH

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The promise: ”Infused with Tsubaki oil, an ultra-hydrating ingredient that works to deliver long-lasting moisture, revealing radiant, healthy-looking skin with a firmer appearance.”

We give it: 8/10

Review: “As someone with (pretty changeable) combination skin, I’m always nervous of an oil, outside of pregnancy and / or a massage bed, but I have to say my fears were quelled with this one. The oil is, for want of a better expression, not too oily. Within seconds of spritzing, it soaks right into the skin, leaving a healthy, dewy and non-greasy glow. Particularly good on the body (the spray is generous one) and nails. There’s not much of a scent to report, but with all the potions and lotions I’m applying each morning, it’s a welcome undercover agent! The punchy price tag sets expectations high but this one does deliver. A treat for the Christmas list perhaps!”

Reviewer: GB

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The promise: "A light and fine body oil that helps skin feel supple and smoother.’’

We give it: 10/10

Review: “I tried this oil for the first time at the start of the year after my sister very kindly bought me a bottle as part of a gift set. She had been raving about just how good it was for ages, having used it throughout her pregnancy being stretch mark-free. Three years later and she’s still using it religiously and now I’ve tried it I can totally see why. This is not a product you can give up once it’s in your life! I used my first bottle within less than a month so I’ve now found it’s best to apply this oil as soon as I’ve showered whilst my skin’s still damp, spraying into my hands first before applying. This will help to make the bottle last longer. The oil still has plenty of moisture even when diluted so a little can go far, which at £36 a bottle is essential. The oil itself absorbs quickly into the skin and is non greasy so you can get dressed straight away, and the smell is truly wonderful, not at all heavy. It can easily replace the need for any perfume to be worn, and I love the slight sheen the oil gives to my skin. I’ve been using this oil for nearly a year and I absolutely love it. My skin’s softer, smoother and definitely firmer - I highly recommend.

Reviewer: KB

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The promise: “Brighten your day with this energising, zesty body oil, full of active organic ingredients for healthy and vibrant skin.”

We give it: 9/10

Review: “There are many things I love about this oil – firstly, the zesty smell from the pine and citrus, the fact that it’s organic and made in the UK and the fact that it uses marjoram, a herb that grows abundantly in hedgerows in the UK and has been traditionally used for healing skin. It feels invigorating - the clue is in the name - and for that reason I wouldn’t use it before bedtime. While it can be used as a straight body oil, it also doubles as a moisturising cleanser. I put it on in the shower and use it instead of soap going rubbing down with a flannel, in the same way I would use an oil to cleanse my face. It’s a powerful wake-up boost, particularly good if I lack the energy to go out of an evening, have just done a workout or have had a bad night’s sleep and am facing a busy day ahead.”

Reviewer: VW

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The promise: “A specialist skincare product that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone.”

We give it: 10/10

Review: “This one's an oldie but a goodie in my book. Though it is mineral oil based, and not the prettiest bottle, it has delivered on its promise to me when I needed it most - pregnancy and a burn scar (not at the same time thankfully). It’s not an oil I would reach for in a pamper session but is the work-horse, no frills oil option for hardcore dry skin, scar tissue or stretch marks. It takes its time to soak in, so I’d recommend applying it well in advance of getting dressed or hopping into bed, but once it soaks in it really gets to work. Its “breakthrough” ingredient PurCellin Oil is cited as the key to its success alongside its line up of other ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin E, calendula oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil and chamomile oil. Now in its 30th year this product keeps working hard and all for a rather reasonable RRP £8.99 (60ml). I highly recommend keeping a stash of this stuff on the shelf.”

Reviewer: GB