What is a dry oil?

In brief:

• Dry oil combines the sensorial qualities of an oil with rapid absorption and a non-greasy finish. Nourishing, softening and versatile, it can be used on the face, body and hair, including combination to oily skin and damaged hair.

• Using it involves a few simple steps: a few drops on the hair, application to slightly damp skin to maximise hydration, or an oil treatment left on for a few hours or overnight. The article also details combinations and measurements to personalise your skincare routine according to your skin’s radiance, sensitivity or hair type.

• The choice of oil depends on its composition and the desired benefit: hazelnut for oily skin, sweet almond for delicate skin, or sesame as a cosmetic base. The article outlines the uses of each oil, the possibilities for personalisation, and the characteristics of the certified organic, allergen-free formula.

A dry oil is an oil (or blend of oils) formulated to penetrate the skin quickly and leave a non-greasy feel. This term actually covers several families of products:

• Blends of plant oils and/or natural esters, formulated to offer a light finish and rapid absorption.

• Oils that have been naturally processed to achieve a lighter texture, such as fractionated coconut oil, which is more fluid and absorbs more quickly.

• Vegetable oils that are naturally "dry," highly penetrating and silky to the touch, thanks to their fatty acid composition.

All have the same objective: to offer the sensoriality of an oil without the greasy effect.

The difference between a dry oil and a fatty oil is primarily explained by their fatty acid composition, which influences how they react once applied.

• Dry oils: rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6, and certain acids specific to each oil), they have a very fluid texture. They are quickly absorbed and leave a light, matte or slightly satiny finish.

• Fatty oils: richer in Omega-9 and saturated fatty acids, they have a naturally denser texture. They remain on the skin's surface longer, creating a nourishing veil and providing an immediate feeling of comfort.

Used daily, dry oil offers several benefits for both skin and hair:

• Better penetration of active ingredients, promoting targeted effectiveness.

• A discreet finish, without shine or oiliness.

• A soft and pleasant feel, allowing you to get dressed immediately after application.

• A regulating effect, useful when the skin easily produces sebum.

• A formula compatible with all skin types : normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive, dehydrated, or prone to imperfections.

Dry oil for hair

Dry oil penetrates the hair fibre as easily as it does the skin, making it particularly suitable for hair care. Just a few drops are enough to nourish damaged hair without leaving it sticky or weighing it down. It can also be used as a beautifying treatment or anti-frizz treatment before styling. For very dry hair, it can be applied as an oil treatment and left on for a few hours or overnight.

Dry oil for the body

Multifunctional, dry oil is a daily body care product appreciated for its lightness. It helps the skin stay supple and soft, and softens rough areas such as elbows, knees and heels. Its fine texture makes it easy to apply and absorbs quickly, limiting stains on clothing. Expert tip: apply your dry oil to slightly damp skin to optimise hydration.

Dry oil for the face

Dry oil can be applied to the face and is suitable for all skin types. Its non-greasy finish means you can apply makeup immediately after use. It is particularly suitable for combination to oily skin, which is often prone to shine: it is quickly absorbed, supporting the skin's natural sebum regulation mechanisms and leaving the skin clear, without any greasy effect throughout the day.

Certain plant oils stand out for their fine texture and rapid absorption. Naturally light, they are easily incorporated into face, body, and hair care products.

Organic Sesame Vegetable Oil

Naturally rich in essential fatty acids, it is an ideal base for cosmetic preparations. Its light texture allows for quick application and a discreet finish, which is highly appreciated in daily skincare.

Discover Organic Sesame Vegetable Oil

Organic Sweet Almond Vegetable Oil

Known for its soothing and softening properties, it is particularly suitable for delicate and dry skin. It leaves the skin supple and pleasant, without any greasy residue.

Discover Organic Sweet Almond Vegetable Oil

Organic Hemp Vegetable Oil

Balanced and highly penetrating, it helps the skin regain softness and elasticity while providing an instant feeling of comfort.

Discover Organic Hemp Vegetable Oil

Organic Hazelnut Vegetable Oil

Lightweight and non-comedogenic, it is particularly popular for treating oily or acne-prone skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue.

Discover Organic Hazelnut Vegetable Oil

Kalahari Watermelon Vegetable Oil

Revitalising, it helps restore firmness and elasticity to the skin thanks to its very fluid texture. It can easily be incorporated into body or facial care routines.

Discover Kalahari Watermelon Vegetable Oil

Focus on our Dry Oil with Organic Precious Oils

With precious argan, rosehip, jojoba and sweet almond oils, this certified organic dry oil has a light, penetrating texture that nourishes, protects, and softens the skin and hair without leaving a greasy film. 100% natural, developed in Provence and allergen-free, it is suitable for all skin types and can be used all year round on the face, body, or hair. Versatile and fully customisable, it can be applied pure or enriched with fragrances, essential oils, pearls, or glitter to create your own tailor-made skincare product.

To enhance your glow and intensify your tan

Organic Carrot Oil (oily macerate)

Rich in provitamin A, organic carrot macerate naturally gives you a healthy glow. Combined with a dry oil in the recommended proportions, it enhances your tan and can easily be incorporated into an after-sun treatment thanks to its softening and antioxidant properties.

Discover Organic Carrot Oil (oily macerate)

To soothe and comfort sensitive skin

Organic Bisabolol Active Ingredient

Known for its soothing properties, organic plant-based Bisabolol helps calm discomfort and support skin prone to redness. When added to a dry oil, it creates a gentle, comforting treatment that is ideal after shaving or for tight skin.

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To strengthen hair fibres and stimulate the scalp

Maca Vital Active

This extract from Maca roots is prized for its benefits on hair density. Mixed with a small amount of dry oil, it creates a toning treatment that revitalises the hair fibre and gives fragile hair more body without weighing it down.

Discover Maca Vital Active Ingredient

1. Enhance your body: apply a few drops of glitter dry oil to the areas you want to highlight—arms, legs, shoulders, or décolleté. Its light texture glides over the skin and leaves a luminous veil that subtly catches the light.

2. Brighten your face: Apply a very small amount to the high points of your face—cheekbones, bridge of the nose, collarbone—to discreetly warm up your complexion without leaving a greasy finish. Perfect for adding natural radiance, day or night.

3. Add shine to hair: warm a drop between your hands, then lightly smooth over the lengths or a few strands to create subtle highlights. Ideal for enhancing a hairstyle or intensifying hair shine.

Focus on our Satin Gold Dry Oil

With organic monoi and coconut oils, this 100% natural, certified organic dry oil enhances the skin and hair with a satiny, sparkling golden veil. Its light, penetrating texture nourishes and softens the body, face, and hair without leaving a greasy or sticky film. This glittery oil with an instant illuminating effect envelops the skin and hair in a captivating and addictive scent of island flowers and warm sand. An essential product for enhancing your tan in summer and highlighting your skin in winter.

Discover Satin Gold Dry Oil

"That summer glow, in a natural and certified organic form. This 100 per cent naturally derived dry oil combines organic monoi and coconut oils to nourish and soften the body, face and hair. All whilst enveloping them in a satiny, shimmering golden veil. Its light, quickly-absorbing texture leaves no greasy film or sticky residue, just that irresistible natural glow. Its scent of island flowers and warm sand does the rest.

Its key features: its certified organic formula and its dropper bottle for precise, waste-free application. And, of course, its illuminating golden veil, which makes it ideal for enhancing a summer tan and brightening the skin in winter."

Published by Madame Figaro on 27 June 2026

Dry oil is easy to use, but there are a few precautions to take to apply it correctly. As with any new skincare product, it is recommended to test it on the inside of your elbow, especially if you have sensitive skin. On the face, apply it to clean skin, avoiding the eye area. On the hair, a minimal amount is enough to maintain a natural finish.

To get the most out of a dry oil, the key is to apply a small amount and adapt it to your routine. On the body, applying it to slightly damp skin makes it easier to use and leaves the skin supple and soft, without a greasy finish. On the face, it should be used as the last step in your routine, especially in the evening, to provide suppleness and comfort. On the hair, it can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment or applied to dry lengths in very small doses to create shine without weighing down the hair.

Laetitia is an editorial communications consultant specialising in beauty and wellness content. Passionate about natural cosmetics, she works with committed brands that share her vision of authentic and responsible beauty. Always on the lookout for the latest developments, she enjoys analysing trends and innovations in the sector.