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

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For 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.

Selected. Our top picks

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The best shower oils

Best overall

Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil

This 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.

Best for all ages

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil

La 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.”

Editor’s pick

Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash

“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.

Most versatile

L’occitane Almond Shower Oil

You 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.”

Best scented

Glossier Body Hero Daily Oil Wash

To 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.

Best for kids

Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Oil Baby Body Wash

Mustela’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.

Most soothing

Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Shower Oil

Avène’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.

Best brightening

Kopari Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil

If 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.

Best splurge

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body

This 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.

Best lather

Isle of Paradise Beautifully Balanced Body Oil Cleanser

“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.

How we picked the best shower oils

Before compiling this list, experts recommended we keep the following in mind:

What does a cleansing body oil do?

“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.

How to shop for shower oils

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

Ingredients

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.