Body Oils 101: A Simple Way to Start Your Skincare Formulation Journey

There’s something incredibly grounding about making your own skincare. Whether it’s a whipped butter or a slow-infused oil, there’s a quiet satisfaction in working with your hands—especially when the final product feels like a little luxury.

If you're new to formulating or just looking for something gentle and versatile to make, body oils are one of the best places to begin. They're simple, beautiful, and functional. Plus, they don’t require preservatives, special equipment, or a steep learning curve.

In this post, we’ll walk through the four main types of body oils and share a basic recipe to help you get started.

So... what exactly is a body oil?

At its core, a body oil is a blend of plant-based oils designed to moisturize and nourish the skin. Depending on the oils you choose, it can be lightweight and quick-absorbing, or rich and buttery—great for locking in moisture after a shower.

The beauty of formulating body oils is that they’re endlessly customizable. Want something calming before bed? Add lavender. Need something invigorating? Try rosemary or citrus. Want to keep it minimal? Just two or three oils will do.

Beautiful Herbal Infused Oil

The Four Body Oil Types

In my own product journey, I’ve come to classify body oils into four general categories:

• Wet Oils: Rich and emollient, they leave a dewy finish and are great for deep hydration.

• Dry Oils: Light and fast-absorbing, perfect for daily wear or summer skin.

• Massage Oils: Designed for glide and comfort—ideal for rituals or self-care Sundays.

• Luxe Oils: Shimmer, scent, indulgence. These are your mood-boosters in a bottle.

Each type serves a purpose, and once you get to know their differences, it becomes much easier to formulate intentionally.

A Simple Dry Oil to Start With

This recipe is light, soothing, and suitable for most skin types—especially if you're a fan of dewy skin without the greasy after-feel.

Radiant Dew Facial Oil (2 oz)

• 1.2 oz Camellia Seed Oil

• 0.6 oz Calendula-infused Jojoba Oil

• 0.2 oz Squalane

Combine all ingredients in a sanitized beaker or bottle and shake gently. Apply a few drops to clean, damp skin in the morning.

Want to Go Deeper?

This recipe is just a peek into what’s possible.

If you’re ready to experiment with wet, dry, massage, and luxe oils—and want to understand how to price your products, choose your ingredients, and infuse them with purpose—I’ve created a full Signature Body Oil Workbook just for you.

It’s not free, because what’s in it is worth far more than a download. It’s a guide for serious makers, small-batch sellers, and ingredient nerds (like me!) who want to create with confidence and clarity.

Inside, you’ll get:

• A breakdown of each oil type

• Ingredient lists and pairing tips

• Herbal infusion advice

• Four exclusive production-ready recipes (using only 3 oils each)

• COGS and pricing suggestions for turning passion into product

Whether you’re formulating for yourself, your family, or your business—body oils are a beautiful place to begin.

Have questions? Want to share your favorite oil blends?

Let’s talk in the comments or over in the DIY Skincare Community. We’re all learning, experimenting, and making magic—one batch at a time.

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