9 Best Smelling Body Oils to Nourish And Soften Your Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 23, 2024
Smelling Body Oils to Nourish and Soften Your Skin
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If you are under the assumption that moisturizers and lotions are enough to keep your skin nourished and enriched, you might have to think again. You are missing out on some of the best-smelling body oils. They are just as moisturizing as body lotions but sometimes, lotions don’t work for people with extremely dry skin. Oils can fix even completely dry, dehydrated skin and replenish the skin barrier. The hydrating benefits of these scented body oils are long-lasting and we’re here to help you pick one for yourself because these also remove dirt and other impurities from your skin, providing a healthy glow.

As if that was not enough, these oils also smell heavenly and will make you feel rejuvenated. They can also double up as perfumes when applied at the back of your ear lobes and other pulse points. This doesn’t mean you can stop using other body products. You can always layer these aromatic oils with lotions and other moisturizers you regularly use. But it's still vital to check which one works for your specific skin type. Let’s quickly take a look at some of the best essential oils for body odor, as per our expertise, that also make your skin soft and supple.

9 Best Smelling Body Oils

The first on our list is Peony’s multi-use hair oil made with the goodness of peony petals, apricot, and coconut oil. You can lather it all over your entire body to smoothen and brighten the skin. It is one of the multi-tasking fragrant body oils that can be used on hair and nails as well. This can also be applied to your face. This perfumed body oil nourishes, moisturizes, and replenishes the skin. It has a floral scent that will make you feel like you are lying on a bed of roses. 

Key ingredients: Apricot, vitamin E, sweet almond oil, rose, and bergamot

Size: 4 Fl Oz

Pros
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Paraben-free
  • Has anti-aging properties
  • Packed with vitamin E
Cons
  • May be too fragrant
  • Best Moisturizing

    PROVENCE BEAUTY HONEY SUCKLE JASMINE OIL

    PROVENCE BEAUTY HONEY SUCKLE JASMINE OIL
  • If you want to get rid of uneven skin tones, dryness, and fine lines, then try this woman’s body oil that is made with vitamin E and has notes of honeysuckle jasmine flowers. It soothes itchy skin as well because it is made from plant-based ingredients. It will also improve the moisture on your skin and will reduce the appearance of fine lines. This body oil is completely organic as it’s made of natural high-quality oils like coconut, apricot, and sweet almond oil.

    Key ingredients: Apricot, fractionated coconut oil, vitamin E, jasmine, grapefruit, and red currant

    Size: 4 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Fades fine lines
    • Soothes the skin
    • Has moisturizing properties
    • Has anti-aging properties
    • Made from natural ingredients
    • Long-lasting
    • Reduces dark spots
    • Paraben-free
    • Doesn’t cause skin irritation
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Scented Oil

    HEMPZ Hydrating Bath & Body Oil

     HEMPZ Hydrating Bath & Body Oil
  • Pamper yourself with one of these HEMPZ Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Hydrating Bath & Body essential oils that smell like the beach. It’s perfect for beach evenings because of the subtle pineapple and melon smell. It will leave your skin soft without making it look greasy. As the name suggests, it uses hemp seed oil which is rich in minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. All of these nutrients help in softening your skin and making you look younger. It is lightweight and won’t feel heavy on your face.

    Key ingredients: Sweet pineapple, honey melon, and hemp seed oil

    Size: 6.76 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Made from hemp seed oil
    • Lightweight
    • Blends seamlessly
    • Provides heavy hydration
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Quick Tip

    It's best to use the body oil right after taking a shower. Take a few drops of the oil in your palm, activate it by rubbing your hands together, and massage it into your dry skin. You will be left with skin that’s nourished, softer, and healthier.

  • Best Stress-Relieving

    Honeydew Mango Kiss Me Massage Oil

    Honeydew Mango Kiss Me Massage Oil
  • Honeydew’s Kiss Me Massage Oil is yet another good-scented body oil because it is made with pure jojoba, sweet almond, and coconut oils. It is non-sticky and non-greasy. This can be used as a massage oil as well because it easily glides onto the skin and absorbs very quickly. For those of you who love fruity scents, this one smells like fresh mangoes so go get your dose of fruity scents. The best part of this oil is that it can alleviate joint pain. It also has stress-relieving properties.

    Key ingredients: Sweet almost, coconut, and jojoba oils

    Size: 8 FL Oz

    Pros
    • Quickly absorbs
    • Non-sticky formally
    • Non-greasy
    • Made with natural and pure oils
    • Good for joint pain
    • Non-GMO
    • Can be applied to kids as well
    Cons
    • Strong smell
  • Best Lightweight Formula

    MOROCCANOIL DRY BODY OIL

     MOROCCANOIL DRY BODY OIL
  • Moroccanoil is a well-known luxury brand that’s famous for delivering instant nourishment through its products. MOROCCANOIL DRY BODY OIL is one of the unique oil scents for body because it’s a spray-on that can be used directly on the skin. The oil is formulated from pure argan oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. Its signature smell comes from a blend of spicy and floral notes with a hint of amber aroma. This best-smelling body oil spray can get easily absorbed into the skin with light massaging.

    Key ingredients: Argan and avocado oils

    Size: 3.4 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Weightless formula
    • Skin-friendly
    • Improves skin texture
    • Smoothens the skin
    • Infused with pure oils
    • Rich in antioxidants
    • Can be used on hair
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • OLIVIA CARE Body Oil

    OLIVIA CARE Body Oil
  • Olivia Care makes the best-smelling essential oils for body. They have been in this business for more than 20 years and that’s why you need to buy their pack of 3 oils that are infused with a distinctive scent. The smells include apricot, fig, French rose, and jasmine gardenia and the oil is rich in vitamins E, K, and omega fatty acids. The natural ingredients in it are hypoallergenic and won't irritate your skin, so you can choose this oil without any hesitation. When soaked in this good-scented oil, your body will thank you for taking care of it!

    Key ingredients: Fragrances of apricot fig, French rose, jasmine gardenia, vitamins E, K, and omega fatty acids

    Size: 4.00 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Rich in vitamins
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Softens the skin
    • Has a feminine aroma
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • THE BODY SHOP WHITE MUSK PERFUME OIL

     THE BODY SHOP WHITE MUSK PERFUME OIL
  • The Body Shop is yet another famous brand known for its fragrant lotions, body washes, and oils. It can easily be nominated as one of the best essential oils for body odor because it smells delightful with floral and sensual notes of velvety musk, lily, and basil. The fresh scent will stay on your skin for a long time while also moisturizing it. If you want an oil that'll give you all these benefits and also keep you in zen mode all day long, then grab this one without a second thought! It's worth your money. 

    Key ingredients: Whist musk, lily, and basil

    Size: 0.67 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Smells good
    • Silicone-free
    • Alcohol-free
    • Softens the skin
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Quick Tip

    Use the versatile body oil as a perfume by applying it on your pulse points. Remember to do it immediately after a shower for best results.

  • ROSE PERFUME OIL

    ROSE PERFUME OIL
  • Peony has always been one of the lush fragrances of all time. This perfume oil has notes of rose, peony, and bergamot. It’s made of natural ingredients and has multiple uses. In addition to boosting your skin elasticity and making you feel refreshed, its moisturizing properties can also be used to nourish cracked fingertips and cuticles. The natural perfume oil also contains antioxidants that are designed to hide fine lines and acne scars. Using this oil will certainly leave your skin refined and nourished. It’s always nice to have added benefits from smell-good oils!

    Key ingredients: Apricot, sweet almond, and fractionated coconut oils

    Size: 1 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Smells like roses
    • Softens the skin
    • 100% vegan
    • Retains moisture
    • Lightweight
    • Made with natural ingredients
    Cons
    • Mild smell
  • philosophy Pure Grace Body Oil

    philosophy Pure Grace Body Oil
  • We saved the best-smelling body oil for the last. Philosophy Pure Grace is a satin-finish body oil mist that adds a subtle freshness to your skin. You can indulge in this luxurious-smelling oil that can also be used as a body mist. Just spritz it on slightly damp skin but ensure that it’s not used on the face. If nothing tempts you to buy this oil, you’ll be sold when you smell the water lilies, lavender, and frosted musk. For all you know, you may even swap your perfume with this sweet-smelling oil. 

    Key ingredients: Jasmine, leafy greens, and frosted musk

    Size: 5.8 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Dual properties
    • Doubles up as a mist
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Hydrates the skin
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Now that we’ve scrolled through some of the best-smelling body oils that are bound to leave a lasting scent once you use them, let’s understand how to pick the right one. These indulgent fragrances will certainly make you ditch your expensive perfume bottles.

    Ingredients to Look for While Buying Body Oil

    • Chemical-free: Go for an essential oil that isn’t heavy in chemicals. You need to look for the best organic body oil because it’s going to sit on your skin for a long time. Make sure that when you are buying essential oil, it has to have some vitamins in it.
    • Skin type & condition: Look for ingredients that would help in resolving any skin concerns that you may have. If you have acne scars, then opt for rosehip oil which will help you in reducing the scar. If you want to brighten your skin, then look for some natural scented body oils that have brightening properties like vitamin C. If you have oily skin, then go for the best fragrance body oils that are non-comedogenic and won’t clog your pores.
    • Types of oil: The key is to look for body oil scents that mimic the body’s natural sebaceous glands. Oils such as avocado oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil serve this purpose. These will keep your skin hydrated for a long time and you won’t have to keep reapplying them as you do with your moisturizers and lotions. 
    • Formula: Apart from selecting the right kind of oil, you’ll need to select a product that will quickly and easily absorb onto your skin. It shouldn't leave you looking greasy either. The formula should be hydrating and moisturizing.

    Tips on How to Use the Body Oil

    You can use body oil before you apply your moisturizer. You can apply it during the daytime or right before you go to bed. Here are three ways to use scented body oils and avail their complete benefits:

    Method 1: This is a unique yet effective way of applying body oil. You can add a few drops of your favorite oil to your bathing water. Your skin will feel hydrated and nourished after the bath.

    Method 2: If you don’t want to add body oils to your bathing water, then you can try this method which Kylie Jenner religiously follows. Right after you come out of the shower, apply the oil generously all over your body. 

    Method 3: If you don’t want to apply the body-scented oils all over your skin, then take a few drops of it and just pat it on the required areas. If you are aiming to heal your dry skin, then just apply it on the dry areas. 

    If you are using lotions and moisturizers, we suggest you take your skincare a step further and use oil as your final step in the routine. All you have to do is apply it on damp skin. With the help of the best smelling body oils, staying hydrated and moisturized from head to toe is easier than ever. They nourish your skin from deep within while also uplifting your mood with the pleasant smell. These scented oils are a great investment if you want to take your skincare a notch higher. Happy oiling!

    FAQ's

    What are the benefits of using body oil?
    These best-smelling body oils aren’t just great for deep hydration. They also eliminate stretch marks and heal your razor burns as well because they can reach deep into your skin and heal it from the inside. They also help you get rid of dry skin and acne scars.
    Does scented body oil last?
    It depends on what kind of oil you have purchased. If it’s a long-lasting scent, then the smell will linger for 6-7 hours. The lasting nature of a scented oil also depends on where you apply it. Apply on your wrists, behind the ears, on the fold of your elbows, and between the hollows of your collarbones.
    Can I leave body oil overnight?
    Absolutely. It works best when left overnight. You can apply it on your hair, nails, and all over the body and leave it overnight.
    Do you put body oil on dry or wet skin?
    Neither. You have to apply body oil when your skin is damp. Not too wet and not too dry. This will help lock in the moisture and the oil will last longer.
    Are scented body oils suitable for sensitive skin?
    Scented body oils, even if derived from natural sources, can cause irritation and redness in sensitive skin types.
    Can body oils replace perfume?
    Body oils can’t fully replace perfumes. Although they smell incredible, they don’t stay as long as EDP or EDTs.
    How long does the scent of body oils last?
    Perfumed body oils last as long as 4-5 hours on your skin.
    Are there any natural or organic body oils with great scents?
    The PROVENCE BEAUTY HONEY SUCKLE JASMINE OIL is an organic body oil with a great fragrance.
    Can I use body oils in my hair or for other purposes?
    Yes, you can use body oils in your hair or for other purposes – like perfume on your pulse points, etc.
    How should I store my body oil to preserve its scent and quality?
    Always place the cap of the body oil on the bottle, and store it in dry, cool areas to preserve its scent and quality.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Body oils are a boon for people with dry skin as they help keep their skin hydrated all day long. Our skincare expert, Anoushka, loves indulging in body oils to nourish her skin and enjoy the pleasant fragrance. After testing out popular smelling body oils for a few weeks, she finally came up with this list of the best-smelling body oils. Out of these products, she found Provence Beauty Peony Multi-Use Oil to be the best. It is packed with natural hydrating ingredients that keep the skin soft and moisturized. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More