12 Best Massage Oils of 2023, According to Experts

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Set the mood with these soothing formulas.

When it comes to feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, nothing beats a good massage—especially during a sexy night with your partner. Using massage oils is one of the best ways to take your date night to a whole new level—increase relaxation, create intimacy, and take advantage of the many massage therapy benefits.

“When we are looking at the benefits of massage, we can look at it from both a physical and mental benefit—it’s not just one or the other,” explains Monisha Bhanote, M.D., A.B.O.I.M., integrative lifestyle physician and author of The Anatomy of Wellbeing. The physical benefits include reducing muscle stiffness, improving flexibility, decreasing pain, and aiding in lymphatic drainage while the mental benefits consist of increased relaxation, improved sleep, decreased stress and anxiety, and an overall increased feeling of well-being, Dr. Bhanote explains.

Meet the experts: Crystal Bethea, licensed medical massage therapist and owner of C3 Wellness Spa; Monisha Bhanote, M.D., A.B.O.I.M., integrative lifestyle physician and author of The Anatomy of Wellbeing

All of these pros are amplified by using the right massage oil. That’s why finding the best one is key for an incredible experience. We’re sharing a slew of options, from a variety of price points so you’re sure to find just the one.

Ahead, explore the best massage oils that provide aromatherapy, muscle relief, and skin-soothing benefits—plus the best massage oils for couples, according to the experts.

Dr. Bhanote explains that in Ayurvedic medicine, there are three doshas “required to make balance,” with Vata referring to those who would benefit from a sense of grounding. This Vata oil is formulated with a lightweight sesame oil base and “helps support calmness [and] grounding, and nourishes the body,” she explains. It contains passionflower and ashwagandha which is also great for stress relief.

This affordable option is a great pick for those looking to nourish dry skin without a heavy, greasy feeling. It is made with glycerin, virgin coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, and other lightweight oils to help bring hydration back to your complexion. Plus, the product has an overall 4.6 out of five stars and nearly 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. “This is a very light weight oil moisturizer I use right after my showers,” one reviewer wrote. “Does not leave my skin feeling greasy and I love the subtle smell. Wish it came in a bigger bottle!”

This CBD body oil recommended by Dr. Bhanote is infused with bergamot, neroli, citrus, and lavender to create a unique, relaxing scent. “CBD has some pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr. Bhanote explains. “So this one could be great for people who are experiencing arthritis or Fibromyalgia, or other pain.” Dr. Bhanote also enjoys the inclusion of bergamot in this formula as it helps create a pleasing smell and aids with decreasing stress and anxiety.

This herbal-infused massage oil is called a “love oil” for a reason—it’s sensual-smelling with “a combination of lavender, cinnamon and rose petals in an almond-based oil, so it's very hydrating, very soothing,” Dr. Bhanote explains. “If I picked a benefit out of this one I would take that lavender aspect because it’s very relaxing, stress-reducing…and can help with pain and muscle tension.

Massage oil candles are a great way to put a fun twist on a couples massage, and this moisturizing option is complete with an enticing, tropical scent. Simply burn the candle and let the pleasant, fruity aroma fill the room and wait until a pool of oil forms before extinguishing the flame and pouring it into your hands for an unforgettable massage experience. “This candle was amazing. It’s a perfect gift for your partner,” one of the nearly 2,000 five-star reviewers on Amazon wrote. “The wax isn’t too oily and makes your skin feel smooth. The scent is great too! I’d highly recommend!”

Dr. Bhanote recommends this “multipurpose oil that can be used for the skin, hair and nails” as it is very lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a heavy feeling on the skin. “What I love about this line is that it's chemical free in the sense that there’s no parabens, phthalates, [or] sulfates,” Dr. Bhanote explains. It also contains evening primrose oil and echinacea oil which help hydrate dry skin. Bonus? Dr. Bhanote says the oil is one of her “favorite smelling things.”

This sore-muscle massage oil earned 4.6 out of five stars on Amazon with over 22,000 five-star ratings. “One of the best arnica products I’ve used,” wrote one reviewer. “Very effective for pain relief and soreness. Wonderful for massage after an intense workout. Creates a very gentle warmth. Very good smell.” It contains a blend of lightweight, hydrating oils as well as vitamin E to soothe and moisturize the skin. It’s also infused with arnica, which is a plant extract (flower) that has been used for centuries to ease muscle soreness and relieve bruising and muscle spasms.

This massage oil from Young Living “houses almost 25 different essential oils that are excellent for lymphatic flushing,” Bethea explains. The brand advertises the product as being useful for a “cooling and calming massage” and “is ideal for soothing fatigued muscles.” It’s formulated with a blend of lightweight carrier oils and essential oils that creates a hydrating, skin-soothing, and wonderful-smelling massage oil.

If you’re looking for a lavender massage oil, try this highly rated option from Amazon. It has over 24,000 five-star ratings and reviewers say it “smells wonderful and is very relaxing for a massage.” It’s made with lightweight jojoba oil, vitamin E, and lavender for an effective, no-frills formula. “There are some studies that show lavender inhibits certain receptors in the neuromuscular junction, which is why it may have anti-anxiety properties,” Diane Yang, M.D., an internal medicine physician previously explained in conversation about lavender essential oil benefits. “Traditionally, lavender has been used for anxiety, relaxation, and muscle spasms.”

This lavender and lemon body oil is the perfect relaxing yet energizing formula to use for massages. It’s a favorite of mine not just for its unique, beautiful scent but for its nourishing and moisturizing properties thanks to ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E. It provides an excellent glide on the skin for an enjoyable massage, and works well to hydrate and moisturize the extra-dry spots I get on my skin during winter months.

If you’re really looking to spice up your date night, try this massage oil that doubles as a lube. This water-based lube works well as a lightweight massage oil on top of the sheets and allows for a seamless transition to having fun between the sheets. It has over 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon with one reviewer writing that the product “really works, smells good and it is soft and silky. I love it. It's a must have.”

This lightweight body oil from beloved skincare brand Neutrogena has over 20,000 glowing five-star reviews. “This product is HEAVEN SENT!” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “The scent is amazing and my skin looks, feels, and smells so amazing! It has a glowy look to it and I’m constantly told how soft and youthful my skin looks and feels.” It's made with dry skin in mind and effectively nourishes the skin with a surprisingly lightweight formula that glides on easily.

✔️Choose the right carrier oil. Experts suggest looking for massage oils formulated with oils like apricot kernel oil or jojoba oil which are lightly textured and have a chemical constituency similar to the oils naturally found in our skin.

✔️Stay away from heavy formulas. You’ll want to pick an oil formulated without mineral oils or food-type oils like soybean, canola, or peanut oil as these offer a heavy, greasy coating to the skin.

✔️Check the ingredient list. What you put on your body can end up in your body. So try to avoid massage oils with skin-irritating chemicals.

✔️Try specialized oils. Experts recommend looking for hypoallergenic labels since they are standard for obvious reasons. But if you can tolerate additions like CBD, arnica, and Ayurvedic oils, they’re worth trying too.

Coat your fingertips with just a few drops of massage oil, apply it, and work it in. You can always add a little more as you go but you do not want the skin to be greasy. It’s about finding the right balance.

While most massage oils contain a blend of ingredients, all are formulated with one or more carrier oils. According to the experts, choosing lightweight oils that are similar to the natural oils in our skin is key. Look for oils like apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil.

We spoke with Crystal Bethea, a licensed medical massage therapist and owner of C3 Wellness Spa; Monisha Bhanote, M.D., A.B.O.I.M., an integrative lifestyle physician and author of The Anatomy of Wellbeing. We also sifted through countless online reviews to find the best massage oils available.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

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