DIY Massage Oil: Choosing The Best Oils for Massage

Choosing the best oils for massage can feel overwhelming, but it’s simpler than you may think. Learn how to blend oils according to your needs and make your own perfect massage oil.

Benefits of using massage oils

Massage oils don’t just make it easier for hands to glide over the skin. They can also add therapeutic benefits and scents that can take your massage to a whole new level.

Many oils are rich in fatty acids, making them good for nourishing your skin. Others, like jojoba oil, improve blood circulation which can, in turn, promote faster healing. Other oils, like castor and macadamia nut oil, help relieve pain and sooth sore muscles.

Choosing the best oils for massage

The perfect massage oil is generally made using two different types of oils: carrier oils and essential oils.

Carrier oils

Carrier oils make up the bulk of your massage oil. They dilute potent essential oils and carry them safely to your skin. They are what provide the glide, and they can be combined to give different sensations or healing properties.

Ideal carrier oils are mild, light in color and scent, and they have a good shelf life.

Inexpensive carrier oils

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is an easy-to-find, inexpensive oil that is often overlooked when making cosmetics. It has a light texture that is easily absorbed by the skin. It is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as essential fatty acids. This helps to nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin.

Sunflower oil is less likely to cause allergies than many other oils, so it’s good for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It’s also non-comedogenic oil, meaning it won’t clog pores. (That’s why I used it in my moisturizer for acne prone skin.) The antioxidants in sunflower oil help protect the skin from environmental damage and premature aging.

Sweet almond oil

Sweet almond oil is another oil that is less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. It has a light to medium consistency and is rich in the same vitamins. It also contains essential minerals like magnesium and calcium that contribute to overall skin health. It has a very mild, nutty scent that isn’t overpowering, making it a good base oil for massage.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is inexpensive and popular, and is less likely to stain clothes than some of the other oils. While it is tolerated well by most people, some will find that it causes them to breakout.

In cooler months, coconut oil solidifies. For chilly months or cooler climates, you can use fractionated coconut oil instead. Unlike regular coconut oil, which solidifies at cooler temperatures, fractionated coconut oil remains liquid and can easily be worked into the skin. Keep in mind that fractionated coconut oil is generally more expensive.

Castor oil

Castor oil is thick and sticky, so it might not be everyone’s first choice for a full-body massage. That said, it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin. This helps provide relief from soreness, making it a great choice for spot treatments. I like to combine castor oil with other lighter carrier oils to reap its benefits in a lighter, less sticky way!

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil, is actually a liquid wax. It’s an ideal ingredient in massage oils because it is light in color, has very little scent, and is well tolerated by most skin types. It also has a long shelf life. Jojoba closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it perfect for both moisturizing and balancing oily skin. It tends to be pricier, so you may want to combine it with other oils.

Other good carrier oils

• Rice Bran Oil: Good for those looking for a light, easily absorbed oil with nourishing properties.
• Macadamia Oil: Ideal for mature or dry skin due to its rich fatty acid content and non-greasy feel.
• Grapeseed Oil: Light and easily absorbed, it is good for those with sensitive skin. It is also high in antioxidants and linoleic acid.
• Olive Oil: Although heavier and greasier, it is highly moisturizing and beneficial for dry or mature skin. It’s also easy to find. Extra virgin oil has a scent that can be overpowering, so you may want to use a lighter olive oil.
• Apricot Kernel Oil: Similar to sweet almond oil, but slightly lighter. It is rich in vitamins A and E and is good for sensitive or prematurely aging skin.

Premium carrier oils

Adding some premium oils to your massage oil can make it a luxury product. These oils can be quite pricey and potent, so you’ll probably want to combine them with other oils to keep the price down!

• Argan oil: One of my favorite oils for both hair and skin. It’s highly moisturizing, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, and promotes skin elasticity. It’s lightweight and easily absorbed. Those with tree nut allergies may have issues with it.
• Pomegranate Seed Oil: A medium weight, slightly viscous oil. It’s anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, and promotes skin regeneration.
• Sea Buckthorn Oil: Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, it promotes skin healing and regeneration. It’s a very thick and rich oil with a deep orange color. Because of its bright color and potency, you’ll want to use it sparingly.
• Borage Seed Oil: A light to medium weight oil. It is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is anti-inflammatory and promotes skin health.
• Tamanu Oil: A thick and viscous oil that promotes wound healing, it’s anti-inflammatory and deeply moisturizing. It has a potent scent that some people don’t like. It is also a tree nut oil so those who are allergic to nuts should avoid it.

Balance is key when it comes to mixing carrier oils. When combining oils with different viscosities, try to create a final product that’s not too thick or too runny. For instance, blend a thicker oil like castor oil, which is known for its pain-relieving capabilities, with a thinner oil like sunflower oil, which is hydrating without being too heavy.

The best carrier oils for massage:

Carrier Oil	Properties	Best for Skin Types	Safety Concerns
Sweet Almond Oil	Lightweight, easily absorbed, rich in vitamins A, B, D, E, moisturizing	Dry, sensitive, normal	Generally safe; may cause allergic reactions in those with nut allergies
Jojoba Oil	Closely resembles skin’s sebum, non-greasy, easily absorbed, anti-inflammatory	Oily, acne-prone, sensitive	Generally safe; very low risk of allergic reactions
Coconut Oil	Highly moisturizing, rich in fatty acids, solid at room temperature (fractionated stays liquid)	Dry, normal	Can clog pores for some people; may cause allergic reactions
Grapeseed Oil	Light, easily absorbed, high in linoleic acid, antioxidant-rich	Sensitive, oily, normal	Generally safe; may cause allergic reactions in those with grape allergies
Olive Oil	Heavy, very moisturizing, rich in vitamins A and E, anti-inflammatory	Dry, mature	Can clog pores; may cause allergic reactions
Apricot Kernel Oil	Light, easily absorbed, rich in vitamins A and E	Sensitive, prematurely aging	Generally safe; may cause allergic reactions in those with nut allergies
Avocado Oil	Heavy, very moisturizing, rich in vitamins A, D, and E, high in oleic acid	Dry, mature	Can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to latex
Argan Oil	Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, non-greasy, easily absorbed	Dry, sensitive, normal	Generally safe; may cause allergic reactions in those with nut allergies
Sunflower Oil	Light, non-greasy, rich in vitamins A, D, E, essential fatty acids	Normal, sensitive	Generally safe; may cause allergic reactions in those with sunflower allergies
Macadamia Oil	Rich in monounsaturated fats, palmitoleic acid, non-greasy	Mature, dry	Generally safe; may cause allergic reactions in those with nut allergies
Pomegranate Seed Oil	Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, promotes skin regeneration	Dry, mature, irritated	Generally safe; potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Sea Buckthorn Oil	Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, promotes skin healing, deep orange color	Dry, damaged, mature	Can stain skin and fabrics; potential for skin irritation
Borage Seed Oil	High in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), anti-inflammatory, promotes skin health	Dry, mature, irritated	Generally safe; can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Tamanu Oil	Promotes wound healing, anti-inflammatory, deeply moisturizing, thick	Damaged, dry, mature	Generally safe; potential for skin irritation, especially on sensitive skin
Rice Bran Oil	Light, easily absorbed, rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, moisturizing	Sensitive, normal, mature	Generally safe; very low risk of allergic reactions
Castor Oil	Thick, highly moisturizing, contains ricinoleic acid, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial	Dry, irritated, specific areas	Generally safe; can cause skin irritation and sensitivity in some people

Essential oils

Essential oils can be added to your massage oils to add an enticing aroma and therapeutic properties. A few drops of Lavender essential oil can transform a regular massage into a deeply soothing experience. For revitalization, try citrus oils like orange or lemon.

Oils like Eucalyptus or Peppermint provide a cooling effect on sore muscles and can help reduce inflammation. That’s why I used them in my potent anti-stress and headache relief lotion.

Many essential oils also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic qualities, making them beneficial for addressing a range of skin and health concerns, including inflammation, dry skin, sore muscles, and chronic pain.

Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin. They’re potent and can cause irritation unless diluted with a carrier oil. For most topical applications, keep the essential oil concentration under 2% by weight.

Lavender oil: relaxation and stress relief

Lavender oil is known for its calming properties that make it ideal for relaxation and stress relief. Its soothing scent is perfect for a relaxing massage. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety or just seeking some serenity, the therapeutic properties of Lavender oil go beyond relaxation. It can also soothe sore muscles, enhance blood circulation, and reduce inflammation.

Because it’s gentle on the skin, lavender oil is suitable for most people with sensitive skin conditions. Its antimicrobial properties may also protect the skin from various skin irritations and conditions.

Peppermint oil: pain relief and muscle relaxation

Known for its cooling sensation, peppermint oil is fantastic for pain relief and muscle relaxation. The methanol in Peppermint oil may help soothe sore muscles and alleviate discomfort associated with chronic pain. Its refreshing scent also acts as a little pick-me-up, making it a great choice for those moments when both your body and mind need a little reboot.

Peppermint oil is potent and should be diluted to avoid skin irritations. Some people might find the cooling effect irritating. Peppermint oil shouldn’t be used on young children.

Eucalyptus oil: respiratory support and inflammation reduction

Derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree, this oil is often used for respiratory support and to reduce inflammation. Eucalyptol, found in the oil, is commonly used in cough suppressants and inhalants. For those suffering from colds or congestion, eucalyptus oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may offer relief.

Eucalyptus oil is another potent oil with cooling properties that may help soothe stress and headaches. Some people find the effect uncomfortable or find that the oil irritates their skin. Eucalyptus oil should not be used on young children under the age of 4.

The best essential oils for massage:

Essential Oil	Properties	Scent Type	Safety Recommendations
Lavender Oil	Calming, reduces anxiety, promotes sleep, anti-inflammatory	Floral, herbaceous	Generally safe; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals
Peppermint Oil	Energizing, cooling, relieves muscle pain, anti-inflammatory	Minty, fresh	Avoid in children under 6 and during pregnancy; can cause skin irritation
Eucalyptus Oil	Clears respiratory tract, antimicrobial, reduces muscle tension	Camphorous, fresh	Avoid in young children and people with epilepsy; can cause skin irritation
Tea Tree Oil	Antimicrobial, antifungal, reduces inflammation	Medicinal, earthy	Use in low concentrations; can cause skin irritation
Chamomile Oil	Calming, reduces anxiety, anti-inflammatory, soothing	Sweet, fruity, floral	Generally safe; avoid if allergic to ragweed
Rose Oil	Promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, improves skin health	Floral, rich, sweet	Generally safe; may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Jasmine Oil	Uplifts mood, reduces stress, aphrodisiac, skin nourishing	Floral, exotic, warm	Generally safe; use in low concentrations
Sandalwood Oil	Calms the mind, reduces tension, anti-inflammatory	Woody, warm, rich	Generally safe; potential for skin sensitization
Frankincense Oil	Reduces stress, boosts immune function, anti-inflammatory	Woody, spicy, warm	Generally safe; dilute before use to avoid skin irritation
Neroli Oil	Reduces anxiety, improves skin elasticity, soothing	Floral, sweet, citrusy	Generally safe; dilute before use to avoid skin irritation
Ylang Ylang Oil	Calming, reduces stress, aphrodisiac, balancing	Floral, sweet, exotic	Can cause headaches and nausea in high concentrations; dilute well
Geranium Oil	Balances hormones, reduces stress, anti-inflammatory	Floral, sweet, herbaceous	Generally safe; can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Lemongrass Oil	Energizing, reduces muscle pain, antimicrobial	Citrus, fresh, grassy	Can cause skin irritation; use in low concentrations
Rosemary Oil	Improves circulation, reduces muscle pain, enhances focus	Herbaceous, camphorous	Avoid during pregnancy and in people with epilepsy; can cause skin irritation
Bergamot Oil	Uplifts mood, reduces stress, antibacterial	Citrus, sweet, spicy	Phototoxic; avoid sun exposure after use
Clary Sage Oil	Calms nerves, balances hormones, reduces muscle spasms	Herbaceous, sweet, earthy	Avoid during pregnancy; can cause headaches in high concentrations
Vanilla Oil	Calming, uplifting, aphrodisiac, antioxidant	Sweet, warm, comforting	Generally safe; may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals

Essential oil blends

Combining different oils and essential oils can truly personalize your massage oil and can provide a greater range of therapeutic properties and benefits.

When combining oils, don’t just think about the fragrance. Keep in mind the unique therapeutic properties of each oil and how they can complement each other. Oils with anti-inflammatory properties can be paired with antimicrobial or soothing oils to target specific issues like skin irritations or to enhance overall relaxation.

Lavender oil, for example, has both anti-inflammatory and calming properties, making it a popular choice for relaxation and soothing skin conditions. Pairing it with eucalyptus oil can provide a blend that eases respiratory issues in addition to calming the body. Adding peppermint oil can add a refreshing feel and further soothe sore muscles.

• Relaxation Blend: Lavender essential oil + Chamomile essential oil
• Revitalization Blend: Peppermint essential oil + Lemon essential oil
• Anti-inflammatory Blend: Eucalyptus essential oil + Rosemary essential oil

Safety Concerns

Dosage

Because essential oils are potent, they need to be diluted with carrier oils. For most massage oils, you’ll want to keep the percentage low, around 1% of the finished product. (That means around 1 ml (about 20 drops) per 100 ml of carrier oil.) Some oils can be used at higher amounts for specific therapeutic uses, but take special care when using doses higher than 1-2%, especially in people with sensitive skin and allergies.

Check on the minimum age recommendation for each oil before using them on children. Always conduct a patch test to check for allergic reactions and consult a professional if you have sensitive skin or specific skin conditions.

Avoiding direct sunlight after using certain oils

Some essential oils, such as citrus oils, may cause the skin to react to UV light. After a massage with oils like cold pressed bergamot or lemon, you should avoid direct sunlight for at least 12 hours to prevent any adverse skin reactions like redness, swelling, or blistering. (Or make sure to protect your skin from the sun afterward.)

Patch testing for allergies or sensitivities

Before mixing up your massage oil, consider any possible allergies or sensitivities. Some oils like argan or macadamia nut oil can cause skin reactions in people with nut allergies. (The table of carrier oil above gives some common sensitivities for each oil.)

Before using any oils for massage, especially if you are allergic to anything or are prone to skin reactions, it’s a good idea to do a patch test using each oil.

To do a patch test:

1. Choose a small, discreet area of skin, such as the inside of your elbow or wrist.
2. Apply a tiny amount of the oil or blend you plan to use.
3. Cover the area with a bandage and wait 24 to 48 hours.
4. After the waiting period, remove the bandage and check for any signs of redness, itchiness, blistering, or irritation.

Normally, 24 to 48 hours is sufficient to determine if you have an allergy or sensitivity. If redness, itching, or other irritations occur, it’s best to avoid that oil and choose a better one for your skin.

Even if an oil is said to be mild and non-allergenic, like sunflower or jojoba oil, you could still have a reaction. We are all different and have different sensitivities.

Preparation

Mixing up the massage oil is very simple. You can measure out your oils by weight or volume. I normally weigh and mix the oils directly in the bottle I plan on using for storing the finished massage oil.

1. Prepare your scale(s) and gather your ingredients. I generally use a kitchen scale for measuring out larger quantities. In this case, I used it for the carrier oils. I use a jeweler’s scale for measuring out smaller quantities. (Here, you can use it for the essential oils and vitamin E, if you choose to use it.)
2. Tare the empty bottle with your funnel on it. Pour in the oils in the desired quantities. (I used 99g of carrier oils for every gram of essential oils.) To easily measure out essential oils, tare the bottle of essential oils. Pour in a small amount and then weigh the bottle again. The scale will show a negative number representative of how much essential oil you used!
3. Once you have added all of your ingredients, swirl them together to mix them thoroughly. You can now dispense the oil and use it in massages.
4. Enjoy your finished massage oil!

Storage

For a massage oil with a longer shelf life, choose stable oils that tend to have a longer shelf life. (For example, jojoba oil and coconut oil keep much better than hemp oil.)

To prolong the shelf life, store your oil in a cool, dark, dry place with a temperature ideally between 45-75 degrees Fahrenheit (7-24 degrees Celsius). Some of the more expensive oils keep better in the refrigerator or at cooler temperatures. Others will thicken or solidify, making them difficult to use. Avoid leaving oils near heaters, windows, or in direct sunlight.

Use containers made of dark glass to prevent light exposure. Exposure to light can lead to oxidation. Avoid clear plastic, if possible. Some essential oils can dissolve certain types of plastic, leading to contamination. Oxygen can also cause oils to turn rancid, so it’s best to use containers with tight-fitting lids to minimize air exposure.

For the longest shelf life, use your oil in a way that won’t contaminate the oil with moisture. You can use a pump dispenser for easy, contamination-free dispensing. Avoid putting your hands, especially wet ones, directly into the container with your massage oil.

When blending oils, check for the oil with the shortest shelf life in the mix. Use that as a reference for the shelf life of your finished product.

Alternative sample blends