For an unparalleled sense of relaxation and rejuvenation no matter the season, superior massage oils are your ticket. Far from ordinary lotions, these silky concoctions lend an unmistakable, satiny smoothness to your skin, echoing the effects of, say, a full-day retreat at a premium wellness spa or a deep, restful sleep. Since these particular oils are typically rich in essential fatty acids, they’re more nourishing than ordinary body lotions (take note, dry skin types) and won’t exacerbate dry patches or accentuate areas of rough skin.
You’ll want to apply these oils with careful intent. Spread them with a gentle but firm pressure, focusing particularly on areas of tension. Then diffuse any stubborn knots or tight spots with deeper, more concentrated strokes.
Whether they’re dispensed from bottles or jars, the mode of application remains refreshingly straightforward: Pour a small amount into your palm, rub your hands together to warm the oil, and then massage onto the skin. And don’t worry, it’s hard to get this wrong — especially since most massage oils are created to glide smoothly and absorb gradually. If you feel you’ve been overly generous, simply wipe off the excess with a soft, dry cloth.
We scoured the internet for the best massage oils, putting them through rigorous testing to discern the best of the best. Our team, along with a dedicated testing panel, evaluated these oils based on their texture, fragrance, and skin-feel post-massage, then ranked them accordingly. Our top pick distinguished itself with its exceptional texture, aromatic profile, and skin-nourishing properties.
Continue scrolling to discover the best massage oils tailored to your wellness needs.
- Light and citrusy aroma
- Hydrating and softening
- Botanical ingredients
If you’ve ever been curious about Aesop, we can tell you this much: it’s worth the hype.
The brand is famous for its focus on top-notch botanical ingredients and high-quality finishing touches, and this Breathless Oil is no exception.
It’s enhanced with vitamin E and a nourishing blend of nut oils—including blood orange, jojoba seed, and laurel leaf—to soften and smooth dry skin while also providing an extra dose of hydration that you can feel right away. The woody aroma is light and citrusy, making it perfect for when you want a boost of moisture without smelling like an entire bottle of perfume.
To use it, simply massage into freshly cleansed skin (or even onto damp skin before applying makeup). You can also blend it with your favorite balm for added richness. It’s medium-weight in texture so a little goes a long way!
- Relaxing essential oils
- Calming
- Skin-nourishing
Let’s talk about the ELEMIS’ De-Stress Massage Oil. This stuff is incredible. It’s like a little vacation in a bottle, and it’s great for the body and the mind.
The oil contains a blend of essential oils that help to harmonize the body and soothe the mind. It contains rosewood, melissa, marjoram, geranium, rosemary, lavender, and chamomile—all of which have been shown to help nourish skin and melt away tension.
The sweet and calming aroma helps you decompress after a long day at work or school. You can take it with you on-the-go for those days when you just need to relax! And if it’s not sold out every time you go looking for it in stores (which has happened to me more than once), this is a great splurge item when it’s available!
- Non-greasy
- Ethical and sustainable
- Moisturizing
The Body Shop’s massage oil is the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long, hard day.
It’s non-greasy, so it won’t sink into your favorite PJs or bedsheets, and it contains floral oils that help switch off before bedtime. Wake up with skin that feels silky-soft!
The label is known for its commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing—that means that the bottle contains recycled glass and an aluminum lid, so you feel good about using it.
“When ever I put it on my back and neck, I have a really good sleep and feel relaxed the next day,” explained one tester. It is also really moisturizing but not sticky same time. Smells really great too.”
- Organic shea butter
- Anti-inflammatory lavender oil
- Affordable
If you’re looking for a way to add more relaxation to your life, SheaMoisture’s Lavender & Wild Orchird Massage Oil is a great place to start.
It’s made with organic shea butter and lavender essential oil, which has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing agent. The wild orchid extract works alongside the lavender to provide hydration and leave your skin delicately fragranced—which is especially nice if you’re using this in the bath!
This massage oil is incredibly affordable and easy to use: just rub it into your skin after showering or bathing, then relax while it soothes any minor irritation and restores moisture levels. You’ll get a fragrant spa bath that will relax your mind and body at the same time.
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Soothing scent
- Hydrating formula
Dame’s Massage Oil is a must-have for any self-care regimen.
The scent is just one of the many reasons why this product is worth trying out. It’s also formulated with hydrating jojoba oil and botanical extracts, which means it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin or just want to pamper themselves with a new oil.
The oil adds just the right amount to help you ease into pleasure—and we think everyone can use that! It’s easy to apply, too: simply pump the oil directly onto your skin, whether it’s on your back or other parts of your body.
If there were one downside to Dame’s Massage Oil, it would be that it’s always sold out.
- Pressed sunflower-seed oil
- Lightweight and quick-absorbing
- Natural and organic
Everden’s body oil is a blend of just five natural and organic oils, including over 50% cold-pressed sunflower seed oil.
It’s lightweight, satin-like, and quick absorbing, so it doesn’t leave behind an oily residue on your skin. And it’s intensely nourishing—so it can provide a nurturing and beneficial experience to both infants and parents.
This body oil can be used in many ways: you can use it as a massage oil to soothe discomfort and improve sleep patterns, you can apply it before bedtime to lock in moisture, or you can use it to moisturize after showering or bathing.
As one tester shared, “Obsessed with these baby oils! Feels like a real experience for both baby and me with the beautiful soft scent and great consistency for a perfect baby massage.”
- Perfect for aromatherapy
- Potent botanical ingredients
- Increases skin elasticity
It’s hard to believe that a product could be so good. But Grown Alchemist’s Body Treatment Oil is a dream come true.
This oil is formulated with a potent blend of botanical bioactive ingredients, and it works to soften and smooth your skin, increasing skin elasticity and hydration. You’ll see visibly improved texture in as little as four weeks of use, and the tamanu oil in this formula will give your skin that much-needed toned look.
One of my favorite things about this product is how effective it is. You don’t need to use very much at all to get great results—just one pump will do! The aromas of ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and bergamot provide uplifting and calming properties that are sure to put you in a better mood after a stressful day.
- Non-greasy
- Marula and camellia oils
- Grapeseed oil
Mirror Water’s Body Oil is a treat for the senses.
Formulated with three different oils and their respective benefits, this treat is perfect for everyday use by anyone who wants their skin to be soft, smooth, and nourished. The non-greasy formula leaves your skin feeling light as air and ready for anything—even a long day at work!
The grapeseed oil helps to foster a connection between mind and body, while marula and camellia oils help to nourish and soften dry skin. You’ll find yourself reaching for this bottle time after time; it’s just too good not to!
- Vanilla and lime scent
- Light formula
- Gives silky-smooth skin
The decadence of Chanel’s body oil is like a warm hug, and it smells like one too.
This formula is infused with vanilla and lime blossom, both of whichknown as relaxing scents. It’s enriched with helianthus annuus flower oil for compatibility with your skin, giving you that silky smooth feeling while moisturizing and infusing your skin with revitalizing properties.
After a shower or bath, massage onto the body with circular movements to melt into an accord of sweet musk, gourmand vanilla, and amber. It’ll tingle your skin in the best way possible—like you’re being hugged by a cloud of fluffy cotton candy.
It’s such a light formula that it can be layered under any scent—if you want to keep the vanilla going all day long!
- Antioxidant-rich
- Hydrating
- Affordable
If you’re looking for a product that will help you relax, Dotyk’s massage oil is the answer!
This product contains natural oils and antioxidants, as well as essential oils chosen specifically for body massage. It’s also budget-friendly, so you can stock up on it without breaking the bank.
The ingredients work to create a relaxing atmosphere with lavender and eucalyptus. Lavender has long been known for its ability to calm nerves without sedating you, while eucalyptus supports the respiratory system and soothes physical discomforts.
“This is definitely one of the few oils that actually is easy to use during lymphatic draining body massages. It’s hydrating and truly seeps into your skin barrier,” explained one reviewer.
What to Look for in Massage Oils
Ingredients
The main element to consider in massage oils is their ingredients. Check for natural, skin-friendly ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil, or grape seed oil. These oils are rich in vitamins and minerals and offer skin hydration and nourishment. On the other hand, avoid massage oils containing synthetic ingredients, fragrances, or dyes as they may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Scent
Scents can significantly impact the massage experience. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and peppermint are commonly used in massage oils for their therapeutic properties. Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing effects, perfect for a soothing night massage. On the other hand, peppermint is invigorating and can help alleviate muscle pain. Choose an aroma that aligns with the kind of experience you’re seeking.
Consistency and Absorption
The consistency and absorption of the oil play a crucial role in how effective the massage will be. The oil should have a smooth texture that allows for easy gliding over the skin without causing any drag or pull, making the massage experience more enjoyable. Additionally, it should absorb at a moderate rate – not too quickly that you need to constantly reapply and not too slowly that it leaves an oily residue.
Bottle Design and Dispenser
The design of the bottle and its dispenser is another aspect to consider. A bottle with a pump or dropper can make application easier and more convenient. It also helps to prevent spills and control the amount of oil you use. Some massage oils come in dark bottles, which is beneficial as it protects the oil from light damage, maintaining its benefits and prolonging its shelf life.
Skin Sensitivity
Finally, it’s important to consider your skin type and any allergies you might have. Some oils, especially those with essential oils, may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin or certain allergies. It’s always recommended to do a patch test before applying the oil over a large area. If you have sensitive skin, opt for unscented oils or those specifically designed for sensitive skin.
