A dry oil is a light oil that sinks into skin quickly and doesn't leave a greasy film. It isn't actually dry. The name describes how it feels once it's on: soft, not slick.
What makes an oil "dry"?
It comes down to the ingredients. Some oils are light and spread easily, so they absorb fast. Others, like coconut or olive oil, are heavier and sit on the surface for longer.
Dry oils use the lighter kind. In Universal Oil, that's squalane and coco caprylate. They give it a quick, non-greasy finish, so you can get dressed straight after using it. Here's what each of its ingredients does.
Is a dry oil good for dry skin?
Yes. "Dry" describes the finish, not the effect. A dry oil still softens dry, tight or rough skin. It just does it without leaving you shiny.
How do you use a dry oil?
Warm 2–3 drops between your palms, then press or smooth it in.
- Face: press into clean, damp skin as your last step.
- Body: smooth onto damp skin after a shower, or dab onto dry patches, elbows and heels.
- Hair: run a drop or two through dry ends. More on oil for dry ends.
- Beard: massage into your beard and the skin underneath. More on unscented beard oil.
- Nails and cuticles: rub a single drop into each hand.
Tip: oils spread further and sink in faster on damp skin, so you need less.
Dry oil vs body lotion
Lotions are mostly water, which means they need preservatives and often fragrance. An oil has no water in it, so it can be simpler. You can use a dry oil on its own, or mix a few drops into your usual moisturiser.
One dry oil for everything
Universal Oil is a fragrance free dry oil for face, body, hair, beard, nails and cuticles. One bottle instead of four.