22 Aromatherapy Massage Oils – Loving Essential Oils (2024)

Jennifer Lane - Certified Aromatherapist on

Do you enjoy the relaxation and therapeutic benefits of massage? If so, then you'll love using aromatherapy massage oils. These blends of essential oils can help to improve your sense of wellbeing, ease tension headaches, and boost your energy levels. In this post, we'll explore some of the best essential oils for aromatherapy massage and show you how to create your own oil blend. Let's get started!

Creating your own massage oil can be so satisfying and complimentary to massage therapy. Aromatherapy massage oils are super simple to create. If you are new to DIY essential oil recipes, this is a great start!

Aromatherapy massage oils are a perfect way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils while relaxing in complete comfort. Here are just a few of the ways aromatherapy massage oils can benefit your well-being.

How to Make Massage Oils

Do you like getting massages? Many people do, because massages feel wonderful. They can help improve your circulation, ease tension headaches, and make you feel generally more relaxed. Here is how to use essential oils to make massage oil to give yourself, or someone else, a massage.

First, you need to determine what your goals are for the massage oil:

  • Is it for a full body massage or a specific ailment?
  • Do you want it to be calming or invigorating?
  • Are you applying to someone or is it a self-massage?
  • What carrier oils and essential oils do you have available?

Once you answer these questions you should have a clearer idea of what kind of massage oil you want to make.

Once you know your goals for your massage oil, you will need to choose a carrier oil for the base of your recipe.

You will also need a glass bottle for storage. I would recommend a glass bottle with a lotion pump so it is spill-proof and mess-free to dispense your massage oil. Dropper bottles can also be used to dispense your oil.

Next, you can choose what essential oils you want to use in your massage oil. We have 22 Aromatherapy Massage Oil Recipes below to pick from, or if you are feeling adventurous you can create your own.

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Best Essential Oils for Massage Oils

No matter your preferred method of relaxation, be it reading, sleeping or taking a bath, adding aromatherapy to the mix is a great way to achieve even deeper relaxation and peace. Different scents have different effects on the mind and body, so finding the right oil mixture for you is key.

Single essential oil massage oils can be as powerful as any blend, so no need for a recipe here because you will just need the single essential oil and carrier oil of choice.

Here are some single oil aromatherapy massage oil ideas to try:

1. Lavender Massage Oil

Lavender Oil has a calming scent that can help you relax and de-stress. This is perfect if you're looking for a way to wind down after a long day or if you're dealing with anxiety or stress. Lavender Massage Oil is also known for being beneficial for the skin. It can help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

  • Calming, relaxing, nurtures creativity, promotes well-being, balancing to body and mind, promotes sleep

Homemade Lavender Massage Oil

Are you looking for a relaxing and stress-relieving massage oil? If so, look no further than this homemade lavender massage oil! It's made with all natural ingredients and smells amazing. Plus, it's perfect for relieving tension headaches and muscle pain.

Get the Lavender Massage Oil Recipe here

2. Bergamot Massage Oil

Bergamot essential oil has a sweet, citrusy scent that is energizing and refreshing. This versatile oil can be used in aromatherapy to promote feelings of happiness and peace, or added to your favorite beauty products for an instant pick-me-up. Bergamot oil is also known for its antibacterial properties, making it a great choice for natural cleaning solutions. Use caution as bergamot is phototoxic.

  • Reduces stress and tension, calming, uplifting, refreshing

3. Peppermint Massage Oil

When it comes to massage, there are a lot of different oils that you can use. One of my favorites is peppermint essential oil. It has a refreshing scent and a cooling effect, which can be really soothing on tired muscles. Plus, it's got some great healing properties that can help improve your overall wellness. If you're looking for an easy way to add some extra relaxation to your next massage session, consider using peppermint oil!

  • Invigorating, cooling, pain-reducing, improves mental performance

4. Clary Sage Massage Oil

Clary sage essential oil has a host of benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to promoting better sleep. It's also known for its ability to ease menstrual cramps and help with childbirth. If you're looking for an all-around great oil for massage, give clary sage a try!

  • Hormonal balancing, calming mood swings, cramp relief

5. Coriander Massage Oil

If you're looking for a natural way to improve your massage experience, consider using coriander essential oil. This oil has a variety of benefits, including improving circulation and relieving pain. It's also known for its relaxing scent, which can help you de-stress after a long day.

  • Increases energy, relaxing, decreases nervousness, calming, reduces irritability

6. Frankincense Massage Oil

Frankincense oil has a lovely scent that can help promote relaxation. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful if you are experiencing pain or inflammation in any part of your body.

  • Improves concentration, eases irritability and impatience, emotional balancing, enhances spiritual awareness and meditation

7. Eucalyptus Massage Oil

If you're looking for a refreshing and stimulating massage oil, eucalyptus essential oil is a great choice. It has a strong, invigorating scent that can help to revive the senses, while the therapeutic properties of the oil can help to relax and soothe the body.

Whether you're using it on its own or in combination with other oils, eucalyptus essential oil is an excellent choice for any massage session. Eucalyptus oil is a natural remedy that has many therapeutic properties.

  • Respiratory support, relaxing, analgesic effects, cooling properties, skin infections

8. Grapefruit Massage Oil

The invigorating citrus scent of grapefruit is said to improve well-being and mental clarity. Gently massage the oil into your skin for a refreshing and uplifting experience.

  • Balancing, uplifting, eases anxiety, fatigue-reducing, appetite suppressant

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Essential Oil Dilution For Massage Oils

When it comes to essential oils, less is definitely more.

This dilution chart is helpful to determine how much essential oil and carrier oil you will need. This is the best way to enjoy your essential oils without being wasteful or overdoing it.

2% Essential Oil Dilution Rate

For our massage oils, we like to use a 2% dilution. This dilution level is perfect for daily use for teens and adults and is safe for skin.

  • For a 1 oz bottle, you will need 10-12 drops of essential oil total.
  • For a 2 oz bottle, you will need 20-24 drops of essential oil total.

1% Essential Oil Dilution Rate

If massage oil is to be used on a child (5-12 years old), person with sensitive skin, pregnant or breastfeeding mother, it is recommended to use a 1% dilution.

  • For a 1 oz bottle, you will need 5-6 drops of essential oil total.
  • For a 2 oz bottle, you will need 10-12 drops total.

Please be sure the essential oils you are using are safe kids or pregnant women as some oils are contraindicated. These are guidelines only, starting points for you until you see how you respond to the oils, then you can adjust them from there.

Read More: Diluting Essential Oils

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Best Oil For Body Massage

Wondering what the best oil is for a body massage? Well, I am sure this is really dependent on the user but for me, it is grapeseed oil. I absolutely love this oil!

It leaves my skin silky smooth without a greasy feel. It can be used daily, I especially like to use after taking a shower. Plus it is a perfect carrier oil to use with essential oils.

Carrier Oils For Massage

Carrier oils are the base oils in any massage oil. You can use a variety of carrier oils but I recommend starting with just a single carrier oil in your massage recipe. Pick one and give it a try in one of the 22 recipes below.

1. Grapeseed Oil

Rich in vitamins A, E, B, and D plus amino acids and essential fatty acids. These are essential for keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy. Known for its regenerating properties that may help treat sun-damaged, dry skin which in turn will help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Read More: Grapeseed Oil Spotlight

2. Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is a popular carrier oil for use with aromatherapy, providing essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Known for its skin-nourishing benefits and gentleness on the skin, it safe for even the most sensitive skin types.

It is the perfect cross between not-too-greasy, yet not-too-absorbing oil making it great for massages. Add to your beauty routine to help fight the signs of aging and improve overall complexion. If you have a nut allergy, this oil should not be used.

Read More: Sweet Almond Oil Spotlight

3. Jojoba Oil

An ideal carrier oil for massage oil recipes. Jojoba oil is actually a wax that is one of the closest things to the natural oils the body produces. Since it is similar to what the body produces, it is absorbed into the skin easily. It is able to replenish what is stripped away by soaps, shampoos, as well as the elements.

Read More: Jojoba Oil

4. Fractionated Coconut Oil

A great alternative to other carrier oils. Fractionated coconut oil is a light, non-greasy oil that’s odorless. It’s called fractionated because it contains only a fraction of the whole oil, made up mostly of medium-chain triglycerides, similar to those found in your skin’s natural sebum.

Fractionated coconut oil makes a luxurious all-over body moisturizer and an economical choice for deep-tissue massage (plus it doesn’t stain the sheets).

Virgin Coconut Oil is different than fractionated coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is usually in a solid form unless warmed, it does make a good massage oil base but tends to be a little greasy and has the coconut aroma which you may or may not want in your recipe. You will need to blend in a glass jar instead of a dropper bottle or lotion pump bottle if using coconut oil as your base oil.

Read More: Coconut Oil

5. Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil is rich in vitamin E and nutrients for the skin. Hydrate and renew your skin tone with this rich oil that is teeming with essential and trace minerals. It easily blends with other carrier oils and essential oils. This thick, yet absorbent oil, leaves minimal oil residue when applied to skin.

Read More: Avocado Oil Spotlight

22 Essential Oil Massage Recipes

If you're looking for an easy and all-natural way to boost your sense of well-being, look no further than aromatherapy massage oils.

We created 22 Essential Oil Massage Oils you can enjoy with someone or by yourself. These recipes are at 2% dilution for a 2 oz size bottle. You can get the free printable Recipe Guide at the bottom of the post.

1. Moisturizing Massage Oil

Have dry skin? Here are good soothing skin oils.

  • 12 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops Myrrh essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Best to use after showering or bathing but can be used anytime you need some all-natural moisturizing.


2. Breathe Happy Massage Oil

Take a deep breath and open up your airways.

  • 12 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 4 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto chest and neck for respiratory support.


3. Relaxation Massage Oil

Relax and unwind with this grounding essential oil blend.

  • 10 drops Cedarwood
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Ylang ylang essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto chest, neck, and shoulders for relaxation.


4. "Elevate My Mood" Massage Oil

Uplifting essential oils that are energizing as well for daytime use.

  • 8 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 8 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 4 drops Ginger essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage on full body or on chest and arms for emotional support.


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5. Sore Muscle Massage Oil

Apply this comforting oil blend to stiff or overworked muscles.

  • 8 drops Cardamom essential oil
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto sore muscles.


6. Stress Free Citrus Massage Oil

This stress relieving blend is phototoxic, please take caution and stay out of the sun for 12 hours or more if applied.

  • 12 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 12 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together.


7. Sore Joint Massage Oil

Soothe sore and stiff joints, this cooling blend will ease your aches.
  • 8 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 8 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto the sore areas to ease discomfort.

8. Headache Helper Massage Oil

This trio of powerful oils is a great blends for tension and stress headaches.
  • 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto shoulders, neck, and temples (avoid getting near eyes).


9. Ease Tension Massage Oil

Say goodbye to tension with this relaxing but uplifting essential oil blend.

  • 6 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 6 drops Orange essential oil
  • 6 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 4 drops Clove essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage on full body or on the shoulder, back, and arms for relief.


10. Mental Fatigue Massage Oil

Support a healthy mental outlook with this stimulating essential oils.

  • 8 drops Basil essential oil
  • 8 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 8 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage on full body or on chest and arms for emotional support.


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11. Rejuvenating Massage Oil

Try this citrus mint massage blend that offers supports the mind and body.

  • 8 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 8 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 4 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage on full body or on chest, neck and arms. This blend is phototoxic, please take caution and stay out of the sun for 12 hours or more if applied.


12. "Pick Me Up" Massage Oil

Stimulate and energize with this pick me up blend.

  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 4 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 4 drops Lemongrass essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage on full body or on chest, neck, and arms for an uplifting effect.


13. Stiff Muscle Massage Oil

This analgesic blend of oils can relax stiff muscles.

  • 8 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 6 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
  • 6 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto tight or stiff muscles as well as the surrounding area for relief.


14. Deep Sleep Massage Oil

This sedative essential oil blend is perfect to use before going to sleep.

  • 12 drops Clary sage essential oil
  • 4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops Vetiver essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage on chest, shoulders, and neck before bedtime.


15. Good Digestion Massage Oil

Looking to soothe your digestive system? Give this DIY massage blend a try.

  • 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops Fennel essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Gently massage into the abdomen in a circular, clockwise motion, repeat as needed.


16. Goodnight Massage Oil

Here is a lovely blend of calming essential oils, use when you are ready to relax for the night.

  • 6 drops Marjoram essential oil
  • 6 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 6 drops Chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops Orange essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage on full body or on chest, shoulders, and neck before bedtime.


17. Monthly Blend Massage Oil

Supportive blend of essential oils for women's health

  • 10 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 6 drops Sweet Marjoram essential oil
  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto the lower abdomen area for relief.


18. Post Workout Massage Oil

Apply this blend to fatigued muscles after working out for repairing support.

  • 10 drops Marjoram essential oil
  • 6 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 4 drops Ginger essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto muscles after a workout.


19. Good Morning Massage Oil

This is recipe for waking up so you can have a good morning :)

  • 8 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto skin after a shower for a wonderful day ahead.


20. Youthful Glow Massage Oil

This skin healing essential oil recipe is fabulous for glowing skin. If you want to use this blend on your face, you need to cut the drops of essential oils in half.

  • 10 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 6 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops Helichrysum essential oil
  • 6 drops Vitamin E Oil
  • 1/4 cup Rosehip Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. Massage onto areas of concern.


21. Romantic Blend For Him Massage Oil

Lovingly apply this romantic blend to your partner.

  • 8 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 8 drops Sandalwood essential oil
  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. A masculine aroma that is perfect for a body massage for him.


22. Romantic Blend For Her Massage Oil

Here is an beautiful floral essential oil blend for romance.

  • 8 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 8 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle, shake to blend together. A feminine aroma that is perfect for a body massage for her.


Aromatherapy Massage Oil Printable Guide:

We have the recipes above in a FREE Printable Guide with Labels. It includes the recipes in 1 oz and 2oz sizes at a 2% dilution level. Get your DIY Aromatherapy Massage Oils - Recipe Guide here!

22 Aromatherapy Massage Oils – Loving Essential Oils (6)

Homemade Ginger Massage Oil

Want a way to relax and soothe your muscles after a long day? If so, then you should try making your own ginger massage oil! This homemade oil is easy to make and it smells amazing. Plus, it will help to improve your circulation and reduce inflammation.

  • Get the Ginger Massage Oil Recipe here

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22 Aromatherapy Massage Oils – Loving Essential Oils (7)

22 Aromatherapy Massage Oils 
      – Loving Essential Oils (2024)

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