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Cindy Crawford’s Enduring Skincare Secret: The Neutrogena Body Oil She’s Loved for Decades

Discover why Cindy Crawford and thousands of others swear by Neutrogena's Light Sesame Body Oil for radiant, silky skin—decades of loyalty and celebrity love.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 24, 2025

In the world of celebrity beauty, few endorsements have the staying power of Cindy Crawford’s decades-long loyalty to Neutrogena’s Body Oil Light Sesame Formula. This seemingly humble drugstore staple has taken on near-legendary status, not just for its affordability, but for its proven effectiveness—and a fanbase that extends from supermodels to everyday users. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve soft, luminous skin with minimal effort, read on to discover why this body oil is Crawford’s go-to, and why thousands of others swear by this simple yet luxurious formula.

Cindy Crawford’s Timeless Product Pick

When legendary model Cindy Crawford is asked about her beauty staples—the kind she’s used since her days as a rising star in New York—one product features prominently: the Neutrogena Body Oil, Light Sesame Formula. In interviews, Crawford describes it as a nostalgic favorite that still delivers results, even as her skin’s needs have evolved over the years. “Neutrogena has a body oil that I put on sometimes, and that totally reminds me of being 25 years old in New York,” Crawford shared, underscoring its lasting place in her beauty arsenal.

This enduring praise isn’t based on celebrity affiliation or passing trends—it’s grounded in the product’s ability to keep skin smooth, soft, and radiant, even as lifestyles and decades change. For Crawford, and for a legion of loyal fans, the Neutrogena Body Oil is a beauty classic that has stood the test of time.

What Makes Neutrogena Body Oil Unique?

Unlike heavy creams or sticky lotions, this oil distinguishes itself with a few key features:

Lightweight and Silky Feel: The oil absorbs almost instantly, leaving skin feeling both moisturized and comfortable, without any greasy residue.
Main Ingredient: Sesame Oil: Extracted from pure white sesame seeds, this lightweight oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that nourish and protect the skin.
Subtle Fragrance: The natural, light scent is widely praised for being refreshing and unobtrusive—enough to impart a sense of luxury, but not overpowering.
Versatile Application: It can be smoothed onto damp skin post-shower, massaged into dry areas, or even poured directly into bathwater for a full-body softening treatment.
For All Skin Types: The gentle formula is suitable even for those with dry or sensitive skin, providing hydration without irritation.

Customers report the oil is “not sticky at all” and that “a little goes a long way,” making it a cost-effective addition to any skincare routine. According to frequent users—and echoed in Cindy Crawford’s own recommendations—it leaves skin “soft, smooth and with a sexy glow.”

The Science Behind Sesame Oil for Skin

Sesame oil has been used for centuries in beauty rituals. Here’s why it’s a hero ingredient in Neutrogena’s signature body oil:

Rich in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), it helps support the skin’s natural barrier, preventing water loss and keeping skin plump.
Natural antioxidants like vitamin E help combat environmental stress and free radical damage.
Lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, sesame oil is less likely to clog pores or leave a heavy film, making it ideal for daily use.

This combination of gentle nourishment and non-irritating protection is a large part of why the product has garnered so much long-term loyalty.

How Cindy Crawford Incorporates the Oil into Her Routine

Cindy Crawford’s approach to skincare is all about blending tradition with practicality. She recommends applying the body oil while the skin is still damp, straight out of the shower or bath. This method helps to lock in moisture when the skin is primed to absorb hydration.

Apply a few drops onto damp skin and massage in circular motions until fully absorbed.
For an extra luxury boost, add a few drops to your bathwater for a radiant, all-over glow.
Use as needed on particularly dry areas—like elbows, knees, or shins—especially in winter.

Crawford herself notes the oil is “lightweight but really hydrating,” and the subtle fragrance “totally reminds me of being 25 years old in New York.”

Why Reviewers—and Celebrities—Love It

The Neutrogena Body Oil has achieved a rare feat: it’s beloved by everyone from beauty editors to everyday shoppers. With thousands of glowing reviews and five-star ratings on major shopping platforms, its popularity shows no signs of fading.

Many users highlight its non-greasy finish and “invisible” feel, making it comfortable enough for everyday use.
“It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly and leaves skin well hydrated and healthy,” reports one long-term user.
Another reviewer notes that it “leaves [the] skin a soft, smooth, silky feel without any oily residue,” and its scent is “light-natural and gentle enough for everyday use.”
With over 20,000 five-star Amazon ratings and a strong presence in beauty awards, it’s often described as a true “holy-grail” product.

Considering its affordable price point and consistent user satisfaction, it’s not surprising that so many people, including celebrities, repurchase it for years—even decades.

How to Use Neutrogena Body Oil for Best Results

To maximize the benefits of Neutrogena’s Body Oil, follow these practical steps:

Post-Shower Application: After bathing, while skin is still damp, pour a small amount of oil into the palm and massage gently into skin, focusing on particularly dry or rough patches.
Bath Additive: Add several drops to warm bath water for a full-body, skin-softening soak.
Daily Moisturizer Substitute: Use in place of traditional lotions or creams, especially for those who dislike heavy or greasy formulas.
Custom Scent: Layer with your favorite fragrance or essential oil if desired, as the scent is quite subtle.

This simple ritual makes it easy to achieve lasting hydration and a healthy sheen, regardless of your skin type or the season.

Comparison: Body Oil vs. Traditional Lotions

Feature	Neutrogena Body Oil	Traditional Body Lotion
Texture	Lightweight, silky, fast-absorbing	Varies (can be creamy, thick, slow to absorb)
Primary Moisturizer	Soybean or sesame seed oil	Mineral oil, butters, glycerin, creams
Finish	Non-greasy, natural glow	May leave a heavier or sticky residue
Best For	Dry, sensitive, normal skin	Normal to very dry skin; some are comedogenic
Application Method	On damp or dry skin; in bath	Directly on dry skin
Scent	Subtle, light, natural	Wide range, may be strong/perfumed

The table above outlines why many—Cindy Crawford included—find body oils like Neutrogena’s Light Sesame Formula preferable to traditional, heavier lotions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Neutrogena Body Oil different from other oils?

This formula is uniquely lightweight, absorbs almost instantly, and uses sesame oil as its main moisturizer, making it suitable for daily use and less likely to feel greasy compared to some other body oils.

Is it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

Yes. The formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and is lightweight enough that it typically does not cause breakouts when used as directed. As with any product, patch testing is recommended.

How long does a bottle last?

For most users, a standard bottle lasts several months, since “a little goes a long way.”

Is the scent strong or noticeable?

No. The fragrance is described as light and natural—refreshing without being overpowering—making it suitable for daily wear and layering with other scents.

Can it replace traditional lotion?

Absolutely. Many users (and Crawford herself) use the oil as an alternative to body lotion, particularly because it leaves no heavy residue and gives the skin a hydrated, radiant appearance.

Tips for Getting the Most from Neutrogena Body Oil

Apply immediately after bathing to lock in the most moisture and leave skin feeling extra supple.
Use sparingly: One or two pumps can cover large areas, so don’t over-apply.
Layer with your favorite products: The subtle scent pairs well with most perfumes and body sprays.
Great for shaving prep: Some users apply a thin layer before shaving legs to ensure a close, smooth shave.
Pack it for travel: The bottle is compact and leak-proof, making it ideal for flights and dry airplane air.

Celebrity Endorsement with Real Results

While celebrity endorsements are often fleeting, Cindy Crawford’s long-term devotion to Neutrogena Body Oil demonstrates the product’s genuine efficacy and appeal beyond marketing hype.The internet is flooded with testimonials from users of all ages and backgrounds who agree: this is a product that delivers on its promises.

“This is one of those holy-grail-keep-coming-back-to-it products in my bathroom arsenal. I’ve been using this oil literally for decades.”
“I’ve tried others and most are too heavy/oily… [This is] lightweight but really hydrating and the scent is unique but not overpowering.”
Reviewers site its ability to handle “dry, itchy skin” with ease and praise the ease of use compared to thick creams.

Where to Buy and Final Thoughts

Neutrogena Body Oil Light Sesame Formula is widely available at major drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. With a price point that’s affordable compared to luxury beauty oils—and a quality that matches or outperforms many of them—it’s a smart pick for just about anyone looking for soft, hydrated skin without fuss or extravagance.

If you’re searching for a simple, effective wellness ritual that’s been loved for generations, follow Cindy Crawford’s—and the internet’s—lead: embrace the glow and comfort of this time-tested body oil staple.

Trending Celebrity Beauty Routines

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Pamela Anderson: Has a signature skincare brand for glowing results.
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Meghan Trainor: Candidly discusses her experiences with aesthetic treatments.
Lily Collins: Her makeup artist’s budget-friendly favorite face cream.

Looking for more celeb beauty secrets? Many incorporate body oils and simple, effective products—just like Cindy Crawford.

References

This article is based on information and quotes from top media including Prevention, Elle, Women’s Health, and verified customer reviews from Amazon.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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