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In the world of beauty and skincare, few products offer the same luxurious, radiant finish as shimmering body oil. Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town, prepping for a festival, or simply want to give your skin a healthy, summer glow, shimmering body oil is a product that does it all. But what is shimmering body oil exactly, and why is it so popular?
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know - from its benefits and ingredients to how it’s regulated in the UK and which trusted brands currently stock it.
What Is Shimmering Body Oil?
Shimmering body oil is a skincare-meets-cosmetics product that blends nourishing oils with light-reflecting shimmer particles to give the skin a radiant glow. It moisturises the skin while imparting a beautiful shine, making it a go-to for enhancing your natural complexion, especially during the warmer months.
Typically used on areas like the arms, legs, collarbones, and shoulders, shimmering body oil catches the light to create a soft-focus, sun-kissed finish. Some versions also include fragrance, giving it a dual purpose as both a moisturising and lightly perfuming product.
So, what is shimmering body oil? In short, it's a body oil enriched with shimmer to hydrate the skin and give it a luminous, glowing appearance.
Key Ingredients in Shimmering Body Oil
To fully understand what is shimmering body oil, it helps to look at what’s inside the bottle. While formulations can vary, most include the following:
1. Base Oils
These are the foundation of any body oil, chosen for their moisturising and skin-loving properties:
Jojoba oil – balancing and non-comedogenic.
Coconut oil – deeply hydrating with a fast-absorbing texture.
Sweet almond oil – gentle, nourishing, and rich in vitamins A and E.
Grapeseed or argan oil – lightweight and high in antioxidants.
2. Shimmer (Mica Powder)
The signature sparkle in shimmering body oil comes from cosmetic-grade mica powder - a natural mineral that reflects light and creates a subtle shimmer or more noticeable sparkle depending on the concentration.
3. Fragrance or Essential Oils
Many shimmering body oils are fragranced to enhance the sensory experience.
4. Vitamins and Additives
Some products include vitamin E for added skin benefits, or natural extracts like calendula or chamomile to soothe and soften the skin.
CPSR Compliance and UK Cosmetic Regulations
If you're wondering what is shimmering body oil in terms of safety and legal compliance, here’s what you need to know.
In the UK, shimmering body oil is classified as a cosmetic product. This means it must comply with UK cosmetic regulations, which includes:
CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report): Every product sold must undergo a safety assessment by a qualified cosmetic chemist. The CPSR confirms that the formulation is safe for use on the skin and complies with regulations.
INCI Labelling: Ingredients must be listed using their International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names.
Proper Labelling and Warnings: Labels must include batch numbers, shelf life, allergens, and usage instructions.
If you're making shimmering body oil to sell - whether at markets or online - CPSR certification is legally required. You must also notify your product on the UK’s SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notification) portal before it is sold.
Benefits of Shimmering Body Oil
Once you understand what is shimmering body oil, it’s easy to see why it's such a hit among beauty lovers. Here are the standout benefits:
1. Moisturises Deeply
Thanks to rich, emollient oils, shimmering body oil nourishes dry skin, improving texture and elasticity.
2. Adds Radiance
The shimmer particles create a luminous effect that enhances natural skin tone and gives the appearance of a healthy glow.
3. Smooths and Softens
Shimmering oils glide over the skin, helping to mask unevenness, dullness, or dry patches.
4. Versatile and Glamorous
It’s ideal for everyday wear, holidays, weddings, and special occasions. Some can even be used in your hair or mixed with foundation for a dewy makeup finish.
How to Use Shimmering Body Oil
Using shimmering body oil is simple:
Shake Before Use – Mica can settle, so always shake well before application.
Apply to Clean Skin – Best applied after a shower or bath when your skin is slightly damp.
Use Sparingly – A little goes a long way. Start with a few pumps and add more if needed.
Blend Evenly – Rub the oil in using circular motions to evenly distribute shimmer.
Let It Absorb – Wait a few minutes before getting dressed to prevent transfer onto clothing.
UK Brands That Sell Shimmering Body Oil
Now that we’ve answered what is shimmering body oil, let’s look at a few popular UK brands offering this gorgeous product:
1. NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Or
This cult-favourite multi-purpose dry oil with golden shimmer is available across the UK and stocked in stores like Boots and LookFantastic. It’s known for its rich texture and floral scent.
2. Revolution Beauty
Their shimmering body oils are affordable, vegan, and available in various shades to complement all skin tones. They’re great for budget-friendly glam.
3. Tropic Skincare
A British natural beauty brand offering shimmering oils enriched with botanicals and safe, skin-friendly ingredients. Their products are vegan and cruelty-free.
4. Sunday Ivy (Indie UK Brand)
Sunday Ivy offers small-batch, CPSR-certified shimmering body oils in a variety of scents and shimmer intensities. Great for supporting a homegrown, artisan business.
Can You Make Shimmering Body Oil at Home?
Yes, you can! If you're not looking to sell it, DIY shimmering body oil is easy and fun to make. This simple, skin-loving recipe is designed to give you a subtle glow and a lovely fragrance. Always patch-test first, and remember this version is not for commercial sale unless you've obtained the relevant cosmetic product safety report (CPSR assessment).
✨ Ingredients (Makes approx. 50g)
Jojoba oil or sweet almond oil – 45g
Cosmetic-grade mica powder – 0.5g to 1g (depending on shimmer intensity)
Fragrance oil (skin-safe, cosmetic grade) – 3g (equals approx. 6% of the total formula). Please check the IFRA to confirm fragrance oil suitability before commencing production.
Vitamin E oil (optional, antioxidant) – 1g
Preservative (optional) – Not needed for anhydrous oil-only products, unless water is introduced.
🧪 Method:
Sterilise your equipment and bottle – Use boiling water or 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean all containers and mixing tools.
Add base oils (jojoba/sweet almond) to a beaker or mixing jug.
Add your fragrance oil and stir thoroughly.
Sprinkle in the mica powder and mix slowly to avoid clumping. Stir until evenly distributed.
Add vitamin E oil (optional) for added skin benefits and antioxidant protection.
Pour into a 50g glass or PET bottle - preferably one with a dropper or pump top.
Label clearly, including date of creation and ingredients if giving as a gift.
✅ Tips:
Shake well before each use, as mica naturally settles.
Avoid overusing fragrance - no more than 6–8% for safe topical use.
Use skin-safe fragrance oils only.
If you plan to sell this product in the UK, you legally need a CPSR, INCI-compliant labelling, and registration on the UK’s SCPN portal.
Final Thoughts: What Is Shimmering Body Oil?
So, what is shimmering body oil? It’s a luxurious, glow-enhancing skincare product that not only nourishes the skin but also adds a radiant finish perfect for both everyday and special occasions. With proper formulation, UK compliance via CPSR, and thoughtful ingredients, it’s a safe and effective way to add a touch of sparkle to your skincare routine.
Whether you buy it from trusted UK brands or try your hand at a personal-use version, shimmering body oil is here to stay - especially when that sun finally decides to shine.
Discover Premium Fragrance Oils For Shimmering Body Oil
Looking to create your own shimmering body oil? House of Scent offers premium, undiluted fragrance oils that closely match popular scents. Whether you're crafting for personal use or starting a business, we have the perfect fragrances to bring your shimmering body oil creations to life!
