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  • 8 Best Tried and True Japanese Body Oils in 2022 (Muji, Kose, and More) 1
  • 8 Best Tried and True Japanese Body Oils in 2022 (Muji, Kose, and More) 2
  • 8 Best Tried and True Japanese Body Oils in 2022 (Muji, Kose, and More) 3
  • 8 Best Tried and True Japanese Body Oils in 2022 (Muji, Kose, and More) 4
  • 8 Best Tried and True Japanese Body Oils in 2022 (Muji, Kose, and More) 5

8 Best Tried and True Japanese Body Oils in 2022 (Muji, Kose, and More)

Winter means cold weather and dry air. If your elbows, legs, and arms are in serious need of hydration, why not try a body oil? They're also great for massages! There are some excellent Japanese body oils, some with scents and others fragrance-free. But with so many good brands like Kose, Son Bahyu, and Muji, how do you know what to choose? Our editors searched Japanese e-commerce sites such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping for the best Japanese body oils available online. We then picked out the most popular products and tested them.


We focused on two things:


  1. Moisturizing power
  2. Non-stickiness


We then ranked the products and put what we learned into a buying guide to help you choose the best Japanese body oils available online.


Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

Is Body Oil Better Than Lotion?

Is Body Oil Better Than Lotion?

The main difference between body oil and lotion is the amount of water in them. Because lotions contain a high percentage of water, they can moisturize well. Oils, however, form a film on the skin's surface and lock in moisture. Lotions can't provide that strong barrier like oils can.


But because body oils have low water content, it's best to use them right after taking a bath or shower. You can also use them in combination with lotion or milky lotion. And they spread easily, which is why they're also great for relaxing massages.

How to Choose Japanese Body Oils

We recommend keeping these four points in mind when you're deciding on a Japanese body oil.

1

Different Types of Oils Have Different Effects

Body oil is a broad term. The characteristics of a body oil will depend on what kind of oil it uses. Here are some commonly used oils, so choose according to your purpose and desired effects.

Jojoba Oil is a Trusted Skin-Friendly Moisturizer

Jojoba Oil is a Trusted Skin-Friendly Moisturizer

Jojoba oil is maybe the most commonly used in body oils. It rubs in easily, and has excellent moisturizing and conditioning properties. It's suitable for all skin types and the texture is smooth and light. It's also a great cleansing oil, as it removes sebum and dirt.

Argan Oil is Great for Aging Care

Argan Oil is Great for Aging Care

If you want to make your skin look more youthful, try argan oil. It's rich in vitamin E, which gives firmness to the skin. Of course, it's highly moisturizing as well. It's smooth and not too heavy, so it's a great choice for people who want a lightweight oil.

Olive Oil is the Best for Body Massage

Olive Oil is the Best for Body Massage

Olive oil is another skin-friendly choice that also provides a softening effect. The intense moisturizing and its texture make it perfect for massage. But don't just go to the kitchen and grab your cooking oil. The refining method for skincare products and food is not the same and doing so could cause skin problems.

2

Pay Attention to the Expiration Date to Avoid Oxidation

Pay Attention to the Expiration Date to Avoid Oxidation

Some oils oxidize more quickly than others, and how long a body oil takes to expire depends on its components and any preservatives. Oxidized oils can lead to skin issues.


Pay special attention to organic products that contain almost no preservatives. After opening, use the product up within three to four months to be safe. Check the date on the product and make sure you'll be able to use it up before then.


If you're unable to determine the use-by date or have had it sitting around a while and aren't sure it's still good, do a patch test on the skin of your upper inside arm. Smell it, too, to see if it has a rancid odor.

3

Choose a Viscosity That Suits Your Purpose

Some oils are low-viscosity and free flowing. Others are highly viscous and thick. They suit different purposes, so choose accordingly.

For Massage, Go for Viscous and Thick

For Massage, Go for Viscous and Thick

For massage purposes, a highly viscous oil is better. It won't run off the skin easily so you can really work it in and spread it around. These oils are usually stickier, and some may not be fond of that, but we found some that aren't so bad during our tests. Check the product scores to find the right ones!

Thinner Oils Can be Used on the Face as a Booster

Thinner Oils Can be Used on the Face as a Booster

If you're looking for an oil to use as a booster to make lotion application easier after washing your face, look for a smooth texture and low viscosity. These will blend into the skin more quickly and be less sticky.


But be careful when using body oils on your face. They tend to be more pure and don't oxidize easily. Not all of them are safe for use on the face, and unrefined oils especially can cause problems such as burning and acne.

4

Get an Oil With an Aroma You Like

Get an Oil With an Aroma You Like

The scent of your body oil should help you relax! Aromas will be stronger when the temperature is higher, so for maximum effect try using it for massage after taking a hot bath. You can also use a strongly-scented oil instead of perfume in the morning.


The scent may be stated on the package, but even if it's labeled as unscented, it may have a smell of the particular oil. Try a tester, check reviewer comments, and look at our rankings, because we wrote it down for you!

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8 Best Japanese Body Oils Ranking

Here are the best Japanese Body Oils, ranked according to Compare the Best Japanese Body Oils (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Yakushido

Son Bahyu

Yakushido Son Bahyu 1

$19.79

Low Mid

mybest's Top Choice! 100% Horse Oil for Ultimate Moisture

2

Muji

Jojoba Oil

Muji Jojoba Oil 1

$15.31

Low Mid

100% Jojoba Oil for Moist Skin

3

Nanzen

Spa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil

Nanzen Spa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil 1

$52.18

High Mid

Highly Moisturizing, Not Sticky, and Odorless

4

Fernanda Japan

Maria Regale Fragrance Body Oil Gelee

Fernanda Japan Maria Regale Fragrance Body Oil Gelee 1

$16.94

Low Mid

Recommended if You Want Scented Oil

5

Kose

Happy Bath Day Body Steam Oil

Kose Happy Bath Day Body Steam Oil 1

$23.22

Mid

Great to Use After a Bath

6

uka

Body Oil Hug

uka Body Oil Hug 1

$62.58

High Mid

A Smooth Finish, but Could be More Moisturizing

7

Expand

Roiche Beauty Oil Cream

Expand Roiche Beauty Oil Cream 1

$20.12

Mid

Very Hydrating, but Also Very Sticky

8

Muji

Sweet Almond Oil

Muji Sweet Almond Oil 1

$35.71

High Mid

We Were Not Fans... at All

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

YakushidoSon Bahyu

Son Bahyu 1
Source:my-best.com
Son Bahyu 2
Source:my-best.com
Son Bahyu 3
Source:my-best.com
Son Bahyu 4
Source:my-best.com
Son Bahyu 5
Source:my-best.com
Son Bahyu 6
Source:my-best.com
Reference price
$19.79
Low Mid
Reference price
$19.79
Low Mid

mybest's Top Choice! 100% Horse Oil for Ultimate Moisture

This fragrance-free horse oil blends easily into your skin and can be used on the face, hair, lips and even inside the mouth because it contains no additives. It's a versatile product for the whole body!


We used a mochi rice cake to test moisturizing power (you can find out more about that after our Top 8 list) and the surface of the mochi was preserved in perfect condition with no cracking at all. It surely can do the same for your skin!


It is a bit sticky but not too bad. The unique gel-like texture melts into your skin and blends smoothly. Plus, the fact that it's additive and fragrance-free makes it suitable for sensitive skin and anyone regardless of gender or age. So unless you're vegan, this should be your go-to body oil!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

MujiJojoba Oil

Reference price
$15.31
Low Mid

100% Jojoba Oil for Moist Skin

Muji's signature understated style extends to simple ingredients even in skincare. With no additives, no scent, and nothing but pure jojoba oil, this product can even be used for scalp care.


The high moisturizing power showed in our mochi test. The very slight cracking proves it will be excellent at suppressing dryness on your skin. It blends well and isn't very sticky, leaving only four beads attached to our hand (for more on the stickiness test using beads, read on to our buying guide!)

No.3

NanzenSpa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil

Spa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil 1
Source:my-best.com
Spa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil 2
Source:my-best.com
Spa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil 3
Source:my-best.com
Spa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil 4
Source:my-best.com
Spa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil 5
Source:my-best.com
Spa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil 6
Source:my-best.com
Reference price
$52.18
High Mid

Highly Moisturizing, Not Sticky, and Odorless

This one doesn't smell at all, even if you stick your nose right in it! It's cold-pressed argan oil and certified organic. Our test mochi developed some cracks, but the moisturizing power is above average.


With only four beads stuck on our hand it also proves to have little unpleasant stickiness. If you want decent moisturizing, a clean finish and zero scent, go for this one.

No.4

Fernanda JapanMaria Regale Fragrance Body Oil Gelee

Maria Regale Fragrance Body Oil Gelee 1
Source:my-best.com
Maria Regale Fragrance Body Oil Gelee 2
Source:my-best.com
Maria Regale Fragrance Body Oil Gelee 3
Source:my-best.com
Maria Regale Fragrance Body Oil Gelee 4
Source:my-best.com
Maria Regale Fragrance Body Oil Gelee 5
Source:my-best.com
Reference price
$16.94
Low Mid
Reference price
$16.94
Low Mid

Recommended if You Want Scented Oil

Based on a fragrance brand out of Los Angeles, this oil blend offers a sweet floral scent. The texture is gel-like and offered satisfactory moisturizing in our mochi test, with only a few cracks appearing.


The stickiness level was just average. It's not the cleanest finish, but it also won't leave you with an unpleasant feeling. We recommend it for good moisturizing with a lovely aroma.

No.5

KoseHappy Bath Day Body Steam Oil

Happy Bath Day Body Steam Oil 1
Source:my-best.com
Happy Bath Day Body Steam Oil 2
Source:my-best.com
Happy Bath Day Body Steam Oil 3
Source:my-best.com
Happy Bath Day Body Steam Oil 4
Source:my-best.com
Happy Bath Day Body Steam Oil 5
Source:my-best.com
Reference price
$23.22
Mid

Great to Use After a Bath

This is perfect for your spa day! It spreads easily and offers a smooth, moist feel. It does have a strong sweet rose scent, so avoid it if you're sensitive to fragrances.


It was slightly above average in moisturizing, but did well in our bead test. Since it won't leave you feeling so sticky, you can apply it after bathing and still get dressed right away!

No.6

ukaBody Oil Hug

Reference price
$62.58
High Mid

A Smooth Finish, but Could be More Moisturizing

This oil is derived from butterfly cocoons, artichoke thistle, and argan oil. It has no added fragrance but you get a heady scent of ylang-ylang when you apply it.


It didn't fare too well in our mochi test, and we feel the moisturizing is about average. If you have very dry skin you may want more. But being non-sticky is where it excelled. It spreads easily, absorbs into the skin fast, and would be perfect for a refreshing after-bath treatment.

No.7

ExpandRoiche Beauty Oil Cream

Roiche Beauty Oil Cream 1
Source:my-best.com
Roiche Beauty Oil Cream 2
Source:my-best.com
Roiche Beauty Oil Cream 3
Source:my-best.com
Roiche Beauty Oil Cream 4
Source:my-best.com
Roiche Beauty Oil Cream 5
Source:my-best.com
Reference price
$20.12
Mid
Reference price
$20.12
Mid

Very Hydrating, but Also Very Sticky

This one has jojoba, argan and rose oils as well as other moisturizing ingredients; and indeed, it did well in our mochi test, with only a few cracks appearing. It smells lightly of rose.


But the gel-like texture left 10 beads on our hands during the stickiness test! It's not good if you need to get dressed right after applying or just don't like sticky moisturizers.

No.8

MujiSweet Almond Oil

Sweet Almond Oil 1
Source:my-best.com
Sweet Almond Oil 2
Source:my-best.com
Sweet Almond Oil 3
Source:my-best.com
Sweet Almond Oil 4
Source:my-best.com
Sweet Almond Oil 5
Source:my-best.com
Reference price
$35.71
High Mid

We Were Not Fans... at All

This fragrance-free, colorant-free oil from almond seeds is suitable for those with sensitive skin. But that's about all we can say that's good about it, unfortunately!


Many cracks formed during our mochi test. It left 13 beads stuck on our hands during the stickiness test. So if it's not great at moisturizing and super sticky to boot, well, we just can't really recommend it, at least not for skincare.

Tips for Storing Your Body Oil

Tips for Storing Your Body Oil

As we mentioned, oxidization could not only cause a body oil to lose its effectiveness, but may also lead to adverse skin reactions. So you need to be careful about how you store it.


Keep the oil out of direct sunlight and away from high temperatures and humidity. If it's really hot for a long time during the summer, it's okay to keep body oils in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind they may solidify while they're cold, and don't keep them in a vegetable drawer as the humidity is higher there.

Oils Can Work for All Kinds of Skincare!

Oils Can Work for All Kinds of Skincare!

Body oils are great for locking in moisture, but oils can help with your skincare routine in lots of ways! Check out these other great beauty products and make oils work for you.

Top 5 Japanese Body Oils

No. 1: YakushidoSon Bahyu

No. 2: MujiJojoba Oil

No. 3: NanzenSpa Hinoki Organic Argan Oil

No. 4: Fernanda JapanMaria Regale Fragrance Body Oil Gelee

No. 5: KoseHappy Bath Day Body Steam Oil

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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