Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Olay is a classic—understandably. Oil of Olay is so iconic that it’s cataloged in the Smithsonian . Then, in the ’90s, Olay entered the body-care chat with an iconic bar of soap . And now, more than 30 years after that , the best Olay body-care products have moved beyond the basics, turning the everyday shower into another opportunity to sneak a little skin care into your routine. Along the way came creamier body washes , more nourishing lotions , and silky body oils that are anything but greasy.
These days, Olay’s body-care ingredient lists read a lot like those on your favorite face serums . Niacinamide , hyaluronic acid , peptides , vitamin C , and bakuchiol have all made their way below the neck, showing up in everything from moisture-packed body washes to formulas that exfoliate rough, bumpy skin and lotions that target dark spots. Ahead, the Olay body products that bring skin-care benefits to every inch, at prices that make stocking up refreshingly doable.
Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Clean Start: Olay Super Serum Body Wash for Normal Skin Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Olay
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Olay Super Serum Body Wash for Normal Skin
Why it's worth it: What’s the point of packing a body wash with fancy skin-care ingredients if they’re just going to rinse straight down the drain? Olay had the same question when developing its Super Serum Body Wash for Normal Skin, inspired by the brand’s facial Super Serum . To translate those serum-like benefits into a rinse-off formula, the brand created a special delivery system that separates the cleansing and serum portions of the formula. Add water, and the cleanser lathers away grime while the serum ingredients cling to the skin instead of washing away immediately.
Salicylic acid whisks away dead surface cells for smoother-feeling skin, while niacinamide reinforces the skin barrier and improves the look of uneven tone. A signaling peptide (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) is commonly used in firming formulas for its collagen-supporting benefits, while vitamins C and E bring antioxidant protection to the mix. And there’s plenty of moisture to balance it all out: Glycerin draws in water, while petrolatum, shea butter , and mineral oil seal it in, “making dry skin vanish after just a few uses,” says Debra Jaliman , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“This might be formulated with ‘normal’ skin in mind, but my very dry, often itchy skin also loved it. You can feel the serum-like texture as soon as you pump it out of the bottle, and while it takes a little longer to lather than your average body wash, that’s because it has a moisturizing feel to it—think more creamy than sudsy. I love that the light floral scent was noticeable in the shower but more subtle on my skin. Even more noteworthy, my skin felt soft and comfortable even before I reached for lotion—which is a big deal coming from a body wash.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
Key ingredients: salicylic acid, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, vitamin C, vitamin E, glycerin, petrolatum, shea butter, mineral oil Fragrance-free: no Even Better: Olay Dark Spot Correcting Body Lotion Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Olay
Allure senior commerce director Shan…