Frequently Asked Questions
Can body oils actually tighten saggy skin?
Yes, but with realistic expectations. Body oils can help tighten the look of mildly sagging or crepey skin by improving hydration and overall skin health. “Body oils soften the stratum corneum—the outermost layer of the skin—to reduce transepidermal water loss and support a healthier skin barrier,” says Dr. Hartman. Well-formulated oils can also contain ingredients that help boost elasticity and support collagen production, making skin appear firmer over time. That said, Dr. Hartman notes that more moderate to severe sagging typically requires in-office treatments with a board-certified dermatologist to see meaningful results.
Are retinol body oils safe for daily use?
Retinol body oils can be safe for daily use, with one important caveat: sun protection. “Retinol body oils are safe for daily use, just make sure you incorporate safe sun practices into your routine,” says Dr. Hartman. Retinol makes skin more susceptible to UV damage that can enhance uneven texture, so applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing is essential. Without proper protection, sun exposure can actually undo the benefits, leading to accelerated skin aging that shows up as sun spots, hyperpigmentation, sagging, or increased crepiness.
What are the most effective ingredients for crepey skin that can be found in body oils?
The most effective skin-care products for crepey skin focus on restoring lipids, sealing in moisture, and supporting collagen. “Look for oils that are high in fatty acids, like sunflower oil and rosehip oil, which help rebuild the skin’s lipid matrix,” says Dr. Hartman. Occlusive oils such as squalane and jojoba oil are also key, as they help seal the skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. Hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can temporarily plump skin, making crepey texture look smoother. For longer-term improvement, Dr. Hartman notes that retinol body oils are especially effective, since retinol helps boost collagen production, which can lead to firmer-looking skin over time.
Can body oils help post-menopausal dryness?
“Body oils can absolutely help with dry skin caused by hormone changes after menopause,” says Dr. Hartman. A drop in estrogen can weaken the skin barrier and increase moisture loss, leading to a persistently dry or tight feeling. Dr. Hartman suggests thinking of body oil as an extra layer—“like a raincoat”—that seals everything in. Applied after your regular body moisturizer, a body oil helps lock in hydration, reduce moisture loss, and protect skin from environmental stressors like dry air, leaving skin more comfortable and resilient.
Meet the experts
- Anate Brauer, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, and ob-gyn based in New York City
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
- Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at DermWorks Dermatology & Aesthetics based in Boca Raton, Florida
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best body oils, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
