Also see: 

• Must-Haves of Travel: Coconut Oil
• Must-Haves of Travel: Apple Cider Vinegar
• Must-Haves of Travel: Activated Charcoal
• Must-Haves of Travel: Calcium Bentonite Clay
• Must-Haves of Travel: Affordable Razors!
• Must Haves of Travel: Rose Petal Water
• Must-Haves of Travel: Portable Travel Tubes

When I was in Chicago in March, I wasn’t prepared for how cold it got. And, I’d forgotten my ultra-moisturizing coconut oil. (I also didn’t pack nearly enough layers, but that’s another story.)

In my quest for moisture, I headed to a drugstore for chap stick and… something. I didn’t want to get a huge container because my trip was only 5 days. I thought maybe they’d have a travel pack of coconut oil since it’s gotten so popular recently. No luck there, but they did have… sesame body oil? 

Once I got it back to The Drake, I popped open the little container and took a whiff. This stuff smells amazing. And I quickly learned a dab’ll do ya.

A quarter-sized amount in the palm is all you’ll need to cover yourself in the softest, sheerest moisture. Since that trip, I’ve added it to my arsenal as a supplement for coconut oil when I don’t want as much moisture.

Why pack sesame oil?

• Link: Neutrogena sesame oil

The 1 ounce travel container I found was more than enough to last 5 full days. Especially when a few drops goes so far. It’s best to use this stuff directly after the shower while you’re still a little damp – it seals in the moisture and makes your skin feel so soft and good.

The smell is extremely light but pleasant. Very neutral.

When you travel, especially on planes, it’s easy to become dehydrated. So I’m mildly obsessed with keeping moisturizing things in my carry-on: lip balm, rose petal water, and now sesame oil.

I’ve heard some peeps say they don’t like dealing with the materiality of coconut oil. It’s a liquid above 76 degrees, and a solid if it’s cooler. So in a hotel room, your coconut oil is likely to be solid. That’s never bothered me, because you can warm it up in your hands or under the faucet. But I can see how it’s easier to have a liquid with you that accomplishes a similar goal.

Sesame oil is pretty potent – you really don’t need much. It’s also not as intensely moisturizing as coconut oil and absorbs into your skin much faster. So it’s literally spray and go – as soon as you rub it in, it’s done.

It’s such a nice treat after a long day of travel to have something that feels spa-like and smells so good. After the first time I used it, I looked forward to using it each subsequent day. And because it’s so fast and easy to apply, it didn’t add much time to my overall routine.

Other benefits of sesame oil

• It’s great for your body, but you can also use sesame oil as a very light facial moisturizer. I use the tiniest bit on my face and love the little glow it gives
• If you have a beard (which I usually do), you can use it as a light beard oil – keeps the skin beneath (close to the follicle) healthy, too
• Aromatherapy – this stuff seriously smells so relaxing. And it makes the whole bathroom smell so good
• Good for circulation – I always fear the DVT (deep vein thrombosis) from sitting on aircraft. Sesame oil has zinc that promotes healthy circulation throughout the body
• Good for inflammation – Have you ever noticed your feet were a little puffy after a long plane ride? Sesame oil reduces joint swelling and helps to get the blood flowing again
• Prevents wrinkles – This is another reason I like to put a little on my face: to smooth my skin after being out all day. Or in a dry plane. Gotta stay fresh!
• It’s naturally anti-bacterial and anti-viral – Always a plus!

More resources

When I went to find a bottle of this stuff on Amazon, I was shocked that it had nearly ALL 4- or 5-star reviews out of 1,000+:

I’d highly encourage you read the reviews – which are more like testimonials – to see what other peeps have to say.

The Neutrogena brand is meant to use on your skin, as it’s scented, but you can also find unrefined, organic sesame oil that you can cook with.

And here are some other articles:

• 9 Incredible Benefits Of Sesame Oil (Organic Facts)
• 20 Huge Health Benefits of Sesame (Care2)
• Why Sesame Seed Oil Is Known As The Queen Of Oils (Youthing Strategies)

Bottom line

I’m so glad I discovered this stuff. Also because I love to spray little potions and tinctures everywhere. But it really does smell so good. A big bottle is only $7 on Amazon. And you don’t need to use much at all – a little goes a long way.

I travel with this when it’s warmer. Or when I don’t need the deeply moisturizing experience of coconut oil. In that way, they complement each other nicely. I also love that you can use it on your face (and beard) and how fast it absorbs – just a few seconds and you’re good.

Lots of other reviewers swear by this stuff, and I think I’m one of them now – I’d like to keep a bottle on hand from here on out. Also, it smells SO good.

Have you used sesame oil? Is it something you’d use to replace regular body lotion? 

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