Struggling with dry skin? A shower oil may be your secret weapon

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Shower oils have higher concentrations of oils in their formula, including almond and coconut oil, according to dermatologists.AmazonFor the first 20 years of my life, I relied only on a traditional body wash to cleanse my skin. As I got older and needed to address my eczema, a dermatologist recommended I switch to shower oil. “A shower oil combines the properties of both oils and a body wash; [it] cleanses the skin while also providing moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach. ”

Since incorporating shower oils into my routine years ago, I haven’t stopped using them. To find the best ones, we consulted two board-certified dermatologists and had the NBC Selected staff try highly rated options from popular brands.

Best overallBioderma Atoderm Shower Oil$27.19$33.99AmazonLearn moreEditor's pickNaturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash$undefined$16.88AmazonLearn moreMost versatileL’occitane Almond Shower Oil$undefined$29.00AmazonLearn moreBest for all agesLa Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil$14.99$19.99AmazonLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedThe best soothing body washes for sensitive skin, according to dermsWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

$27.19$33.99AmazonNow 20% off$33.99Target$27.19$33.99UltaNow 20% offWhat to knowKey ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide | Certifications: n/aWhat we likeCan use on face and bodyImproves the skin barrierFor all agesSomething to noteHas added fragranceThis noncomedogenic shower oil is great for those with sensitive and eczema-prone skin because of its niacinamide, which helps soothe the skin, says Dr. Teresa Song, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City. In my experience, many body washes irritate the eczema patches on my arms and neck, however, this is so gentle and reduces the tightness, flakiness and redness that my skin frequently experiences, even though it has a subtle added fragrance.

I also love how many uses I can get from this bottle. Typically, a 7-ounce body wash lasts me a month or so, but this has lasted me at least three months. All I need are a few pumps, which create a nice lather all over my skin, from my neck to my toes.

Plus, it’s gentle enough for those with very sensitive skin — even babies, says Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist.

$14.99$19.99AmazonNow 25% off$19.99Target$14.99$19.99UltaNow 25% offWhat to knowKey ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter, thermal spring water | Certifications: National Eczema Association’s Seal of AcceptanceWhat we likeCan use on face and bodySafe for chemotherapy patientsFor ages two weeks and upSomething to noteNothing to note at this timeLa Roche-Posay’s cleansing shower oil also comes recommended by Song. For one, it’s a noncomedogenic, fragrance-free formula, which is helpful for those with sensitive skin. It’s also soap-free, which means it cleans the skin without using drying ingredients (like sulfates) that most typical body washes have, according to experts in our guide to body washes for sensitive skin. “I love how easy it is to lather up this body wash with such a small amount, especially since not all shower oils get very sudsy,” says NBC Selected commerce editor Cory Fernandez, who received a sample from the brand. “It’s also unscented, so it doesn’t clash with my other products.”

$16.88Amazon$16.99Ulta$16.99TargetWhat to knowKey ingredients: glycerin, squalane, jojoba seed oil, rosehip oil, sea buckthorn oil | Certifications: n/aWhat we likeLarge bottleConditions the skinNon-strippingSomething to noteSome don't like the scent“Since using this in my shower routine, I’ve definitely seen a difference in my skin,” says NBC Selected associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris, who has acne-prone skin. “It feels smoother and more hydrated, and I especially love layering it with exfoliating body washes for an extra boost of moisture after using a chemical exfoliant.” It’s suitable for all skin types and shouldn’t leave skin feeling dry or tight, according to the brand.

$29.00Amazon$30.00SephoraWhat to knowKey ingredients: sweet almond oil, grape seed oil | Certifications: n/aWhat we likeSuitable for all skin typesSoftens the skinAvailable in multiple sizesSomething to noteStrong almond scentYou can use this silky yet milky shower oil in three ways: to cleanse the body, use it as a base for shaving (in place of shaving cream) or as a bath soak, according to the brand. “This shower oil is my current obsession,” says NBC Selected updates editor Mili Godio. “It never feels oily or greasy, and the smell is absolutely incredible — it has a clean scent that’s subtle and not too overpowering. But my favorite part is how soft and smooth my skin feels after using this product. Simply, no other shower oil does it better.”

$28.00Glossier$28.00SephoraWhat to knowKey ingredients: glycerin, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, soybean oil | Certifications: n/aWhat we likeClick-lock pump for easy useLathers wellSomething to noteOrange blossom neroli scentTo elevate her shower routine into a more luxurious, self-care experience, former NBC Selected social media commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri uses this oil from Glossier (the brand sent a courtesy sample). “Since it’s an oil, it’s easy to dispense into my hand and spread over my body, but it immediately foams up, which gives it a little bit more substance and makes me feel more clean,” she says. Morris also uses this oil due to its sweet, floral scent and easy-to-use pump. It has an orange blossom neroli, which she says is very calming and makes her skin smell nice after showering.

$28.00Amazon$28.00MustelaWhat to knowKey ingredients: glycerin, sunflower seed oil, avocado perseose | Certifications: National Eczema Association’s Seal of AcceptanceWhat we likeTear-freeCan use on face, hair and bodyFormulated for babiesSomething to noteNothing to note at this timeMustela’s multipurpose shower oil combats any dryness and itchiness your baby or child may have. It moisturizes, softens and soothes skin, according to the brand. Reviewers say their children (from newborns to elementary-aged) have less irritation, get an effective cleanse and smell cleaner. It’s also nongreasy and doesn’t leave an uncomfortable residue, reviewers say. Adults can also use this shower oil as a face wash or a makeup remover, according to Mustela.

$34.00Amazon$34.00Lovely Skin$34.00AveneWhat to knowKey ingredients: thermal spring water, glycerin, evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil  | Certifications: n/aWhat we likeImproves the skin barrierSoap-freeAvailable in multiple sizesSomething to noteHigher price pointAvène’s shower oil, which is suitable for all ages, largely focuses on moisturizing the skin and protecting it from future dryness, according to the brand. “It’s fragrance-free, which makes it great for people with sensitive skin like me, and I can totally feel it hydrating any dryness as I use it,” says NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin. “I’m especially looking forward to using this shower oil in the winter, when my skin gets the most dry and flakey.” This option is noncomedogenic, free of common irritants and is safe to use if you’re experiencing flare-ups, according to Avène.

$32.00Kopari Beauty$32.00RevolveWhat to knowKey ingredients: hibiscus seed oil, coconut oil, passionfruit seed oil, avocado oil | Certifications: n/aWhat we likeLathers into a foamLong-lasting scentCan use for shavingSomething to noteHas added fragranceIf you’re looking for a shower oil that hydrates and brightens your skin simultaneously, consider this one from Kopari. “It feels great against my skin, and I can work it into a foamy lather, which makes me feel extra clean,” says Malin, who was sent a sample from the brand. After using this consistency, Malin says she notices how much softer her skin is after showering and that it’s great for shaving because she doesn’t get razor burns when using it.

“I look forward to using this because it smells so incredible without being overpowering or perfume-y,” Malin says of the formula, which has notes of sweet coconut milk, vanilla, and warm spice.

$31.45$37.00AmazonNow 15% off$37.00Ulta$37.00Kiehl'sWhat to knowKey ingredients: grape seed oil, castor oil  | Certifications: n/a What we likeSuitable for all skin typesRich consistencySmooths skinSomething to noteHigher price pointThis shower oil, which has a 4.5-star rating from over 120 reviews at Kiehl’s, removes dirt and oil easily without damaging the skin, according to the brand. Reviewers say it doesn’t create a big foaming lather but has a luxurious, lightweight feel that leaves their skin soft and smooth — even saying it helps minimize side effects of keratosis pilaris and eczema. They also recommend using a small amount because it goes a long way and prevents it from being too slippery in the shower.

$25.00Sephora$25.00Amazon$25.00Kohl'sWhat to knowKey ingredients: sweet almond, sea buckthorn, oat, cica, ceramides  | Certifications: n/a What we likeSoothes skinLathers wellStrengthens skin barrierSomething to notePour-out spout“This shower oil has one of the most luxurious lathers I’ve ever seen from a product in this category as well as a warm (but not too strong) scent,” says Yadav. “It’s packed with nourishing oils including sweet almond, sea buckthorn and oat, the latter of which offers soothing properties alongside cica and a blend of skin barrier-supporting ceramides.“ While the pour-out bottle may cause overuse of the product, the bottle itself has a flat back that makes it easy to push up against your shower wall — great for those with limited space.

“Cleansing body oils work on the principle that ‘like attracts like,’ meaning the oils in the formula attract oils and other impurities on the skin, allowing them to be cleansed away with water,” says Dr. Carmen Castilla, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. One of the main benefits of a cleansing body oil is that it keeps the skin’s lipid barrier intact. “The lipid barrier is essential for retaining moisture — when it’s intact, the skin remains hydrated and balanced,” says Castilla.

Most cleansing body oils also leave a light layer of oil on the skin to lock in moisture, which may be hydrating enough for normal skin types to skip post-shower moisturizing. In addition to their cleansing and hydrating properties, they can also be a great addition to your shaving routine because oils give the razor a nice, slippery surface to glide over and help minimize irritation, says Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a board-certified dermatologist.

Before shopping for a shower oil, there are a few things our experts recommend paying extra attention to.

This is the biggest factor you’ll want to pay attention to when shopping. Song breaks down a few key ingredients to keep an eye out for:

You’ll also want to be cautious of fragrances and artificial dyes if you have sensitive and dry skin. These may make you more prone to irritation and allergic reactions from additional ingredients, says Song.

Your shower oil should be noncomedogenic if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Shower oils are great for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, though they can be hit-or-miss with oily and acne-prone skin since they tend to be more occlusive than body washes, says Song. Occlusive ingredients and products tend to create a layer on your skin to protect it (think of products like Vaseline and Aquaphor), but by doing so, can lead to clogged pores, according to our experts. If you have this skin type, they recommend looking for noncomedogenic shower oils that won’t clog or block your pores.

Because cleansing body oils help support the skin barrier, they’re great for people with a weakened skin barrier, such as those with dry or eczema-prone skin. That being said, while those with oily skin may prefer a foaming or gel body wash to cut through excess oil, they can still use cleansing body oils, says Yadav. Just make sure you’re thoroughly rinsing it off, and choose a non-comedogenic formula made with lightweight oils to reduce the risk of breakouts.

Whether your skin is naturally dry or not, cleansing body oils can be a great replacement for traditional body washes during the colder weather months. “As weather cools off, environmental shifts like harsh, cold, dry air as well as indoor heating and hot showers can strip the skin of its natural oils and weaken the skin barrier, all of which causes skin to be drier and, often, more sensitive and prone to irritation,” says Yadav. “A cleansing body oil will help fortify the lipids of the skin barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss as well as external irritants from compromising the skin.”

Shower oils have different consistencies, functions and ingredient concentrations than body washes. Some more on the key differences that distinguish the two:

“Some cleansing body oils do include ingredients that help them lather, but they will never compete with a traditional soap,” says Saedi. “Instead, oil-based cleansers feel silky.”

Yes, shower oils actually cleanse your skin, but only to a certain extent. If you need a deep clean, you may want to gravitate toward a standard body wash since shower oils focus more on offering hydration than cleansing, says Song.

The main advantage of using a shower oil is how moisturizing and gentle it is on the skin, according to our experts. Shower oils don’t create a robust lather and don’t always provide that “squeaky clean” feeling people experience after washing with traditional soap, says Song. If you’re one of these people, consider doing a double cleanse, she says.

The most effective way to use shower oil is to massage it into your skin and rinse it off with warm water. Here are more detailed steps you can take:

Yes, shower oils can be used in all areas. Shower oils tend to be gentle and are suitable for sensitive skin because they don’t strip the natural skin barrier. It’s important to opt for a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free version without strong essential oils when using one on sensitive areas of the skin, says Song.

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter covering skin care and hair care for NBC Selected, including stories on the best SPF moisturizers and gua sha tools. For this article, she interviewed dermatologists about how to properly use a shower oil and included their recommendations along with highly rated formulas the NBC Selected staff liked.

Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to board-certified dermatologists and included their direct recommendations and products based on their guidance.

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Bianca AlvarezBianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter at NBC Selected.

Michelle RostamianMichelle Rostamian is a contributing writer for NBC Select.