As the temperature drops, so does our skin’s moisture. Winter demands an extra layer of care to protect against dryness and flakiness, and what better way to do so than with nourishing body oils? Women-led brands have redefined skincare with high-quality, ethically crafted oils designed to hydrate, repair, and protect your skin during the harshest months. Here’s a detailed guide to 10 incredible body oils that will be your skin’s best friend this winter.
Why do you need Body Oils in Winter?
According to Ayurveda, winters can cause a lot of imbalances and aggravate Vata dosha. One of the solutions is the Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga – massaging your body with warm, herb-infused oils. This helps to provide warmth to the body to counter the cold weather and vata aggravation.
Ayurveda or not, body and massage oils are a skincare essential during winters. They provide deep, long-lasting hydration that helps against dryness caused by cold air and indoor heating. Unlike lotions, oils create a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture. Additionally, they enhance the skin’s natural glow, offering a luxurious feel.
Best Body and Massage Oils for you from Homegrown, Clean Beauty Brands:
1. Purearth Bitter Apricot All-Over Oil (₹3,600 for 100ml)
This luxurious oil is made with cold-pressed bitter apricot (Khubani) kernels sourced from the Himalayas. Packed with vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids, it deeply nourishes and softens dry skin. It is lightweight yet hydrating, which makes it perfect for winter as it leaves your skin moisturized without feeling heavy. The multi-use formula also works beautifully on face and hair, adding versatility to your winter skincare routine. Founded by Kavita Khosa, a yoga teacher, Purearth is a clean and natural beauty brand, which is all about sustainability and ethical sourcing.
2. Indulgeo Essentials Hermosa Body Oil (₹1,800 for 100ml)
The Hermosa Body Oil features a powerful blend of three amazing essential oils, which together help to dull, dehydrated and damaged skin. It is rich with antioxidants provided by rosehip oil, hydrating properties of sweet almond oil, and anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits of sandalwood oil. The lightweight texture makes it perfect for layering under winter clothing without a greasy feel. Indulgeo Essentials started as a home-based brand, founded by Supriya Malik, combining the best of Ayurvedic wisdom with scientific techniques.
3. Ohria Ayurveda Dhanwantaram Thailam Oil (₹1,395 for 200ml)
This Ayurvedic formulation is a must-have for winter wellness. With sesame oil as its base, this body massage oil contains 28 herbs like Amalaki, Manjistha, Yasthimadhu, Ashwagandha, Raktchandan, and more. This a blend of therapeutic herbs, improves circulation and deeply nourishes the skin. Ideal for massage, it helps strengthen the body while keeping your skin soft and supple. Its warming properties are particularly beneficial for cold winter mornings. Founded by Rajni Ohri, the brand is all about sourcing natural and organic ingredients for its Ayurvedic products.
4. Tatha Jasmine Massage Oil (₹1200 for 200ml)
A blend of jasmine and vanilla, this oil is a fragrant treat for your skin. Jasmine’s antioxidant properties help rejuvenate dull winter skin, while vanilla leaves you with deep hydration and a calming effect. This oil from Divita Kanoria’s Tatha, plant stem cell-based skincare brand, is ideal for all skin types.
5. Soulflower Lemongrass & Peppermint Aroma Massage Oil (₹450 for 90ml)
This refreshing blend of lemongrass and peppermint is perfect for revitalizing your body and reenergizing your senses on dull winter days. Enriched with many other nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants oils like olive, sesame and rosemary, it hydrates and refreshes the skin while boosting circulation. Soulflower by Natasha Tuli is a brand that not only brings natural and chemical-free skincare, but is also Vegan and approved by PETA.
6. Daughter Earth A Thousand Roses Body Elixir (₹1,250 for 50ml)
Here’s another clean beauty brand for animal lovers, that’s cruelty-free and vegan, founded by Prasanthy Gurugubelli, an engineer by profession. This exquisite body elixir is infused with a number of plant and flower oils, including marula, mulberry, jojoba, pomegranate, grape seed, mulberry and vetiver root, and many more. Its rich, velvety formula is perfect for winter, as it combats dryness and dullness, leaving your skin glowing and nourished.
7. Juicy Chemistry Cold-Pressed Argan Carrier Oil (₹650 for 30ml)
Known as “liquid gold,” argan oil is a winter essential. Juicy Chemistry’s cold-pressed variant is rich in essential Omega-9 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and phenols, making it ideal for repairing and deeply moisturizing dry skin. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, making it perfect for both face and body use. Co-founded by Megha Asher, Juicy Chemistry products are made with natural ingredients, with zero sulphates, synthetic fragrances, and harmful dyes.
8. Forest Essentials Nargis After Bath Oil (₹1,695 for 130ml)
Speaking of homegrown, clean beauty brands we cannot skip Mira Kulkarni’s Forest Essentials. Especially this after-bath oil, which has the delicate aroma of Nargis flowers, and is a luxurious winter treat for your body. Enriched with apricot and avocado oils, and herbs like Ashwagandha and Gokharu, it hydrates, nourishes and rejuvenates dull skin. Its quick absorption and lingering fragrance make it an effortless way to keep your skin supple and fragrant all day long.
9. Ras Luxury Oils Sparkle Shimmer Highlighting Body Oil (₹1,690 for 100ml)
RAS Luxury Oils is a natural and clean beauty and wellness brand founded by mother-daughter duo, Shubhika Jain and Sangeeta Jain. It has a wide range of body and massage oils, but our pick for this list is the Shimmer Body Oil. For those winter parties or a little extra glow, this is your go-to body oil. Enriched with nourishing oils like coconut, jojoba and Glycine Soja, it hydrates while leaving a subtle shimmer on your skin.
10. Soma Naturals Agape Body Oil (₹999 for 100ml)
Founded by Gaurangi Mangal, Soma Naturals is a new, home-run brand that boasts of the tagline – “So Pure your skin can eat it.” This Agape Body Oil from the growing, clean beauty brand is enriched with wood-pressed coconut oil, Ayuvedic herbs and flowers. It has a mix of 25 oils and herbs known to balance the Vata, Kapha and Pitta doshas, making it a perfect pick for the cold weather. This lightweight formula penetrates deeply to hydrate and repair winter-worn skin. It’s perfect for massages, leaving the skin smooth and rejuvenated with a natural glow.
This winter, elevate your skincare routine with these exceptional body oils. Which one are you trying first? Let us know!
Also Read: Relationship Expert shares 10 Signs you are being Treated well in Your Relationship
Also Read: 7 Best Cuticle Oils In India that your Nails need Right Now to Make your Manicures Last Longer