Many of us grew up with a bottle of oil in the bathroom instead of a tube of lotion. If your skin feels dry after a shower, especially in cold or dry weather, a body oil is one way to bring that habit back.

But not every Ayurvedic oil is made to stay on your skin. Some are made for a massage before your bath and are meant to be washed off.

This list covers seven oils that, going by each brand's own listing, are made to stay on your skin after a bath or shower, the way you would use a lotion.

Can you use body oil instead of lotion?

Yes, but only if the oil is made to stay on the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises applying moisturiser while your skin is still damp after a shower or bath. Several of the oils below give the same direction on their labels.

7 best Ayurvedic body oils to use in place of lotion

Ayurvedic body oil blends

1. Forest Essentials Soundarya Beauty Body Oil

Forest Essentials makes this body oil with saffron, 24 karat gold (listed as Gold Bhasma), cold-pressed sesame oil, sandalwood and ashwagandha, according to the brand.

How the brand says to use it: Smooth the oil onto damp skin right after your shower. You can also massage it over your body before bathing.

Good to know: The brand describes a light golden shimmer. If you prefer a plain finish, this may not be the one for you.

2. Biotique Carrot Seed After-Bath Body Oil

As the name says, Biotique makes this oil for use after a bath. The brand lists carrot seed oil, almond oil, sesame oil, turmeric extract and natural essential oils.

How the brand says to use it: Apply generously to damp skin after your bath or shower, and massage in circular motions until absorbed.

Good to know: It contains essential oils. The AAD recommends fragrance-free products for dry skin, so if your skin reacts to scents, test it on a small patch first.

3. Organic India Men's Body Oil Ashwagandha

Organic India lists a blend of apricot, jojoba, safflower, sunflower, coconut, almond, kukui nut and sesame oils, with ashwagandha, cardamom oil and an essential oil mix.

How the brand says to use it: Massage a small amount onto your body and let it absorb. Use it after a shower or before bed.

Good to know: It is sold as a men's product, but the directions are the same as any leave-on body oil. It contains essential oils, so patch test first if you are sensitive to scent.

Single oils you can use the same way

A single oil has one main ingredient, so the label is short and easy to check.

4. Khadi Natural Ayurvedic Sweet Almond Oil

Khadi Natural lists sweet almond oil as the main ingredient, with vitamins A, D and E.

How the brand says to use it: Apply a few drops to your face or body and massage in circular motions until absorbed. Use daily.

Good to know: Almonds are a tree nut, and the FDA lists tree nuts as a major food allergen. If you have a tree nut allergy, ask your doctor before using almond oil on your skin.

5. Kama Ayurveda Organic Sweet Almond Oil

Kama Ayurveda lists one ingredient: 100% organic sweet almond oil. The brand sells it for both skin and hair.

How to use it: The listing does not give directions, so follow the label on your bottle.

Good to know: With a single ingredient and no added fragrance listed, this is one to look at if you want a plain oil. The same tree nut allergy note applies.

6. Dwibhashi Vatada Tel Almond Oil

Dwibhashi lists almond oil, natural ingredients and vitamin E. The brand describes it as having a light texture and sells it for both skin and hair.

How to use it: The listing does not give directions, so follow the label on your bottle.

Good to know: "Natural ingredients" is not a full ingredient list. Check the label if you want to know everything that is in it. The same tree nut allergy note applies.

7. Vanalaya Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil

Vanalaya sells this virgin coconut oil for cooking, skin and hair. The brand describes it as a moisturiser for the skin.

How to use it: The listing does not give directions for skin, so follow the label on your bottle.

Good to know: This is the only oil on the list that is also sold as an edible cooking oil, so one bottle can do both jobs.

Ayurvedic oils for a massage before your bath

Some well-known Ayurvedic oils are made for a different routine. You massage them in, leave them on for a while, and then bathe. They work alongside your lotion or body oil, not in place of it.

Nalpamaradi oil

Nalpamaradi oil is a classic Ayurvedic skin oil. The name comes from nalpamara, the bark of four fig trees that goes into it. Turmeric, sandalwood and vetiver are also common ingredients.

Kottakkal Ayurveda Nalpamaradi Kera Tailam lists turmeric, sandalwood, vetiver grass, red river fig, Indian banyan, Indian madder and sacred fig in a sesame oil base.

How the brand says to use it: Apply it to the whole body, massage gently, and leave it on for 30 minutes to one hour before your bath.

Good to know: Kama Ayurveda also makes a Nalpamaradi Thailam. The brand says to wash it off with a mild cleanser after 30 minutes, and notes that the turmeric in it can stain light fabrics. Wear old or dark clothes while it is on.

Other pre-bath massage oils

• Forest Essentials Narayana Massage Oil: Forest Essentials says to massage it in and leave it for 30 minutes before a warm bath or shower.

• Kerala Ayurveda Santhwanam Oil: Kerala Ayurveda says to rub it over the body, leave it for about 30 minutes, then wash it off with a warm bath.

How to use a body oil in place of lotion

1. Keep showers short and warm. The AAD suggests limiting baths and showers to 5 to 10 minutes, using warm water.

2. Pat your skin, leaving it a little damp. The AAD advises applying moisturiser while skin is still damp.

3. Use a small amount. Warm a few drops between your palms and spread them over one area at a time.

4. Give it a few minutes to settle before you dress.

Before using any new oil all over, test it on a small spot. The AAD suggests applying a new product to a quarter-sized area, such as the bend of your elbow, twice a day for 7 to 10 days. If your skin turns red, itchy or swollen, wash it off and stop using it.

Where to buy Ayurvedic body oils

TheDesiFood stocks body oils from brands including Forest Essentials, Biotique, Khadi Natural and Kama Ayurveda, with doorstep delivery worldwide, including the USA, UK, Middle East, Australia and Canada. Product details on each listing come from the manufacturer.