Body Oil vs Lotion: When to Use Each & Why
If your skin’s feeling rough, dull or dehydrated and your usual body lotion just isn’t cutting it, a body oil might be exactly what your skin’s craving.
Many people wonder: whether it is better to use a body oil or a lotion?
So let’s talk about when to use each, and how combining both might just be the glow-up your skin's been waiting for.
What Is a Body Oil (and Why You Might Love It)
Body oils are rich, nourishing liquids made from plant-based ingredients that absorb into the skin to deliver lasting hydration and radiance.
Unlike many oils on the market, Reluminate’s Bliss Body Oil is nut-free. Nut oils can act as allergens and may irritate the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin or with nut allergies.
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Key Ingredients in Bliss Body Oil:
Why use a body oil?
Body oils are more than just a luxurious extra they’re a powerhouse step in your body care routine, especially if your skin needs extra nourishment and protection.
- Seals in hydration after your shower: The best time to apply body oil is when your skin is still slightly damp. This helps the oil trap water into the skin, locking in that post-shower hydration and preventing it from evaporating. It’s like setting your moisturiser with a nourishing top layer.
- Delivers a healthy, luminous glow: Body oils create a soft, natural sheen that makes skin look instantly smoother and more radiant. It’s that “lit-from-within” glow without any shimmer or artificial finish, just deeply cared-for skin.
- Perfect for massages and self-care rituals: Whether you're winding down for the evening or carving out a moment of calm, body oils elevate your routine. They glide beautifully over the skin, making them ideal for massages and mindful self-care rituals that leave both your body and mind at ease.
- Rich in essential fatty acids and amino acids: Our Body Bliss Oil is packed with skin-loving ingredients like Jojoba, Rosehip, Evening Primrose, and Kakadu Plum oils. These deliver essential nutrients that help strengthen the skin barrier, support elasticity, and keep your skin feeling supple and smooth.
- Shields skin from moisture loss: Body oils act as an occlusive, meaning they form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. This helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss, especially in drier climates or after bathing, keeping your skin soft, hydrated and resilient all day long.
What Is a Lotion (and Why Your Skin Might Crave It)
Lotions are water-based moisturisers that hydrate using humectants that draw moisture in. Our Kakadu Plum Body Lotion is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and full of vitamin C to brighten and strengthen the skin barrier.
Why use a lotion?
- Lotions are the everyday essential your skin can’t live without especially when it comes to hydration, comfort and maintaining a balanced skin barrier.
- Rehydrates after cleansing: Every time you cleanse your skin, you’re not only removing impurities but also stripping away some of your skin’s natural moisture. Lotion steps in to replenish lost hydration, helping your skin stay soft, supple and calm after every shower or bath.
- Absorbs quickly for on-the-go hydration: Lotions have a lighter, water-based consistency that sinks into the skin fast, no greasy residue, no waiting around to get dressed. They’re perfect for busy mornings or quick top-ups throughout the day.
- Ideal for warmer climates or oily skin types: Because they’re lightweight and breathable, lotions are especially helpful during hot weather or if you have oilier skin that still needs hydration (yes, oily skin can be dehydrated too!).
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Infused with essential skin vitamins: Quality lotions, like our Kakadu Plum Body Lotion, are enriched with skin-loving vitamins A, B, D and E. These nutrients support everything from skin tone and texture to barrier repair and elasticity—making lotion a multi-tasking hero in your routine.
Body Oil vs Lotion: When Could You Use Each?
Scenario Best Option Fresh out of the shower? Lotion then oil Dry, windy weather? Body oil is a must Need something quick? Lotion Extra flaky or irritated? Both Dewy glow for going out? Body oil Target stretch marks? Body oil Pro tip: Layer them! Use lotion first, then lock it in with oil.
Lightweight Oils vs Heavy Oils
Light oils like jojoba and camellia absorb quickly, perfect for daily use. Heavy oils like castor oil can sit on the skin with an oiler feel. We have formulated our Body Bliss Oil to be fast absorbing.
Our Favourite Skincare Duo: Bliss Body Oil + Kakadu Plum Body Lotion
At Reluminate Beauty, we believe skincare should be simple, effective, and joyful. Pair our Bliss Body Oil with Kakadu Plum Body Lotion for radiant, nourished skin that's never sticky or greasy. Vegan, cruelty-free, nut-free, and made right here in Australia.
Why Both?
Your skin has different needs throughout the day and across seasons. Reach for lotion to hydrate and oil to seal it all in. Together, they help maintain softness, elasticity, and glow—naturally.
Ready to glow from head to toe? Try Bliss Body Oil and Kakadu Plum Body Lotion today - the Reluminate way.
FAQs
- Can I use body oil on my face? Stick to oils formulated for the face like jojoba or rosehip.
- When should I apply body oil? Post-shower, while skin is still damp.
- Is lotion better for summer and oil for winter? Yes, but layering works year-round.
- What makes Kakadu Plum so good? It's one of nature's richest sources of vitamin C.
- Is your body oil greasy? Not at all. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin glowing.
- Can I use body oil for stretch marks? Yes. Rosehip and vitamin E support elasticity and fade marks.
- What’s the difference between a body oil and a body serum? Serums are more targeted; oils focus on moisture and protection.
- How do I choose oils for my skin type? Lightweight for oily, richer oils for dry skin.
- What makes Reluminate's oil different? It's nut-free, Australian-made, and designed for mature skin.
- Can body oil replace moisturiser? Not quite. Use both for best results.
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