Body oils have been around in the skincare industry for years, formulated with a blend of oils to primarily offer the skin deep moisture as well as a whole host of other benefits. But as with any product that surges in popularity, comes many myths and misconceptions. Which is why we are going to address some of the most common myths about body oils, and get to the nitty gritty of how to separate the truth from the tales.

1. Body Oil Is Not Fast Absorbing
A common myth that has far too long been instilled in our minds is the idea that body oils do not absorb quickly, and therefore we are left waiting around before getting dressed. We’d call this is a half truth. In reality, no two body oils are the same, but the answers are in the ingredients. To get stuck into the science of things, we must first acknowledge that there are two types of oils; mineral based oils and plant oils. Mineral oils are petroleum based, and due to the molecular structure they hold, the skin is unable to absorb this type of oil, instead it sits on the surface of the skin forming an occlusive layer which can hold in water, but does not actually add any moisture into the skin. On the other hand plant oils, with their smaller molecular structure are able to easily penetrate the skin, and have overall shown significantly higher absorption rates, meaning you’re able to enjoy the many benefits of plant oils without being left with a slick residue on the surface of the skin.

2. Body Oil is Best Applied Onto Damp Skin
Yes, yes and yes again. In order to truly maximise the benefits of a body oil, applying onto damp skin (so right after stepping out the shower) is the ideal method if you’re looking for supple, hydrated skin. This technique makes use of our body’s natural ability to hold moisture by helping the oil to penetrate the skin quicker and more effectively. This is because damp skin is more receptive to oils, resulting in better absorption levels as the oil helps to lock in the water too, maximising how much moisture is being delivered layers deep into the skin. Damp skin can also make it a lot easier and therefore quicker to spread the oil into the skin as the blend of the water and oil can make it a lot more durable.

3. Eczema Prone Skin Will Benefit More From Water Based Lotion
This one is a definite no. When it comes to Eczema, harsh ingredients or irritants will only trigger the condition and potentially lead to more frequent or more severe flare ups. As Eczema, otherwise known as Atopic Dermatitis most common symptoms includes itching, dryness and red, inflamed skin, moisture and nutrients must be delivered to the skin in a way that will help heal the already damaged skin barrier. Unfortunately lotions, with their high water content as well as alcohols and preservatives merely offer short term relief, but once the immediate effect wears off the skin ends up more stripped of hydration than it was prior to application. In contrast, body oils are rich and potent, undiluted products which are often bursting with essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants to repair a compromised skin barrier, as well as alleviating itchy, inflamed skin.

4. Body oil is only for dry skin
We’ve addressed the idea that body oils offer a hit of hydration and moreish moisture, but they also offer so much more – meaning they offer benefits those with normal and even oily skin would enjoy. Oils such as Jojoba Oil and Cranberry Seed Oil, are rich in antioxidants in the form of Vitamins E and B to fight off free radicals and therefore protect the skin from environmental damage. They also contain fatty acids which closely resemble the sebum our body naturally produces. So with regular application body oils can help to regulate the amount of oil your body naturally produces, so for those with excessively oily skin it can work wonders to minimise this.

5. Body Oil Can Only Be Used On The Body
For us, we’d have to disagree. At Vemel we champion multi purpose products that don’t skimp out in any area. That’s why we designed our Marigold Nectar oil as a hair and body oil. In fact, our confidence in our product was only further confirmed when one of the many awards it received was the ‘Best Multi Tasking Eco Product’ in the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2023. The key to creating the perfect product that doubles up as a hair and body oil is our carefully curated ingredient list. From Apricot Kernel Oil to Amaranth Extract and of course Marigold Extract – this blend of oils and extracts is rich in ceramides to soothe and restore the skin and scalp, as well as strengthening the roots to stimulate healthy hair growth. Because we believe versatility helps skincare go that one step further, so whether it’s a post shower body oil, a pre-wash scalp treatment or a nourishing hair oil, we focus on the quality so you can enjoy the results.