What Is a Dry Oil?
A dry oil is a body oil formulated to absorb quickly and leave skin feeling dry to the touch, not oily or tacky, shortly after you apply it. The name is a bit of a contradiction (it's still an oil), but it refers to the finish: no greasy residue, no shine, no oil left sitting on the surface of your skin.
How It's Different from a Regular Body Oil
Heavier, traditional oils are formulated to sit on skin longer, which is useful for something like an extended massage where you want lasting slip and glide. A dry oil trades that longer working time for speed. It's built to sink in fast so you can get dressed right after applying it, without oil transferring onto clothes.
What Makes an Oil Absorb Faster?
It comes down to the carrier oils used. Lighter oils sink into skin faster than heavier oils like straight olive or coconut oil, which sit on the surface longer before they're fully absorbed. That's the whole difference between a dry oil and a heavier one: the same basic idea of moisturizing with plant oils instead of water, built from ingredients chosen for speed rather than staying power.
Why Ours Absorbs the Way It Does
Our body oils are built on fractionated coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil, carrier oils commonly chosen in skincare specifically because they're lightweight and fast-absorbing, rather than heavier oils that take longer to sink in. Calendula and comfrey leaf extract are added for their soothing reputation in skincare.
How to Use a Dry Oil
- Apply to slightly damp skin right after a shower. It spreads more easily and helps lock in extra moisture.
- Use a small amount and massage it in; a dry oil goes further than you'd expect.
- Give it a minute before getting dressed if you're applying a generous amount.
Who It's For
If you don't like the greasy, sit-on-top feeling some oils and lotions leave behind, or you want something that layers well under clothes or makeup, a dry oil is worth trying. It's less suited to a long, slow massage, where a heavier, slower-absorbing oil gives your hands more glide time.
Try It
All four of our Herbal Body Oils, Grapefruit + Bergamot, Santal Rouge, Seaside Escape, and Vanilla + Almond, are fast-absorbing dry oils built on the same base. Browse every scent in our body oil collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Oil
What is a dry oil, exactly?
A dry oil is a body oil formulated to absorb quickly and leave skin feeling dry to the touch rather than oily or tacky. It's still 100% oil; the "dry" refers to the finish, not the ingredients.
What's the difference between a dry oil and a regular body oil?
It comes down to the carrier oils used. A dry oil is built from lighter, fast-absorbing oils like jojoba and fractionated coconut oil, while a heavier body oil may lean on oils like straight olive or coconut oil that sit on the skin's surface longer before fully absorbing.
Is dry oil the same as a facial serum?
No. A serum is typically a concentrated, actives-driven product formulated for the face in small doses. Dry oil is a lightweight, all-over body moisturizer, and the two aren't interchangeable.
Can I use a dry oil for massage?
It's not the best choice. Because it absorbs so quickly, a dry oil doesn't give your hands much glide time for a long, slow massage. A heavier, slower-absorbing oil works better for that.
How long does a dry oil take to absorb?
Most people notice it sinking in within a minute or two, though exact timing depends on how much you apply and your skin type.
Is dry oil enough for very dry skin?
It can be, but if your skin needs extra staying power, layering a heavier body butter or lotion bar on top of the oil adds more lasting moisture.
Can I use dry oil under makeup?
Yes. Since it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy film, it's a good option to layer under makeup on the body or under clothing.
