3 Best Oils for Extremely Dry Skin on Your Legs (updated for 2025)

I find that the skin on my legs requires a lot more care than anywhere else, and if I don’t apply oil and moisturiser regularly, my shins get extremely dry and flaky! Over the years I’ve tried out loads of different natural remedies, oils and drugstore products to try and improve the skin on my legs. I’ve now come up with my top three oils for dry legs, and I use all three of them regularly in my beauty routine.

Video on the Best Oils for Dry Legs

In the video below I go through all three of my favourite oils that I use regularly on my legs.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclosure here.

Oils Mentioned in my Video

1. Piglet in Bed Untamed Moss Wallow Bath & Body Oil (200ml)

This luxurious bath and body oil is made in the UK, vegan, and cruelty-free. The Untamed Moss blend is rich and deeply hydrating, making it perfect for dry, flaky skin on legs. I love how nourishing it feels, yet it absorbs well without leaving a greasy finish.

Best for: Natural hydration, vegan skincare lovers

2. L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil (100ml)

A long-time bestseller, the L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil provides silky hydration and 48-hour moisture. Infused with almond oil, it smooths, firms, and restores softness to dry legs. This one is my go-to when I want indulgent, spa-like skincare at home.

Best for: Lightweight hydration and silky-soft skin

3. Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Rich Body Oil (100ml)

The Ritual of Ayurveda Rich Body Oil is infused with Indian rose and sweet almond oil. It balances and nourishes the skin while leaving a subtle, calming fragrance. It’s lightweight but still deeply moisturising, making it a perfect everyday oil for legs.

Best for: Balancing hydration and a luxury feel

Symptoms of Dry Skin on Legs

Dry skin can show up in different ways, depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:

• Itching
• Redness
• Flaky or scaly patches
• Cracked skin
• Skin that feels tight after showering or swimming
• Grey or ashy-looking skin
• Fine lines on the shins

For me I can just see that my skin looks scaly and unhappy.

Common Causes of Dry Skin on Legs

There are many reasons why the skin on your legs may become dry. The most common include:

• Weather changes – cold air and low humidity strip away moisture.
• Harsh products – soaps, cleansers, and fragranced products can dry out skin.
• Allergic reactions – contact dermatitis from body wash, detergents, or outdoor triggers.
• Skin conditions – eczema, psoriasis, or keratosis pilaris often appear on the legs.
• Age – as we get older, oil production naturally decreases.
• Medical conditions – issues like thyroid problems, diabetes, or kidney disease can lead to dryness.

I never use soap on my legs as I know this will dry the skin out. For some reason I’ve always had dry skin on my legs so I wonder if genetics comes into it as well. I do also have a thyroid problem but I’m sure my legs were dry before I ever developed that problem.

Prevention Tips

As well as using both a moisturiser and an oil every single day, I also believe my omega-3 supplements have helped massively! I take the Solgar ones which are tripple strength. I also try to include salmon in my diet a couple of times a week.

Other tips I found through Healthline include:

• Moisturise straight after bathing to lock in hydration.
• Wear cotton or breathable fabrics that don’t irritate skin.
• Protect your legs from the sun with SPF.
• Exfoliate gently once or twice a week to remove dead skin.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Legs

I originally wrote this post back in 2021… so four years ago! Back then I was using more natural oils and drugstore products mainly because I couldn’t afford the high end products. Although I’ve shifted to more expensive products now, I’ve left some of my original post below which includes the other oils I’ve tried over the years.

1. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly has been proven to help heal skin in older adults. You can view the study that was conducted here. It shows the effectiveness of petroleum jelly in supporting the skin’s barrier function in older skin.

Petroleum jelly helps the skin by covering it in a protective layer and trapping moisture underneath. This helps to heal dry patches.

Petroleum jelly is also known as mineral oil or Vaseline. It is a very affordable home remedy for dry skin on the lower legs, and helps your body retain its natural oils.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Coconut Oil

The fatty acids that occur naturally in coconut oil work to hydrate and moisturise dry skin. Coconut is gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used daily.

Coconut oil is also effective at smoothing the skin and helping to repair the skin’s barrier. You can view a study that was done here.

Coconut oil contains linoleic acid which is an essential building block for ceramides, which help to keep the skin moisturised. Regularly using oils containing linoleic acid helps to make the skin stronger and more hydrated.

Linoleic acid is a lighter oil. Lightweight oils work well for oily skin, acne-prone skin or skin which can sometimes get congested.

If you are looking for a good all round home remedy that you can use to soothe the dry skin on your legs, but at the same time double up as a moisturizing oil for acne-prone skin, coconut oil is a good choice!

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Essential Oils for Dry Skin on Legs

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil helps to combat dry skin by balancing out the moisture levels in your skin. It is a multipurpose oil which blends well with other essential oils

Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce redness and help to repair broken skin. It has many other therapeutic benefits and is overall my favorite oil!

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang ylang essential oil deeply moisturises the skin and restores hydration. It is good for all skin types but especially benefits dry skin.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and reduces skin irritation. It has been shown to be effective at soothing dry skin. One study even showed that tea tree oil was more effective than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate creams in treating eczema. You can view that study here.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Carrier Oils for Dry Skin on Legs

When using essential oils it is necessary to use a carrier oil since most essential oils cannot be used alone. This is because essential oils are so potent that using them alone could cause skin irritation.

Most carrier oils have no scent and don’t interfere with the essential oil’s healing benefits. They can be used alone, blended with essential oils, or mixed with other oils to be used as a body oil to nourish your skin.

The best carrier oils to use on dry skin on your legs include:

• Jojoba Oil
• Almond Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Olive Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Argan Oil
• Vegetable Oil
• Rose Oil
• Evening Primrose (best for adding as a second oil)

Other Oils I’ve Tested Over the Years

Below are all the drugstore products I’ve used over the years on my legs. Please let me know if you have any recommendations as I always love testing out new products.

1. This Works Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil

Specifically formulated for legs, this oil blends coconut oil, jojoba oil, and nine essential oils. It leaves skin instantly silky and helps reduce visible signs of aging.

Why I like it: Lightweight, toning, and gives a healthy glow.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil

Made with cocoa butter, Argan oil, and vitamins, this oil helps soften scars, improve skin tone, and deeply hydrate dry legs.

Why I like it: Affordable and excellent for reducing marks on the skin.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Veet Miraculous Pre and Post Removal Hair Oil

Designed for use before and after shaving, this oil contains 100% natural oils rich in omega-3s. It helps prevent razor burn and locks in hydration.

Why I like it: The best option for soothing dryness caused by shaving.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Sanctuary Spa Body Oil

Infused with diamond dust and rose quartz extract, this vegan dry oil boosts radiance while conditioning the skin.

Why I like it: Luxurious, lightweight, and gives skin a subtle glow.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream All-Over Miracle Oil 

A multi-purpose oil for face, body, and hair. Works best applied straight after a shower to seal in moisture.

Why I like it: Great for winter when skin and hair feel extra dry.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Now Solutions, Organic Jojoba Oil, Moisturizing Multi-Purpose Oil

A simple, 100% organic jojoba oil that works on body, face, and hair. Best used on damp skin to seal in hydration.

Why I like it: Pure and versatile, especially for sensitive skin.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil for Dry Skin

Made with sesame oil, this drugstore favourite absorbs quickly and leaves skin soft. It can also be added to bath water.

Why I like it: A budget-friendly classic that lasts a long time.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

8. Alba Botanica Kukui Nut Organic Body Oil

Rich in essential fatty acids and natural oils like almond, coconut, flaxseed, and sunflower. Deeply moisturises and soothes winter dryness.

Why I like it: Excellent for flaky patches and preventing moisture loss.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

9. Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Oil

Contains cocoa butter and Vaseline jelly micro-droplets to lock in hydration and restore radiance.

Why I like it: Simple, effective, and widely available.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

10. Life & Pursuits Turmeric Body Oil 

Made with organic turmeric and vitamin E, this herbal blend nourishes and helps brighten dull, dry skin.

Why I like it: Great for natural, Ayurvedic skincare routines.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

11. Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Oil

Packed with rosehip oil and neroli, this deeply hydrates and helps reduce stretch marks or scars.

Why I like it: Rich, soothing, and perfect for sensitive skin.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

12. NEOM – Real Luxury Body Oil

A calming blend with lavender and vitamin E, designed to relax while hydrating the skin.

Why I like it: Smells incredible and doubles as a self-care ritual.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

13. Weleda Organic Wild Rose Body Oil

Combines rosehip, almond, and jojoba oils to soften and brighten the skin with a natural rose scent.

Why I like it: Affordable, organic, and fast-absorbing.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

14. Orientana 100% NATURAL BODY OIL For Women

Infused with olive, almond, and jojoba oils, this Ayurvedic oil soothes irritation and deeply hydrates.

Why I like it: A natural, floral-scented option for dry, itchy skin.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

15. Natural & Organic Massage Oil & Body Oil

A multi-use organic oil that works as a body moisturiser and massage oil. Free from synthetic ingredients.

Why I like it: Relaxing and skin-softening — a great all-rounder.

Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs on Using Body Lotion and Oils for Dry Legs

What can I use for extremely dry skin on legs?

If the skin on your legs is extremely dry try using an emollient like Vaseline Intensive Care. It forms a protective seal over the skin and helps to seal in moisture and heal broken skin.

What is the best body oil for extremely dry skin?

Carrot oil mixed with coconut oil works very well for dry skin.  Carrot oil is known for being the richest in carotene, especially beta-carotene. Combined with coconut it will help boost your skin’s natural barrier and deeply hydrate dry skin. The best carrot oil is the one by Fushi.

How do you get rid of alligator skin on your legs?

Try making changes to your lifestyle such as avoiding hot showers (use warm water instead of hot water), using milder soaps and drinking more water. Use a body oil or body lotion in your skincare routine.

OTHER POSTS RELATED TO DRY SKIN

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• 14 Best Korean Toners for Dry Skin
• Best Natural Body Wash for Dry Skin
• 7 Best Products from The Ordinary for Dry Skin

This post was all about the best oil for dry skin on legs