The 13 Best Massage Oils for Relaxation and Sex, According to Experts

There are few things in life that feel better than a massage. Massage is good for many things, from relieving muscle pain to improving intimacy, because it helps you connect with your partner's body in a whole new way. 

"[Massage] helps warm up the body and connect the mind and body," says Lisa Finn, a sex educator and director of marketing for sex toy store Babeland. 

But before kneading or relieving tension, a good massage oil is a must. "Honestly, massage oil sets the tone," he says. Dr. Jenni Skyler, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Director of the Intimacy Institute. 

“The best way to turn on your brain and body is to relax first.” Not only does it help improve your mood, it also protects your skin from harsh friction. If you use massage to regulate your mood some massage oils can even double as lube - perfect for foreplay. Are you ready to get yourself involved? 

Scroll down to see the 13 best massage oils of 2023 for every budget, scent preference, and humidity level, plus some tips for incorporating massage oil into your self-care routine and your sex life. 

1. Shankara Muscle Release Oil: If you want to spice things up and heal muscle pain at the same time, this is the perfect product, says licensed massage therapist Linda Shelton. 

“The effects are almost immediate — even in more severe cases, when a person has been in pain for so long that they can’t remember the last time they were pain-free,” she said. 

And it smells great. "I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't like the smell," she added. Reviewers say this oil really works for their pain (some even claim it's more effective than the painkillers they take for their backs). 

Another reviewer - who happens to be a massage therapist - said he got the best results with this oil. They add that it smells great and has pure ingredients. 

2. Yu Coconut Love Oil: Although it's not marketed as a massage oil, it's great for sensual massages, says Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, a professor at California State University, Fullerton and sex and relationship coach at Luvbites. 

Plus, since it's a lubricant, you can safely use it on everything from head to toe! By the way, it's also edible. Suwinyattichaiporn said: "It has a beautiful mild smell and the taste is perfect for oral game lovers." 

Skyler said she encourages her clients to use coconut oil for massage and anything penetrative, so she's on board with that, too. "It's edible - which to me means it's safe for the body," she said. 

"It's OK to put coconut oil into your vagina or anus because there's no other junk in the oil or lubricant." 

3. Maple Holistic Sensual Massage Oil: An Amazon bestseller with over 22,000 five-star reviews, this blend of lavender, jojoba, almond oil, and vitamin E has a delightful scent and tingling sensation all of which work together to stimulate the entire body. You can also add it to your next bath to keep your skin fully nourished and hydrated. "I love things with lavender because it makes me feel relaxed," says Dr. Donna Oriowo a licensed sex therapist and owner and lead therapist at AnnodRight. "I love that it contains vitamin E, which is great for the skin too." Reviewers say it smells great and isn't greasy, so for me this is a total W. 

4. Lelo Twinkle Sydney Cedar Massage Candle: Make you want this chic candle that doubles as heated massage oil. Light candles to set the mood, then blow them out when you're ready for your massage. 

Let it cool for a minute, then carefully pour the warm liquid wax over your partner's body and start rubbing. "If you're a kinky person and like warm liquid wax, this can be part of your kinky game," Skyler says. 

Skyler and Oriowo both love this candle because it sets the mood and is relaxing. "You can use it to warm a room and create a visual focal point," says Oriovo. 

"The scent is more intense in the air, and then you can smell how it interacts with your partner's natural scent." 

5. Female sex oil: The lady doesn't mince words (pun intended) in telling you what this massage oil can be used for. It is designed to be completely safe to use anywhere on the body without causing pH imbalance. 

Plus, the sensual scent of sandalwood and cardamom is mouth-watering. "I love the ingredients," Schuyler said. "If you can pronounce all the ingredients, then you know what they are." 

So if you're interested in a massage candle but can't pronounce all of its complicated-sounding names, it might not be the best one for your skin choose. 

6. Babeland Rub Me massage stick: This massage stick has a low melting point and turns into a smooth liquid when it comes into contact with warm bodies. Fenn points out that since it's not a liquid 
it's perfect for travel. 

This is also a better option if you don't like the mess that traditional massage oils leave behind. “The reason I like the bar is because it creates less waste, less plastic waste, than other items,” Oriowo said. "It forces you to slow down, which is also good when you're creating a sensual sexual atmosphere with your partner because you have to rub it to make it melt." This adds a certain advantage to being with a partner, she says To the degree of intention, she loved the ingredients too. 

7. Tata Harper Feminine Revitalizing Body Oil Made with some of the highest quality ingredients of any body oil, the soothing floral scent comes from camellia extract. It's expensive but worth every penny. Once the massage is complete, the oil will act as a hydrating (but not greasy) night mask for the body. 

Users absolutely love this oil because it retains moisture, absorbs well into the skin, and is very non-greasy. It's also not very fragrant. The formula is designed to provide skin with essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients for a radiant appearance while also helping to reduce inflammation. 

8. SheaMoisture Virgin Coconut Body Oil Rachel Beider, a licensed massage therapist and CEO of Press Modern Massage, loves coconut oil, and for good reason. It's hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and hydrating. Place it on your dressing table when you need extra moisture. 

As an added bonus, coconut oil can also be used as a lubricant. If you're on a tight budget, this oil may be for you. It gives your skin a natural glow, is non-greasy, has a lightweight texture and absorbs quickly. Customers say the light scent is perfect without being overpowering. 

9. J.R. Watkins Coconut Milk Honey Body Oil Mist From the makers of these best-selling hand soaps, this fast-absorbing essential oil is a favorite among lovers of oily skin types because of its lightweight ingredients. 

The spray formula makes it completely cleansing, and the light coconut scent is also great for sensitive noses. This is a great option if you don't like applying oil to your body because it smells great and is absorbed into the skin once it dries. You can also use it immediately after showering to rehydrate. 

10. Alo Yoga Head to Toe Glowing Oil Alo Yoga Glow Oil from our (and JLo's) favorite leggings maker might be another go-to for you. The light citrus scent wakes you up, and the turmeric in it may help you wake up with brighter skin the day after your massage. 

One reviewer wrote, I can confirm that Alo Yoga has some great skin care products, including this one that brightens your complexion. It smells great, is non-greasy, and blends easily with other skin care products. 

11. Goop Romantic Call Body Oil If the name isn't enough to make you fall in love with this oil, the luxurious ingredient list might. Infused with Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, close your eyes and let the sweet, musky scent transport you to a gorgeous spa resort (or couch). 

12. SpaRitual Geranium Cedar Vegan Body Balm When it comes to SpaRitutal Body Balm, a little goes a long way. To use, just take a quarter-sized amount in your hands and rub it to heat it up and release the fragrance. The ointment blends into the skin, providing deep hydration and leaving a dewy feel. 

13. Maude Body Shower Oil #0 This oil can be used on land and in water, making it perfect for the bedroom or bathtub. Just add it to warm water for a hydrating bath. It's fragrance-free, and some reviewers say they enjoy adding it to sexy times with their partners.