What Is Dry Oil? Benefits For Skin, Hair & Nails + How To Use Them Correctly

If you're on the hunt for a new favorite body or facial oil, you've likely come across the term "dry oil." (Don't worry: If you're wondering how could something liquid and conditioning also be dry, we're here to clarify things for you.) Lately they've become incredibly popular for a reason: Their unique textures not only feel great on the skin, but they're more universally wearable for all skin types and often come chock-full of enhancing properties.

The term refers to the rate at which oil absorbs into the skin, not the consistency of the oil itself. Dry oils are those that are also described as "light" or "not greasy." Unlike thicker oils, they don't leave a lasting, noticeable residue on the body, so the skin feels dry after application. Folks who tend to prefer lightweight face creams and products tend to prefer dry oils over wet oils.

And the concept has been around for ages: Many herbalists, aromatherapists, and product formulators refer to dry oils as lightweight and quick-absorbing oils used in skin and hair care. Like many descriptors in the beauty industry, there is no hard-and-fast classification for which oils are defined as dry, but there is general consensus among beauty experts that they are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, namely linoleic, and encompass vegetable, seed, and herbal oils.

Oils, we know, are occlusives—they trap water into the skin and hair and keep the precious moisture from seeping out. But while dry oils are still classified as traditional carrier oils, they won’t leave a sticky feeling on the surface of your skin. One of the most common complaints with body oils that they can leave a residue on the skin, which can transfer to clothing, linens, and more. There's not the same concern with dry oils as the absorption rate is so much faster. By the time you go to put on your clothing, you'll be ready to go.

This also means they're a great option to spot treat throughout the day. If you want to use your dry oil as a cuticle oil or to pay closer attention to areas like your hands, it won't get in the way.

Here, mindbodygreen’s beauty director Alexandra Engler highlights her favorite dry oils.

Again, "dry" refers to how the oil sinks into the skin, not the texture of the oil itself. Meaning: Both dry and wet oils are, technically "wet." The difference is, wet oils are heavy on the skin and are slow to absorb. They often linger on top of the skin, like massage oil.

That's not to say wet oils aren't without their advantages: Wet oils take their time penetrating the dermis, which makes them great for relieving itchiness and chronic dryness. That's what makes them superb for inflammatory skin conditions. Some common wet oils are neem, coconut, castor, tamanu, baobab, sweet almond, hemp seed oil, and apricot kernel. Conventionally, these heavier oils have been the base of many water-based product formulations, like night creams. Due to their thicker, emollient nature, they're best for those looking for better moisture retention throughout the night.

If you’re interested in bringing more oils into your life, experiment with what works for you. There is not one oil protocol that’s effective for all skin types and goals. That said, here are some ways you can apply dry oils on hair, skin, and nails, but feel free to stick to what works best for you.