How to Make Your Own DIY Massage Oil For the Perfect Massage

Make your home massages memorable with a DIY massage oil with essential oils. Customise your oils for the right mood with these 10 essential oil blend ideas.

The healing touch of massage has been used for thousands of years to heal and soothe the body, mind and soul.

Some of the benefits of massage include relaxation, reduced muscle tension, improved circulation and lymphatic drainage, reduced stress anxiety and depression, increased mobility, improved skin tone and recovery of soft tissue injuries. 

While there are many different massage techniques, there are two things common to most: a pair of sensitive (and willing) hands and massage oil.

Save money by using DIY massage oil. By making your own massage oil, you can create small, customised batches to suit your budget, skin and scent preference.

How to Make Your Own Massage Oil

To make your own massage oil you will need:

• A carrier oil
• Favourite Essential Oils (see blend ideas below)
• A bottle to store your oil in

Check out the basic massage oil recipe and blend ideas at the bottom of the post for the full recipe, but before you do, here’s some info on choosing the right carrier oils, essential oils and some important precautions to consider. 

What is a Carrier Oil

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil that dilutes essential oils and distributes or ‘carries’ them on the skin.

In contrast, essential oils are distilled from leaves, flowers, roots and bark of plants. Because they are distilled, they are potent and if applied to the skin directly, they can cause irritation. 

Best Carrier Oils for Massage

There are dozens of oils that can be used for massage. Sesame oil is popular in ayurvedic massage, for instance. If you have avocado or macadamia nut oil in the pantry, they can be great options. 

Below is a list of the most popular carrier oils used by massage therapists as well as some of the more common oils that you probably already have in the pantry.

Carrier Oils Favoured by Massage Therapists

Sweet Almond – Sweet Almond Oil is slow absorbing which means it gives a long-lasting glide for massage. It also smells great, is moisturising for the skin and it’s light so it won’t leave you feeling greasy. 

Jojoba – Jojoba Oil is a light oil that absorbs easily into the skin.

Massage Oils You Can Find in the Pantry

Olive Oil – This oil is great for people with dry or sensitive skin. It’s also something most of have in the pantry making a great choice for an impromptu massage.

Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is very hydrating and nourishing for the skin. If it has gone solid, melt it by rubbing it between your hands or heating it gently in a bowl over hot water.  You can also get fractionated coconut oil, which remains liquid, unlike regular coconut oil. 

Grapeseed Oil – This neutral oil absorbs into the skin easily. You can buy it at the supermarket – cold-pressed is best. 

Sunflower Oil – Sunflower oil is a mild oil that is readily found in the supermarket. Cold-pressed is best. This oil can go rancid quickly, so it’s a good idea to buy it in small quantities and keep it in the fridge. 

Essential Oil Dilution

For adults, the recommended dilution of essential oils to carrier oil is 2%. This equals 18 drops of essential oil per 30 ml (1 ounce or 6 tsp. ) of carrier oil. 

You can check out this handy chart for dilution ratios and recommendations.

Essential Oil Precautions

You can do a massage without essential oils but essential oils make a massage more sensual (smell) and may have therapeutic properties as well. 

Although essential oils are natural, you need to take precautions when using them. 

• Never ingest essential oils. 
• Essential oils should only be used diluted in a carrier oil.
• Avoid using around the face, ears and genital area. 
• Patch test diluted essential oils first to test for allergic reaction. If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use and seek medical advice. 
• Phototoxic oils can cause the skin to burn or darken in the sun at a faster rate. Don’t apply to the skin before sun exposure. These oils include angelica root, bergamot, lemon, lime, ginger, mandarin, orange and grapefruit.
• Avoid using essential oils on babies or young children. 
• Check contraindications of essential oils against any pre-existing conditions, medications you are taking or pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Where to Buy Pure Essential Oils in Australia

You can purchase essential oils from most good health food stores. Just make sure they are pure essential oils, not fragrance oils. 

For online purchases, check out our website partner Eco Modern Essentials. They are an Australian business and because they are  NOT a pyramid scheme like some essential oil brands, their prices tend to be lower than those essential oil companies. Their oils are ethically sourced and they are TGA compliant and Australian Certified Organic. 

Some of the blend ideas below are inspired by the book 500 Formulas for Aromatherapy, which is a few decades old now (and that’s how long I’ve been using it!) but still a great resource. 

The blends below are at a 2% dilution, which is good for adults. (See this table for dilution tips).

10 Essential Oil blend Recipes for Massage

The best essential oil for massage depends on the result you’re hoping to achieve. 

Are you giving a relaxing massage? Are you trying to help someone sleep? Or maybe you’re giving a romantic massage.

The massage oil recipes below combine essential oils that are just right for the result you’re aiming for as well as smelling great combined. 

Aches and Pains Blend

30 ml of carrier oil

6 drops rosemary oil

6 drops nutmeg oil

6 drops lavender oil

Calming Blend

30 ml of carrier oil

5 drops chamomile oil

5 drops bergamot oil 

5 drops lavender oil

Fatigue Relief Blend

30 ml of carrier oil

7 drops peppermint oil

6 drops rosemary oil

5 drops grapefruit oil

Fatigue Relief Blend #2

I added this one because I love the smell of ginger and this would be a delicious blend.

30 ml of carrier oil

7 drops spearmint oil

6 drops pine oil

5 drops ginger oil

Alertness Blend

Massage this into your neck and shoulders for alertness when studying. 

30 ml of carrier oil

7 drops ginger

6 drops grapefruit oil

4 drops juniper oil

Foot Massage Blend

Peppermint is a popular essential oil for tired feet because it relieves pain and fatigue and reduces inflammation. Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties. You can also add 5 ml of this blend (including the carrier oil) to water for a foot bath.

30 ml of carrier oil

5 drops peppermint oil

4 drops lemon oil

4 drops tea tree oil

4 drops rosemary oil

Mood Uplifting Blend

30 ml of carrier oil

5 drops melissa/lemon balm oil

5 drops jasmine oil

5 drops lemon oil

Romance Blend

These three delicious smelling essential oils are known for their aphrodisiac properties, making them a great choice for a romantic massage. 

30 ml of carrier oil

5 drops ylang ylang oil

5 drops sandalwood oil

5 drops jasmine oil

Don’t want to blend your own? Try the romance or sensuality blends.

Sleep Blend

30 ml of carrier oil

5 drops Lavender oil

4 drops frankincense oil

4 drops ylang ylang oil

4 drops orange oil

Stress Reliever Blend

30 ml of carrier oil

5 drops bergamot oil

4 drops mandarin oil

4 drops lavender oil

4 drops lemongrass oil

Make your own perfect DIY massage oils at home. These make a great gift, especially if you’re also giving the massage!