Make Your Own Massage Oil with 7 Essential Oil Blends + Uses

My sister and I have a fabulous tradition of treating each other to massages on our birthdays. We go together, which means I get to enjoy a massage even on her birthday. It's self-care that's easy to get addicted to, and now I’m certain that twice a year is not enough. What better way to enhance a massage than with your own DIY massage oil blends!

Massage has many benefits, including improving circulation, easing tension, and stimulating the body to release toxins. And when massage is combined with aromatherapy, a happy synergy happens. The mind and body benefits of essential oils definitely enhance the benefits of massage.

Here’s a general DIY massage oil recipe to follow, along with 7 essential oil blends and uses. While we originally published this post on Valentine's Day, there's no need to wait for a special occasion to give or receive a massage. Share these blends with a partner, or save them all for yourself (decadent scalp massage, anyone?)—I guarantee they'll come in handy one way or another. 

As always, after diluting the essential oils in a carrier oil, be sure to do a patch test on a small section of skin to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction to any of these oils before slathering them on the body or face.

Basic DIY Massage Oil Recipe

Supplies needed

• 1 ounce (roughly 2 tablespoons) of carrier oil, such as sweet almond, apricot kernel, sesame seed, and grapeseed oil.
• 10–12 drops essential oils (See below for specific blends. Choose oils that will complement the goals of your massage, and read all safety information before using.)
• Dark glass bottle

I find it's easier to measure out the carrier oil in a separate container, like a measuring cup. Then slowly add in the appropriate essential oils. Pour the massage oil mixture into a dark bottle, and shake well to combine.

Don't forget to label your creation! You think you'll never forget, but trust me, it's harder to remember than you think! 

Shake well before each use. Pour about 1 teaspoon into your hands and gently massage into skin. This recipe can be doubled or tripled for a larger batch, just make sure to keep the same ratio of essential oil to carrier oil.

7 Essential Oil Massage Blends + Uses

It’s easy to make your own massage oils. My dilemma is always how and when to use them! It’s not like there’s a folding table just sitting around the house, much less an extra 60 minutes and a masseuse at my beck and call.

Good news: we’ve got a lot of different massage ideas for you. Need help studying? Try a head massage. Can’t sleep? Foot massage is the way to go. Entering ‘mature’ skin territory? A face massage can tone loose skin.

1. Love Potion Massage Oil

• 8 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 3 drops jasmine essential oil
• 2 drops vanilla essential oil

Add these essential oils to the base recipe above. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon to massage your partner.

2. Relaxing Hand Massage

Give your hardworking hands a little TLC with this blend that will soothe and nourish your skin.

• 3 drops neroli essential oil
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 1 drop sandalwood essential oil

3. In the Zone Head Massage

A head massage is my very favorite thing. It’s so soothing that I could have my kids brush and play with my hair for hours! It does wonders for tension, and this essential oil blend will keep you focused and alert.

• 6 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil

Add the essential oils to the base recipe above. Massage ½ teaspoon into temples and at the base of the neck to invigorate and enhance concentration.

4. Calming Nighttime Foot Massage

I’ve talked about the relaxing magic of nightly foot massages. If an herb-infused balm is too much work, try this massage oil that takes less than a minute to make (for real).

• 10 drops Roman chamomile or lavender essential oil

Mix together with 1 ounce of base oil. Pour a small amount into hands and massage into feet.

5. Soothing Face Massage

Add a short facial massage to your nightly skincare ritual, and your face will thank you.

• 3 drops frankincense essential oil
• 3 drops rose absolute essential oil
• 2 drops geranium essential oil
• 2 drops carrot seed essential oil

Add these essential oils to 1 ounce of a carrier oil, like jojoba or rosehip, and shake well. After washing your face, apply a few drops of this massage oil to your fingertips. Gently massage into your skin with small circles, starting at the chin and working upward.

6. Activating Leg Massage

Stimulate the lymphatic system with a massage in combination with dry brushing.

• 4 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 1 drop cypress essential oil
• 1 drop lemon essential oil
• 1 drop sweet orange essential oil

Add these oils to 1 ounce of your carrier oil and mix well. Massage into skin with upward circular movements, focusing on areas with cellulite. This oil can be applied before or after dry brushing.

How to Do an Ayurvedic Massage

Make up the two blends by mixing each blend in its own bottle.

Run the bath, and make sure the room is warm.

Inhale the Breathe Easy blend, and think of a favorite or beautiful place. Inhale again, and imagine all the muscles in your body relaxing.

Pour a small amount of the Blissed Out oil into the palm of your hand and warm by rubbing your hands together. Massage the face by rubbing the oil in with nice, firm circles across the forehead and across the cheeks and chin. Massage the whole body in the same way, and give the bigger muscles a few squeezes too, particularly the shoulders and neck.

Soak in the bath and think about beautiful places and favorite things. Repeat this treatment every couple of days if you’re going through a stressful patch, and continue monthly for maintenance.

Massage Oil FAQs

Can you mix a large batch of oil and store it until you need it?

Sure! Double and triple any of the above recipes and store in the refrigerator when not in use to keep the oils from going rancid.

Is it safe to ingest these oils?

The short answer is no—at least not in these dilutions. Check with your doctor before ingesting any essential oil.

Can I make a massage oil with magnesium?

Not really. Magnesium chloride flakes don't dissolve in oil quite like they do in water. 

Will massage oil stain sheets?

If you're not careful, massage oil can leave dark-looking spots on your bedding. I recommend laying down a towel or washable blanket to protect your nice sheets and massaging a small amount of oil directly into the skin in order to prevent drips. If you do happen to get oil on your sheets, pre-treat them with stain remover or dish soap and immediately wash them. 

Will massage oils cause breakouts?

No, not if you use non-comedogenic carrier oils such as jojoba, almond, and apricot seed. It may even help clear up body acne by dissolving dirt and oil in pores and rinsing away impurities.

When does massage oil expire?

Technically, homemade massage oil should last a year or more (it's just oil, after all). But I find that oils have a tendency to break down after a while, which can affect the smell. To keep your oil as fresh as possible, store it in the refrigerator, and try to use it within 6 months. 

Is massage oil safe for babies?

I wouldn't recommend using these oils on babies. Older children may benefit, but it's best to thoroughly research the oils beforehand (here's a good list of kid-friendly oils) and to dilute them heavily.

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DIY Ayurvedic Massage Oil + How to Use It

Make these 6 massage oils blends, and reap the mind and body benefits. 

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Bath and Body

Keyword: essential oils

Yield: 1 application

Author: Cybele Masterman

Cost: $2

Equipment

• Small dark glass bottle

Materials

Breathe Easy Inhalation Blend

• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 ounce grapeseed or sweet almond oil

Blissed Out Massage Oil

• 20 drops orange or grapefruit essential oil
• 10 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 40 mL sesame or grapeseed oil

Instructions

• I find it’s easier to measure out the carrier oil in a separate container, like a measuring cup. Then slowly add in the appropriate essential oils.
  
• Pour the massage oil into a dark bottle and shake well to combine.
  
• Don't forget to date and label each bottle so you can remember which oil is which.
  

Notes

How to Do an Ayurvedic Massage

Make up the two blends by mixing each blend in its own bottle.

Run the bath and make sure the room is warm.

Inhale the Breathe Easy blend, and think of a beautiful place. Inhale again and imagine all the muscles in your body relaxing.

Pour a small amount of the Blissed Out oil into the palm of your hand and warm by rubbing your hands together. Massage the face by rubbing the oil in with nice firm circles across the forehead and across the cheeks and chin. Massage the whole body in the same way and give the bigger muscles a few squeezes too, particularly the shoulders and neck.

Soak in the bath and think about your favorite places and things. Repeat this treatment every couple of days if you’re going through a stressful patch, and continue monthly for maintenance.

Addition Blends: *add to 1 ounce (2 tablespoons)of carrier oil to dilute

Love Potion Blend

• 8 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 3 drops jasmine essential oil
• 2 drops vanilla essential oil

Relaxing Hand Massage Blend

• 3 drops neroli essential oil
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 1 drop sandalwood essential oil

In the Zone Head Massage Blend

• 6 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil

Calming Nighttime Foot Oil

• 10 drops Roman chamomile or lavender essential oil

Soothing Face Massage Blend

• 3 drops frankincense essential oil
• 3 drops rose absolute essential oil
• 2 drops geranium essential oil
• 2 drops carrot seed essential oil

Activating Leg Massage Blend

• 4 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 1 drop cypress essential oil
• 1 drop lemon essential oil
• 1 drop sweet orange essential oil

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Holly Smith, a board-certified physician in nephrology and internal medicine with a background in nutrition. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.