How to Make Your Own Massage Oil with Essential Oils
How to make your own therapeutic massage oil with essential oils, with carrier oil ratios and calming blends.
In this guide
To make your own massage oil with essential oils, mix 25 to 30 drops of essential oil into 60ml (about 2 ounces) of a carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba or coconut. Warm a little in your hands and massage it in with slow, steady strokes. This guide covers the best carrier oils, the best essential oils for massage, a relaxing recipe and simple massage techniques you can use at home.
Key takeaways
- The golden ratio is 25 to 30 drops of essential oil per 60ml of carrier oil. Use fewer drops for sensitive skin.
- Sweet almond, jojoba, coconut, olive and sunflower oils all make good carriers.
- Our favourite therapeutic massage oil uses lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang and sandalwood.
- Shoulders, neck and upper back are where everyday tension gathers, so start there.
- Always patch test first, and avoid some citrus oils before going out in the sun.
Why massage with essential oils?
We connect with the world through our senses. The skin is the body's largest organ and our most exposed point of contact with our surroundings, so it is a natural place to slow down, unwind and care for ourselves.
We feel the air, the temperature, water and wind on our skin. Touch and gentle massage are a lovely way to relax tense areas, bring a feeling of warmth and ease, and enjoy the comforting aroma of essential oils. Many people find massage especially soothing across the shoulders, neck and upper back, where everyday tension tends to gather.
Which carrier oil is best for massage?
Essential oils are always diluted into a carrier oil before they touch the skin. The carrier gives your hands slip and helps spread the essential oils evenly. Choose one that suits your skin and what you have to hand.
| Carrier | How it feels | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet almond oil | Light, silky, plenty of glide | Longer, full-body massages |
| Jojoba oil | Absorbs quickly, not greasy | Most skin types, including sensitive skin |
| Virgin coconut oil | Smooth, melts with body heat | Dry skin and longer massages |
| Olive oil | Richer and thicker | Very dry skin, small areas |
| Sunflower oil | Light and simple | An easy kitchen-cupboard option |
| Shea butter | Thick, melts when warmed | A rich balm for hands, feet and elbows |
If you have a nut allergy, skip sweet almond oil and use jojoba or sunflower instead.
How many drops of essential oil for a massage oil?
A useful general guide is 25 to 30 drops of essential oil in total for every 60ml (about 2 ounces) of carrier oil. Start light, patch test a little on your inner arm first, and adjust the strength to suit you.
| Carrier oil | Gentle (sensitive skin) | Standard blend |
|---|---|---|
| 30ml | 6 drops | 12 to 15 drops |
| 60ml | 12 drops | 25 to 30 drops |
For the spa-style version with smaller 30ml blends, see our guide to the best essential oils for a spa massage.
What essential oils are good for massage?
Do not feel limited to this list. Explore and find the aromas you enjoy most. These are popular, easy-to-blend choices.
| Oil | Why people use it in massage |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Calming and relaxing, ideal before bed |
| Sandalwood | Warm, earthy and grounding |
| Ylang ylang | Rich, sweet floral that helps you unwind |
| Rose | Soft, romantic and comforting floral |
| Jasmine | Deep, heady floral for a luxurious blend |
| Rosemary | Warming herb for tired, tense muscles |
| Frankincense | Balancing resin that slows the breath |
| Peppermint | Cooling, for a fresh, reviving massage |
| Clary sage | Nutty herb for stress relief |
| Eucalyptus | Fresh and clearing, lovely after exercise |
You can find every oil on this list in our essential oils collection.
DIY recipe for a relaxing massage oil
This is our go-to therapeutic massage oil. It is calming, gently warming and smells beautiful on the skin.
1. Relaxing Massage Oil
Best for: tense shoulders, neck and back at the end of the day
- 10 drops Lavender oil
- 5 drops Rosemary oil
- 5 drops Ylang ylang oil
- 5 drops Sandalwood oil
- 60ml Carrier oil of your choice
Combine the essential oils with the carrier oil in a clean, dark glass bottle, cap it and roll gently to mix. Warm a little between your palms before use.
How to make massage oil, step by step
- Choose your carrier oil and pour 60ml into a clean, dark glass bottle.
- Add your essential oils, one at a time, counting the drops carefully.
- Cap the bottle and roll it gently between your hands to mix.
- Label it with the oils and the date you made it.
- Patch test on your inner arm and wait 24 hours before a full massage.
Pro tip
Make a small batch first. Mix just 10ml with 4 or 5 drops, try it for a few days, and scale up once you love the scent.
How to use essential oils for massage
You do not need training to give a relaxing oil massage. A few simple techniques are enough.
- Warm the oil: pour a little into your palm and rub your hands together. Never pour cold oil straight onto the skin.
- Long, gliding strokes: start with slow, light strokes along the back or shoulders to spread the oil and warm the muscles.
- Kneading: gently squeeze and roll the muscles of the shoulders and upper arms, like kneading dough.
- Small circles: use your thumbs in small circles either side of the spine and around the base of the neck, never on the spine itself.
- Finish lightly: end with a few slow, light strokes to calm the body.
Keep the pressure comfortable and ask for feedback if you are massaging someone else. For a solo self-care routine, try our aromatherapy massage oil for self-love.
Safe use
Safety first
Always dilute essential oils in a carrier before applying to skin, and patch test first. Keep oils away from the eyes and broken skin, and out of reach of children.
- Some citrus oils, such as lemon, lime and bergamot, are photosensitive and may mark the skin in sunlight. Avoid them before going out in the sun, or use them only on covered areas.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, speak to a qualified healthcare professional before use. Clary sage and rosemary are best avoided in pregnancy.
- Keep peppermint and eucalyptus away from the faces of young children.
- Do not massage over injuries, swelling, varicose veins or broken skin.
FAQs
How do you make massage oil with essential oils?
Mix 25 to 30 drops of essential oil into 60ml of a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba. Store it in a dark glass bottle and roll gently to mix before each use.
How many drops of essential oil should I use in a massage oil?
As a general guide, use around 25 to 30 drops of essential oil per 60ml (about 2 ounces) of carrier oil. If you have sensitive skin, start with fewer drops and build up gradually.
Which carrier oil is best for massage?
Sweet almond, jojoba, coconut and olive oils are all popular. Jojoba absorbs quickly and suits most skin types, while almond and coconut give a little more slip for longer massages. Choose one that feels comfortable on your skin.
Which oil is good for a relaxing at-home massage?
Lavender is the best all-rounder for a relaxing massage. Blend it with sandalwood or ylang ylang for a warmer, deeper scent, as in our Relaxing Massage Oil recipe.
How do you give an oil massage?
Warm the oil in your hands, then use long gliding strokes, gentle kneading and small thumb circles on the shoulders, neck and back. Keep the pressure comfortable and finish with light strokes.
Do I need to patch test a new blend?
Yes. Apply a small amount of the diluted blend to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction before using it more widely.
How should I store my homemade massage oil?
Keep it in a clean, dark glass bottle in a cool place away from direct sunlight, and use it within a few months for the freshest aroma.
The bottom line
Making your own therapeutic massage oil is easy: 25 to 30 drops of essential oil in 60ml of carrier oil, warmed in your hands and massaged in slowly. Start with our lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang and sandalwood recipe, then make it your own. Browse our full range of essential oils.
