Image: MomJunction Design Team
If your skin feels itchy and stretched after a shower, the best shower oils can help you keep the flakiness away and give you soft and supple skin. Shower oils are great alternatives to shower gels and soaps. It’s an oil-based shower product that can be used in place of drying body washes. The texture of the shower oil turns milky as soon as it comes in contact with water and leaves you flaunting baby-soft skin. It has the benefits of hydrating moisturize since it penetrates the skin to nourish it without stripping it off its natural oils.
But how do you find the best one with proven efficacy that suits your skin type? If shower oils are your go-to for dry skin concerns and you wish to have skin that feels luxurious, check out our review of the most popular ones available in the market to select the one you prefer.
Top Picks
15 Best Shower Oils
1. Best Nourishing: Aveeno Skin Relief Shower & Bath Oil
If you want to indulge your skin and pamper your senses, do try out this shower oil formulated with mineral oil, kernel flour, and avena sativa. This therapeutic and effective shower oil thoroughly cleanses and rejuvenates the skin. Its lightweight formula glides on easily to hydrate your skin without leaving it too oily and gently removes impurities while soothing and moisturizing your skin. Make this nourishing shower oil a part of your shower routine to get silky soft and hydrated skin.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Prevents dryness
- Prevents itchiness of skin
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- May make the bathtub slippery
"I love this body oil for its lightweight texture and softening benefits. However, I have observed that it leaves a slight residue in my bathtub. Overall, it has been a great addition to my skincare routine."
2. Best Cleansing: L’Occitane En Provence Shower Oil
Image: Loccitane This shower oil instantly transforms into a sheer, milky lotion that gently cleanses the body, when in contact with water. Enriched with almond oil, this shower oil protects the very essence of your skin and leaves a subtle and calming scent of fresh almonds. This celebrity-endorsed almond shower oil offers many benefits as it cleanses, nourishes, softens, and moisturizes your skin. It may also be applied on wet skin as a shaving base to help the razor glide easily. Do try it out for a satiny softness all over your body. To make an informed decision before buying, check out this video showcasing a reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- A little amount of the product goes a long way
- Prevents itching and flaking
- Good for dry skin
Cons
- Some may not be pleased with the smell
"I consider this product to be a multitasker; it enhances my shower routine by giving me a nourishing feel and is also handy for shaving. The rich formula is remarkable, and the mild almond scent stays on my skin hours after use. I also appreciate that it's gluten-free!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 4,376 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
Did you know?3. Best Fragrant: Kopari Sudsy Shower Oil
Image: Kopari A combination of organic coconut oil, hibiscus seed oil, passionfruit seed oil, avocado oil, and plant based glycerin, this vegan shower oil cleanses skin without stripping off the moisture and leaves your skin softer than ever. This 2-in-1 natural shower oil, a celebrity favorite, transforms into a foam upon contact with water, leaving your skin cleansed and hydrated without sulfate. It’s also great as a perfect shaving companion. It has a pleasant coconut fragrance that transports you to a whole new world.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic formula
- No GMOs
- No silicon
- No phthalates
Cons
- May not lather well
"With its delicate aroma, this shower oil provides me with a pleasant experience. Although it doesn't lather much, its moisturizing abilities are remarkable. However, it doesn't help with deep cleaning. Still, it has been a lovely addition to my bath routine."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 882 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
Aveeno Skin Relief Shower & Bath Oil Best Nourishing | L’Occitane En Provence Shower Oil Best Cleansing | Kopari Sudsy Shower Oil Best Fragrant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.3 x 6.2 x 2 inches; 2.2 Pounds | - | - |
| Skin Type | - | Dry | Dry |
| Dimensions | - | 6 x 5 x 4 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 1.59 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,611 | 4,376 | 882 |
| Price | $16.55 | $27.12 | $28 |
4. Best Lather-Rich: Nuxe Prodigieux Shower Oil
Image: N U X E P A R I S With a sensuous iridescent consistency, this result-driven oil is speckled with golden pearly particles that instantly transform into a very fine foam on contact with water. Its unique formula gently cleanses the skin and gives it a soft and satiny feel. Its dreamy and elegant scent leaves the skin smelling heavenly and brings to mind the sun’s warmth and warm sands. This ultra-calming bath oil turns showering into a truly pleasurable experience even for those with very sensitive skin. It works great with just enough oil not to make the skin too greasy, works into a rich lather, and rinses off easily.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Prevents flaking of skin
- Works well for shaving as well
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Contains fragrance
"My experience with this bath product has been satisfying. It doesn't lather well, yet it cleans as expected. A little goes a long way, and it makes my skin feel soft and glowy. Also, the scent is charming yet subtle, which I like."
Point to consider5. Best For Aromatherapy: Three Drops Of Life Eucalyptus Shower Oil Spray
Image: Three Drops Of Life Steam distilled from fresh leaves of the tall, evergreen eucalyptus trees, you can use this product to turn your shower into the steam and sauna room akin to a spa. It creates therapeutic steam when it’s sprayed on the walls during showers. It’s known to relieve non-bacterial sinus problems when inhaling the vapor while showering. This aromatherapy shower oil also works wonders for a variety of other respiratory problems like congestion and common colds.
Many add eucalyptus oil to baths, spas, and saunas because of its calming, cooling, and refreshing attributes and it is commonly used for aromatherapy.
Pros
- Versatile
- Cruelty-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Helps with mental exhaustion and sluggishness
Cons
- Some find the fragrance of eucalyptus oil too mild
"This oil spray makes me feel fresh throughout the day. A little goes a long way; it only needs a few sprays for the aroma of eucalyptus to fill my room, making it pleasant but not overwhelming. I find it quite relaxing and therapeutic."
6. Best Moisturizing: Alpha Keri Moisture Rich Shower & Bath Oil
Image: Alpha Keri Pamper your skin and indulge your senses each time you shower or bathe with this professional-grade shower and bath oil as it softens and smooths your skin. This light, emollient-rich oil replenishes and seals in moisture, making your skin supple. Its delicate fragrance is a delight to the senses and envelops you as the emollients gently caress your skin. It goes on quickly in the shower, and is excellent for keeping extremely dry skin well moisturized, even during the coldest of winters. It’s absorbed quickly by your skin and the smell, softness, and quality is unparalleled.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Prevents itching
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some may find its consistency a bit watery
"I have noticed this bath oil helps my skin deal with dryness. Though its aroma is faint, its residue-free hydrating properties help me protect my skin during chilly winter months. I also like its lightweight feel and fast-absorbing formula."
7. Best Hydrating: Lalicious Brown Sugar Vanilla Shower Oil & Bubble Bath
Image: Lalicious Hydrate your skin with this sweet blend of vanilla and caramel. This luxurious shower oil cleanser with a fresh scent instantly transforms into a foamy lather perfect for the shower, bath bubbles, or shaving. It has a grapeseed oil base that moisturizes your skin without leaving a residue and contains alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, a sugar molecule that is bio-selective and works its magic without disrupting the microflora of your skin. It also contains a topical probiotic, lactobacillus, that promotes balanced cleansing and may help address minor irritation. Jicama root juice is a pure plant extract enhanced with additional ingredients to provide short and long-term moisturization, making it the ideal shower oil for dry skin. This 98% natural and 100% mindful shower oil is available in 6 other scents as well.
Pros
- No animal testing
- No parabens
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- No GMOs
- No propylene glycol or triclosan
- No mineral oil
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
- May not be oily enough for some
"I was amazed that this shower oil also works as a bubble bath, giving me a spa-like experience at home. It leaves my skin feeling moisturized and smooth after shaving. I'm pleased with its texture and effectiveness."
8. Best Long-Lasting: Korres Instant Smoothing Serum-In-Shower Oil
Made from golden passionfruit, it also contains apricot kernel oil which is a revitalizing salve that soothes the skin. Sweet almond oil is a powerhouse of vitamin E, and helps the skin to look smooth, soft, and reduces fine lines. The jojoba oil in this shower oil is infused with vitamins E and B-complex which remediate irritated dry skin; and crambe seed oil that promotes plumpness and softness of the skin. It is expert-recommended and has a great fragrance, provides deep and long lasting moisture, and has a smooth velvety texture. You can learn more about the revitalizing shower oil by checking out this reviewer’s video.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast absorption
- No harmful chemicals
- Water activated serum in oil
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- May contain traces of wheat/nuts
"This shower oil's hydrating formula amazed me with the softness it provides my skin. It is consistent with no sticky feel, and the fragrance is pleasing. I use it over a lotion for additional nourishment."
Quick tip9. Best Luxury Oil: Natura Ekos Andiroba Triple Phase Shower Oil
Image: Natura Andiroba oil is a best-selling home remedy, known to calm, soothe, and relieve tired muscles. This luxurious shower oil is infused with therapeutic andiroba that cleanses and moisturizes your skin, and also relieves fatigue while taking good care of your skin. With a light texture and refreshing fragrance, it leaves your skin perfumed and with a natural glow. Made with 100% vegetable oils, it forms a protective film on the skin, enhancing its natural moisture and tone. This luxury shower oil improves skin hydration and makes it feel and look velvety.
Pros
- No animal testing
- Free of parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, and mineral oil
- PABA-free
- No petrolatum
- No triclosan
- DEA-free
Cons
- Contains sulfate
"The natural formula of this shower oil helps keep my skin supple and hydrated. I love the fact that it's non-greasy and maintains the smoothness post-shower. It's pretty great for daily use."
10. Best Skin-Softening: Pistaché Skincare Cleansing Shower Oil
Image: Pistaché Skincare Drench your skin with this decadent shower oil for the most soft and nourished version of your skin. Unlike an ordinary shower gel, it has a unique oil-to-foam formula paired with a nutty and sweet pistachio scent, which will not only leave your skin feeling beautiful but also smelling beautiful. The relaxing shower oil cleanses and nourishes the skin, giving you a spa-like experience. It is made with organic and natural ingredients like California pistachio oil, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E, fatty acids, and lutein—all of which provide antioxidant protection and also prevent aging of the skin. This product is a great substitute for a shaving cream as it softens and hydrates your skin.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No artificial color
- No fragrance
- Packaging printed with 100% wind energy
Cons
- The smell may linger for too long
"After trying out various products, I stuck to this one as it leaves my skin supple while smelling good. Its chemical-free formula gives me peace of mind. Plus, it cleans the skin without stripping it of moisture."
11. Best Dermatologically Tested: Eucerin pH5 Shower Oil
Image: Eucerin Specifically developed with very mild surfactants, this is an ideal shower oil for sensitive skin as it helps reduce tightness, redness, and irritation caused by environmental stressors. Its unique formula has the optimal pH to protect skin’s natural moisture, preserve its elasticity, and is proven to deliver visible results. Rich in natural oils, it replenishes lipids, leaving your skin feeling pampered and silky soft. It stops it from drying out even after frequent use as it protects the skin´s own microbiome for optimal health. This shower oil is available in both lightly fragranced and unperfumed versions.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Free of alkali soap
- Suitable for all age groups
- Suitable for dry, sensitive, and problematic skin conditions
Cons
- Contains sulfates and propylene glycol
"This product makes my skin feel smooth and moisturized. I've been using it regularly and noticed a significant improvement in my skin texture; the dry patches are almost gone. The scent is also pretty delightful; however my sister finds it overwhelming. Moreover, I haven't experienced any redness or itchiness."
12. Best Chemical-Free: Victoria’s Secret Tease Silk Shower Oil
All you need to do is apply this silky shower oil directly on your wet skin, and it immediately transforms into a rich,creamy lather. It’s infused with moisturizing safflower oil to gently cleanse and soften your skin while leaving it with a light fragrance. There’s nothing more personal than the fragrance you wear, and that’s why Tease has created a unique signature for each woman who wears it. They started with gardenia petals spiked with black vanilla, then frozen pear, and finally sandalwood. The notes amplify in reaction to your body heat, and the individual fragrances bloom on your skin.
Pros
- Available in 250 ml bottle
- Prevents itching and flaking of skin
- No harmful chemicals
- Can be used everyday
Cons
- May smell different from that of the perfume.
13. Best For Eczema: A-Derma Exomega Emollient Cleansing Oil
This emollient cleansing oil is excellent for atopic and extremely dry skin as it gently cleanses and soothes it. The shower oil for hydration contains a unique and exclusive active ingredient, rhealba oat plantlets, that is both soothing and non-irritant. 100% natural, these young shoots are grown in the south of France under organic agricultural conditions, and contain fatty acids, essential omega 6, and hydrating components. This oil works perfectly on baby’s skin, for eczema, and for dry skin in winter. It has a great fragrance and is very gentle on skin and hair.
Pros
- Soap-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Helps with dermatitis
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- Some may not be satisfied with its lather
14. Best Soap-Free: Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Silk Shower Oil
Fragrance and body care combine for the ultimate indulgence with this shower oil. All you need to do is apply this silky shower oil directly on wet skin and it immediately transforms into a creamy lather. It removes dirt and grime from your skin without drying it out. The gentle formula is infused with moisturizing safflower oil to cleanse your skin while leaving it soft and smooth with a light touch of fragrance, making it the ideal shower oil for all skin types.
Pros
- Soap-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Prevents itching and flaking of skin
- Offers deep moisturizing effect
Cons
- Doesn’t lather much
15. Best Subtle Scent: Jason Smoothing Coconut Foaming Shower Oil
This decadent shower oil instantly transforms into a delicate cleansing foam when it comes in contact with water, enveloping your skin in a soft, and luxurious lather. The unique blend of botanical oils gently removes impurities and hydrates your skin while coconut oil nourishes and revitalizes dry skin. It rinses off easily with no oily or greasy residue on you or your shower floor or bath. This scented shower oil has a mild coconut base with a slight floral note.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Phthalate-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- No artificial colors
Cons
- Some may find its consistency runny
"Although it doesn't have a typical oily texture, this shower oil applies well and leaves me with a pleasant fragrance. Plus, it blends well with my other post-shower products. I'm pleased with its performance so far."
How To Choose The Right Shower Oil
- Ingredients
Concentrated essential oils are the main ingredient in shower oils, and just a small amount is good enough to get the desired visible results. Eucalyptus essential oil is great for relieving symptoms of respiratory issues while chamomile oil has wonderful calming qualities. Tea tree oil is known to be good for healing burns and cuts, and lavender oil is not just an antidepressant but also helps with hot flashes, eczema, insomnia, headaches, and sprains. Rosemary oil helps to relieve aches and pains in muscles, jasmine oil is a great destressor, and peppermint oil improves mental alertness.
- Skin type
Oils that are rich in omega fatty acids and oleic acids have a thick consistency and are excellent moisturizers, so are ideal for people with dry skin. Natural ingredients like avocado, hazelnut, apricot kernel, olives, and camellia seed oils are good sources of this. Jojoba and marula oils work great if you have normal skin, as they aren’t heavy and thick. If you have sensitive skin, oils with omega-6 fatty acids work best. Shower oils that contain blackcurrant, borage, and evening primrose are also ideal.
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, choose oils that have a light consistency and get absorbed quickly, like linoleic acid. Ingredients like safflower, evening primrose, hemp seed, watermelon seed, and grape seed oils are rich sources of linoleic acid. For combination skin, marula oil again works like magic. Any other lightweight oil suggested for acne-prone or oily skin can also be used for combination skin.
- Chemical-free formula
Some shower oils can contain a variety of unappealing ingredients like mineral oil and silicons and may also be infused with artificial fragrances and colorants. This can expose you to a large number of toxic ingredients. Even the manner in which even natural, plant-based oils are extracted can make a difference. A harsh solvent can leave a toxic residue in the oil which can be easily absorbed by your skin. Shower oils often have solvents or drying surfactants to make them foam, or to make them less greasy, which is again not good for your skin. In general, avoid shower oils with parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petrolatum, artificial fragrances, and added colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between shower oil and body oil?
Body oils can be applied on the skin and are not required to be rinsed off, whereas shower oil acts as a soap-free cleanser that should be rinsed off after being applied.
2. How to use shower oil before or after body wash?
Shower oils should be used in the shower and are flexible to use either by themselves or with a body wash for double cleansing. Apply the shower oil to the wet skin to lather, then rinse it off to cleanse and moisturize your skin at the same time. However, for better cleansing and to achieve visible results, especially after an intense workout, you may first use the body wash followed by a shower oil.
3. Can shower oil replace soap?
Yes, you can replace your regular soap or body wash with shower oil if your soap makes your skin dry. Shower oils are made to cleanse, but it is best to use hydrating oils to moisturize your skin.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a fashion, beauty, and hair care enthusiast. She has put together this list of the best shower oils after conducting extensive research on the ingredients, safety, and advantages from credible sources. Multiple user reviews and testers’ experiences were also referred to while compiling this list. She has also prepared a buying guide to help you choose the right product for your needs.
The Bottom Line
Now that you’ve scrolled through the list of the best shower oils above, shopping for one can be a seamless experience. However, as far as the material of the product is concerned, choose the one that best suits your skin texture. Go for a chemical-free one or select an oil with fewer chemicals. For soft skin and rejuvenating benefits choose Aveeno Skin Relief Shower & Bath Oil, for nourishing benefits of almond oil choose L’Occitane En Provence Shower Oil, and for deep moisturization we suggest the Alpha Keri Moisture Rich Shower & Bath Oil. Thoroughly check the ingredients list to avoid those oils you are allergic to. Lastly, select the product that gives a good fragrance, as it will make you feel fresh while bathing.
Infographic: Reasons To Add Shower Oil To Your Skincare Routine
Shower oils generally have the same cleansing properties as regular soap and leave behind negligible residue. They can keep your skin hydrated and do so much more. Go through the infographic to learn about the benefits of using shower oil.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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