Aromatherapy Massage Oil for Self-Love
An easy self love oil recipe with rose, ylang ylang and frankincense, a calming aromatherapy massage oil infused with rose petals.
In this guide
This self love oil recipe blends rose, ylang ylang and frankincense essential oils into a soft, rose-petal-infused massage oil. It is easy to make at home, it smells warm and sensual, and it turns a quiet evening into time just for you. Here is how to make it, how to use it, and why these three oils are the best essential oils for self love.
Key takeaways
- Rose, ylang ylang and frankincense are a classic trio for a self love or sensual massage oil.
- The base is sweet almond and jojoba oil, slowly infused with rose petals.
- Only 6 drops of essential oil go into the whole batch, so it is gentle on the skin.
- Massage head to toe to feel grounded, or toe to head to feel uplifted.
- Sweet almond oil is not suitable if you have a nut allergy. Swap in more jojoba.
Create a space for intimacy and self love
With Valentine's Day on the horizon, it is a lovely time to create your own space of romance, intimacy and self love at home. Often the most meaningful moments are the ones we make for ourselves, with what we already have.
This DIY aromatherapy massage oil brings a little warmth to your home and your heart. It mixes the sensual scents of rose, ylang ylang and frankincense in a rose-infused carrier oil.
What are the best essential oils for self love?
| Oil | Scent | What it brings |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Soft, sweet floral | Soothing and uplifting |
| Ylang ylang | Rich, heady floral | Uplifting yet relaxing, and sensual |
| Frankincense | Warm, woody resin | Grounding, soothing and stabilising |
Rose essential oil
Rose has long been a symbol of love, romance and beauty, from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to Ancient Greek myth. The story goes that Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, created the red rose from her tears and the blood of her lover Adonis. Since then the rose has come to stand for love until death.
Beyond the stories, rose otto essential oil has a soft, soothing and uplifting scent that is treasured in aromatherapy.
Ylang ylang essential oil
Ylang ylang essential oil is uplifting yet relaxing, which makes it a wonderful scent for self love. In Indonesia the flower is linked with romance and celebration, and the blossoms are traditionally scattered on the beds of newlyweds to bring happiness. Its sensual, heady scent is a lovely, calming part of this massage oil.
Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense has a grounding, warming scent that ties rose and ylang ylang together. The resin has long been part of ceremony in many traditions, from Muslim prayer to Catholic and Orthodox churches and Sufi gatherings. Burning it has traditionally been a way to clear a space and invite a sense of calm.
Old stories often carry a quiet truth: they were how earlier cultures described what they felt. In short, frankincense essential oil is a wonderful addition to a self love oil, thanks to its soothing, stabilising and grounding qualities.
Self love oil recipe: DIY aromatherapy massage oil
1. Self Love Massage Oil
Best for: a slow, sensual self-massage at the end of the day
- 1/2 cup Sweet almond oil (not for nut allergies)
- 1/2 cup Jojoba oil
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup Rose petals
- 2 drops Rose oil
- 2 drops Ylang ylang oil
- 2 drops Frankincense oil
- Optional, 2ml Vitamin E
The original recipe uses rose absolute. Our steam-distilled rose otto works just as well. With only 6 drops in a full cup of oil, this blend is very gentle, so it suits a relaxed, all-over massage.
How to make massage oil at home
- Infuse the oil. For the slow method, grind the rose petals in a pestle and mortar and put them in a sterilised jar. Top with the carrier oils, close the lid and mix. Label the jar and leave it for 3 weeks to 2 months for the best infusion.
- Or use the quick method. Stand the open jar in the middle of a stainless steel pan. Add 1 to 2 inches of water around it and heat gently on the lowest setting for 4 to 8 hours. Make sure no water gets into the jar.
- Strain. Strain out the rose petals and compost the spent flowers.
- Add the essential oils. Stir the rose, ylang ylang and frankincense into the infused oil.
- Protect it. If you like, add vitamin E, which helps stop the oil turning rancid.
- Bottle it. Pour into an amber glass bottle, label it, and keep it in a cool, dark cupboard.
Pro tip
Not sure which carrier to use? Jojoba is light and sinks in quickly. Our guide on how to choose your carrier oil compares the most popular options.
How to use your self love body oil
Pour a little oil into your hands. Massage your body from head to toe to feel grounded, or from toe to head for an uplifting feel. Use long, soothing strokes, with lighter, faster movements where it feels good, especially around the heart.
Light a candle, diffuse your favourite sensual oils and make a cup of tea. Then take your time, and treat your body with love. For a matching room scent, try our love diffuser blends.
Safe use of essential oils
Safety first
Essential oils are highly concentrated and for external use only. Keep the dilution gentle, patch test on a small area first, and avoid sensitive areas.
- Sweet almond oil is not suitable if you have a nut allergy.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, ask a professional before use.
- Do not use rose oil if you are allergic to roses or rose products.
- Never swallow essential oils, and keep them away from children and pets.
FAQs
What essential oils are good for self love?
Rose, ylang ylang and frankincense are three of the best. Rose is soothing and uplifting, ylang ylang is relaxing and sensual, and frankincense is warm and grounding. Together they make a lovely self love oil blend.
Why infuse the oil with rose petals as well as rose essential oil?
The petals add a soft, natural floral note to the carrier oil, while the essential oil gives a stronger scent. Together they make a richer, rounder fragrance.
How long does the massage oil keep?
Stored in an amber glass bottle in a cool, dark place, it usually keeps for several months. Vitamin E helps slow it going off. Throw it away if it starts to smell rancid.
Can I use a different carrier oil?
Yes. If you have a nut allergy, swap the sweet almond oil for more jojoba, or try grapeseed or fractionated coconut oil. Jojoba is light and absorbs well, so it is a lovely choice.
Is this massage oil suitable for sensitive skin?
Keep the dilution low and always patch test first. If your skin is reactive, use fewer essential oil drops, or leave them out and enjoy the rose-infused oil on its own.
Can I give this massage oil as a gift?
Yes. Pour it into a pretty amber glass bottle with a handwritten label listing the ingredients and the date. It makes a thoughtful gift for Valentine's Day or any other occasion.
The bottom line
A homemade self love oil is a simple way to slow down and care for yourself. Rose, ylang ylang and frankincense bring a soothing, sensual and grounding scent to every massage. For more ideas, see our spa massage oil recipes, and find all three oils in our essential oils collection.
