A massage oil is a body oil chosen for glide and feel. Warming oils use ingredients like ginger that feel warm on skin, cooling oils lean on peppermint or eucalyptus for a fresh, tingly feel, herbal oils carry botanicals such as mugwort or rosemary, and couples oils are mainly about scent and mood. Warm a small amount in your hands, use slow strokes, and always patch test first.
The four main types
| Type | What it feels like | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Warming | A gentle warm sensation on skin | Ginger Heat Massage Oil, Ginger Body Oil, Cinnamon Body Oil, Clove Body Oil |
| Cooling | Fresh, minty or camphor-like | Peppermint Body Oil, Eucalyptus Body Oil |
| Herbal | Green, earthy, botanical | Mugwort Body Massage Oil, Rosemary Body Oil, Sage Body Oil |
| Couples | Soft, romantic scent | Romantic Rose Massage Oil, Ylang Ylang Body Oil, Rose (White) Body Oil |
Shop by feel: warming, cooling, herbal and couples massage oils.
Warming oils
Ginger is the classic warming ingredient. The Ginger Heat Massage Essential Oil is built around the warm feel ginger gives on skin, which you notice within seconds. People often reach for a warming oil after exercise or on a cold evening. Cinnamon and clove body oils give a spicy, warm scent too, but spice oils can be strong on skin, so test a small patch first and use less than you think.
Cooling oils
Peppermint and eucalyptus give a fresh, cooling feel and a clean scent. They are popular after a long day on your feet. Keep cooling oils away from the eyes, the face of young children and broken skin, and wash your hands after use. For more on single essential oils such as the Hllozzi Eucalyptus Essential Oil, which must be diluted before skin use, read our essential oils for beginners guide.
Herbal oils
Herbal massage oils bring traditional botanicals into an everyday oil. Mugwort has a long history in East Asian herbal practice, and the Mugwort Body Massage Oil is a moisturizing oil that comes in sizes including 30ml and 100ml. The Turmeric Essential Oil draws on Ayurvedic tradition and is meant for aromatherapy, so dilute it before any skin use. Rosemary and sage body oils add a green, herbal scent.
Couples oils
Couples oils are about scent and atmosphere. The Romantic Rose Pheromone Massage Oil is rose-scented, and the word pheromone in the name describes the warm fragrance blend, not a promise about how another person will respond. Pair it with low light and a candle from our candle types guide.
Moisturizing oils
Some oils are made to moisturize and massage in one step. The OceAura Body Firming and Moisturizing Oil is a lightweight oil sold in 100ml, 200ml, 300ml and 400ml boxed sizes, and the OceAura Collagen Body and Massage Oil is made for a regular massage routine. Plain carrier oils such as Catindra Jojoba Oil also work as a neutral base. See our carrier oils comparison for how they differ.
How to use a massage oil
- Patch test: apply a little to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours.
- Start with about a teaspoon. Warm it between your palms.
- Use long, slow strokes toward the heart, with light pressure.
- Add a few drops more only if the skin feels dry and drags.
- Wipe off any excess with a warm towel.
Safety
- Do not use on broken, irritated or sunburned skin.
- Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes.
- Oil makes floors, tubs and showers slippery. Wipe up spills.
- Oily towels and sheets can be a fire risk in a hot dryer. Wash them well and follow the care label.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a skin condition or take medication, ask a doctor before using scented oils.
- Stop using any oil that causes redness, burning or itching.
Related reading
- Body Oil vs Body Lotion
- Aromatherapy Oils Explained
- Fragrance Body Oil: How to Wear, Layer and Make It Last
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a body oil and a massage oil?
Very little. A massage oil is any body oil with enough glide for massage. Some, like ginger or peppermint oils, are chosen for how they feel on skin.
How much massage oil should I use?
Start with about a teaspoon for an area like the back and add more only if needed.
Can I put essential oil straight on skin for massage?
No. Single essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil first.
Does a pheromone massage oil attract people?
No. The name describes the fragrance blend. It is a scent choice, not a promise about anyone's response.
This guide is general information about fragrance, aromatherapy and home use. It is not medical advice.
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