13 Best Massage Oils That Do More Than Relaxing Your Muscles

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 09, 2024
best massage oils
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Massage oils are often undermined when we have many essential oils in our stash already! However, these best massage oils are loaded with effective ingredients that do more than just relaxing your muscles. The art of massage has been taking an upper hand for hundreds of years, especially in ayurveda, for calming down the nervous system, promoting quality sleep, and treating varieties of ailments. Other than just kneading the skin, the right technique can work wonders in improving blood circulation, making bones stronger, and alleviating muscle pain.

To keep things straight, let us tell you how massage oils are different from your regular body oils. According to researchers, Andrew Vickers and Catherine Zollman, "Oils derived from plants are added to a base massage oil, which acts as a lubricant during treatment. Although often used purely for their smell, the oils are claimed to have a wide range of medicinal properties.” And, rightly so. Now, that you are aware of the benefits, take a look at the best massage oils we have shortlisted for you- 

13 Best Massage Oils

Help your skin increase its natural elasticity with this massage oil from M3 Naturals! Specially formulated with stem cells, the oil takes the upperhand in promoting cell longevity and boosting natural collagen for a youthful skin(1). Plus, with a high absorption formula, the lightweight texture of the heavenly product works on your skin without leaving a residue! Well, there’s something more — infused with natural ingredients like grapeseed, lemon, grapefruit, and eucalyptus, it effectively fights cellulite on hips, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs to say the least. 

 

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Leaves no residue
  • Increases skin’s elasticity
  • Boosts natural collagen production
  • Infused with natural ingredients
  • Tightens and tones the skin
Cons
  • Packaging could be better
  • Cruelty-free

    MAPLE HOLISTICS Sensual Massage Oil

     MAPLE HOLISTICS Sensual Massage Oil
  • Along with a heavenly aroma, enticing ingredients, and effective claims, attractive packaging is what will keep you hooked for a long time as you buy this product. Blended with pure almond, coconut, jojoba and lavender oil, the massaging essential ensures an alluring experience and a relaxing time. Furthermore, the nourishing oil glides over the skin smoothly to make the massaging process even easier and enjoyable for you. So why wait? Grab one now to reap the benefits!

     

    Pros
    • Calming scent
    • Nourishing formula
    • Glides smoothly
    • Moisturizes dry skin
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Greasy formula
  • Relieves Pain

    MAJESTIC PURE Sore Muscle Massage Oil

    MAJESTIC PURE Sore Muscle Massage Oil
  • Say goodbye to sore muscles with Majestic Pure massage oil that is carefully crafted to melt your tensions away. It is great for personal and professional use and makes the skin feel nourished and hydrated all day long. In addition, masterfully blended with arnica extracts, chamomile oil, and lavender oil, the high quality natural massage oil doesn’t contain any nasty chemicals to ensure a heavenly experience for you. For the best results, the brand suggests you to test for an allergic reaction on your elbow area before you use it.

     

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • FDA-approved
    • Relieves pain
    • Soothing scent
    • Easy to use
    • Hydrates the skin
    Cons
    • Chemical smell
  • Best Vegan and Cruelty-free Formula

    MARIO BADESCU COCONUT BODY OIL

    MARIO BADESCU COCONUT BODY OIL
  • This tropical elixir will transport you to paradise, leaving your skin feeling moisturized, your senses in a state of bliss, and your body pampered. MARIO BADESCU's Coconut Body Oil is a sheer indulgence – it's infused with the luscious scent of coconut and is a lightweight body oil that intensely hydrates the skin, leaving it with a healthy and dewy glow. Plus, it works as both a moisturizer and an excellent massage oil too. Loaded with the benefits that coconut oil and shea butter have to offer, it glides like melted butter, making every massage session the epitome of joy.

    Pros
    • Enchanting scent
    • Non-greasy
    • Convenient spray bottle packaging
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Nourishes the skin
    • Gets absorbed quickly
    • Soothes irritated skin
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Comes in a limited quantity
  • MAJESTIC PURE Fractionated Coconut Oil

    MAJESTIC PURE Fractionated Coconut Oil
  • Coconut oil has long been known for providing nourishing and moisturizing properties all over the world(2)! Featuring a soothing aroma, it also takes the upperhand in being a versatile carrier oil that glides easily on the skin. Plus, loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, the oil needs special mention for treating eczema and psoriasis too. Last but not the least, the oil claims to be paraben-free, sulfate-free, and hexane-free to make sure all the nasty chemicals stay away from the skin. 

     

    Pros
    • Value for money
    • Soothing scent
    • Works on severe skin conditions
    • Loaded with antioxidants
    • Non-greasy
    • Long shelf life
    Cons
    • Comes in a plastic bottle
  • Non-greasy

    MAPLE HOLISTICS Tropical Passions Massage Oil

    MAPLE HOLISTICS Tropical Passions Massage Oil
  • Ensure a relaxing time with this massage oil by Maple Holistics, infused with vitamin E and tropical aroma(3). Trust us when we say that it is the best product to grab when you are looking for a sensual couple massage session with your partner! Think of the tantalizing scent that both of you are going to experience together. Amazing, right? Addedly, it will leave you impressed as to how the non-greasy formula of the enchanting oil glides smoothly over the body without leaving behind any residue.

     

    Pros
    • Soothing tropical scent
    • Value for money
    • Super Moisturizing
    • Non-greasy
    • Works as carrier oil
    • Infused with vitamin E
    Cons
    • Not for people sensitive to smell
  • Gentle on Skin

    Brookethorne Naturals Passion Tropical Paradise Massage Oil

    Brookethorne Naturals Passion Tropical Paradise Massage Oil
  • Enriched with almond oil, grapeseed oil, tropical botanical essence, and jojoba oil, the Tropical Paradise massage oil claims to provide relief and relaxation without leaving any residue. You can now enjoy an unforgettable massage session with an unparalleled feeling at the comfort of your home with this product. The best part? It is loaded with natural ingredients and is gentle on the body to suit even the sensitive skin beauties! Still confused? Well, don’t be. Welcome this cruelty-free product into your stash right away and bestow your skin with a healthy and youthful-looking complexion that doesn't come at the price of innocent lives! 

     

    Pros
    • Doesn't leave behind greasy residue
    • Prevents friction
    • Natural ingredients
    • Non-greasy
    • Gentle on skin
    • Non-GMO
    Cons
    • Smells like bubblegum
  • No Artificial Fragrance

    viva naturals organic Massage Oil

    viva naturals organic Massage Oil
  • The brand claims this massage oil by Viva Naturals to be a perfect solution to hydrate and moisturize your skin while massaging it. Furthermore, carefully crafted using lavender, geranium, cloves, and eucalyptus, while blending the concoction with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and organic coconut oil, the product ensures a relaxing body massage oil that leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. All in all, it is indeed a go-to for people who are fond of organic products with no artificial fragrances or additives. 

     

    Pros
    • Non sticky
    • Relaxing scent
    • Doesn't leave residue
    • USDA-certified
    • Cruelty-free
    • No artificial fragrance
    Cons
    • Unsealed
  • Versatile

    PURSONIC100% PURE AND NATURAL Oil

    PURSONIC100% PURE AND NATURAL Oil
  • Loaded with anti-aging properties, this pure coconut oil claims to do more than just massage your skin(4)! It effectively eliminates blemishes and acne marks while moisturizing the skin at the same time. Want to hear the best thing? It has a lightweight and smooth formula that glides over your skin for a nourished feeling. Furthermore, the product claims to protect your skin from sun damage as well. Besides which, you get a versatile product with a premium quality that works on the hair scalp as well!

     

    Pros
    • Replenishes the skin
    • Versatile product
    • Premium quality
    • 100% pure
    • Lightweight formula
    • Great as a carrier oil
    Cons
    • Pump could be better
  • Suits All Skin Type

    MAJESTIC PURE COCONUT Massage Oil

    MAJESTIC PURE COCONUT Massage Oil
  • Relax your body after a strenuous day with this Majestic Pure Coconut massage oil that is loaded with rosemary oil, lavender oil, and chamomile oil to enhance your mood and hydrate your skin. It works as a magical moisturizing elixir to further soothe your skin at the same time. Furthermore, the organic massage oil comes with no harmful ingredients and works on every type of skin! So, why wait? Experience a spa-like session with the cruelty-free product that boasts of giving you the skin of your dreams.

     

    Pros
    • Doesn't contain harmful chemicals
    • Soothing aroma
    • Moisturizes the skin
    • Cruelty-free
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Mesmerizing fragrance
    Cons
    • Not for sensitive skin
  • Uplifts Mood

    Nooky VANILLA SCENTED SENSUAL Massage Oil

     Nooky VANILLA SCENTED SENSUAL Massage Oil
  • Nooky Vanilla’s massage oil comes with a tantalizing aphrodisiac scent that claims to stimulate certain hormones that improves your sexual life. It also works as a great mood-lifter and antidepressant while keeping your skin hydrated and rejuvenated all day long. Addedly, made with natural ingredients, the blend of oils claim to not irritate and upset the skin’s surface even if you have super sensitive skin. Furthermore, the lightweight formula makes sure the product glides over your skin without leaving a residue.

     

    Pros
    • No overpowering scent
    • Absorbs easily
    • Therapeutic smell
    • Uplifts the mood
    • Doesn't irritate skin
    • Glides smoothly
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
  • ELEMIS DE-STRESS Massage Oil

    ELEMIS DE-STRESS Massage Oil
  • With a powerful blend of hand-picked ingredients like rosemary, geranium, marjoram, rosewood, lavender, and chamomile, the brand boasts of melting your tension and nourishing your skin at the same time with this product. The massage oil also claims to completely relax your mind with its soothing aroma. Furthermore, it has a lightweight formula that smoothly glides over your body and deeply conditions the skin. Just take 3-4 drops of the oil and warm it up in between your palms to apply. And, voila! You are good to go!

     

    Pros
    • Calms the skin
    • Inflammatory properties
    • Melts away the tension
    • Prevents scarring
    • Tantalizing scent
    • Relaxes the mind
    Cons
    • Sticky
  • Gya Labs Soothing Sensual Massage Oil

    Gya Labs Soothing Sensual Massage Oil
  • Loaded with peppermint and cinnamon oil, the sensual massage oil claims to work wonders on sore muscles. The non-greasy formula also glides smoothly over the skin to relieve tensions and ease body fatigue. Furthermore, blended with natural ingredients like eucalyptus, jojoba, argan, sunflower, sweet almond, and lemongrass oil, the brand ensures the product bestows you with a balanced self and a blissful experience. Other than that, it helps in unwinding daily stress while smoothing the rough skin single-handedly.

     

    Pros
    • Non-greasy formula
    • Lightweight
    • Eases body fatigue
    • Loaded with natural ingredients
    • Helps in de-stress
    • Works on sore muscles
    Cons
    • Overpriced

    Since you already know the best massage oils in the market now, take a look at how you can pick the most suitable one amongst them - 

     

    How to Choose the Best Massage Oil?

    Here's how you can choose the best massage oil - 

    a) Formula- Make sure the formula is well-balanced between carrier and essential oils! Carrier oils like castor oil, olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil consist of 90% of the base while essential oils like lavender, peppermint, vanilla, lemongrass, are diluted in the carrier oils in small amounts to treat specific concerns. 

    b) Texture- It is better when the texture is lightweight and non-sticky so that the ingredients effectively work on the skin, or even deeply penetrates, without leaving behind any residue on the surface. Lightweight oils also ensure high friction that is required for deep tissue massage, chiropractic massages, etc.

    c) Scent- It depends on your preference. Since massaging itself is a process to calm down tensed muscles, you can pick a lavender or vanilla scented oil that is known to promote sleep and uplift the mood. However, if you are sensitive to smell, it is wise not to pick an oil with a scent.

    d) Specific Problems- When you are picking an oil, make sure it addresses the problems you are opting the massage for in the first place. A few oils are excellent in curbing muscle pain and inflammation, while the others are known for minimizing cellulite appearance. Pick the one that suits your specific needs.

    Conclusion

    These best massage oils are an all-in-one answer after a tiring day when you want to enjoy some me time or intimate time with your partner. A few drops of these elixirs will ensure you have a great ending to the day along with a calm mind and a relaxed body. To note, they are enriched with natural ingredients to ascertain no nasty chemicals penetrate into your skin, thereby ensuring overall care. So without further ado, grab one and make its way into the cart now! Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Which is the best oil for a full body massage?
    Maple Holistics Sensual massage oil is the best for body massage, as it glides smoothly and gets quickly absorbed by the skin.
    Which is the best massage oil for men?
    Elemis De-stress massage oil can be a game-changer for men for its ability to melt away the tension and calm the mind after a long tiring day.
    Which oil is the smoothest for massage?
    M3 Naturals Store Anti-Cellulite massage oil is an excellent product. It has a smooth formula and helps cancel out cellulites and promote youthful skin.
    Which oils are used for deep tissue massage?
    Brookethorne Naturals Passion Tropical Paradise massage oil ensures deep tissue massage as it comes with a lightweight formula that penetrates into the skin to give desired results.
    Which is the strongest essential oil for pain?
    Nooky Vanilla Scented Sensual massage oil has a tantalizing aroma along with the ability to alleviate pain.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Whether you’re dealing with cellulite, muscle or joint pains, dry skin, or simply wish to indulge in a relaxing self-care routine, our skincare guru, Anoushka, insists on using the best massage oils. After sleuthing the internet, she curated several products that are rich in natural emollients as well as invigorating essential oils. Of all the products, she prioritized the ones that were cruelty-free, lightweight, naturally soothing, and perfect to indulge one’s olfactory senses. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More