My move across the country to the East Coast has inspired many opportunities for me to reconsider my body and skincare lineup in recent months. There will always be products I swear by that have continued performing just as they did while I lived in the Pacific Northwest, but I had to give up a select few once I noticed the skin on my body stopped soaking in the promised benefits. The most obvious changes to it happened once the temperature began to take a dip, and crepey dry, skin began to make appearances. That's when I knew it was time to finally unpack my essential shower oils and double down on applying them during my showers.
If the skin on your body has undergone similar changes (especially during the dry, cool months), take this as your sign that it may be time to invest in a shower oil to help boost hydration levels. Not sure which products you should be shopping for? Below, I've identified the 12 best shower oils for you to consider adding to your shopping list and, ultimately, your hydrating bodycare routine.
What Is a Shower Oil?
If you have a well-rounded post-shower routine, there's a good chance you've found ways to restore hydration to the skin by layering body oils, creams, lotions, and balms to help the skin barrier retain a healthy level of moisture. But the process of replenishing and locking in hydration should also be happening in the shower as you cleanse your body of dirt, oils, and other environmental aggressors. When used correctly, shower oils are a type of cleansing product that can be used in place of the traditional shower gel or soap to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
While you can reap the benefits of shower oils year-round, you may find that they're especially helpful for keeping the skin hydrated during the cooler months (when your skin is more prone to dehydration). Shower oils can be used daily for individuals who have dry skin that needs some extra TLC, and a few times a week for other skin types. In addition to providing extra hydration to the skin, shower oils also help lock in moisture by filling in the cracks of dry, damaged skin. In the end, it will be left smooth and soft.
Finding the Best Shower Oil
The best nourishing shower oils on the market are often formulated using a blend of naturally derived, nourishing oils like jojoba, tea tree, coconut, argan, and olive oil. That said, it's best to shop for shower oils according to your skin's individual needs. For example, those with acne-prone skin should consider only using noncomedogenic formulas that exclude coconut oil. Those with dry and sensitive skin may benefit the most from shower oils that are filled with ultra-hydrating argan and olive oils. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are also popularly used in shower oil formulas, as they help soothe and hydrate the skin.
Wondering which shower oils this Who What Wear beauty editor loves to elevate her bodycare routine with? Keep scrolling for 12 options I've been loving lately, backed by five-star reviews from customers across major retailers.
The Best Shower Oils, Listed
- L'Occitane Cleansing And Softening Refillable Shower Oil
- La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
- Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Moisturizing Shower Oil
- Sabon Shower Oil
- Kate McLeod The Pebble Solid Bath & Shower Oil
- Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Refillable Shower Oil
When it comes to shower oil formulas with silky textures that immediately absorb into the skin, L'Occitane's Cleansing and Softening Refillable Shower Oil is one of the first that comes to mind. It formula lathers after making contact with water, and features softening sweet almond oil and nourishing grapeseed oil (rich in omega-6 and Omega 9 fatty acids).
Customer Review: "Extremely nourishing and I love the way it makes my skin feel. Complete game changer and has become one of my holy grail products. Pairing this with a body oil after your shower makes your skin feel amazing!"
Pros: provides the perfect slippery and smooth shaving base for the body
Cons: moderately priced
Product Details: 16.9 ounce bottle with pump
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
Some shower oils have unique formulas that are safe enough to be used anywhere your skin needs an extra boost of moisture. One of them, the Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil by La Roche-Posay, addresses extra dry, sensitive skin with a restorative blend of the brand's mineral-rich spring water and moisturizing glycerin in addition to soothing ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter.
Pros: hydration-boosting formula provides 24-hour hydration
Cons: potentially irritating when applied near the eyes
Customer Review: "I'm new to this brand and product and I absolutely love it! I have sensitive, dry skin and rosacea, and this has been a game changer. It took my skin about one week to adjust to this new routine, but my skin feels very moisturized all day after using this plus the moisturizer. Highly recommend!"
Product Details: 13.5 ounce bottle with pump
Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Moisturizing Shower Oil
I got my hands on this shower oil a few days ago, and have used it in every shower since then to help combat my dry skin. Its intensely moisturizing oil-to-foam lathering formula nourishes the skin barrier, supports the microbiome, and gently cleanses with a nourishing cocktail of Brazilian oil blend, prebiotic hibiscus, and bacuri butter. You can count on your skin feeling moisturized and soft with the lingering fragrance of Cheirosa 59.
Pros: infused with the woody gourmand scent of Cheirosa 59
Cons: none
Customer Review: "I love Sol de Janeiro products, and the shower oil did not disappoint! It’s super hydrating unlike other body 'washes' which is perfect for the dry winter months. It’s a great size product for the price & smells amazing like every Sol de Janeiro scent!"
Product Details: 13.0 ounce bottle
Sabon Shower Oil
I have no idea what took me so long to try this shower oil, but I'm so glad I finally did during one of my everything showers (the White Tea fragrance is especially yummy). It cleanses and soothes the skin with a medley of jojoba, avocado, wheat germ and olive oils and leaves my body looking ultra-glowy. It's now the shower oil I reach for whenever I'd like to create a spa-level experience in the comfort of my home.
Pros: cleanses and soothes the skin with delicately scented foam
Cons: moderately priced
Customer Review: "Lovely scent, makes my bath water so refreshing. My skin feels so much more hydrated after using it. Highly recommended to anyone."
Product Details: 17.5 ounce bottle
Kate McLeod The Pebble Solid Bath and Body Oil
Did you know shower oils can also come in other forms? The Pebble Solid Bath and Body Oil is a luxurious deep-conditioning body treatment that activates in warm water and delivers nutrient-rich ingredients like cocoa butter, baobab oil, and citric acid to the skin for hydration and exfoliation. Offered in a selection of different cozy fragrances, the breathe scent (above) features notes of refreshening eucalyptus to awaken and revitalize the mind.
Pros: activates and foams in warm water for intense moisture
Cons: moderately priced
Customer Review: "Oh the heavenly aroma of the perfect little pebbles, I use them in my shower after I've finished rinsing off. My body is warm the little pebbles melt and I use the mitt to rub the goodness into my skin. As a bonus, I don't have to apply any moisturizer to my skin when I'm done!"
Product Details: 4.8 ounce container
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
I came across this viral shower oil body wash by Naturium on TikTok just months ago, and I've gone through at least two bottles of it. It transforms from a luxurious oil consistency to a gentle lather that cleans the skin of impurities without stripping it of essential oils for more nourished, hydrated, and glowing skin. Its star ingredients are glycerin, linoleic-rich oils and plant-derived squalane.
Pros: cleanses with a milk lather and rinses clean
Cons: none
Customer Review: "I really love this. I have super sensitive skin, and need to be careful about what I use for body care. This has a nice, light scent that I enjoy and it is really hydrating with a luxurious lather. It has also saved my skin this winter, I usually get a lot of dry patches but my skin is silky smooth and soft."
Product Details: 16.9 ounce bottle with pump
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil
If you have dry and sensitive skin, you have to try this Bioderma shower oil. Its non-greasy formula provides 24-hour hydration with a smoothy, silky feel using vegetal biolipids, vitamin B3 and the brand's signature Barrier Skin Therapy. It's also non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and sage for use on both the body and the face. So, yeah—it's definitely worth adding to your body care routine.
Pros: formula is designed to address dry and sensitive skin
Cons: none
Customer Review: "My skin becomes dry every Fall through Winter [and] needs additional moisturizing. Adding this to my routine has worked wonders. Suds up nicely, rinses clean and leaves my skin soft and hydrated but not oily."
Product Details: 33.8 ounce bottle
Kopari Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil
Lately, I've been investing in more vitamin C-based products to help tackle pesky body hyperpigmentation. Kopari's Hydrating Vitamin C Shower Oil is a favorite of mine because it uses hibiscus see oil, coconut oil, passionfruit seed oil, and more to cleanse and hydrate the skin while encouraging a smoother and more even look. It also smells divine!
Pros: helps skin retain its moisture for long-lasting hydration
Cons: does not create much lather when in contact with water
Customer Review: "Some of the best on the market! This body wash is the only one I can use and not have issues with irritation. It is a clean formula, moisturizing and clean rinsing. I have used this for years and I won’t use anything else!"
Product Details: 8.45 ounce bottle with pump
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser
Another oil-to-foam shower oil cleanser I like to use is this Kiehl's classic. The brand'sCreme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser is enriched with castor oil to provide and lock in hydration while also gently cleansing the skin, leaving it with a soft and supple finish. What's more, its formula is scented with decadent notes of smooth vanilla and almonds.
Pros: leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple
Cons: does not create much lather when in contact with water
Customer Review: "This light, mildly fragrant oil foams to a lovely, gentle cleanser. My skins gets so dry in the winter and this leaves my skin soft and hydrated. It is not greasy, which surprised me. I find that using Kiehl?s baby oil mixed with lotion while my skin is still damp, helps keep my skin supple and well hydrated."
Product Details: 8.4 ounce bottle
Korres Instant Smoothing Serum-in-Shower Oil
Korres' lightweight, water-activated shower oil and body serum quickly absorbs into the skin to help it retain moisture while promoting softness, all-day hydration, and nonstop glow for dry, dehydrated, and rough skin. I'm a fan of every fragrance this product comes in, but my all-time favorite is Golden Passionfruit since its makes me want to book a tropical vacation every time I use it.
Pros: formula is fast-absorbing for instant hydration
Cons: none
Customer Review: "This scent is divine. I get excited to shower every day just because I know this will be my final step before stepping out. Oh my goodness I wish I could give this to every woman I know. It leaves a beautiful glow and is a good base to layer other lotions and body butters for extra moisture."
Product Details: 8.5 ounce bottle with pump
11. Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
For individuals with eczema-effected skin, this one is for you. Avène's aptly named XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil does exactly what it promises by replenishing lips while gently cleansing and calming the skin (all without stripping the skin of its essential oils). This shower oil also helps seal in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated for up to 24 hours.
Pros: nourishing formula soothes and hydrates dry, itchy skin
Cons: does not create much lather when in contact with water
Customer Review: "Love this cleansing oil! I have eczema and this helps so much, I hadn’t had a flare up since I’ve started using this cleansing oil! It’s very gentle, soothing and helps retain moisture."
Product Details: 25.3 ounce bottle with pump
12. Eucerin pH5 Shower Oil
Gentle body cleansers that work well for all skin types can be few and far between, but Eucerin's pH5 Shower Oil is by far one of the best options. Formulated with a hybrid of castor oil, soybean oil, and panthenol, this shower oil thoroughly cleanses and soothes while also reducing the appearance of irritated skin.
Pros: leaves the skin feeling soft and nourished, low price point, reduces sensitivity
Cons: doesn't hydrate deeply enough for some reviewers
Customer Review: "Excellent product. My skin feels like silk after using it!"
Product Details: 13.53 fluid ounce bottle
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