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Forbes
3 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
The 10 Best Body Oils That Provide Long-Lasting Hydration
Body oils are the unsung hydrating heroes of skincare. They offer many of the same benefits of a body lotion, but they're better at creating a barrier to lock in moisture. The best body oils are lightweight, hydrating and nourishing, without a heavy, greasy feel, like our top pick, L'Occitane's Almond Supple Skin Body Oil, and our drugstore favorite, Shea Moisture's Coconut and Hibiscus Body Oil. The best body oils nourish and hydrate without feeling greasy—and can offer additional skin ... More benefits. Body oils deliver radiance-boosting antioxidants and over time can help strengthen the skin barrier. When shopping for the right one, look for superstar ingredients such as squalane, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid for deep, lasting hydration without irritation. After consulting with deputy editor Jane Sung and massage therapist Matthew Perry, we've rounded up all the best body oils that soften and nourish. Amazon Size: 3.3 ounces | Key ingredients: Almond oil, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E | Price per fluid ounce: $16.06Best for: Skip if: L'Occitane's body oil consistently receives top marks for its velvety feel and satin finish. It's made with 50% almond oil that hydrates, softens and makes skin supple, so it's a great post-shower add-on for bare skin-season. One reviewer says it 'makes you look like you're glowing,' and many rave about the fresh almond and warm vanilla scent. Ulta Beauty Size: 8.0 ounces | Key ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, hibiscus flower | Price per fluid ounce: $1.62 Best for: Skip if: This body oil is very affordable and multi-purpose: It can be used as a post-shower skin hydrator, massage oil or luxurious spa bath addition. The texture is not sticky, and it doesn't leave a heavy feel, but instead if absorbs well into skin rather than sitting on top. Reviewers love that this tropical-smelling oil glides on smoothly and doesn't leave a greasy residue like some other options. Nordstrom Size: 5.1 ounces | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin C, ceramides | Price per fluid ounce: $47.06 Best for: Skip if: Retrouvé's formula is rich and concentrated. It's packed with ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin C, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil and bakuchiol, which work together to reinvigorate dull skin and address the visible signs of aging. In addition to its intense moisturizing properties, it treats fine lines and wrinkles, evens tone, and makes skin glowy, so you'll want to show off skin rather than cover it up. Amazon Size: 4 ounces | Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, coconut oil, argan oil, castor oil, vitamin B, vitamin E | Price per fluid ounce: $8.75 Best for: Skip if: Maude's cold-pressed oil is a hybrid moisturizer, massage oil and after-shower treatment. This formula is rich in fatty acids that soften, moisturize and soothe. It's fragrance free, too, so the scent won't clash with any lotion or perfume, and it's not irritating on sensitive skin. Reviewers note that a little goes a long way with this one. Nordstrom Size: 2 ounces | Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil | Price per fluid ounce: $24 Best for: Skip if: While this is often used as a pre-wash hair and scalp oil, it's also a non-greasy hydrator that can transform dry skin from flaky and parched to soft and supple. It's comprised of six botanical oils—including jojoba, coconut and macadamia nut—that are ultra-nourishing to prevent itchy, cracked skin. Sung uses it regularly and likes the pleasant scent, with notes of bergamot, vetiver and neroli, and how it's not overpowering either. Amazon Size: 5 ounces | Key ingredients: Undaria seaweed, white lupin, botanical oils | Price per fluid ounce: $10.40 Best for: Skip if: Finding a body oil with a smell that is not overbearing or excessively sweet can be a challenge, but Osea's formula's scent—with notes of mango, mandarin, grapefruit, lime and cypress—is light and uplifting. Another favorite of Sung's, this oil is made with algae that gives skin benefits, too. It relieves dry skin and leaves a nice glow without a slippery feel, and it boosts skin elasticity and crepiness for a more youthful appearance. Amazon Size: 4.2 ounces | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin A, rosemary oil, chamomile oil | Price per fluid ounce: $5.13 Best for: Skip if: This cult favorite body oil has long been used by pregnant women to prevent stretch marks, and it's also a standout for fading old and new scars and hyperpigmentation. This formula has thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon, and users say it's hydrating and soothing on patchy, dry skin in all seasons. To note: Some say the screw cap packaging can be tricky because the oil comes out quickly. Amazon Size: 4 ounces | Key ingredients: Carrot seed, squalene, evening primrose oil | Price per fluid ounce: $18.75 Best for: Skip if: Those with aging skin may struggle with crepiness, uneven tone and overall dullness, and Esker's formula works to remedy all those things. It contains nourishing antioxidants—carrot seed is its star ingredient—and squalene, evening primrose and jojoba oil to moisturize, smooth, soften and make skin appear more even overall. Amazon Size: 1.6 ounces | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, botanical oils | Price per fluid ounce: $20Best for: Skip if: Body oils naturally leave a sheen on skin, but this one contains micro flecks of shimmer to create an illuminating finish. It's made with seven botanical oils that offer up to eight hours of moisturization, and the vacation-inspired scent contains notes of vanilla, orange blossom and magnolia. Nuxe's muti-purpose oil can be used on the face and hair, too, and it's available in roll-on form. Sephora Size: 13 ounces | Key ingredients: Bacuri butter, prebiotic hibiscus, oil blend | Price per fluid ounce: $2Best for: Skip if: Sol de Janeiro's beach-inspired scents are legendary among tweens, teens and adults, and for good reason. Users rave about the woody floral scent of this cleansing shower oil, which has notes of vanilla orchid, sugared violet and sheer sandalwood. This formula contains an oil blend with coconut and sunflower seed oil to nourish, prebiotic hibiscus to support the skin's microbiome and bacuri butter to lock in moisture so skin stays hydrated throughout the day. The Forbes Vetted beauty and grooming team has researched, reported and written a wide variety of skincare stories on everything from the best vitamin C serums to the best LED face masks. Our general approach to determining the very best body oils was to meticulously research, report on and, in some cases, test a wide variety of available body oils on the market. Body oils are intended to be deeply moisturizing and in some cases offer extra skin benefits, but there are specific ingredients to seek out when shopping. 'A jojoba and coconut oil base helps to deeply hydrate the skin, allowing for better absorption and long-lasting moisture,' says massage therapist Matthew Perry, learning and development manager at The Now. He also recommends formulas containing vitamins A, C and E, as well as essential fatty acids. 'Rosehip oil helps regenerate skin cells and promote collagen production, and prickly pear seed oil aids in the prevention of skin damage and supports overall skin health with antioxidants,' he says. Perry also suggests calming ingredients such as sandalwood, reishi, and helichrysum to help soothe inflammation, reduce redness and restore balance to the skin. 'Depending on skin sensitivities or allergies, it's best to choose a clean, plant-based formula,' says Perry. 'Avoid body oils with sulfates, parabens or synthetic fragrances, which can irritate the skin. Opt for oils made with organic botanicals that can be easily absorbed.' Fragrance is very personal, so it's important to find a body oil with a scent you like as it will be with you for all, or at least most of, the day. Our best overall pick, L'Occitane's Almond Supple Skin Body Oil, has an almond and warm vanilla scent that is popular with users. Osea's Undaria Algae Body Oil, our choice for best smelling body oil, has a light citrus scent with notes of mango, mandarin, grapefruit, lime and cypress. Nuxe's Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse is also popular for its smell, which evokes vacation vibes with its notes of vanilla, orange blossom and magnolia. Some body oils, like the Maude Oil, are unscented, which can be a great choice if you have sensitive skin or are layering with any sort of perfume or other beauty products that have fragrance. There is a specific time to apply a body oil for peak nourishing and hydrating effects. 'It is best to use body oil right after a bath or shower, while your skin is damp, to help seal in the moisture,' says Perry. 'Alternatively, you can add a few drops of body oil to your bath for a soothing soak. For aromatherapeutic benefits, find a body oil with essential oils and breathe in deeply for a moment of calm.' What Oil Is Best For The Body? Our pick for best body oil overall is L'Occitane's Almond Supple Skin Body Oil for its softening properties and satiny smooth finish. For stretch marks, we like Bio-Oil's Skincare Oil, which works to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, acne scars and hyperpigmentation. If you have exceptionally dry skin, we recommend Roz's Willow Glen Treatment Oil.'Everyone can benefit from a good body oil to hydrate, balance and nourish the skin,' says Perry. Body oils are especially recommended for anyone living in a dry climate to moisturize and restore the skin's natural glow. Combine a body oil with a moisturizing body lotion to double down on the benefits, locking in hydration while delivering essential nutrients to the skin. Is Body Oil Better For You Than Lotion? They can both be a good fit, but they work slightly differently. 'Body oils work by locking in moisture and delivering nutrient-rich ingredients into the skin,' says Perry. 'Unlike water-based lotions, body oils create a protective barrier to help prevent moisture loss while nourishing the skin with antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids that hydrate and restore balance.' What Body Oil Do Dermatologists Recommend? In general, dermatologists recommend body oil formulas with plant-based oils like jojoba, coconut and almond oil as they are deeply moisturizing and tend to be well-tolerated. Many dermatologists recommend Bio-Oil's Skincare Oil to reduce the appearance of acne scarring and stretch marks. If you have sensitive skin, dermatologists will tend to suggest something fragrance free, like the Maude Oil, which is also organic.
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Skincare For Women Over 50, According To Skin Experts
It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment you officially enter 'mature skin' territory, but some telltale signs include unwelcome dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and uneven texture. But rather than lamenting the aging process, it's helpful to incorporate products that complement your newly changing skin. The best skincare for women over 50 are designed to boost moisture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, combat hyperpigmentation and stimulate collagen production. We've included a vitamin C serum (SkinCeuticals' CE Ferulic), LED mask (Therabody's TheraFace Mask), microcurrent device (NuFace's Trinity+) and neck cream (Alastin's Restorative Neck Complex) on our list, among many others. As we age, our skin is affected by factors such as declining estrogen levels and damage from years of sun exposure. But there are effective products and tools you can incorporate into your beauty routine that create noticeable, age-defying results—plus, they're painless and easy to use. We've tapped deputy editor Jane Sung as well as several experts to curate the best skincare products for women over 50 that hydrate, nourish and brighten the complexion. Size: 1 ounce | Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E, ferulic acidBest for: Skip if: SkinCeuticals is beloved by dermatologists because it's formulated with research and results in mind—and all of the experts we spoke with stressed the importance of incorporating a vitamin C product like this one. We named this antioxidant-packed formula the best vitamin C serum because of how it targets dark spots, loss of firmness, dryness and wrinkles with superstar ingredients including 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. They all work together to protect against environmental stressors, neutralizing free radicals, shielding from oxidative stress and restoring skin lipids. The result? Firmer skin, a brightened complexion and less noticeable lines. Best for: Skip if: Featured as a winning pick in our roundup of the best LED face masks, Therabody's TheraFace mask is well worth the investment. This FDA-cleared, cordless, wearable device uses three light modes—red, red and infrared, and blue—to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and decrease redness and inflammation from things like adult acne. You wear this device for nine minutes per day to reap the full benefits—all while you're relaxing on the couch or in bed. Keep in mind that this one's on the heavier side due to the added vibration technology, and as with most skincare tools it takes time and consistent use to see any results. Size: 3.4 ounce | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, microalgae, prickly pear flowerBest for: Skip if: This essence-moisturizer includes ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, lipids and fatty acids, promising to lock in hydration for 12 hours. The formula also helps reduce redness, smooth texture and restore the skin barrier. It's fragrance-free and doesn't contain silicones, so there's no greasy feel. You can wear it by itself or under a thicker cream if your skin is especially dry. This has become my go-to daily moisturizer because it reduces redness and splotchiness, makes my skin feel smooth, and plumps and blurs fine lines. My only gripe: Due to its thinner consistency, dispensing it from this bottle type can get messy; the design could use improvement. Size: 1 ounce | Key ingredients: Active botanicals such as calendula, tamanu, nettle and evening primroseBest for: Skip if: The moisturizing benefits of many topical serums can look amazing right after application, but then fade hour after hour until skin appears dull and parched again. This facial oil hydrates and lasts through the day (or night, if you're using it then, too). It's packed with natural ingredients—vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and phytonutrients—that moisturize, nourish, balance and protect. Sung is a longtime fan of the product, and likes how it makes her skin soft and glowy, with a more lightweight finish than most face oils. Users consistently rave about the scent (one describes it as 'smelling like joy'). Size: 1 ounce | Key ingredients: Retinol, oat extract, willow bark extract, peptides Best for: Skip if: Retinols benefit the skin by increasing cell turnover, which naturally decreases with age, and stimulating the production of collagen. However, they can also cause sensitive complexions to become red, itchy and flaky. This formula—our best overall pick in our list of top retinol creams—uses 1% retinol to refine pores, diminish the appearance of fine lines and even out skin tone. It also incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing plant extracts to counterbalance any irritating or drying effects. Note: To minimize irritation, ease into using this product and keep it away from your eyes, as with any retinoid. Size: 1.74 ounces | Key ingredients: Cellular extracts, marine-derived postbioticsBest for: Skip if: Think of this cream from Swiss beauty brand Cellcosmet as a high-impact, all-in-one treatment to address signs of aging: It's crafted to improve hydration, restore firmness, smooth texture, rebuild the skin barrier and revive radiance. The formula features a proprietary blend of cellular extracts to hydrate and firm, combined with a marine-origin postbiotics complex designed to protect against environmental stressors—all while improving skin suppleness and elasticity. Calling this pricey would be an understatement, but Sung prefers it over other comparable creams from luxury brands. And users say it glides smoothly, absorbs quickly and leaves behind a dewy feel. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Botanicals, hyaluronic acid Best for: Skip if: Eyes are one of the first places to show fine lines (hello, crow's feet), and the skin is particularly delicate, so this is a good area to focus on. A winner in our roundup of the best eye creams, Furtuna's formula uses unique botanicals to address common concerns in this area. Wild organic dandelion works to reduce dark circles and support collagen production, nigella damascena reduces puffiness, and wild organic hawthorn lifts eye contours and tones. This comes in a jar, and for sanitary application it comes with a handy metal scooper that conveniently attaches to the lid via a hidden magnet. Reviewers say that it absorbs well and isn't heavy or sticky. Size: 1 ounce | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalene, camellia oilBest for: Skip if: If you have parched skin or live in a particularly dry climate, this deeply hydrating gel mask uses a multi-hyaluronic treatment to replenish lost moisture. A flower blend helps soothe redness, and snow mushroom works to boost collagen production (which naturally decreases with age), promoting skin elasticity and firmness. You can use this in place of your usual moisturizer and leave it on as an overnight treatment, or you can use it like a traditional mask and rinse it off after fifteen minutes. Best for: Skip if: If you're concerned about droopy jowls, hooded eyelids, smile lines or a sagging neck, the NuFace Trinity+ is a helpful beauty tool (and our best overall pick in my evaluation of the best microcurrent devices). It uses low-level electrical pulses to stimulate facial muscles, causing them to contract, which ultimately helps contour and firm the skin while promoting collagen production. For optimal results, use this product for at least five minutes, five days a week. The set includes everything you'd need to effectively use the Trinity+ facial toning device: a hydrating Aqua Gel Activator, a firming and brightening Silk Crème Activator, and an applicator brush. This FDA-cleared facial toning device can also be used with the NuFace Smart App, and other attachments can be purchased separately. Size: 1.7 ounces | Key ingredients: Squalene, niacinamide, peptides, antioxidantsBest for: Skip if: If you're looking to target sagging skin and undesirable neck creases, we recommend the Alastin Restorative Neck Complex, which tops our list of the best neck-firming creams for good reason. It features the brand's proprietary Tri-Hex technology, which supports healthy elastin and collagen production, and incorporates phytoene and phytofluene to minimize the appearance of dark spots. Additionally, flaxseed extract can help restore hydration to depleted, fragile neck skin. Users say that a little goes a long way, which is helpful, especially given the price. Size: 1.7 ounces | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, zinc oxideBest for: Skip if: Beloved by dermatologists and Forbes Vetted editors alike (tested and approved in our best mineral sunscreens story), the EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen contains niacinamide to help promote a clearer complexion and improve the appearance of dark spots, as well as vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals. Another standout feature is that, despite containing the physical blocker zinc oxide, it leaves no white residue and is transparent, making it great for wearing alone or layered under makeup. At Forbes Vetted, we've researched and written dozens of skincare stories, including those about the best face moisturizers, best moisturizers for aging skin and more. To narrow down our options for the best skincare for women over 50, we tapped into our deep market knowledge and extensive testing experience, highlighting products and brands that offer nourishing, hydrating and effective formulas. Two significant factors that affect the skin of women over 50 are reduced estrogen levels and cumulative sun exposure. 'The transition from perimenopause to menopause causes significant changes in the skin due to declining estrogen levels,' says Dr. Leah Ansell, a board-certified dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates. 'This leads to loss of hydration, dryness, more lax skin (sagging) and crepiness of skin.' In addition, 'women over 50 start to see changes from chronic sun exposure and oxidative damage,' says Dr. Kiran Mian, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. 'These changes can include pigmented spots, increased vascularity, fine lines, folds around the nose and mouth, wrinkles across the forehead and around the eyes, and increased skin laxity leading to sagging and jowling.' After consulting with three experts, here's what else to keep in mind. While addressing age-related skin changes can seem daunting, many superstar ingredients can help make skin appear more youthful. 'Mature skin first and foremost needs hydration,' says Mian. 'Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane are great at strengthening the skin barrier and providing plumpness to the skin. Retinoids are a must, as they increase skin cell turnover, a process which slows down as we age, and stimulate collagen production.' Mian also recommends antioxidants to help counteract free radical damage that has led to pigmentary and skin quality-related changes, as well as peptides to help boost collagen and elastin production. Ansell agrees and recommends using a high-quality vitamin C to promote collagen and protect the skin. In general, skin best practices for women over 50 should begin with 'a dedicated skincare regimen with high-yield topicals tailored to the individual patient,' says Ansell. In addition to using a vitamin C and retinol, 'adding a hydrating serum under your moisturizer can help keep skin hydrated,' says Mian. You may also want to consider using a microcurrent device to help with skin firming and contouring, as well as an LED face mask to enhance skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Consider yearly laser resurfacing and skin tightening if your budget allows. And of course, always apply a daily sunscreen and get an annual skin cancer screening. But what should you avoid doing? 'Those with mature skin should avoid over exfoliation,' says Mian. 'Our skin gets thinner as we age and produces less oil. Harsh acids can [also] more readily lead to irritation and barrier disruption.' The unfortunate reality is that the best skincare products for women over 50 years old are often expensive, costing up to several hundred dollars. Choose products that fit within your budget, and consider investing in a beauty tool—such as a microcurrent device or LED face mask—for something that will last as you'll get good cost per use. 'Non-negotiables for mature skin are sun protection, retinoids and vitamin C, with LED masks and microcurrent devices as extra credit,' says Dr. Brooke Jeffy. 'Sun protection is absolutely crucial as damage is cumulative, and you want to protect improvements seen with actives and in-office treatments.' She also advises retinoid-containing products since they help stimulate collagen and elastin production and improve cell turnover, ultimately leading to an improvement in fine lines, pigmentation and radiance. 'Vitamin C products applied in the morning act as both antioxidants to reduce cellular damage during sun exposure and can also improve pigmentation,' she says. Our pick for the best eye cream for women over 50 is Furtuna Skin's Eye Revitalizing Cream. It uses active botanicals to plump and smooth, and it can reduce the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags. There are lots of great anti-aging treatments for women over 50, but the best is the one that you'll actually do or use consistently. Based on our discussions with experts, in particular they recommend a vitamin C serum (like SkinCeuticals' CE Ferulic), deeply hydrating moisturizers (we like Ilia's The Base Face Milk and Cellcosmet's Ultra Vital), a retinoid (like Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment) and a sunscreen (like EltaMD's UV Clear SPF 46). For devices, we recommend the Therabody TheraFace LED mask and the NuFace Trinity+ microcurrent tool, for visible results if used regularly and consistently. 'For those motivated to use them regularly, I think they do have positive benefits for the skin," says Jeffy.
