22 DIY Aromatherapy Massage Oils - Free Essential Oil Recipe Guide

22 DIY Aromatherapy Massage Oils - Free Essential Oil Recipe Guide

Jennifer Lane, Certified Aromatherapist Jennifer Lane, Certified Aromatherapist
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Creating your own massage oil can be satisfying and complementary to massage therapy. Aromatherapy massage oils are super simple to make. This is a great starter project if you are new to DIY essential oil recipes!

Aromatherapy massage oils are a perfect way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils while relaxing in complete comfort. Here are a few ways aromatherapy massage oils can benefit your well-being.

How Aromatherapy Massage Oils Enhance Your Well-being

Aromatherapy massage combines the healing touch of massage with the therapeutic properties of essential oils, offering a holistic approach to wellness. When applied during massage, these fragrant oils can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, improve sleep quality, and even help manage pain. 

For example, lavender oil promotes relaxation, while peppermint can invigorate and ease muscle tension. Citrus oils like bergamot boost mood, and eucalyptus opens airways and reduces inflammation. 

By stimulating the olfactory system and skin absorption, aromatherapy massage oils work synergistically to enhance both physical and emotional well-being, providing a deeply restorative experience that nurtures body and mind.

How to Make Massage Oils

Do you like getting massages? Many people do because massages feel wonderful. They can help improve circulation, ease tension and headaches, and make you feel more relaxed. Here is how to use essential oils to make massage oil to give yourself or someone else a massage.

First, you need to determine what your goals are for the massage oil:

  • Is it for a full-body massage or a specific ailment?
  • Do you want it to be calming or invigorating?
  • Are you applying to someone, or is it a self-massage?
  • What carrier oils and essential oils do you have available?

Once you answer these questions, you should know what kind of massage oil you want to use.

Once you know your goals for your massage oil, you must choose a carrier oil for the base of your recipe.

You will also need a glass bottle for storage. I recommend a glass bottle with a lotion pump to dispense your massage oil spill-proof and mess-free. Dropper bottles can also be used to dispense massage oils.

Next, you can choose what essential oils you want to use in your massage oil. We have 22 Aromatherapy Massage Oil Recipes below, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can create your own.

22 Aromatherapy Massage Recipes - Free Printable Recipe Guide by Loving Essential Oils

Best Essential Oils for Massage Oils

No matter your preferred method of relaxation, be it reading, sleeping, or taking a bath, adding aromatherapy to the mix is a great way to achieve even deeper relaxation and peace. Different scents affect the mind and body differently, so finding the right oil mixture for you is key.

Single-essential oil massage oils can be as powerful as any blend, so there is no need for a recipe here. You will just need the single essential oil and carrier oil of choice.

Here are some single oil aromatherapy massage oil ideas to try:

1. Lavender Massage Oil

Lavender Oil has a calming scent that can help you relax and de-stress. This is perfect if you're looking for a way to wind down after a long day or if you're dealing with anxiety or stress. Lavender massage oil is also known to be beneficial for the skin. It can help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation, making it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin.

  • Calming, relaxing, nurtures creativity, promotes well-being, balances body and mind, and promotes sleep.

Homemade Lavender Massage Oil

Are you looking for a relaxing and stress-relieving massage oil? If so, look no further than this homemade lavender massage oil! It's made with all natural ingredients and smells amazing. Plus, it's perfect for relieving tension headaches and muscle pain.

Get the Lavender Massage Oil Recipe

2. Bergamot Massage Oil

Bergamot essential oil has a sweet, citrusy scent that is energizing and refreshing. This versatile oil can be used in aromatherapy to promote happiness and peace or added to your favorite beauty products for an instant pick-me-up. 

Bergamot oil is also known for its antibacterial properties, making it a great choice for natural cleaning solutions. Use caution as bergamot is phototoxic.

  • Reduces stress and tension, calming, uplifting, and refreshing.

3. Peppermint Massage Oil

When it comes to massage, there are many different oils that you can use. One of my favorites is peppermint essential oil. It has a refreshing scent and a cooling effect, which can be really soothing on tired muscles. Plus, it has some great healing properties that can help improve your overall wellness. If you're looking for an easy way to add relaxation to your next massage session, consider using peppermint oil!

  • Invigorating, cooling, pain-reducing, and improves mental performance.

4. Clary Sage Massage Oil

Clary sage essential oil has many benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to promoting better sleep. It's also known for its ability to ease menstrual cramps and help with childbirth. If you're looking for an all-around great oil for massage, give clary sage a try!

  • Hormonal balancing, calming mood swings, and cramp relief.

5. Coriander Massage Oil

If you're looking for a natural way to improve your massage experience, consider using coriander essential oil. This oil has various benefits, including improving circulation and relieving pain. It's also known for its relaxing scent, which can help you de-stress after a long day.

  • Increases energy, relaxes, decreases nervousness, calming, and reduces irritability.

6. Frankincense Massage Oil

Frankincense oil has a lovely scent that can help promote relaxation. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful if you are experiencing pain or inflammation in any part of your body.

  • Improves concentration, eases irritability and impatience, emotional balancing, and enhances spiritual awareness and meditation.

7. Eucalyptus Massage Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is an excellent choice if you're looking for a refreshing and stimulating massage oil. Its strong, invigorating scent can help revive the senses, while the oil's therapeutic properties can help relax and soothe the body.

Whether you're using it on its own or in combination with other oils, eucalyptus essential oil is an excellent choice for any massage session. Eucalyptus oil is a natural remedy with many therapeutic properties.

  • Respiratory support, relaxing, analgesic effects, cooling properties, skin infections

8. Grapefruit Massage Oil

The invigorating citrus scent of grapefruit improves well-being and mental clarity. Gently massage the oil into your skin for a refreshing and uplifting experience.

  • Balancing, uplifting, eases anxiety, fatigue-reducing, appetite suppressant

Best Essential Oils for Massage Oils by Loving Essential Oils

Essential Oil Dilution For Massage Oils

When it comes to essential oils, less is definitely more.

This dilution chart helps you determine how much essential oil and carrier oil you need. This is the best way to enjoy essential oils without wasting or overdoing them.

2% Essential Oil Dilution Rate

We like to use a 2% dilution for our massage oils. This dilution level is perfect for daily use by teens and adults and is safe for the skin.

  • For a 1 oz bottle, you will need 10-12 drops of essential oil in total.
  • For a 2 oz bottle, you will need 20-24 drops of essential oil in total.

 

1% Essential Oil Dilution Rate

If massage oil is to be used on a child (5-12 years old), a person with sensitive skin, or a pregnant or breastfeeding mother, a 1% dilution is recommended.

  • For a 1 oz bottle, you will need 5-6 drops of essential oil total.
  • For a 2 oz bottle, you will need 10-12 drops total.


Please be sure the essential oils you are using are safe kids or pregnant women as some oils are contraindicated. These are guidelines only, starting points for you until you see how you respond to the oils, then you can adjust them from there.

Read More: Diluting Essential Oils

Essential Oil Dilution For Massage Oils - How to Make Massage Oils by Loving Essential Oils

Best Oil For Body Massage

Are you wondering what the best oil is for a body massage? Well, I am sure this depends on the user, but grapeseed oil is the best oil for me. I absolutely love this oil!

It leaves my skin silky smooth without a greasy feel. It can be used daily, but I especially like to use it after showering. Plus, it is a perfect carrier oil for essential oils.

Carrier Oils For Massage

Carrier oils are the base oils in any massage oil. You can use various carrier oils, but I recommend starting with a single carrier oil in your massage recipe. Pick one and try it in one of the 22 recipes below.

Grapeseed Oil

It is rich in vitamins A, E, B, and D, plus amino acids and essential fatty acids. These are essential for keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy. It is known for its regenerating properties, which may help treat sun-damaged, dry skin, which in turn will help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Read More: Grapeseed Oil Spotlight

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is a popular carrier oil for aromatherapy. It provides essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Known for its skin-nourishing benefits and gentleness, it is safe for even the most sensitive skin types.

It is the perfect cross between a not-too-greasy yet not-too-absorbing oil, making it great for massages. Add it to your beauty routine to help fight the signs of aging and improve overall complexion. This oil should not be used if you have a nut allergy.

Read More: Sweet Almond Oil Spotlight

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is an ideal carrier oil for massage oil recipes. It is actually a wax, which is one of the closest things to the natural oils the body produces. Since it is similar to what the body produces, it is absorbed into the skin quickly. It can replenish what is stripped away by soaps, shampoos, and the elements.

Read More: Jojoba Oil

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil is an excellent alternative to other carrier oils. It is light, non-greasy, and odorless. It’s called fractionated because it contains only a fraction of the whole oil, which is made up mostly of medium-chain triglycerides, similar to those found in your skin’s natural sebum.

Fractionated coconut oil makes a luxurious all-over body moisturizer and an economical choice for deep-tissue massage (plus, it doesn’t stain the sheets).

Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin Coconut Oil is different from fractionated coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is usually in a solid form unless warmed. It does make a good massage oil base but tends to be a little greasy and has the coconut aroma, which you may or may not want in your recipe. 

If you use coconut oil as your base oil, blend it in a glass jar instead of a dropper or lotion pump bottle.

Read More: Coconut Oil

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil is rich in vitamin E and nutrients for the skin. Hydrate and renew your skin tone with this rich oil teeming with essential and trace minerals. It easily blends with other carrier oils and essential oils. This thick yet absorbent oil leaves minimal residue when applied to the skin.

Read More: Avocado Oil Spotlight

22 Essential Oil Massage Recipes

Consider aromatherapy massage oils if you're looking for an easy, all-natural way to boost your well-being.

We created 22 Essential Oil Massage Oils you can enjoy with someone or yourself. These recipes are at 2% dilution for a 2 oz bottle. The free printable Recipe Guide is at the bottom of the post.

1. Moisturizing Massage Oil

Have dry skin? Here are good soothing skin oils.

  • 12 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops Myrrh essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together. This is best used after showering or bathing, but it can be used anytime you need all-natural moisturizing.


2. Breathe Happy Massage Oil

Take a deep breath and open up your airways.

  • 12 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 4 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage onto the chest and neck for respiratory support.


3. Relaxation Massage Oil

Relax and unwind with this grounding essential oil blend.

  • 10 drops Cedarwood
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Ylang ylang essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage on the chest, neck, and shoulders for relaxation.


4. "Elevate My Mood" Massage Oil

Uplifting essential oils that are energizing as well for daytime use.

  • 8 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 8 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 4 drops Ginger essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together. Massage on full body or on chest and arms for emotional support.


Aromatherapy Massage Oil Blends - Free Recipe Guide by Loving Essential Oils

5. Sore Muscle Massage Oil

Apply this comforting oil blend to stiff or overworked muscles.

  • 8 drops Cardamom essential oil
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together. Massage onto sore muscles.


6. Stress-Free Citrus Massage Oil

This stress relieving blend is phototoxic, please take caution and stay out of the sun for 12 hours or more if applied.

  • 12 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 12 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together.


7. Sore Joint Massage Oil

Soothe sore and stiff joints, this cooling blend will ease your aches.
  • 8 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 8 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage into the sore areas to ease discomfort.

 

8. Headache Helper Massage Oil

This trio of powerful oils is a great blend for tension and stress headaches.
  • 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage into shoulders, neck, and temples (avoid getting near eyes).


9. Ease Tension Massage Oil

Say goodbye to tension with this relaxing but uplifting essential oil blend.

  • 6 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 6 drops Orange essential oil
  • 6 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 4 drops Clove essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together. Massage on full body or on the shoulder, back, and arms for relief.


10. Mental Fatigue Massage Oil

Support a healthy mental outlook with these stimulating essential oils.

  • 8 drops Basil essential oil
  • 8 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 8 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together. Massage on full body or on chest and arms for emotional support.


Essential Oil Massage Oil Blends by Loving Essential Oils

11. Rejuvenating Massage Oil

Try this citrus mint massage blend that supports the mind and body.

  • 8 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 8 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 4 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage into the full body or on the chest, neck, and arms. This blend is phototoxic, so please take caution and stay out of the sun for 12 hours or more if applied.


12. "Pick Me Up" Massage Oil

Stimulate and energize with this pick-me-up blend.

  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 4 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 4 drops Lemongrass essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together. Massage on the full body or on the chest, neck, and arms for an uplifting effect.


13. Stiff Muscle Massage Oil

This analgesic blend of oils can relax stiff muscles.

  • 8 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 6 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
  • 6 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together. Massage into tight or stiff muscles and the surrounding area for relief.


14. Deep Sleep Massage Oil

This sedative essential oil blend is perfect to use before going to sleep.

  • 12 drops Clary sage essential oil
  • 4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops Vetiver essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together. Massage on chest, shoulders, and neck before bedtime.


15. Good Digestion Massage Oil

Looking to soothe your digestive system? Give this DIY massage blend a try.

  • 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops Fennel essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Gently massage into the abdomen in a circular, clockwise motion, repeating as needed.


16. Goodnight DIY Massage Oil

Here is a lovely blend of calming essential oils to use when you are ready to relax for the night.

  • 6 drops Marjoram essential oil
  • 6 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 6 drops Chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops Orange essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage on the entire body or the chest, shoulders, and neck before bedtime.


17. Monthly Blend Massage Oil

A supportive blend of essential oils for women's health.

  • 10 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 6 drops Sweet Marjoram essential oil
  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage into the lower abdomen area for relief.


18. Post Workout Massage Oil

Apply this blend to fatigued muscles after working out for soothing support.

  • 10 drops Marjoram essential oil
  • 6 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 4 drops Ginger essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage into muscles after a workout.


19. Good Morning Massage Oil

Try this recipe for waking up so you can have a good morning :)

  • 8 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 8 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend together. Massage onto skin after a shower for a wonderful day ahead.


20. Youthful Glow Massage Oil

This skin-healing essential oil recipe is fabulous for glowing skin. To use this blend on your face, cut the essential oil drops in half.

  • 10 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 6 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops Helichrysum essential oil
  • 6 drops Vitamin E Oil
  • 1/4 cup Rosehip Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage into areas of concern.


21. Romantic Blend For Him Massage Oil

Lovingly apply this romantic blend to your partner.

  • 8 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 8 drops Sandalwood essential oil
  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. This masculine aroma is perfect for a body massage for him.


22. Romantic Blend For Her Massage Oil

Here is an beautiful floral essential oil blend for romance.

  • 8 drops Clary Sage essential oil
  • 8 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier oil of choice)
  • 2 oz glass lotion pump bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the glass bottle and shake to blend. A feminine aroma that is perfect for a body massage for her.



Free Printable: Aromatherapy Massage Oil Recipes Guide

We have the recipes above in a FREE Printable Guide with Labels. It includes the recipes in 1 oz and 2oz sizes at a 2% dilution level. Get your DIY Aromatherapy Massage Oils - Recipe Guide here!

Free Printable DIY Massage Oils for Aromatherapy

Homemade Ginger Massage Oil

Want a way to relax and soothe your muscles after a long day? If so, try making your own ginger massage oil! This homemade oil is easy to make and smells amazing. Plus, it will help improve your circulation and reduce inflammation.

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Essential Oil Massage Recipes - Free Recipe Guide by Loving Essential Oils


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