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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
Nothing beats an overwhelming amount of stress like a good massage—don’t you think? And while going to a fancy spa to get pampered is truly luxurious, most of us can’t afford the hefty price tag of going every week. Arguably the best alternative is giving yourself or your partner one at home, which is where massage oils come in. Using different techniques—think lymphatic drainage, depuffing, and more—you’ll allow yourself to slip into the ultimate self-care mood and unwind from everyday stressors like work and relationships, plus ease aches and pains and sore muscles.
The best part? Utilizing massage in your everyday routine is simple. A full-body massage is great on days when you can truly take time for yourself. But on days when you’re short on time, opt for a scalp massage before your shower. Regardless of what you choose to do, there’s no doubt you’ll feel invigorated and rejuvenated from everyday stressors.
To find the best massage oils on the market, we conducted hours of research—evaluating each product based on their active ingredients, aromatherapeutic properties, scent and more. After consulting an expert and considering dozens of options, we landed on these high-rated picks.
Best Overall
Elemis De-Stress Massage Oil
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Elemis
Bottle lasts a long time
Non-greasy
Smells good
Product can be hard to get out of the bottle
Leave relationship woes and taxing workdays behind with a few kneads of this rich massage oil. Infused with rosemary and geranium, it’ll provide instant relief and relaxation with just one whiff. But to really garner the full benefits of it, apply three to four drops to your palms and massage into your skin while breathing in the scent. In the end, both your mind and body will feel rejuvenated.
Price at time of publish: $58
Active Ingredients: Rosewood essential oil, melissa essential oil, marjoram essential oil, geranium essential oil, rosemary essential oil, lavender essential oil, chamomile essential oil, sweet almond oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.3 fl. oz. | Dosage: 3 to 4 drops | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Heritage Store Aura Glow Body & Massage Oil
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In.Iherb
Affordable
Multi-purpose product
Softens skin
Bottle can leak
Not only does this oil work incredibly well for massage, but also as a moisturizer, tanning oil, post-shave balm, and a bath soak. Made from almond oil, you’ll be left with silky smooth skin every time you slather it on. Plus, it’s under $15.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, almond oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 oz., 16 oz., or 64 oz. | Dosage: A few drops | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
SheaMoisture Lavender & Wild Orchid Bath, Body & Massage Oil
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Wal Greens
Affordable
Softens skin
Smells good
Bottle can leak
Hands down, if you’re looking to calm down after a particularly stressful day, this drugstore find is your best bet. Created with an all-natural blend of shea butter, it’ll leave your skin soft and hydrated with each use. However, the best part is that you can use it in the bath on days when you're super short on time. Plus, the fragrant lavender scent smells just like a spa.
Price at time of publish: $11
Active Ingredients: Organic shea butter, lavender, wild orchid extract | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge
Chanel L’HUILE VANILLE Body Massage Oil
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Chanel
Moisturizing
Smells good
Comes in a fragile glass bottle
Lose yourself in this uber-luxurious vanilla body oil infused with sunflower oil that’ll nourish, moisturize, and infuse skin with revitalizing properties. To apply, massage the oil onto your body in circular motions for a spa-like experience at home. And, we’d be remiss to mention the scent with hints of gourmand vanilla and sweet musk over a woody base that smells sweet and luscious.
Price at time of publish: $230
Active Ingredients: Helianthus annuus flower oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Sore Muscles
MAJESTIC PURE Sore Muscle Massage Oil with Arnica Extract
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Amazon
Reduces muscle pain
Pump bottle
Affordable
Strong smell
Give your muscles the break they need after a particularly grueling workout. Using sweet almond oil to hydrate and arnica to reduce pain, this massage oil soothes sore muscles by releasing tension. It’s worth it, trust us.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Lavender essential oil, chamomile essential oil | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Dosage: A small amount | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Warming
Weleda Muscle Massage Oil
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Amazon
Affordable
Warming sensation
Pump bottle
Small amount
Looking to up your at-home massage game? Try using this warming muscle massage oil. Apply before a big workout, hike, or eventful day as its infusion of lavender and rosemary essential oils will help prep your muscles for rigorous activity. But it’s also great for everyday usage as its warming effects feel as if you immersed yourself in a warm bubble or steaming sauna.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Arnica oil, sunflower oil, olive oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Dosage: 3 to 5 drops | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Multipurpose
Saje Mother’s Wellness Massage Oil Blend
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Saje
Moisturizing
Smells good
Can use in shower
Small amount
When thinking about what goes into creating the best massage oil, scent, feel, and ease of use come to mind. This Saje massage oil blend aces all of those things—and more. Better yet, it can be used in and out of the shower and has the ability to hydrate your entire body. Dry brush your skin beforehand to garner the full barrage of benefits.
Price at time of publish: $22
Active Ingredients: Frankincense, tangerine, neroli | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Dosage: 1 to 2 tsp. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Rollerball
Lord Jones High CBD Formula Body Oil
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Courtesy of Lord Jones
Dries quickly
Easy to apply
Supports moisture barrier
Small amount
Trying to squeeze in a quick dose of relaxation during a busy day? Use a rollerball massage oil. Lightweight and plant-based, this silky oil penetrates deeply into your skin so you can truly gain all its benefits on the go. Pop it into your bag and use it whenever you need a moment of relaxation. For maximum benefits, apply it right to your pressure points—like your temples or jawline—and massage for a few seconds.
Active Ingredients: Avocado oil, jojoba oil, CBD | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Anti-Aging
M3 Naturals Anti Cellulite Massage Oil Infused
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Amazon
Moisturizing
Pump bottle
Non-greasy
Results aren't drastic
Who says massage oils can’t help prevent aging? Not this M3 Oil. With important ingredients like grapefruit oil and lemon oil, it’ll reduce the appearance of cellulite, and promote elasticity. It’ll also help protect your skin’s stem cells with its helpful addition of apple stem cells. All in all, you’ll get tons of benefits from this one bottle.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Collagen, stem cell, grapeseed oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, grapefruit oil | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Dosage: A liberal amount | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Organic
Viva Naturals Organic Massage Oil
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Amazon
Non-greasy
Lightweight
Pump bottle
Strong smell
All you need are a few drops of this oil to really experience all it has to offer. Built with natural oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil, it’ll glide on smoothly and feel soft against your skin. Plus, its all-natural ingredients won’t have you questioning what’s being absorbed into your skin.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Organic jojoba oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best CBD
Ellis Brooklyn Marvelous CBD Massage and Body Oil
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Sephora
Glass bottle
Vegan
Non-greasy
Strong smell
This soothing body oil combines a duo that packs a punch—CBD and pine bark extract—to leave you fully restored with each use. Housed in a glass bottle with a gold top, it’s pretty enough to be displayed on your vanity for a massage whenever you need it. One reviewer mentions that it was the only remedy that reduced their achiness and pain after surgery.
Price at time of publish: $65
Active Ingredients: Full-spectrum CBD, maritime pine bark extract, sweet almond oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.27 oz. or 1 oz. | Dosage: Apply to body as desired | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy Associates Relax Body Oil
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Amazon
Moisturizing
Softens skin
Pump bottle
Small amount
Combining chamomile, vetivert, and ylang-ylang, this body oil easily absorbs for immediate results that encourage a peaceful night’s sleep and aid in relaxation, according to the brand. Use before the shower to prevent dry skin or after for a nourishing ritual. Bonus: it’ll also leave your skin deeply hydrated and super smooth.
Price at time of publish: $69
Active Ingredients: Vetiver, camomile, Madagascan ylang ylang | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Dosage: A couple of drops | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Clean Formula
Balmyard Beauty Romantic Call Body Oil
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GOOP
Great smell
Natural ingredients
Softens skin
Application can be messy
This body oil is made with only four ingredients—coconut, almond, shea, and hibiscus oils—so you don't have to worry about any toxins or additives such as silicones and sulfates. We love that it has an ultra hydrating formula that can be used for massage, hydrating after a shower, and even as a perfume (it has a heavenly tropical scent).
Price at time of publish: $82
Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea nut oil, sweet almond oil | Skin Type: Sensitive, dry | Size: 4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Relaxing
Brookthorne Naturals Relax Therapeutic Massage Oil
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Amazon
Therapeutic
Soothes muscle stiffness
Hypoallergenic
Pump can get stuck easily
Lavender and peppermint essential oils make using this pick a spa-like experience, as they're able to calm the mind and the body. Over 6,000 Amazon reviewers agree that they feel relaxed after applying, and many noted that it helped soothe sore muscles and joint pain.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Couples
Honeydew Vanilla Cream Massage Oil
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Amazon
Smells great
Highly absorbent
Has great staying power
Contains fragrance
We love this option for couples, as it smells divine and feels luxurious on the skin, and not too sticky. A blend of sweet almond, jojoba, and coconut oils, it glides across the skin and lasts through even a lengthy massage session. It's intended for intimate use, but note that it does contain fragrance, if your skin is sensitive.
Price at time of publish: $10
Active Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Massage oils are a great way to reduce stress and incorporate some much-needed self-care into your routine. At the top of our list is the Elemis De-Stress Massage Oil, as it provides instant relief from everyday stress with its rich, aromatic consistency and formula. For sore muscles, Majestic Pure Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil is your best bet. Its combination of sweet almond oil and arnica will soothe sore muscles by reducing tension. For a splurge-worthy experience, Chanel L’HUILE VANILLE Body Massage Oil is worth its price tag for a spa-like experience at home with each use.
Meet the Expert
- Stacy Stevens is a senior manager at Massage Envy, where she worked as a techical trainer for 4 years previously. She is currently based in Connecticut.
What to Look for in a Massage Oil
Ingredients
Because the massage medium is absorbed by your skin (the largest organ in our bodies), explains Stacy Stevens, Massage Envy technical trainer, being aware of what ingredients are in the oil is crucial. “You may want to consider any allergies, how often you will use the massage oil, and other skin benefits you may like to receive from using the massage oil.”
Consider choosing a massage oil that uses an essential oil blend instead of synthetic fragrance, like SheaMoisture Lavender & Wild Orchid Bath, Body & Massage Oil, if your skin is sensitive or reactive to fragrance.
Viscosity
Consider what type of massage you plan to do. If you plan to give yourself a massage with more pressure, you’ll want to use an oil blend that allows for more grip to really deep into the muscle (like the Chanel L’HUILE VANILLE Body Massage Oil), explains Stevens. Whereas for a massage that requires more glide, you’ll want something that moves smoothly (like the Viva Naturals Organic Massage Oil).
Rate of Absorption
Along the same lines as viscosity, the rate of absorption is a significant factor in your decision, says Stevens. “You don’t want the oil to be absorbed into the skin too fast, resulting in applying a lot of product.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Rachel Dube has written for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While she mainly writes about beauty, she covers wellness and lifestyle, too, and has interviewed experts in all three industries. With everyday stressors of life, she has been on the hunt for new ways to remedy stress—and at-home massages are an incredible remedy.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough massage oils from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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