Massage therapy soothes and relaxes score muscles and promotes blood circulation in the body. It can also nourish and regenerate the skin and have a calming effect on the mind. There are many different types of massage, and consequently, there are many different types of massage oils that are used for them. Essentially, massage oils are used to lubricate the skin in order to reduce the friction while doing a massage. Most massage oils are a combination of base oils and essential oils. Base oils are derived from plants and are usually pressed from nuts, kernels or seeds. Essential oils are highly concentrated essences that come from plants and fruit. In aromatherapy, base oils are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin.
We looked over dozens of massage oils in the attempt to find the highest quality products, taking into account the nature of ingredients, the type of massage, speed of absorption, price, Amazon ratings, and many other features that are relevant when deciding on the best massage oil. We picked out top 5 of the best-rated massage oils for ultimate relaxation.
Here’s our winner Sensual Massage Oil, the perfect massage oil for relaxation and the best gift for your skin
For maximum relaxation and skin benefits, we’ve identified Sensual Massage Oil w/ Pure Lavender Oil as a top choice. It’s a perfect blend of pure lavender, jojoba, and almond oil that soothes sore muscles and nurtures skin. Sensual massage oil is easy to apply, it absorbs at the right rate, and it enhances the most intimate moments.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Massage Oils
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Sensual Massage Oil w/ Pure Lavender Oil | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | Invivo Essential Fractionated Coconut Oil | 4.1 |
| Best Budget Buy | NOW Solutions Arnica Warming Relief Massage Oil | 4.1 |
| Best Aromatherapy Massage Oil | Kiss Me Sensual Lavander Massage Oil | 4.4 |
| Best Warming Massage Oil | Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Castor Oil | 4.8 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Sensual Massage Oil w/ Pure Lavender Oil
Sensual Massage Oil w/ Pure Lavender Oil is formulated with perfect balance of base and essential oils to provide maximum relaxation and a soft scent that will enhance your most intimate moments with your loved one. Once applied to the skin the oil is absorbed at an optimal rate, without greasiness or residue buildup. Its texture enables smooth massage motions that soothe muscles and moisturize the skin. The reviewers particularly emphasize its pleasant scent of lavender which is not too strong so that both men and women enjoy it.
This oil is made with natural ingredients that are free of additives, silicones, and artificial fragrances. It comes in 8-ounce bottle at the price of $11 and if you’re not satisfied, you can get your money back.
Sensual Massage Oil w/ Pure Lavender Oil Key Features:
- A blend of lavender, jojoba, and almond oils
- Free of additives, silicones, and artificial fragrances
- Sensually invigorates all senses
- Moisturizes and nurtures skin
- No residue buildup or greasiness
- Money-back guarantee
- Available in 8oz
Our Runner-Up Pick: Invivo Essential Fractionated Coconut Oil
Ideal base oil for aromatherapy that also nurtures your skin, nails, and hair
Invivo Essential Fractionated Coconut Oil is a base oil made out of a whole coconut with unhealthy fatty acid chains being removed, so that only nutrients and antioxidants are collected. When diluted with essential oils, it becomes a powerful tool for aromatherapy. It’s also suitable as a moisturizer for hair, face skin, and nails as it promotes hydration and silkiness of the skin. It’s safe to be used by adults and kids alike and it’s ideal for the sensitive skin.
This fractionated coconut oil comes with a free pump dilution guide and an e-book. It’s available in 16oz at the price of $13.
Invivo Essential Fractionated Coconut Oil Key Features:
- Filled with vitamins and nutrients and free of fatty acid chains
- Great base oil for aromatherapy
- Nurtures skin, hair, and nails
- Comes with a free pump dilution guide and an e-book
- Available in 16oz
Best Budget Pick: NOW Solutions Arnica Warming Relief Massage Oil
A perfect massage oil to provide warmth and pain relief after a busy day at work or a strenuous gym session
NOW Solutions Arnica Warming Relief Massage Oil has a therapeutic and soothing effect on sore muscles. It removes muscle tension buy providing warmth and pain relief. This product is a collection of olive oil, Arnica, essential oils and natural extracts that together create ultimate relaxation time after a busy day or an intense workout session.
Arnica Warming Relief Massage Oil is also beneficial for skin and can be used as a daily skin softener. It’s available in 8.6oz at the price of $9.
NOW Solutions Arnica Warming Relief Massage Oil Key Features:
- Therapeutic and soothing effect on sore muscles
- Provides warmth and pain relief
- Collection of olive oil, Arnica, essential oils and natural extracts
- Can be used as a daily skin softener
- Paraben-free
- Available in 8.6oz
Best Aromatherapy Massage Oil: Kiss Me Sensual Lavender Massage Oil
A blend of lavender and almond oil for relaxing aromatherapy massage and for setting up the mood
Kiss Me Sensual Lavender Massage Oil is a mixture of lavender and almond oil ideal for aromatherapy as it reduces muscle tension and relieves from pain while providing a pleasant scent. The reviewers emphasize its great texture that doesn’t leave stains or greasiness and its light fragrance that adds up to the relaxation. This massage oil also contains vitamins and antioxidants that cleanse the skin and remove scars and stretch marks.
Apart from being an efficient aromatherapy tool and beneficial for skin, Kiss Me Lavender Oil is effective in setting up the mood for intimate atmosphere due to its soft scent and edible quality. It’s available in 8oz at the price of $11.
Kiss Me Sensual Lavender Massage Oil Key Features:
- Combination of lavender and almond oil
- Relieves muscle tension and pain
- No stains or greasiness
- Contains vitamins and antioxidants that cleanse the skin and remove scars and stretch marks
- Edible and pleasant-smelling
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
- Available in 8oz
Best Warming Massage Oil: Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Castor Oil
Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Castor Oil has versatile use, but it is considered an efficient warm oil that promotes blood circulation and relieves sore and overworked muscles. It’s highly viscous so it penetrates deep into the skin and hydrates it with fatty acids. Castor oil is also beneficial for hair as it promotes hair growth and it preserves moisture.
Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Castor Oil is unfiltered, undiluted, and additive-free. It’s available in 16oz at the price of $14.
Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Castor Oil Key Features:
- Promotes blood circulation and relieves sore muscles
- Hydrates the skin
- Promotes hair growth and preserves moisture
- Unfiltered, undiluted, and additive-free
- Available in 16oz
Who Should Buy a Massage Oil?
The purpose of a massage oil is to reduce friction while performing a massage by lubricating the skin. Any massage can be done without a massage oil, but this product makes the massage much easier to do as it enables smooth motions. Also, a massage can be much more effective with the help of a massage oil as its texture penetrates deep into the skin allowing the muscles to relax.
Apart from helping relieve muscle tension, massage oils also contribute to the soothing effect with their pleasant fragrances and can be quite beneficial for the skin by hydrating and nurturing it. If you plan on scheduling a massage session, the use of a massage oil can make the session much more relaxing and enjoyable.
Here’s our winner Sensual Massage Oil, the perfect massage oil for relaxation and the best gift for your skin
Important Features to Consider
A massage oil should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when choosing a massage oil to help you relax:
- Density and purity. A massage oil should not be very dense and it should be pure, as pure oils are generally feel better to the touch and are less greasy.
- Viscosity. Oils used for massages should have low viscosity, which means that they should flow easily on the skin. A massage oil is formulated to reduce the friction during a massage and to enable smooth motions of the hands. A massage oil shouldn’t be sticky and its texture should enable it to move along with the hand.
- Speed of absorption. A massage oil needs to be absorbed into the skin, but at the right rate, not too quickly and not too slowly. The oil should last during the massage to enhance the soothing effect and get absorbed by the skin afterwards, without greasiness buildup.
- Moisturization. A massage oil should seal moisture inside the skin to keep it hydrated. Oils that moisturize well keep the skin nurtured, smooth, and soft for a longer period of time.
- Natural ingredients. As it is the case with any other product, a massage oil is more beneficial and healthier if it’s made with natural ingredients, and without artificial flavors, preservatives, additives and other chemicals that can potentially endanger health.
- Odor. Oils that have unpleasant or strong scent are rarely used for a massage, unless it is necessary for some reason, for example because of their nutritious nature. Odor of an oil plays an important role during the massage as the pleasant fragrance adds up to the soothing and relaxing effect the massage is trying to produce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people use oil for massages?
As we’ve previously mentioned, a massage can be performed without the oil, but the application of oil makes it much more easier and effective. A massage oil lubricates the skin and minimizes friction while massaging so that hand motions are smooth and easily glide across the skin. An oil is meant to enhance and improve the quality of the massage as it gets absorbed by the skin and helps relieve muscle tension. Also, oils hydrate the skin by moisturizing it, and some of them are formulated to reduce marks and stretches and combat acne. Most oils used for massage have pleasant odor which contributes to the calming effect. Therefore, incorporating oils into your massage routine will not only make your massage more effective and enjoyable, but it will also be beneficial for your skin.
Can you use body oil for massages?
Both body and massage oils are a mixture of base oils and essential oils. However, the difference is in the type of the base oils used and the ratio between base oils and essential oils. Body oils and massage oils are absorbed differently by the skin as they serve two different purposes. Body oils are meant to make the skin soft and smooth, while massage oils are formulated to soothe sore muscles. Body oils contain richer base oils and are absorbed quickly by the skin, making it silky for a longer period of time. Although body oils can be used in lighter massages, they will not produce the same results as massage oils, which are specifically made to penetrate deep into the skin and relax tense muscles.
What kind of oil is used for massages?
Almost all massage oils are made from a combination of base oils and essential oils. Base oil is the main ingredient of a massage oil and is most often derived from vegetables. Some of the most commonly used base oils are grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. Sweet almond oil is perhaps the most popular choice, as it spreads easily, nourishes the skin and has a very mild scent. Grapeseed oil gets absorbed quickly without leaving greasy residue and it is considered to be effective in treating acne, wrinkles, stretch marks, and dermatitis among others. Jojoba oil is similar to the natural sebum in our skin and it contains a myristic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory that helps in treating rheumatism and arthritis.
You only need a small amount of essential oils to mix with base oils. Some of the most popular choices are lavender oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil. Lavender oil is an antiseptic that can be applied directly to the skin to treat burns or stings. Tea tree oil can also be applied undiluted to the skin as an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. Eucalyptus oil is known for helping treat muscle sprains and cramps. It’s also used for preventing and healing scar tissue and opening blocked nasal passages. Coconut oil for skin and hair is another popular option and a great moisturizer. For massaging, fractionated coconut oil is usually the best choice.
How do you apply a massage oil?
First of all, make sure to learn about properties of your desired massage oil to check whether it’s suitable for your skin type and sensitivity. Remember to dilute essential oils in a base oil before applying it to the skin. It’s better to apply it on a small area of the skin first to be sure that it won’t cause any reactions. Once you’re sure that it suits you, simply rub it into desired skin areas.
Other Massage Oils We Reviewed
Here’s our winner Sensual Massage Oil, the perfect massage oil for relaxation and the best gift for your skin
We looked at 20 other massage oils. Even though they didn’t make out 5 best massage oils, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your massage sessions. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Aromatherapy Oils
Badger Ginger Aromatherapy Massage Oil
Badger Ginger Aromatherapy Massage Oil is formulated with rich extracts and infused oils. It features a slightly heavier consistency that’s effective in deep tissue massage.
Key Features:
- Cold pressed olive and jojoba oils and arnica
- USDA certified organic
- A slightly heavier consistency to aid in deep tissue massage techniques
Cost: $28
Desire Sensual Massage Oil works great in relaxing massages and sensual couples massages. It contains natural ingredients that leave the skin soft and refreshed without greasy stains.
Key Features:
- Sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and vanilla oil
- No greasiness
- Leaves the skin silky and nourished
- Relaxing and sensual massages
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cost: $17
Honeydew Relaxing Massage Oil is a blend of base and essential oils including lavender, jojoba, almond, and bergamot oils. It’s suitable for a relaxing and sensual couples massage.
Key Features:
- Blend of base and essential oils including lavender, jojoba, almond, and bergamot oils
- 100% natural oils
- No stains or greasy residue
- Money-back guarantee
Cost: $9
Lulu Lavender Massage Oil is formulated for relaxing and sensual massage. It relieves and hydrates tired skin.
Key Features:
- Mixture of jojoba and essential oils
- Light lavender fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- No greasy residue
Cost: $16
Melt Sensual Massage Oil treats sore muscles and relieves stress and anxiety. It’s ideal to be used for a couples massage.
Key Features:
- Relieves sore muscles and tired joints
- Contains almond oil
- No greasy residue
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free and cruelty-free
Cost: $16
Nooky Lavender Massage Oil has a therapeutic effect and is easily absorbed. It can be used for relaxing and couples massage.
Key Features:
- Combination of jojoba and essential oils
- Organic lavender scent
- No greasiness
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Money-back guarantee
Cost: $16
NOW Cinnamon Cassia Oil has a versatile use, among others to relieve topical pain, promote hair growth, and as a face cleanser.
Key Features:
- Steam-distilled from plants leaves and twigs
- Relieves topical pain
- Promotes hair growth
- Face cleanser
- Warm, spicy aroma
Cost: $8
Relief Arnica Massage Oil is ideal for a sports massage as it relieves muscle pain, but it can be used for all other types of massages. It contains natural ingredients and its smooth texture doesn’t cause greasiness.
Key Features:
- Ideal for a sports massage
- Mixture of Arnica, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and essential oils including rosemary and lemongrass
- No greasy residue
- Cruelty-free
Cost: $18
Tropical Passions Natural Edible Massage Oil
Tropical Passions Natural Edible Massage Oil is naturally flavored and it’s perfect for a relaxing massage to de-stress. It also moisturizes and hydrates the skin
Key Features:
- Naturally flavored
- Jojoba oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and Vitamin E
- Cruelty-free
- Money-back guarantee
Cost: $10
Weleda Massage Oil with Arnica relieves muscle tension. It’s made with natural ingredients and it features Arnica, which is particularly efficient in treating bruises and bumps.
Key Features:
- Relieves muscle tension
- Warming and toning
- Free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants or raw materials derived from mineral oils
Fractionated Coconut Oils
ArtNaturals Fractionated Coconut Oil
ArtNaturals Fractionated Coconut Oil is a great base oil that when combined with essential oils provides ultimate relaxing massage. It’s also a natural moisturizer and features anti-aging properties.
Key Features:
- Natural ingredients
- Healing benefits
- Anti-bacterial and anti-aging properties
- Relaxes sore muscles
- Cruelty-free
- Money-back guarantee
Cost: $10
Essential Oil Labs Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil
Essential Oil Labs Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil provides muscle tension relief and helps with arthritis. It’s also beneficial for skin and hair.
Key Features:
- Pure and natural
- Relieves tension in muscles
- Hydrates dry and cracked skin
- Promotes hair growth
- Odorless
Cost: $14
Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil
Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil is one of the most versatile oils that can be used in aromatherapy, massage, and as a hair and skin moisturizer. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Key Features:
- Natural ingredients
- Hair and skin moisturizer
- Antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Must be diluted before applied to the skin for massage
- No alcohol, parabens or preservatives
- Cruelty-free
Cost: $14
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil can be used as a base oil for diluting essential oils in massages and it also moisturizes skin, treats chapped lips, and it can be used as a hair conditioner.
Key Features:
- Odorless
- No greasiness
- Long shelf life
- Hair, skin, and lips moisturizer
- Money-back guarantee
Sweet Almond Oils
Essential Depot Almond Sweet Oil
Essential Depot Almond Sweet Oil can be used in massage and as a skin and hair moisturizer. It’s easily absorbed and it won’t clog pores.
Key Features:
- Derived from pressed almonds
- Easily absorbed and it won’t clog pores
- Nourishing properties
Cost: $17
Molivera Organics Sweet Almond Oil
Molivera Organics Sweet Almond Oil can be used as a base oil in massage, but it’s also beneficial for hair and skin. It has anti-aging and healing properties.
Key Features:
- Derived from pressed almonds
- Suitable for dried and damaged skin and hair
- Anti-aging and healing properties
- Money-back guarantee
Cost: $14
Sweet Almond Oil, 16 oz by Kate Blanc
Sweet Almond Oil, 16 oz by Kate Blanc is a versatile oil that can be used as a base oil in massage and as a face, body, and lips moisturizer.
Key Features:
- Odorless
- Non-greasy
- Face, lips, and body moisturizer
- One year warranty
Anti-Cellulite Massage Oils
Brooklyn Anti Cellulite Treatment Massage Oil
Brooklyn Anti Cellulite Treatment Massage Oil treats unwanted fat tissue. It’s absorbed quickly and it moisturizes skin.
Key Features:
- Penetrates deep into the skin and treats fat tissue
- Grapeseed oil, eucalyptus oil, citrus lemon oil, and grapefruit oil
- Natural citrus scent
- No alcohol, paraben, and sulfates
- Cruelty-free
Cost: $12
Premium Anti Cellulite Treatment Massage Oil
Premium Anti Cellulite Treatment Massage Oil breaks down fat cells in problem areas such as hips, thigs, and abdomen. It improves circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Key Features:
- Breaks down fat cells in problem areas such as hips, thigs, and abdomen
- Grapeseed oil, eucalyptus oil, citrus lemon oil, and grapefruit oil
- Improves circulation
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Cost: $17
Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil for Stretch Marks
Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil for Stretch Marks diminishes stretch marks, increases skin’s elasticity and maintains skin’s moisture.
Key Features:
- Removes stretchmarks that appear during and after pregnancy
- Improves skin’s elasticity and smoothness
- No preservatives, fragrances, and mineral oils
Cost: $14
