The Best Massage Oils

Buying Guide for Massage Oils

Why buy massage oils?

Whether on the neck, shoulders, back, feet, hands, head, or legs, a massage can work wonders. However, not everyone has the benefits of spare time and money to take a day trip to a spa or visit a massage parlor. You may not be able to give yourself a full-body massage like a trained masseuse, but you can use massage oils at home to relieve your own aches and pains in your feet, shoulders, muscles, and joints.

What should you consider in massage oils?

• Type: There are dozens and dozens of different massage oils from which to choose. It can be hard to pick the best one for you. If you know what types of scents you prefer, choosing a massage oil based on scent can be a good place to start. Among the most popular types are lavender oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, all of which are used by professional masseuses for their relaxation purposes, easy absorption, and pleasant smells. If you’re not sure where to start, one of these or a blend of them is a good jumping-off point too.
• Purpose: While there are some common denominator benefits to most massage oils, some were mixed and intended for a specific purpose. Some help with sore muscles better than others, some are infused with collagen to improve the look of your skin, and some have better relaxation properties than others. Consider which benefits you might want from your massage oils and choose accordingly.
• Ingredients: Consider the ingredients label on any massage oil before you buy. You’ll want to pick massage oils with as few and as pure ingredients as possible. Massage oils labeled as organic tend to be among the best in this regard, though if the oil isn’t marked as such, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad or impure. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, picking a hypoallergenic massage oil is a wise choice to prevent irritation or a reaction.

Why is massage oil necessary?

A massage without oil or lotion is much less soothing. When giving or receiving a massage, using oil allows the hands to glide easily over the skin and reduces friction and discomfort. Massage oils that contain relaxing aromatherapy components help to relax the mind and body, calming nerves and detoxifying the skin and muscles.

Our Picks for the Best Massage Oils

Pros: This massage oil was designed with people with sensitive skin in mind. This blend of lavender oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil with vitamin E contains no ingredients except therapeutic-grade oils; there are no additives, no silicones, no parabens, and no preservatives. They’re also made in the U.S. in a state-of-the-art facility that abides by all GMP standards. The oil ratios are balanced to absorb into your skin, adding a beautiful, healthy glow. It’s easy to apply, with a moisturizing feel and muscle lubricant that won’t leave you feeling greasy or leave any residue during or after use, nor will you have to worry about staining. The aromatic smell of this oil blend will promote a sensual, relaxing feel every time you use it.

Cons: This oil absorbs easily, which is great for moisturizing the skin, but it doesn’t glide as well as some other oils for massage purposes.

Bottom Line: For those with sensitive skin, you know what a struggle it can be to find lotions and skin products that won’t irritate your skin. And if you’re worried about investing in massage oils, this one won’t cause stinging, itching, or inflammation. It’s available in an 8-ounce or 16-ounce bottle.

 

Pros: Perfect for relieving tension, this massage oil is a blend of sweet almond oil, grapeseed essential oil, and lavender oil. Each ingredient is completely natural and made for easy absorption into your skin. Whether you’re carrying the soreness and tension in your arms, wrists, elbows, shoulders, stomach, back, feet, legs, or neck, this blend of oils will help to ease your everyday aches and pains while leaving your skin with a hydrated, moisturized feeling. The natural fragrances of the oils blend together for a pleasing aroma that will help you to relax further. All of these features make this a perfect oil for home and professional massages alike. It’s cruelty-free and has never been tested on animals, so you can use it free of guilt. If you have sensitive skin, you should rub a small dab on your inner elbow to test for a reaction before further use.

Cons: This massage oil may stain fabrics.

Bottom Line: Relieving sore, tense, or tired muscles is one of the main reasons people seek out a massage. If you’re looking to invest in massage oils because you’re on your feet at work all day and want to give them some TLC, this oil may be the one for you. The blend is perfectly balanced and crafted to help dissipate tension, soothe tired muscles, and create an aromatic, carefree environment.

 

Pros: This massage oil is completely organic and non-toxic, free of GMOs, hexanes, parabens, and artificial dyes and fragrances. This mixture of jojoba, fractionated coconut, sunflower seed, lavender, geranium, cloves, eucalyptus leaf, vitamin E, and sweet almond oils was crafted by a professional perfumer for a perfectly balanced blend. This massage oil will stimulate your senses and feel silky smooth on your skin for optimal relaxation. The mess-free pump makes application even easier and cleaner. This massage oil is designed to be non-greasy for professional-level quality to aid in soothing stiff muscles in addition to relaxation. If you’re at all sensitive to strong smells, an unscented option is available for purchase as well.

Cons: It can be difficult to open the pump the first time you use it.

Bottom Line: This is a perfect massage oil for anyone trying to be extra careful about what they put into or onto their body and skin. It’s made from all-natural ingredients and is never tested on animals. And it leaves the skin feeling soft and supple after use.

 

Pros: When thinking of the benefits of a massage, improving skin tone and reducing cellulite are not characteristics that would occur to many of us. The collagen in this oil boosts the natural collagen in your skin while increasing skin cell longevity for an anti-aging implementation and skin toning. The grapefruit, grapeseed, and lemon oils mixed in this blend all aid in the anti-aging tendencies; grapefruit oil for its anti-inflammatory purposes, grapeseed oil as a source of vitamin E to provide antioxidants, and lemon oil that makes your skin smoother and suppler and improves your complexion. Eucalyptus oil is blended in, too, for additional benefits, including its soothing fragrance. Altogether they make for an antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory massage oil that will absorb into your skin to tighten, moisturize, and regenerate.

Cons: This massage oil may leave the skin feeling a little greasy.

Bottom Line: With this collagen-infused massage oil, you can enjoy a fantastic massage while your skin absorbs collagen and vitamins that improve the skin’s appearance. Every ingredient is naturally sourced for the highest possible purity. It is cruelty-free to boot, allowing you to enjoy this thin, lightweight massage oil and its refreshing citrus bouquet completely guilt- and worry-free.

 

Pros: This spa-quality massage oil is made in the U.S. with premium, quality ingredients. The blend is truly unique and balanced, including lavender oil, coconut oil, orange oil, geranium oil, frankincense oil, and grapeseed oil for deep nourishment of the muscles and skin. This oil allows your hands to glide easily for a gentle, lightweight, and soothing massage. It comes with a massage roller that spins 360 degrees to work out any tension or knots in the muscles. Plus, this oil is made to be earth-friendly and allergen-friendly. It’s free of cruelty, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It is also free of any artificial fragrances and has a light, pleasant natural scent.

Cons: This oil dries up more quickly than some others.

Bottom Line: Carefully formulated with natural oils, this massage oil provides optimal skin care and muscle relaxation. It’s easy to apply whether or not you use the included massage roller. And the massage roller is easy to clean with mild soap and water.

Final Thoughts

Massage is a wonderful way to increase blood flow and circulation, relax, and help relieve pain. These massage oils can make your home feel like a spa.