The Simplest Product
A body oil is a single plant oil or a short blend, rubbed into the skin. It has no water, no wax and nothing to whip or set, so it is one of the most forgiving homemade products. Massage oil is the same thing in practice: an oil with enough slip to let hands glide.
What changes between oils is how they feel, how fast they soak in, how long they keep and how likely they are to bother a given person. This article compares the oils most often used on the whole body.
How Oils Work on Skin
Oils do not add water to skin. They soften it and slow the evaporation of the water that is already there, which is why they work best applied to damp skin right after a shower or bath. A thin layer is enough. Too much leaves a greasy feel and stains clothes and sheets.
People often group oils loosely as “light” (absorbing quickly, thinner feel) and “rich” (heavier, longer-lasting). The categories are rough, and individual skin varies, so treat any comparison as a starting point.
Common Carrier Oils Compared
Sweet almond oil. A popular, mid-weight oil that spreads easily and has a mild scent. It is a common massage choice. It should be avoided by anyone with a nut allergy.
Jojoba oil. Technically a liquid wax rather than a true oil, which helps explain why it is stable and lasts a long time. It feels light and is often chosen by people who dislike a greasy finish. It tends to be more expensive.
Sunflower oil. A light, inexpensive and widely available oil. Look for cold-pressed versions for body use. High-oleic types generally keep better than regular ones.
Olive oil. A heavier oil with a noticeable scent. It is easy to find, though some people find it too rich for the whole body. Its role in the kitchen carries over to soap, as covered in the article on olive oil soap.
Coconut oil. Solid at cool room temperatures and melts on contact with skin. It feels rich and has a distinct scent. Some people find it clogs pores or irritates their skin, and it can be difficult to spread over large areas when cool. See also what coconut oil does in soap, where the same ingredient behaves quite differently. Fractionated coconut oil stays liquid and feels lighter, which suits massage.
Grapeseed oil. Light, thin and fast absorbing. It generally has a short shelf life, so buy small amounts.
Avocado oil. Rich and heavy, with a green tint when unrefined. Better for very dry areas such as elbows and heels than for all-over massage.
Castor oil. Very thick and sticky. It is not a good stand-alone massage oil but is sometimes added in small amounts to blends. Its role in soap is described in the piece on castor oil.
There is no single winner. The best oil is one your skin tolerates and you will actually use.
Blending Simple Oils
A blend can balance weights, for example a lighter oil with a smaller amount of a richer one. Start with two oils and note the result. Keep the recipe short; every added ingredient is another thing your skin might react to. Writing down what you mixed in a product journal makes it easy to repeat a favorite.
Adding Scent
Many people prefer unscented oil, and that is a good default. If you add essential oils, remember that they are concentrated and that body oil stays on the skin for hours. Use only a small amount, follow the general principles of essential oil dilution, and check the specifics for any oil you choose. Special care applies during pregnancy and around children and pets. Some people also react to fragrance regardless of source, which is worth reading about under fragrance sensitivity.
If you use citrus oils in a body oil, photosensitizing oils is a useful topic to read, because some can make skin more reactive to sunlight.
Using Body Oil
- Patch test first by applying a small amount to your inner arm and waiting. The steps are outlined in the guide on how to patch test a new product.
- Apply to slightly damp skin after bathing.
- Use a few drops or a small pump per area and spread thoroughly.
- Allow a few minutes to absorb before dressing.
- For massage, warm the oil in your hands first.
Because oils make surfaces slick, be careful in the shower or tub; avoid stepping onto tile with oily feet. Avoid applying oil to the face unless you know your skin handles it well, as pore blockage varies from person to person.
Oils are not a cure for skin conditions. If you have eczema, persistent dryness or inflamed skin, ask a health professional before trying anything new.
Storage and Shelf Life
Oils are prone to going rancid when exposed to heat, light and air. Rancid oil smells sharp, like old crayons or stale nuts, and should be discarded. General tips:
- Store in a cool, dark place, in a tightly closed container.
- Use clean, dry hands or a pump, so no water or dirt enters the bottle.
- Buy quantities you will use within several months.
- Write the date on the bottle.
Different oils last different lengths of time, so oil shelf life is worth reading. Choosing suitable skincare containers also helps; dark glass is often a good option. Finally, wash and dry any bottle before filling it, as described in sanitizing equipment.
A Reasonable Starting Point
If you have never made a body oil, begin with one oil you already tolerate, in a small amount, unscented. Use it for a few weeks and see how it feels. Then try a different oil beside it. This slow approach tells you far more about your skin than a complicated blend would.