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18 Best Expert-Recommended Massage Oils In 2023 For Relaxation, Sex, And More

You *knead* at least one.

By Lydia Wang, Elizabeth Bacharach and Neha Tandon
massage oils
Christine Giordano

Massages must be one of the most loved activities for a night in, especially when they're topped off with an indulgent massage oil that will (literally) help the tension slip right off your skin. Not only are they a fun solution for soothing sore muscles, they're a great way to enhance intimacy—and really explore your partner’s body on a new level.

“When a lot of folks think about sexual intimacy, we automatically think about genital touch. The reality is that the entire body is coated in all of these erogenous zones, and exploring the rest of the body is not only a really great way to discover new things that might feel great to you,” says Lisa Finn, a sex educator and marketing director for sex toy shop Babeland. “[Massage] can also help to warm the body up, and help the mind and the body connect.”

Peep a few of the best massage oils, below:

  • 1
    Uberlube

    Best Massage Oil And Lube Combo

    Uberlube Uberlube

    $25 at Babeland
    Read more
  • 2
    Unwind CBD Body Oil

    Best CBD Massage Oil

    Good Vibrations Toys Unwind CBD Body Oil

    Read more
  • 3
    Rub Me Massage Bar

    Best Massage Oil For Travel

    Pleasure Works Rub Me Massage Bar

    Read more
  • 4
    Earthly Body Edible Massage Oil - Mango

    Best Edible Massage Oil

    Earthly Body Earthly Body Edible Massage Oil - Mango

    Read more
  • 5
    Sensual Massage Oil

    Best Affordable Massage Oil

    Maple Holistics Sensual Massage Oil

    Read more


Ready to get your rub on? Scroll down to check out the 18 best massage oils for every budget, scent preference, and level of hydration—and a few tips on incorporating massage oil into your self-care routine and sex life.

1
Best Massage Oil And Lube Combo

Uberlube Uberlube

Uberlube
1
Best Massage Oil And Lube Combo

Uberlube Uberlube

$25 at Babeland
Pros
  • Silky texture
  • Genital-safe
  • Good for travel
Cons
  • Be careful not to use too much—a little goes a long way!

Looking for a massage oil that will double as a lube? Look no further. "Silicone lubricant is a really good tool to have if you want something that’s going to work as both a massage oil and lubricant. I recommend Uberlube," says Finn. "A lot of folks will use it externally or internally, because it is safe for vaginal, external, or oral use."

Just don't use it with silicone sex toys—the silicone in the lube could cause the toys to degrade over time.

Key IngredientsVitamin E
Size1.7 oz.
2
Best CBD Massage Oil

Good Vibrations Toys Unwind CBD Body Oil

Unwind CBD Body Oil
2
Best CBD Massage Oil

Good Vibrations Toys Unwind CBD Body Oil

Now 20% Off
Pros
  • Soothing properties
  • Lightweight and refreshing
  • Not too sweet
Cons
  • Strong scent

For a truly sensual experience, try this CBD massage oil, which will help relax your muscles and any physical nerves. The soothing lavender scent doesn't hurt, either. "With the combination of the scent of lavender and the CBD, it really does help with relaxation–both with the muscles and through the fragrance," Finn says.

Key IngredientsAlmond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Vitamin E
Size4.2 oz.
AllergensAlmonds
3
Best Massage Oil For Travel

Pleasure Works Rub Me Massage Bar

Rub Me Massage Bar
3
Best Massage Oil For Travel

Pleasure Works Rub Me Massage Bar

Pros
  • Compact
  • Versatile
  • No mess
Cons
  • Might not last you as long as a traditional bottle

This massage bar has a low melting point, and turns to a smooth liquid as soon as it makes contact with a warm body. Because it's not a liquid, it's perfect for travel, notes Finn.

Key IngredientsPure Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter
Size2 oz.
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4
Best Edible Massage Oil

Earthly Body Earthly Body Edible Massage Oil - Mango

Earthly Body Edible Massage Oil - Mango
4
Best Edible Massage Oil

Earthly Body Earthly Body Edible Massage Oil - Mango

Pros
  • Scent isn't too sweet
  • Not too sticky
  • A little can go a long way!
Cons
  • Runs out quickly

Many oils are safe to consume, but they don't necessarily taste good, says Finn. But Earthly Body's edible oils "are designed to actually be kissed and licked and sucked off of the body." If Mango isn't your fruit of choice, this oil is also available in flavors like watermelon, cherry, and more.

Key IngredientsRosemary Oil
Size2 oz.
5
Best Affordable Massage Oil

Maple Holistics Sensual Massage Oil

Sensual Massage Oil
5
Best Affordable Massage Oil

Maple Holistics Sensual Massage Oil

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Thousands of five-star reviews
  • Lavender scent
Cons
  • Scent can be strong for sensitive noses

An Amazon bestseller with more than 25,000 five-star reviews, this blend of lavender, jojoba, and almond oil with vitamin E boasts a pleasant aroma and tingling sensation, all working together to stimulate the whole body. Put it in your next bath to step out with totally nourished and hydrated skin.

Key IngredientsJojoba Seed Oil, Lavender Flower Oil
Size8 oz.
AllergensAlmonds
6
Best Therapist-Approved Massage Oil

Shea Moisture Virgin Coconut Body Oil

Virgin Coconut Body Oil
6
Best Therapist-Approved Massage Oil

Shea Moisture Virgin Coconut Body Oil

Credit: Shea Moisture
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Has thousands of five-star reviews
  • Sweet scent
Cons
  • Scent can transfer to clothing

Beider’s favorite oil is coconut oil—and for good reason. It's hypoallergenic, unscented, and moisturizing. As an added bonus, coconut oil can also be used as lube.

Key IngredientsSunflower Seed Oil
Size8 oz.
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7
Best Massage Oil Candle

LELO Flickering Touch Massage Candle

Flickering Touch Massage Candle
7
Best Massage Oil Candle

LELO Flickering Touch Massage Candle

Now 18% Off
Credit: LELO
Pros
  • Comes in three scent options
  • Non-greasy
  • Fun experience
Cons
  • Will clump on skin if you don't use it while it's warm

Get fancy with this chic candle that doubles as a heated massage oil. Light the candle to set the mood, and then when you’re ready for your massage, blow the candle out. Let it cool for a minute before gently pouring the warmed liquid wax on your partner’s body and begin massaging.

Key IngredientsShea Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil
Size5.3 oz.
8
Best Massage Oil For Sensitive Skin

Bloomi Massage Oil

Massage Oil
8
Best Massage Oil For Sensitive Skin

Bloomi Massage Oil

Now 30% Off
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Fragrance-free
  • Good for sensitive skin and noses
  • Made with USDA-certified organic ingredients
Cons
  • Some miss having a scent

Founded by a sexologist, Bloomi's products are all made to empower women. Plus, because this massage oil is designed to be free of all vulvar allergens, you'll want to use it generously, everywhere. It's also fragrance-free, making it an ideal choice if you have a sensitive nose (and skin).

Key IngredientsSunflower Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Squalane, Coconut Oil, Lavender Oil, Sandwalwood Oil
Size3.4 oz.
9
Best Head-to-Toe Massage Oil

Sahajan RITUAL Body Oil

RITUAL Body Oil
9
Best Head-to-Toe Massage Oil

Sahajan RITUAL Body Oil

Pros
  • Can be used all over body
  • Nice, light scent without artificial fragrance
Cons
  • Bottle can be a little messy

Made with a multitude of grounding oils from coconut to sesame and jojoba, don't be afraid to get a little messy with this one. The Ayurvedic formula was curated to nourish your face, hair, and scalp in addition to the whole body.

Key IngredientsCoconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil
Size3.4 oz.
AllergensAlmonds
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10
Best Massage Oil Mist

J.R. Watkins Body Oil Mist

Body Oil Mist
10
Best Massage Oil Mist

J.R. Watkins Body Oil Mist

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Mess-free mist
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Good for oily skin types
Cons
  • Not the most hydrating for dry skin

From the makers of those best-selling hand soaps, this fast-absorbing oil is a fan favorite amongst oily skin types for how lightweight the ingredients are. The mist formula makes it totally mess-free, and its light coconut scent is great for sensitive noses, too.

Key IngredientsApricot Kernel Oil
Size6 oz.
11
Best Massage Oil For And By Women Of Color

Realm Concept Market Bourban Vanilla Argan Oil

Bourban Vanilla Argan Oil
11
Best Massage Oil For And By Women Of Color

Realm Concept Market Bourban Vanilla Argan Oil

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Nice vanilla scent
  • Made with 100 percent pure, organic argan oil
Cons
  • Formula is a bit thick for daytime use

Inspired by a trip to Morocco, Jamila Pipersburg started her brand, Realm Concept Market, out of a desire to make clean, accessible products for women of color like herself. You'll love waking up to the sweet vanilla scent of this oil on your soft, supple skin.

Key IngredientsPure Organic Argan Oil, Bourbon Vanilla Essential Oil
Size1.7 oz.
12
Best Massage Oil For Sex

Dame Products Sex Oil

Sex Oil
12
Best Massage Oil For Sex

Dame Products Sex Oil

Pros
  • Made with 100 percent naturally-derived ingredients
  • Doctor-approved formula
Cons
  • Bottle can be small for regular use

Dame didn't beat around the bush (pun intended) with what you can use this massage oil for. It was designed to be totally safe to use anywhere on your bod, without throwing off your pH balance. Plus, the sexy sandalwood and cardamom scent is to die for.

Key IngredientsJojoba Seed Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Cardamom Oil, Melatonin, Ginseng Root Extract
Size2 oz.
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13
Most Luxurious Massage Oil

BALMYARD BEAUTY Romantic Call Body Oil

Romantic Call Body Oil
13
Most Luxurious Massage Oil

BALMYARD BEAUTY Romantic Call Body Oil

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Sweet, musky scent smells very luxurious
  • Cruelty-free formula
Cons
  • Packaging can be a little messy

If the name wasn't enough to make you fall for this oil, the luxurious ingredient list should do it. Featuring coconut, shea nut, and sweet almond oils, close your eyes and let the sweet, musky scent carry you off to an opulent spa resort (or margs on the couch).

Key IngredientsCoconut, Shea, Sweet Almond Oils
Size4 oz.
AllergensAlmonds
14
Best Massage Oil For A Full-Body Glow

Alo Yoga Head-To-Toe Glow Oil

Head-To-Toe Glow Oil
14
Best Massage Oil For A Full-Body Glow

Alo Yoga Head-To-Toe Glow Oil

Pros
  • Safe to be used head-to-toe
  • Fast-absorbing formula
  • Scent is light enough for sensitive noses
Cons
  • Some don't like the citrus scent

From the makers of our (and JLo's) favorite leggings, Alo Yoga's glow oil might just become another go-to for you. The light citrus scent is awakening and the turmeric in it will likely have you waking up with brighter skin than you went to bed with.

Key IngredientsCastor Seed Oil, Amla Extract, Aloe, Marula Oil, Avocado Oil, Moringa Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Turmeric, Rosemary, Chinaberry Flower
Size3.2 oz.
15
Best Face-Friendly Massage Oil

Bathing Culture Outer Being Face & Body Oil

Outer Being Face & Body Oil
15
Best Face-Friendly Massage Oil

Bathing Culture Outer Being Face & Body Oil

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Safe for use all over body
  • Sensitive skin-friendly
Cons
  • Pricey

Made with skin-loving ingredients like olive-based squalane blended with woody vetiver and cedar, this oil has a super grounding scent that may remind you of your favorite high-end yoga studio. Apply it generously to warm, slightly damp skin after a shower to really get the maximum hydration benefits.

Key IngredientsJojoba Seed Oil, MCT Oil, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, Abyssinian Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Marula Seed Oil, Squalane, Organic Raspberry Seed Oil
Size2 oz.
AllergensAlmonds
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16
Best Bath And Body Massage Oil

maude Oil Bath & Body Oil

Oil Bath & Body Oil
16
Best Bath And Body Massage Oil

maude Oil Bath & Body Oil

Pros
  • Fragrance-free
  • 100 percent certified USDA Organic
Cons
  • Pricey

Maude's oil is certified organic and contains a blend of ultra nourishing jojoba, coconut, argan, and castor oil. It's also fragrance-free, so you don't have to worry about you (or your partner) not loving the scent. Specifically designed to play well with water, you'll love using this for in-bath massages—now if that's not relaxation at it's finest, I don't know what is.

Key IngredientsJojoba Oil, MCT Oil, Argan Oil, Castor Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil (all organic)
Size4 oz.
17
Best Citrus Massage Oil

Brown Girl Jane Aromatic Body Oil

Aromatic Body Oil
17
Best Citrus Massage Oil

Brown Girl Jane Aromatic Body Oil

Pros
  • Pretty packaging
  • Cruelty-free formula
  • Strong citrus scent
Cons
  • Pricey

This cruelty-free body oil features orange essential oil and naturally occurring vitamin E for a citrusy scent you'll love using in the morning. Plus, that gorgeous packaging will look amazing on your bathroom counter.

Key IngredientsHemp Extract, Orange Essential Oil, Vitamin E
Size8 oz.
18
Best Skin-Nourishing Massage Oil

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil

Revitalizing Body Oil
18
Best Skin-Nourishing Massage Oil

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Convenient pump makes it mess-free
  • Light floral scent
  • Non-greasy formula
Cons
  • Pricey

Made with some of the highest quality ingredients you can find in any body oil, the calming floral scent comes from camelia flower extract. It's pricey, but if you can afford it, it's like a hydrating (but non-greasy) overnight mask for your body.

Key IngredientsSunflower Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil Oil, Apricot Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Alfalfa
Size4.1 oz.
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What to look for in a massage oil:

squiggle

First off, if you're allergic to any fruits or nuts, make sure to check the oil's ingredients—especially if you're sensitive to almonds, since almond oil is commonly used in these products, says Finn. Even if you're not ingesting your massage oil, you still might have a reaction.

Beyond that, there are a few ingredients you might want. "Vitamin E is an added vitamin that helps to condition and soften skin, and it gives a lot of massage oils a really nice, soft glide to them," Finn says.

They also recommend coconut oil, which has tons of benefits, including antioxidant and antibacterial properties. "It's a really good carrier oil, which means it's good at holding a fragrance or other essential oils in it," Finn explains. "It also helps to trap moisture onto the skin."

How to apply massage oil:

squiggle

Safety first! Finn recommends spot-testing your massage oil (on the inside of your forearm, for instance) before going ahead and using it everywhere.

Once you know that your body responds well to the oil, you can get going. If you're enjoying some solo time, Finn recommends touching parts of your body near erogenous zones, like your thighs, and giving yourself a sensual massage. You can also incorporate massage oil into partnered play.

"You can try using a blindfold on your partner and using massage on different parts of their body," says Finn. "This can be a good way to combine adrenaline with relaxation—the excitement of not knowing where hands are going to go next, combined with that intimate soft touch that massage can provide." She also suggests using massage oil during aftercare to enhance intimacy.

You can also use these products in a less sexual context. If you or your partner feels stressed, a massage can help, says Rachel Beider, a licensed massage therapist and CEO of PRESS Modern Massage. "Massage relaxes the body by bringing awareness, circulation, and pain relief to specific areas," Beider says. "You might be holding tension in places without even knowing it—massage helps focus awareness on those body parts."

Headshot of Lydia Wang
Lydia Wang
Love & Life Editor

Lydia Wang is the love & life editor at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits articles about sex, relationships, identity, and pop culture. She lives in New York and spends way too much of her free time reading romance novels in coffee shops and tweeting about her favorite dating shows.

Headshot of Elizabeth Bacharach
Elizabeth Bacharach is the Assistant Editor at Women’s Health where she writes and edits content about mental and physical health, food and nutrition, sexual health, and lifestyle trends across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, lives in New York City, and dreams of becoming best friends with Ina Garten, who is, undeniably, an absolute queen.
Headshot of Neha Tandon
Senior Commerce Editor

Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram

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