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If you've ever gotten a massage, you're familiar with the feeling. It's like your entire body is melting into the bed and all of your stress and anxiety are just disappearing into thin air. No doubt, a good massage can help you get rid of all those tension knots and stiff joints.
One thing that can make an already blissful experience even better is using the right massage oil. Massage oils not only treat muscle pain but also provide much-needed hydration and treat dull and dry skin. But not all of them are created equal.
While some oils are too heavy or greasy, others are too light, leaving nothing but a slight shimmer on top of the skin that doesn't last long enough. To help you make the purchase, we’ve reviewed some top-of-the-line massage oils for 2024.
Our Picks of the Hottest Massage Oils
Majestic Pure Massage Oil — Best Overall
If you're looking for a truly relaxing massage experience, try Majestic Pure massage oil. Formulated with a cocktail of oils — lavender oil, chamomile oil, and almond oil — this highly therapeutic massage oil treats sore muscles and relieves stiffness while improving the blood flow.
It is further infused with arnica extract to restore your skin’s protective barrier and lock in the moisture, quenching dryness from head to toe. Designed for easy absorption, it has a light texture, making it easy to glide across the skin. With a luxe yet soothing scent, it is perfect for those who want to unwind after a long day. Because of its non-greasy texture and amazing therapeutic ingredients, this massage oil stands on top of our list.
Pros
- Don't leave stains
- 100% cruelty-free ingredients
- Easy to use pump bottle
Cons
- The scent might be overpowering for some
Brookethorne Naturals Massage Oil — Admirable Scent
Want to take your massage experience to the next level? Brookenthorne Naturals massage oil is what you need. Enriched with lavender and peppermint oil, this rich concoction helps to soothe tired muscles, and calm your senses while relieving stress and anxiety.
With a rich texture, this oil glides seamlessly across your skin, leaving it perfectly soft and smooth. Unlike other massage oils infused with botanical notes, it has a light and calming scent, making it much more delightful. Plus, it's hypoallergenic and paraben-free — perfect for sensitive and normal skin alike.
Pros
- Aids in sleepings
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
Cons
- The formula contains nuts
Weleda Massage Oil — Best For Sore Muscle
Tired of taxing and stressful workdays? Treat yourself with a few kneads of Weleda Massage Oil. Infused with arnica extract, this magical potion soothes sore muscles and relieves tension after strenuous exercise and laborious workdays.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it gradually heats up when rubbed into the skin, delivering a warm sensation all over your body. Free of harmful chemicals and preservatives, this dermatologically tested oil quickly absorbs into the skin, giving it a subtle, healthy glow. Although the bottle is small, a little goes a long way—so one container will last you for quite some time.
Pros
- Dermatologically approved formula
- Perfect for achieving smooth, supple skin
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- The scent is not very long-lasting
Cosmetasa Massage Oil — Best Nourishing
Cosmetasa Massage oil is the ultimate way to pamper your skin. Formulated with a rich amalgam of wild mint leaf oil, chamomile oil, and arnica extract, this head-to-toe elixir has moisturizing and hydrating properties, helping you get rid of the scaly elbow and dry skin while giving you a healthy sheen. It comes with a 360-degree rotating massage roller that allows for precise application of oil all over your body.
Just like other products on our list, this massage oil has a lightweight formula for quick absorption into the skin, so you don’t have to worry about oil stains on towels and sheets. Available in an 8.8oz bottle, this massage oil is also parabens- and sulfates-free.
Pros
- Comes with a convenient applicator
- Infused with hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Oil dries out quickly
CMWGKBC Massage Oil — Best For Aromatherapy
Perfect for aromatherapy and at-home spa treatment, CMWGKRC Massage Oil is packed with arnica extract that soothes aching muscles and helps you relax and unwind, while the ginger oil helps invigorate your body, mind, and spirit. The unique formula also creates a sensuous scent while its emollient properties make it ideal for different skin types.
Housed in a plastic bottle with a convenient pump dispenser, this premium-grade oil is free from harmful ingredients and fragrances. You can use it as an after-shave balm, hair oil, carrier oil, and bath soak. As another awesome plus, it has a luscious texture so you'll be able to glide right over those rough spots without missing a beat!
Pros
- Restores skin barrier
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Features convenient pump bottle
Cons
- Might be a little sticky
Buyer’s Guide: Massage Oil
When you think about massage oils, you probably imagine something greasy that would just get in your way during a relaxing massage. But there are actually tons of oils out there that can totally change your experience. The key is finding the right one that doesn't feel too heavy, relieves tension knots, and provides other healing benefits. To help you out, we've prepared this handy guide with all the information pertaining to massage oils so you can get your money's worth.
The Type of Oil Matters
Massage oils are often made with a blend of different types of oils, including coconut oil, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, and sunflower oil. Each type of oil may have its own unique benefits. For example, some massage oils derived from coconut oil or olive oil can help combat signs of aging. Grape seed oil is also a popular type of massage oil for its ability to help skin maintain its elasticity and defend against free radicals. Some massage oils contain arnica extract that provides the ultimate relief from sore muscles and stiff joints.
Think About the Viscosity of Oil
If you're looking for more of a silky finish, test out a small amount of the product by applying it to your own hands and rubbing them together; this will give you an idea of how slick it is, and whether it's something that would work well in conjunction with massage techniques.
The perfect massage oil should be easy to apply, but not so thin that it runs off the skin before being absorbed; thick enough to stay on your hands without dripping onto the floor; yet not so thick as to make application impossible or difficult.
Consider Your Skin Type
Not all massage oil works well with every skin type so you should consider your particular skin type before buying. If you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, it's important to look for massage oils that contain soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or chamomile extracts. If you have dry skin, you might want to try a formula enriched with avocado oil or sweet almond oil as both are known for their moisturizing properties.
Check the Ingredients
As with any product, you should always check the ingredients before buying a massage oil. While a lot of oils may look alike on the surface, some have very different formulations and ingredients from others. Many brands include preservatives and artificial fragrances that can cause irritation to sensitive skin and allergic reactions in some people.
Good massage oil will contain natural ingredients that are known to be beneficial to the skin such as essential oils, aloe vera, shea butter, and other similar ingredients. It should also be hypoallergenic and paraben-free.
What About the Smell?
Certain massage oils have a distinct, pleasant scent, which can make your massage more relaxing or energizing. From light floral fragrances to warm spicy scents to highly erotic scents, massage oils are available in a range of fragrances so make sure that you choose one that appeals to you the most.
If you are using massage oil with therapeutic intent, then choose one with a chamomile or lavender scent. For those who don’t want an overpowering smell interfering with your massage session, there are many unscented oils available on the market — just make sure the label clearly states “unscented” or “fragrance-free” before buying.
