An effective way to wind down and reduce stress is to have a soothing massage, complete with massage oils. By creating a spa-like experience in your home, these natural oils will surely promote calmness and relaxation. Massage oils are also trusted products to minimize muscle tension and relieve back pain caused by tiredness.
They come in different kinds, such as massage oils for therapy and massage oils for babies, so they're certainly worth adding to your relaxing ritual. For a more informed buying decision, see our top picks and our buying guide reviewed by dermatologist Dr. Meg Sison. Our expert also answered some of the most asked questions online, so you can get the most out of your purchase!
Quick List - Top Massage Oils
The Body Shop
With Soothing and Calming Essential Oils for Pre-bedtime Relaxation
Dr. Teal's
Infused With Epsom Salt to Relieve Sore Muscles
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
When purchasing massage oils, there are several things to consider. First, choose a natural oil that suits your needs. Also, avoid strong scents and choose moisturizing oils that absorb easily into the skin. Lastly, pick the right consistency for your massage type and use a pump bottle for convenience. For more information, scroll down below.
Every massage oil has different properties and benefits. There are soothing oils that can help you relax, while there are some that can alleviate sore muscles.
With your busy schedule and the unpredictable weather, you may experience some muscle aches or pains. To help you with that, you should go for a massage oil for relaxation and therapy with the following ingredients:
The Eucalyptus plant is native in Australia, but it can be found in many parts of the world. Some of its benefits include antimicrobial properties, relief of cold symptoms, pain relief, and antioxidant properties. It can also be used as a natural insect repellant.
However, caution is advised because eucalyptus oil can cause contact dermatitis and toxicity in children. It is also not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) flowers, leaves, and oil contain linalyl acetate, linalool, perillyl alcohol, 1,8 cineole (eucalyptol), and at least 100 other known compounds. In vivo studies show that lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
A clinical study in Iran found that the use of lavender-chamomile essential oil for aromatherapy reduced anxiety scores in nurses. However, caution should be advised because essential oils such as lavender can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people.
Aside from being able to relax after a long day of work, you may want a massage oil that can give you an energy boost. To achieve that, get massage oils with revitalizing scents such as citrus. Here are some examples:
If you want to nourish your skin while getting a relaxing massage, go for a massage oil that contains grapeseed, sunflower, or jojoba oil. These ingredients have numerous benefits, including moisturizing your skin and improving its texture. They're also great for babies and children.
Grapeseed oil is rich in phenolic compounds, free fatty acids, and vitamins. It also has high linoleic acid and vitamin E content. Phenolic compounds, resveratrol, and vitamin E in grapeseed oil provide most of its antioxidant activity.
Sunflower seed oil contains mainly linoleic and oleic acids. It contains a relatively higher linoleic acid concentration relative to olive oil. This property makes sunflower oil a suitable ingredient in skin products due to the positive benefits of linoleic acid in skin barrier repair.
It's no secret that a bottle of liniment is every working person's companion. This lifesaver can help ease pain, whether it's muscle pain, headaches, or backache. It usually comes in a handy container that you can easily slip into your bag. Liniment is formulated with natural herbal ingredients, providing heat while also healing muscle aches and pains.
One of its active ingredients is methyl salicylate, which acts by cooling and warming your skin. It is available in the form of cream, gel, rub, or oil, which you can apply to the affected area at least 3 to 4 times a day. But be warned that this can't be used for children aged 18 and below.
Methyl salicylate is extracted from the small wintergreen plant (Gaultheria procumbens L.) and birch trees (Betula lenta L.). It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and counterirritant properties. Massage OTC products utilize the anti-inflammatory properties of methyl salicylate. They are increasingly marketed to those suffering from joint and muscle pains originating from rheumatic conditions.
These products, designed for topical application, typically have concentrations in the region of 3-20% and can come with minimal instruction or advice. The OTC status of many products containing methyl salicylate can lead to false assumptions that they are inherently safe, leading to unintentional poisoning, especially in children. It's best to consult a doctor before using this for pain relief and muscle aches.
Another crucial aspect when picking a suitable massage oil is the strength of the scent. There are a bunch of available scents, so you can choose your preferred scent that will stimulate your senses.
Even if a natural oil has great benefits, not all have a pleasant aroma. Go for soothing scents like lavender to help you have a deep slumber. This also relieves stress and adds a relaxing ambiance to your at-home spa.
Massage oils usually have a mixture of fragrances coming from various essential oils. Caution is advised in using them as there are reports of allergic contact dermatitis from these substances.
Living in countries with dry conditions and having long hot showers can dry out the skin even more. As a result, the skin appears rough, leading to an itchy, uncomfortable feeling. With that said, look for massage oils that can moisturize your skin, boosting elasticity while making it look supple. Steer clear of hemp oil since it has a drying sensation, unlike other natural oils.
While these oils improve your moisture barrier, ensure that the skin can easily absorb them. The oil should settle on your skin to provide its benefits. At the same time, it should penetrate quickly to prevent oil from clogging the pores.
Moisturizing oils prevent transepidermal water loss from the skin. Some examples include avocado oil and jojoba oil. Avocado oil extracted from the pulp of the fruit is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and oleic acid. It also contains beta-sitosterol, beta carotene, lecithin, minerals, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, and is an excellent source of enrichment for dry, damaged, or chapped skin.
Jojoba oil is widely used in cosmetic formulas such as sunscreens and moisturizers. The high content of wax esters makes it a good repair option for dermatoses with altered skin barriers.
The best massage oil for you will also largely depend on the type of massage that you're going to do. Certain massages require specific types of oil to work out. For high-friction massages like deep tissue massages, you need lighter oils such as grapeseed, sunflower, or almond oil.
Meanwhile, for low-friction massages that are done with softer and longer strokes, go for heavier oils like olive oil or jojoba oil. If you like to alternate between different types of massages, it would be best to get at least two massage oils for the best experience.
No doubt, oils are difficult to clean, especially when spilled on linens. This is why it is imperative to choose a massage oil stored in secure bottles for mess-free application. Oftentimes, these oils are packaged in pump bottles or screw-cap bottles. For easy dispensing of the oil and to ensure there won't be any spillage, a pump bottle would be the better choice.
When using massage oils, apply only the needed amount, as the excess product can cause stains on the sheets which can be hard to remove.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net Weight | Notable Ingredients | Consistency | Best for | Packaging | |||||
1 | Aesop Breathless | ![]() | A Luxurious Hydrating Oil With a Warm and Woody Citrus Aroma | 100 mL | Blood Orange, Jojoba Seed, Laurel Leaf | Medium-Weight Oil | Hydrating and Nourishing the Skin, Relieving Pain and Tensions, Improving Skin Texture, Enhancing Relaxation, Improving Circulation | Glass Amber Bottle | |
2 | The Body Shop Sleep Relaxing Massage Oil | ![]() | With Soothing and Calming Essential Oils for Pre-bedtime Relaxation | 100 mL | Vetiver Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil | unknown | Relaxation, Promoting Sleep | Recycled Glass Bottle | |
3 | Mustela Baby Oil - Naturalness | ![]() | A Gentle, Plant-Based Oil Made for Newborn Skin | 100 mL | Pomegranate Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil | unknown | Soothing, Comforting | Spray Bottle | |
4 | Dr. Teal's Eucalyptus Relax And Relief Bath And Body Oil | ![]() | Infused With Epsom Salt to Relieve Sore Muscles | 260 mL | Eucalyptus Leaf Oil, Spearmint Leaf Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Aloe vera Leaf Extract | Lightweight | Calming, Moisturizing, Soothing | Clear Bottle With Flip-Top Cap | |
5 | Human Nature Calming Massage Oil | ![]() | Treat Yourself to a Night of Total Relaxation With the Blend of Lavender, Orange, and Lemongrass Extracts | 195 mL | Coconut Oil, Orange Peel Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil, Lavender Flower Essential Oil, Vitamin E | unknown | Moisturizing, Calming | Dark Bottle With Pump Dispenser | |
6 | L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Body Oil | ![]() | Non-greasy Almond Oil With a Delightful Scent for Smoother Skin | 100 mL | Sweet Almond Oil, Camelina sativa Seed Oil, Rosa canina Fruit Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil | Lightweight | Moisturizing, Smoothening the Skin | Glass Bottle With Spray Nozzle | |
7 | Elemis De-Stress Massage Oil | ![]() | With Powerful Essential Oils to Melt Away Tension and Achieve Total Relaxation | 100 mL | Chamomile, Lavender, Sweet Almond Oil | Lightweight | Soothing, Calming, Relaxing, Moisturizing | Recyclable Glass Bottle With Aluminum Lid | |
8 | Zenutrients Ginger Special Blend Massage Oil | ![]() | Rejuvenate Your Body and Mind With a Ginger-Scented Option | 250 mL | Cocos nucifera, Methyl Salicylate, Menthol, Ginger Root | unknown | Improving Blood Circulation, Warming the Body | Plastic Bottle With Pump | |
9 | Milea All Organics Stress Relief Massage Oil | ![]() | Can Relieve Muscle Pain and Moisturize Dry Skin at the Same Time | 120 mL | Virgin Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Grapefruit, Peppermint | unknown | Moisturizing, Relaxing, Soothing | Plastic Bottle With Flip-Top Cap | |
10 | Katinko Oil Liniment 10 ml|Set of 6 Pieces | ![]() | A Classic Liniment That Alleviates Dizziness and Body Discomforts | 10 mL | Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, Eucalyptus Oil, Camphor | unknown | Dizziness, Colds, Muscle Pain | Bottle With Rollerball Applicator |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Blood Orange, Jojoba Seed, Laurel Leaf |
Consistency | Medium-Weight Oil |
Best for | Hydrating and Nourishing the Skin, Relieving Pain and Tensions, Improving Skin Texture, Enhancing Relaxation, Improving Circulation |
Packaging | Glass Amber Bottle |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Vetiver Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil |
Consistency | unknown |
Best for | Relaxation, Promoting Sleep |
Packaging | Recycled Glass Bottle |
Mustela Baby Oil is a hypoallergenic and all-natural product, carefully crafted with nourishing ingredients like avocado oil, pomegranate seed oil, and sunflower seed oil. It boasts a remarkable 99% plant-based composition and is free from parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol, making it safe for newborns' delicate skin. It also imparts a gentle, comforting scent—thus, it's recommended for use during baby massages.
Mustela's commitment to safety is evident through its extensive scientific research and collaboration with healthcare professionals. Users praise the product for its natural ingredients, gentle properties, and exceptional moisturizing benefits. The oil's non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture, coupled with its convenient spray form, has made it a favorite among parents seeking a versatile and user-friendly solution for their baby's skincare needs.
Net Weight | 100 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Pomegranate Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil |
Consistency | unknown |
Best for | Soothing, Comforting |
Packaging | Spray Bottle |
Net Weight | 260 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Eucalyptus Leaf Oil, Spearmint Leaf Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Aloe vera Leaf Extract |
Consistency | Lightweight |
Best for | Calming, Moisturizing, Soothing |
Packaging | Clear Bottle With Flip-Top Cap |
Human Nature is a renowned local brand in the Philippines, offering budget-friendly natural personal care and home essentials. In particular, this bestseller combines lavender, orange, and lemongrass essential oils, making it the best pick whenever you want to wind down after a busy day. A whiff of its invigorating scent will surely make you feel more at ease!
It has a sunflower oil base, which is a skincare ingredient known for its fast-absorbing time. This massage oil is also non-greasy and glides smoothly on your skin for a seamless and soothing massage experience. Reviewers raved about the product's ability to provide a relaxing massage, alleviating muscle pains as well as moisturizing the skin.
Net Weight | 195 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Orange Peel Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil, Lavender Flower Essential Oil, Vitamin E |
Consistency | unknown |
Best for | Moisturizing, Calming |
Packaging | Dark Bottle With Pump Dispenser |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Sweet Almond Oil, Camelina sativa Seed Oil, Rosa canina Fruit Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil |
Consistency | Lightweight |
Best for | Moisturizing, Smoothening the Skin |
Packaging | Glass Bottle With Spray Nozzle |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Chamomile, Lavender, Sweet Almond Oil |
Consistency | Lightweight |
Best for | Soothing, Calming, Relaxing, Moisturizing |
Packaging | Recyclable Glass Bottle With Aluminum Lid |
It's easy to lose energy in the fast-paced world, and if you're looking for something that will help you revitalize your body and mind, consider going for this massage oil. With ginger root as its main ingredient, it will help relax your mind and recharge your body. Its warm and spicy scent will also awaken your senses and help you start a new day with a positive attitude.
It contains other beneficial ingredients as well, including VCO for moisture, methyl salicylate, and menthol for pain relief. This is why many users love this product, saying that it's their favorite massage oil and that it truly helps them relax after a long day of work. They also said it's mild and feels good on their skin.
Net Weight | 250 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Cocos nucifera, Methyl Salicylate, Menthol, Ginger Root |
Consistency | unknown |
Best for | Improving Blood Circulation, Warming the Body |
Packaging | Plastic Bottle With Pump |
For those seeking relief from dry skin while relaxing, Milea's Stress Relief Massage Oil is the solution. This carefully formulated blend contains natural ingredients, notably coconut oil as a carrier oil, ensuring deep skin nourishment. Aside from replenishing moisture, it also offers a non-sticky texture that glides smoothly on the skin, allowing you to adjust the pressure and flow of the massage.
It goes beyond addressing muscle cramps by enhancing blood circulation, providing a holistic solution for skin and relaxation needs. This soothing oil, composed of virgin coconut oil, sunflower oil, grapefruit, and peppermint, is ideal for easing tension after a strenuous day. While some users noted a mild scent and a preference for a stronger fragrance, many appreciate its non-greasy texture, making it an excellent choice for unwinding and relieving stress.
Net Weight | 120 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Virgin Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Grapefruit, Peppermint |
Consistency | unknown |
Best for | Moisturizing, Relaxing, Soothing |
Packaging | Plastic Bottle With Flip-Top Cap |
When muscle aches or dizziness suddenly strikes, Katinko oil works like magic. No wonder every office worker has this classic in their bag! It contains menthol and methyl salicylate, which alleviates headaches in just a few sniffs. With the addition of eucalyptus and camphor, it provides instant relief for muscle pain, leaving a cooling sensation to make you feel relaxed.
It comes in a small portable bottle with a roll-on applicator for fuss-free application. This can surely be with you anywhere you go, making it a great option even for emergencies! No wonder it has received great reviews from satisfied customers!
Net Weight | 10 mL |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, Eucalyptus Oil, Camphor |
Consistency | unknown |
Best for | Dizziness, Colds, Muscle Pain |
Packaging | Bottle With Rollerball Applicator |
Below, Dr. Meg Sison answers some of the web's most asked questions, so before you hit that checkout button, have a read to make sure you make informed decisions!
Massage oil is not advisable for facial massage because the essential oils can cause allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in itchy skin rashes.
It's recommended to rinse out the massage oil after a few hours using lukewarm water. Keep baths short to prevent your skin from becoming dry.
Massage oils have essential oils that can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals. It's best to opt for oils that do not contain essential oils if you are unsure whether or not you have allergies.
Massage has numerous benefits but it may not be appropriate for individuals with the following conditions:
When in doubt, consult your doctor first before booking a massage appointment.
Given the busy, tiring weekdays, why not pamper yourself this coming weekend? A spa day at home can help clear your mind and relax your body. Here are some of the best products online that let you create a spa-like experience in your space.
Author: B. Tan
Re-editors: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz, Samantha Tidalgo
Reviewed by: Dermatologist, Dr. Meg Sison
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Aesop|Breathless
No. 2: The Body Shop|Sleep Relaxing Massage Oil
No. 3: Mustela|Baby Oil - Naturalness
No. 4: Dr. Teal's|Eucalyptus Relax And Relief Bath And Body Oil
No. 5: Human Nature|Calming Massage Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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