Massage Therapists Reveal The 9 Best Massage Oils on The Market

Massage pro Camila Perez uses Clarins Contour Body Oil and Tonic Body Oil to give lymphatic drainage massages to her clients. “They are helpful due to their plant extract benefits, aiding in blood and lymph circulation and skin tightening and the overall aromatherapy results,” she says. Her process: “I start stimulating the lymph nodes, to ‘empty them,’ then begin movements that encourage the excessive fluids to get inside the vessels, following the lymphatic watershed, leading the lymph filtered and flushed out.” 

Laura Piteo, director of massage at Oasis Day Spa, has an arsenal of oils she rotates daily. Arnica oil is a star player in the lineup for its "natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits and great for giving your regular massage oil a therapeutic kick."

Kimberly J Holmes-Cardona, Lead Massage Therapist at Chillhouse, loves reaching for the brand's Have a Chill Night Body Oil. “Being a dry oil, it allows for a bit of slip without being overly greasy,” she says. “The spray applicator also means you are spending less time moving the oil around to lubricate the skin since it has a broader area of coverage in one spray. All of this, paired with calming ingredients such as hemp seed and blue tansy flower oil, will leave you feeling silky and relaxed all around.”

You'll find it challenging to stay awake after inhaling this blend of primary essential oils like sandalwood, frankincense, and myrrh. Fanny Duarte, lead massage therapist at SoJo Spa Club, says ESPA's Body Oil is "perfect for coaxing both mind and body into deep relaxation. The anti-inflammatory properties of all three essential oils are also the perfect boost to a relaxing massage."

Jojoba oil is used a lot in spas because it "closely resembles the natural oils in human skin," Piteo explains. "It's ideal for restoring moisture to dry skin."

A great alternative for those who are extremely sensitive to scents and oil blends, Piteo says she reaches for grapeseed oil because it doesn't have an overbearing scent and soothes sensitive skin. 

We use coconut oil to cook with but it works as a great massage oil as well because it’s a bit more slippery than other oils. "For deep tissue work, it’s not ideal," Duarte explains. "But if you like that coconut scent, it's a readily available, all natural and hydrating product to work with."

The Zeel massage network—which brings massages straight to your home—uses products from Biotone. “After more than 1.5 million appointments we've learned that it's always best to assume that everyone has sensitive skin in one way or another and these products don't inflame allergies, cause irritation, or bother those with sensitivities to strong smells,” says co-founder Alison Harmelin. This oil-infused gel from the brand moisturizes and nourishes as it is kneaded across skin.

The intoxicating smell smell of lavender draws you in at first, and then you slip into a deep sleep. That's because lavender is a healing essential oil, Duarte says. "I love giving relaxing massages and lavender is perfect for promoting relaxation and stress relief along with combating inflammation."