Last Updated on March 15, 2024

A good massage can do many beautiful things for you and your body. It can relieve physical pain and tension, stimulate blood circulation, reduce inflammation, enhance mood, and even improve posture and mobility. What’s not to love about having a massage? A massage isn’t just firm strokes across your skin; they’re an entire beneficial experience. While having a professional massage may stretch your budget, it’s something you should consider accommodating. Between your spa treatments, you can enjoy at-home massages.

The oil used for your massage can contribute significantly to your benefits. We have presented five of the best massage oils available for you to have a great massage at home.

Table of Contents

Why Use Massage Oil?

A good massage oil will reduce friction on the skin and muscles during the massage. The smooth movements made possible with oil will make the massage more effective, relaxing, and pleasant. Additionally, many massage oils do more than make the skin sleek; they have properties that benefit your body’s health and wellness.

What Makes a Good Massage Oil?

While hundreds of massage oils are on the market today, finding a good oil isn’t that difficult. Consider the purpose of the massage and find an oil known for providing that quality. For instance, if the massage is meant to relax you, use lavender, chamomile, sweet orange, or jasmine essential oils. Not only will these provide relaxation, but they will also calmly energize you. Just remember to use a carrier oil if you’re using essential oil.

The 5 Best Massage Oils

If you aren’t up for creating your own massage oil, here are the five best massage oils currently available.

Cliganic Certified Organic Jojoba Oil

This 100% pure, cold-pressed, unrefined, organic Jojoba Oil is the perfect skin moisturizer. Using this oil for massage has a profound effect on the skin, as it is similar to your skin’s sebum. This lightweight, fast-absorbing oil naturally contains several vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins E and B-complex.

Clinganic’s Jojoba Oil is certified pure by the USDA and has a long shelf life. It’s an excellent product for those with skin sensitivities like acne or eczema. Take note that jojoba oil has a nutty smell – this may or may not be a pleasant smell for you.

Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil

Majestic Pure’s Fractionated Coconut Oil is 100% pure but has removed most of the long-chain triglycerides. This leaves mostly the medium chain triglycerides left, which means this oil maintains its liquid form even in low temperatures.

Coconut oil is a great massage oil because it is easily absorbed into your skin and contains abundant antioxidants. Coconut oil is used for many things within your healthcare and self-care routines, including acting as a carrier oil for essential oils. With this gentle oil, you can enjoy aromatherapy and rejuvenation at the end of a long day.

Are you looking for premier acupuncture in Portland OR? We provide personalized treatments and education to help you heal better. Visit Inner Gate Health & Wellness Clinic to learn more.

Aromatherapy Sensual Massage Oil for Couples

Maple Holistic’s Aromatherapy Sensual Massage Oil for Couples is an excellent massage oil for professionals or at-home massages. Whether you’re having a full body massage or just getting a knot out of your back, this oil is non-greasy and gentle on sensitive skin.

For couples who enjoy giving each other massages, this sensual aromatherapy oil has a fantastic fragrance and will leave both of you with soft, glowing, moisturized skin.

This oil blends jojoba, sweet almond, and lavender oils. This vegan, cruelty-free oil also contains vitamin E.

NOW Solutions Sweet Almond Oil

The NOW Solutions Sweet Almond Oil is 100% pure and GMO-free. This light oil won’t clog your pores and will promote soft, nourished, healthy-looking skin. Sweet almond oil is a fragrant, vegetable-derived oil that is slowly absorbed by your skin, making it perfect for full-body massages.

While this oil won’t be suitable if you have a nut allergy, it works well for professionals. Because of the consistency of the oil, it doesn’t need to be reapplied as often as some lighter, more quickly-absorbed massage oils.

Sky Organics Apricot Oil

Here is the perfect massage oil for those with nut allergies. Sky Organics’ Apricot Oil is lightweight and is quickly absorbed into your skin. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids.

This cold-pressed, vegan oil will nourish your dry skin and give you a healthy glow. Apricot oil is fragrance-free and helps to support your skin’s elasticity, natural softness, and hydration. It may also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils or in combination with other oils like jojoba or castor.

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Massage Oil

When you’re choosing the right massage oil, consider the following:

The Kind of Massage

If you’re having (or giving) a low-friction massage like Swedish massage, you’ll need a heavier oil that’s slow to absorb into your skin. If you need a high-friction sports massage or deep tissue massage, you’ll need a lighter oil that absorbs more quickly into your skin.

The Fragrance

The scent of the oil you choose will add to the overall experience. But you may prefer a scent-free oil.

The Time Length of the Massage

The length of the massage can also determine which oil you use. For a shorter massage, choose a light oil. If the massage is longer and more leisurely, choose a heavier, slower-absorbing oil.

Allergens and Sensitivities

Consider any allergies, sensitivities, or skin conditions you may have. Oils that contain sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and parabens tend to dehydrate and irritate your skin.

Enjoy the Best Massage Oils

Try these and other high-quality massage oils. A good massage can improve your sleep, alleviate stress, boost focus, heal injuries, and improve some health conditions. Enjoy!

Would you like to improve your overall health? Our professional services will help you to a higher quality of life and wellness. Check out Inner Gate Health & Wellness Clinics at both of our Portland, OR locations today.

Katherine V.

March 9, 2023.

While recovering from injuries sustained from a car accident, I have seen a few different acupuncturists as well as a chiropractor and masseuse at Inner Gate, and I have appreciated them all. The care I've received has been stellar - compassionate, personable, considerate, and soothing. Truly, Inner Gate practitioners have greatly helped me in my healing process. Thank you!

Abbie W.

July 26, 2022.

I have been seeing Nick Maxwell for Craniosacral massage for the last several months after a car accident left me with whiplash, nagging low back pain, a mild concussion, and stress and anxiety. He is an incredibly gifted healer that has helped me immensely! I have had a plethora of bodywork over the years, and I can undoubtedly say that his massages are the best. He has also helped with digestive issues/SIBO/nervous system recovery. I would never see anyone else again after finding him. I am much calmer, happier, and healing well thanks in big part to his care.

Elizabeth M.

February 10, 2022.

Well, I will start by saying that Nicholas Maxwell is my favorite massage therapist. I went to him after 1 year of shoulder pain. Before going to him, I was waiting for the pain to just go away; it didn't. He was the first person I sought any help from. I'm sorry to say, I didn't expect that much relief from a massage but after about 3 sessions I felt close to cured of 1 whole year of pain! He recommended a great physical therapist to solve my shoulder stiffness and pain. My pt said that Nick did a great job of loosening up the muscles for a quicker recovery. Nick seemed to wipe out all the surface pain and extraneous tenderness so that my pt could pinpoint my injury which turned out to be shoulder tendonitis. Now I see both of them concurrently. They both gave the same estimate for recovery, which was shorter than I thought it would be. I've had more that 50 massages in my lifetime (CA, NY, NV), Nick is the only massage therapist I have been to that leaves me feeling better for days and days after the actual massage. If I could describe what Nick's massages feel like, it would be like this: If the ocean waves had massaging hands, they would be Nick's. Before going to Nick, I am a chuck steak. After my massage, I am filet mignon. What can I say, Nick Is Awesome!!

Julian J.

November 4, 2021.

My physical therapist suggested acupuncture for my chronic knee injury in July 2021. I'm going to explain my story, but I want to say at the beginning that Emma Ellsworth at Inner Gate Health & Wellness saved me from a life of chronic pain. It's really difficult and frustrating to find good care anywhere these days, so trust me when I tell you that you can end your search now. Just call Inner Gate and ask for Emma. I always find it helpful to read health care reviews from folks who suffer from the same issues as me, so here's a bit about my medical history: My orthopedic physician diagnosed me with IT band syndrome in my right knee in January 2021. I began a course of physical therapy, but not only did the IT band syndrome not get better, I actually developed IT band syndrome in my left leg due to overcompensation. I pushed myself a little too hard and started noticing that even very light exercise would cause my symptoms to flare up (inflammation, pain, swelling, etc.). By May 2021, I could not walk more than 3 blocks at a time without my knees flaring up. Keep in mind that I'm an otherwise healthy person in my mid-30s. I then developed hamstring tendinopathy in both legs, I assume to disuse. Along with preexisting patellofemoral pain syndrome issues, suffice to say that my knees were totally busted, okay. After all that, my physical therapist and orthopedic physician basically threw their hands up and suggested either cortisone shots for the rest of my life, acupuncture, or prescription pain medication that I really shouldn't be taking due to family history of hypertension. In comes Emma. I'm a huge believer in modern Western medicine and everything, but Emma succeeded where two physical therapists, a physiatrist, my orthopedic physician, and my primary care doctor all failed. Emma succeeded not only because she did something they did not - acupuncture - but she succeeded because she was more effective and patient at taking time to find the actual root cause of my issues. She is super methodical about interviewing me at the beginning of every session, evaluating what worked / didn't work from last time, trying out new areas for acupuncture, and over the course of 4 weeks eventually found an acupuncture solution that reduced my pain. I remember when it happened - I had an acupuncture session one Friday in October, and two days later I was going for a walk and ended up walking like 3 times further than I had walked in the past 6 months. I stopped and was like, "Wow my legs don't hurt at all." The pain literally vanished, went from a 5-6/10 on the pain scale all day every day down to 0-1. The massive pain reduction has allowed me to resume my physical therapy exercises with less pain and start rebuilding my knee strength. I still go to acupuncture to deal with some knee meniscus issues and overall wellness / mental health issues. Honestly, I feel such a tremendous sense of wellness after every acupuncture session that I kind of don't ever want to stop going. Anyway, if you made it this far, thanks for reading and hopefully my story is helpful. Seriously, go see the folks at Inner Gate. You won't regret it!!

Mitchell P.

October 19, 2021.

Inner Gate Health & Wellness provides exceptional care! Their staff, specifically Emma Ellsworth, is skillful, compassionate, and effective at providing holistic healing services, including acupuncture. I highly recommend treatment with Inner Gate and Emma Ellsworth for symptoms including depression, anxiety, pelvic floor pain, back pain, and digestion issues.

Ruben S.

April 15, 2021.

This is a long overdue, rave review for Terry. I've been to many acupuncturists over the last decade and she is hands down the most helpful and accommodating. I came in with a very unsolvable problem (tinnitus) and had tried everything before coming to Terry. Terry has helped improve my symptoms with Tinnitus and a number of other issues. She's also extremely patient and takes time out of every session at the beginning to go over progress and how I'm feeling. She has a good understanding of my problems and is always ready with solutions to help. Acupuncture with Terry is one of the highlights of my week -- thank you for being so great!!

Dr. Kaley B.

November 28, 2020.

Very impressed! Great acupuncture, well organized front desk. Liz is fantastic, and I'm not a fan of needles. Finally got some relief from back and neck pain. Looking forward to a few more sessions!

Abbie W.

September 15, 2020.

I highly recommend Oliver Leonetti at Innergate Acupuncture! I have seen him for the last 12 years for various ailments - ranging from nagging sports injuries to digestive issues to insomnia/anxiety, and he always provides the highest level of care that truly lasts. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable and skilled, but he is super kind and caring and always take the time to truly listen. I always feel better after leaving my appointment. I honestly do not know what I would do without Oliver or Innergate Acupuncture! Also, I've seen several of the acupuncturists there, and they are all fantastic as well.

M W.

July 9, 2020.

I can't recommend these guys enough! I have a 10 yr old competitive skier who was having some knee pain & had never had acupuncture done before...not only did these guys gently ease him into the entire process - they also helped him get back on the ski hill after the first couple of treatments I was super impressed with their professionalism & how both Liz and Casey approached his injury - now my little guy looks forward to going to his acupuncture appointments! Yay! Thank you a zillion times over for taking such good care of my little guy.

Abby J.

January 9, 2020.

I used to think acupuncture was sort of hokey. Not total witchcraft, but definitely not the magic, cure-all that people said. Well, folks, a few months in and I can report that I'm a changed woman! Well, really, it only took one session. Terry took my whole health history into consideration and helped with everything. Anxiety, sleeplessness, colds, ankle injuries, back pain--you name it. I've come in with problems and always left improved. I'm sure all the acupuncturists are lovely, but I want to stress how awesome Terry is. She takes my concerns seriously without making me feel like I'm at a stuffy doctors office. She approaches her work with humor and friendliness and is spot on with her treatment. Terry has made me feel comfortable from the get-go and has made my weekly appointments something for me to look forward to. My friends all have heard me rave about her, so I'd say everyone I know should go see her, but then I may never be able to squeeze in my appointments again! Just kidding, of course. Also, big props to the front desk staff too. They have been super kind and helpful when guiding me through insurance issues or unexpected after work traffic. I'd highly recommend Inner Gate SE to anyone with any ailment!

5 Best Massage Oils of 2024: Clinician Recommended