Radiant Skin That Smells Sophisticated: These Scented Body Oils Epitomize Quiet Luxury
Our editors are obsessed.
As editors, we test a lot (and I mean, a lot) of products. It's arguably my favorite part of the job, and I love being able to recommend the best beauty buys to family, friends, and everyone in between. But I'll admit, there are still one or two product types I don't have nearly as much experience with. One example: body oils.
I have super dry skin and typically opt for thick skin butters and hydrating creams to keep my skin soft year-round. So naturally, when it came time to look into some options, it was only right to ask my fellow editors which ones were worth the investment.
Typically, when I cast a wide net with my colleagues, I get a pretty wide range of options. This ask, turned out a bit different, though. To my surprise, several Who What Wear editors called out very similar brands of body oils that I've since added to my wish list. (Clearly, I have some catching up to do!)
If you're also looking to try your first body oil, it's only right that I share the top 7 that got multiple seals of approval. Keep scrolling for their faves.
The Best Scented Body Oils, at a Glance
- Best Overall: OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
- Best Vanilla Scent: Phlur Vanilla Skin Body Oil
- Best Citrus Scent: NERRĀ The Dry Body Oil, Citrus Wave
- Best Floral Scent: CYKLAR Naked Neroli Vitamin C Body Oil With Ectoin
- Best Woody: Salt & Stone Bergamot & Hinoki Body Oil
The Best Scented Body Oils of 2026
Best Overall: OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
Our best overall didn't get the approval of not two, but four of our editors. "This isn't overly advertised for scent but it has a lovely, non-irritating fragrance," says associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia. Beauty director Erin Jahns, associate beauty editor Maya Thomas, and associate editorial director Eliza Huber agree. The seaweed-infused body oil combines a mix of nourishing ingredients to improve the appearance of elasticity while softening and firming the skin.
Pros: Non-irritating, fresh scent, doesn't transfer
Cons: Pump can get stuck
Key ingredients: Undaria seaweed, white lupin, botanical oil blend
Fragrance notes: Grapefruit, lime, cypress, mango mandarin
Customer reviewer: "I have used the Osea body oil for a year now. My skin has always been dry, and this leaves me feeling soft without any tight feeling of dryness. Best of all I am not oily!"
Best Vanilla Scent: Phlur Vanilla Skin Body Oil
Jahns and associate fashion editor Nikki Chwatt swear by Phlur's Vanilla Skin Body Oil, and honestly, same. Although I haven't tried the oil, I have tried the brand's deodorant in the same scent and fell in love with it instantly. The vanilla is rich and elevated but not too sweet. Whenever I'd wear it, I'd get compliments, so trying this as a body oil is a no-brainer.
Pros: Absorbs fast, smells great, easy to layer
Cons: Some say the scent is too subtle
Key ingredients: Skin-mimicking lipids, floral oils, vitamin C oil
Fragrance notes: Pink pepper, pink apple, sugar crystals, lily, jasmine petals, cashmere wood, benzoin, vanilla, sandalwood, agarwood
Customer reviewer: "This has become my go to for body oil right out of the shower. Absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave a greasy residue and smells AH-mazing!! Love this stuff so much!!"
Best Citrus Scent: NERRĀ The Dry Body Oil, Citrus Wave
If you prefer a fresh, citrus-forward fragrance, look no further than this dry body oil from Nerra. "Nerra body oils in general are so good, but especially Citrus Wave," says beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock. The formula contains eight botanical oils that are rich in vitamins and omegas for a truly moisturizing experience.
Pros: Lightweight, fast-absorbing
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Rosehip oil, hibiscus seed oil, argan oil, coco caprylate
Fragrance notes: Lemon, sweet orange, cardamom, grapefruit, spearmint, jasmine, lily of the valley, musk, cedarwood
Customer reviewer: "I absolutely love the Citrus Wave scent. Not only does it feel wonderful and gives my skin a really pretty glow, it smells heavenly. My husband noticed the new fragrance and commented that it is his new favorite scent. I give it a 10!"
Best Floral Scent: CYKLAR Naked Neroli Vitamin C Body Oil With Ectoin
There are some scented body oils that are truly hard to beat, which is why including the Cyklar Naked Neroli Vitamin C Body Oil was a must. "This body oil smells like heaven," says senior fashion editor Anna LaPlaca. This oil keeps skin hydrated while also delivering the perfect blend of floral and musk.
Pros: Easy to layer, affordable
Cons: Pump can get stuck
Key ingredients: Oil-soluble vitamin C, ectoin, multi-oil blend
Fragrance notes: Neroli, sandalwood, musk
Customer reviewer: "Beautiful springtime/summertime scent. A soft citrus and floral scent that leaves my skin soft and glowing without feeling sticky."
Best Woody: Salt & Stone Bergamot & Hinoki Body Oil
McLintock is also a fan of Salt & Stone body oils, noting this Bergamot & Hinoki Body Oil as her favorite. This oil absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn't leave a greasy feel. The bergamot, orange blossom, and hinoki make for the perfect woody scent.
Pros: Non-greasy, melts into skin fast, subtle scent
Cons: Some wish the hydration lasted longer
Key ingredients: Macadamia oil, seaweed extracts, squalane
Fragrance notes: Bergamot, orange blossom, hinoki
Customer reviewer: "I’ve been loving the Salt & Stone Body Oil. It sinks in so nicely and leaves my skin soft and glowy without feeling greasy. The scent is subtle but so good, and it makes my skin look and feel way more hydrated throughout the day."
Best Splurge: Parfums de Marly Delina Dry Body Oil
This oil comes as a recommendation from associate features editor Ana Escalante. While it's a bit of a splurge, she notes that it's a great to pull out for special occasions. It's the perfect luxe scent to pair with a black tie event fit.
Pros: Smells luxurious
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil
Fragrance notes: Rhubarb, lychee, bergamot essence, Turkish rose, peony, vanilla
cashmeran, musk, vetiver
Customer reviewer: "Lightly scented and smell amazing just like the Delina Parfum. You will love it perfectly paired with or without your other Delina products"
Best Budget: Saltair Nourishing Body Oil With Squalane
On a budget? You don't need to break the bank to reap the benefits of having a hydrating body oil that smells amazing, according to both associate shopping editor Audry Hiaoui and McLintock. The scent is fresh, long-lasting, and sophisticated.
Pros: Affordable, non-sticky
Cons: Smell may not last as long
Key ingredients: Fermented saururus oil, plumeria flower extract, biomimetic plant actives, kukui, cacay, squalane
Fragrance notes: Creamy sandalwood. sheer amber. sensual musks
Customer reviewer: "Overall a great body oil! The scent is long lasting and hydrating on the skin."
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best scented body oils, we leaned heavily on first-hand testing and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients and fragrance notes. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
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