Which of These 4 Lush Shower Oils Make the Best Moisturising Body Wash for Winter Skin?

Updated:

19 Sep 2024

Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.

Moisturising your body is the most annoying beauty task of all. There, I said it.

Maybe it's just me, but I have zero desire to rub any kind of body lotion, cream or butter on my limbs after stepping out of a relaxing shower. Not to mention, it's physically impossible to reach all the bits that actually need moisturising on your own.

The fact is, I know I'm not the only one who finds body moisturising a bit... boring. When I posted a poll about it on my Instagram Stories, 96 per cent of you agreed with me.

It's for this reason I'm very pleased to introduce or reacquaint you with the magical powers of shower oils.

Shower Oil vs Shower Gel: What's the Difference?

The difference between a shower oil and a shower gel is exactly as it sounds: one is (mostly) water-based and the other is oil-based.

Typically, shower gels turn into a sudsy foam with water because they contain a foaming agent/ingredient. Some shower oils gently foam, but most emulsify to more of a milky, creamy lotion consistency, which can be less stripping and harsh for anyone with sensitive, super dry or irritated body skin.

Shower oils also contain a lot of hydrating oils to nourish and replenish the skin (making them ideal winter body washes). Both gels and oils can still clean your body, but a shower oil won't give you that squeaky clean feeling some people love.

Check out some of our other body product favourites in our YouTube video below!

How to Use a Shower Oil.

Using a shower oil isn't rocket science, but there are a couple ways you can use one that differ from how you'd use a body wash best for dry skin.

For example, you can either rub a small palm-full of product over damp limbs in the shower and lather up with more water OR apply it to dry skin before you even step into the shower.

I like to wash my pits with a regular body wash or an antibacterial wash, and then coat the rest of my body with a shower oil.

Best Shower Oils.

Personally, I like my showers to feel like a decadent spa and shower oils are a big part of that because they feel so luxurious.

The term 'self-care' can sometimes feel a bit wanky when there are far more important things going on in the world, but for me, ending my shower lathering up with a really beautiful shower oil makes me feel good. Even if just for a few uninterrupted minutes.

So, let's get onto four best moisturising body washes that deserve a spot in your bathroom ASAP.

1. Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil.

What:

Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Shower Oil 200ml - $16.99 for 200ml.
Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Shower Oil 1L - $39.99 for 1L.

Why it's so good:

Truly, the 1L jumbo pump pack of this Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil is the definition of a bargain and one of the best moisturising body washes we stock. I've already gone through my 200ml bottle and will be restocking with the larger size ASAP.

The fragrance-free formula is on the thinner oil side, and can be used on face and body! Young and old! It's for anyone who wants to be able to remove dirt and bacteria effectively, but finds regular body wash too stripping on the skin.

The jumbo bottle is perfect for in the shower, and chuck the smaller but still substantial one in your travel bag as your all-in-one body wash and cleanser.

Shop Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil

2. Avène Xeracalm Cleansing Oil.

What: Avene XeraCalm A.D. Cleansing Oil 400ml - $35.99 for 400ml.

Why it's so good:

Avène are up there with the best brands for anyone with sensitised skin and or a sensitive skin condition.

In winter, hot water is one of the main triggers for dermatitis and eczema. This thick, nourishing cleansing oil is packed with ceramides and lipids that make dry, itchy skin feel much more comfortable. It's clearly one of the best moisturising body washes for dry skin.

While you can also technically use this oil on your face, I prefer it for body. The thick oil texture feels lovely on the skin, but it transforms into a light, creamy foam that might sting your eyes if you try removing eye makeup with it.

The big 400ml bottle will last you ages, too. Oh, and it's fragrance-free, soap-free and hypoallergenic!

Shop Avène Xeracalm Cleansing Oil

3. L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil.

What: L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil 250ml - $39 for 250ml.

Why it's so good:

They say you never forget your first... Frankly, the first time I slathered this luscious, golden oil over my bod was far more sensual than any of my romantic firsts.

The luxurious L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil is one of the best moisturising body wash for dry skin, containing almond oil and moisturising lipids. It also has a creamy almond scent I enjoy (but those sensitive to fragrances might not).

You can apply the oil onto wet or dry skin, but once it mixes with water, the formula emulsifies to a rich lather that leaves your skin feeling like satin. A little goes a long way, but be warned: partners (specifically, mine) have been known to douse themselves in this body wash for dry skin.

Even better, the brand sells L'Occitane eco-friendly refill bundles so you can keep reusing the packaging.

Shop L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

4. Sensori+ Detoxifying & Rejuvenating Shower Oil.

What: Sensori+ Detoxifying & Rejuvenating Shower Oil - Toowoomba Carnival 4350 200ml - $49 for 200ml.

Why it's so good:

Finally, if you're after the bougie shower or bath you deserve, this vegan, cruelty-free shower oil is it.

The Sensori+ Detoxifying & Rejuvenating Shower Oil is a touch lighter than the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil, probably because it's designed to be applied to dry skin before you get in the shower. Wild.

Again, hop under the water and watch the vitamin E-rich avocado oil formula emulsify into a gentle wash that smells like a boutique fragrance or a fancy botanical gin. Think: rose, sweet orange and lavender.

The scent lingers long after you've jumped into your pjs. Delicious.

Now, if you don't mind, I think I'm gonna go have a shower.

Shop Sensori+ Shower Oil

Best Moisturising Body Washes for Dry Skin...

Want to browse more excellent moisturising body washes for dry skin?

We've got you covered. Keep scrolling for more reviews of our favourite body washes and shower oils.

Freshly Fragranced and Foaming

The La Roche-Posay Lipikar Huile Lavante AP+ Cleansing Oil is a lightweight, foaming shower oil and one of the best winter body washes. Perfect for dry, scaly winter skin, this nourishing oil contains castor oil and niacinamide to hydrate and brighten skin. While being highly replenishing, this shower oil also has a fresh, clean scent that invigorates the skin.

Creamy, Softening and Smoothing

The Kiehl's Crème de Corps Smoothing Oil to Foam Body Cleanser is an absolute triple threat: creamy, softening and smoothing. With a delicious almond/vanilla scent, this nourishing formula leaves your skin feeling extremely soft. While it may be on the expensive side, the texture of this luxurious shower oil is truly glorious.

Unique and Luxurious

Packed with 10% lipid rich shea oil, the L'Occitane Shea Shower Oil gently hydrates and soothes the skin. While being highly nourishing, this shower oil leaves the skin feeling fresh and hydrated. The texture of this shower oil is truly luxurious and something your skin will love... and don't get us started on the scent! Two words: absolutely delicious.

Beautiful and Botanical

This aromatic botanical cleansing oil turns your shower into a spa-like experience. The Ella Baché Floral Oil Body Cleanser combines Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, and Patchouli to create a gorgeous scent that makes applying this oil a real treat. Hydrating and relaxing, this cleansing oil leaves the skin feeling subtle and smooth.