Do you know- wrinkles and dark circles are a signal of the building stress and tiredness in our body. Thankfully Ayurveda has an answer to it- Abhyanga. It refers to a regular, full-body ayurvedic oil massage that helps in refreshing and re-energizing our body. It also relieves our muscular and mental strain.
Ayurveda considers this full-body oil massage very important. It advises performing it with oils suitable to your skin and the purpose. Just like grooming our hair and skin, we should also groom our body by giving it a moment of rest and stillness through full-body oil massages.
The right massage oil is as significant for a body massage as the whole procedure itself. Hence, it is necessary to know the suitability of an oil as compared to our skin type and the massage objectives. For instance-Coconut oil is better than Coffee seed oil if we want muscle relaxation, but for an aromatherapy massage, Coffee is better due to its superior smell.
Through this article, we are going to give you a better idea of the various types of massage oils with their features and suitability.
Additionally, we will also list for you, Top 10 Best Premium Massage Oils available for sale in India. We will also be listing down their features and ingredients so you can easily compare them by yourself and choose the best one for you.
List of Best Body Massage Oil
Although there are a vast variety of body massage oils in this world, we’ve collected the 10 most useful options out of them. Further, we have clearly defined every oil’s texture, suitability and advantages.
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the most versatile ayurvedic massage oils with great healing properties. It has a greasy texture which makes it suitable for light massage techniques and repetitive movement techniques. Also, it slowly absorbs into our skin making it optimal for the treatment of dry and rough skin.
Advantages
One of the best uses of olive oil is for relieving muscle pain, cramps, and inflammation due to its healing properties. It is also rich in omega-9, 6 fatty acids and antioxidants which help, to slow down our aging process and enhance smoother blood circulation. Moreover, it also detoxifies our body to boost our metabolism. Finally, it also protects our skin from harmful UV rays and pollutants.
Safe to say, that it is one of the best massage oils for refreshing our muscles and skin.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a light, non-greasy and easy to absorb massage oil. Due to its lightness, it is usually combined with other oils to make it more suitable for a particular purpose. Also, it is a very stable oil because it does not give away a smell if used for larger periods. This makes it suitable for target muscles massages and deep tissue massages.
Advantages
It has anti-inflammation properties that make it ideal for controlling itchy problems. Also, it is full of antioxidants that provide anti-aging benefits like- tight and shiny skin. As already mentioned, it is an excellent carrier oil and makes a good combination with other oils. Moreover, it is rich in Vitamin E, which maintains overall skin health.
To sum it up, coconut oil is a great choice for a full body massage because of its all-around benefits.
3. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond oil is a light, yellow-coloured oil with a splendid smell. It is a bit greasy in texture and easily absorbs in our skin. It is also a carrier oil like coconut and is suitable for all skin types. Also, it is particularly suitable for sensitive skin because of its lightness and gentleness.
Advantages
It is best known for its richness in Vitamin E. It moisturizes our skin and also treats up minor problems. Additionally, it has anti-inflammation properties to ease muscle stress and soreness. This also makes it effective against skin irritation problems like- rashes and itches. Vitamin E also has anti-aging properties that help in tightening our skin and healing wrinkles. Moreover, it also prevents sun damage by protecting us from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Overall, it is a great oil for a full-body ayurvedic massage due to its high suitability with every skin type and its richness in Vitamin E.
4. Coffee seed Oil
Coffee seed oil is a mildly dense oil with an amazing aroma. It is just a little greasy but easily absorbs in our skin. Due to its gentle nature, it is suitable for all skin types. Moreover, it is generally used with other essential oils because of its aroma and complimentary benefits.
Advantages
It is best known for maintaining the optimal pH levels of the skin. Our skin has an acidic protective covering that helps fight infections and other skin problems. The acidic nature of coffee oil helps in maintaining this covering in older ages when it starts to fade.
Additionally, it is also rich in Vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Hence it also helps in anti-aging, anti-inflammation and detoxification.
Concluding that coffee seed oil is a very nutritious oil and should be used with other essential oils to multiply its benefits.
5. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a thick and dense, green-coloured oil. It is usually combined with lighter carrier oils like- almond oil to reduce its density. It is one of the best oils for dry and itchy skin due to its heavy dose of vitamins and minerals.
It is rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. It heals all skin problems like- fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and itchiness. Additionally, it also promotes collagen synthesis, which improves skin elasticity.
To sum it up, avocado oil is one of the most nutrient-rich oils for a full-body ayurvedic massage due to its extreme benefits for dry skin.
Advantages
6. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a mildly greasy wax but came to be known as an oil due to its usage with other essential oils. It has a very quick skin absorption and therefore needs to be reapplied during massage sessions.
Advantages
It is wildly popular at spas due to its calming nature and easy mixability with other oils. Additionally, it provides similar benefits to other oils like anti-aging, anti-inflammation and skin barrier repair. Moreover, it also moisturizes our skin deeply and fills it with all its nutrients due to its richness in wax ester.
This concludes that jojoba oil is a great oil to be used with other carrier oils and is also suitable for aromatherapy.
7. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a mildly dense oil. It is a very strong oil and should be only used with other carrier oils like- coconut or olive oil. It has been described in Ayurveda as a very beneficial oil for treating various skin and muscle conditions.
Advantages
It is best known for its effectiveness in treating acne. Any essential oil combined with a little neem oil gives terrific benefits for treating acne. It is also rich in Vitamin E that helps fight skin dryness, itch and inflammation. Moreover, it also promotes collagen metabolism that helps in maintaining skin elasticity. One lesser-known benefit of neem oil is its effectiveness in joint and muscle pain. Due to its strong nature, it gives a soothing relief to underlying muscles and joints.
Conclusively, neem oil may not be an all-around oil for full body massage, but it should be used at times with essential oils to reap its special benefits.
8. Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is a mildly dense oil. It is not a very popular choice for massage but is slowly rising in ranks owing to its splendid aroma and numerous benefits. Although there’s a catch that some people may be allergic to it so, you must take proper caution before using it.
Advantages
It is best known for its use in aromatherapy massages. This is because it has a sweet nutty aroma that nourishes our mind. It is also greatly moisturizing to the skin. Additionally, it also helps in healing muscle and joint pain.
Overall, peanut oil may not be the most popular body massage oil, but it certainly has its benefits.
9. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil has a light and silky texture. It has no smell and takes a while to absorb. Also, it is a perfect carrier oil due to its lightness.
Advantages
Grapeseed oil is unique from others massage oils because it provides a rich shine to the skin. It has antibacterial properties that prevent the growth of germs in the skin. Additionally, it is rich in Vitamin E and linoleic acid that helps in maintaining overall skin health. It also provides anti-aging benefits and UV protection from the sun.
Overall grapeseed oil is one of the best carrier oils because of its unique benefits like- shiny skin and antibacterial properties.
10. Sesame Oil
Ayurveda has stated sesame oil as the best oil for a full-body ayurvedic massage. It has a thick texture and needs to be mixed with a lighter oil. It is suitable for all skin types and has almost all of the benefits necessary in a massage oil.
Advantages
It is just loaded with several benefits. Firstly, it has a detoxifying nature which helps to re-energize the body. Secondly, it is anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial which promotes skin health. Thirdly, it heals joint and muscle pain and also releases mental stress. Moreover, it also protects the skin from UV rays while also reversing sun damage and pigmentation.
Ayurveda even says that regular massage with sesame oil can promote the overall well-being of a person.
In conclusion, it gives a lot of benefits while also giving the option of mixing it with other oils. Hence, it is one of the best oil for a full-body ayurvedic massage.
Premium Massage Oils for All Skin Types
Now that you have an idea of the different types of body massage oils, let’s take a look at the top 10 premium massage oils in India. These have been ranked according to their features, brand name and customer experience.
1. Ayurvedic Body Massage Oil Narayana
The Forest Essentials Ayurvedic Body Massage Oil Narayana is the best body massage oil in India currently. It is an excellent oil that instantly relieves various joint and muscular strains and spasms. Also, it strengthens the bone tissues and muscles for further protection.
Ingredients
It is made up of sesame oil, sweet almond oil, mustard oil and eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is effective against muscular pains and provides a refreshing feel to the oil.
Benefits
It is a perfect ayurvedic blend of different oils to reap their benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and aches. Also, it detoxifies your body which promotes better blood circulation and metabolism. Moreover, it provides anti-aging benefits like glowing and nourished skin. Additionally, it has the aroma of fresh eucalyptus, which refreshes your body and mind.
It is ranked 1st on our list because it stands tall on all our expectations from massage oil. It gives a great set of benefits with a great aroma. Although it has a high price, it can be justified because of its top ingredients. It also has great customer reviews and thus, makes for a perfect buy.
2.Biotique Bio Citron Stimulating Body Massage Oil
Biotique Bio Citron Massage Oil is a light, non-sticky oil. It is a herbal oil with a stimulating effect that is effective in releasing stress and toxins from the body.
Ingredients
It contains pure citron fruit with anti-oxidant Vitamin E, peanut oil and lavender.
Benefits
It is very effective in healing body fatigue and the muscular pain arising from it. It is rich in Vitamin E that provides anti-aging effects like- full and glowy skin. Also, it has antibacterial properties that prevent the skin from germs and pollutants.
Because of Vitamin- C rich citron in it, it has a very stimulating effect on the body. This makes it a very effective oil for every purpose of a massage as it provides quick relief. Additionally, it has the aroma of lavender in it for better application in aromatherapy massages.
This oil narrowly missed out on the top rank. It also offers great benefits, but we found the Narayana oil’s ingredients better than this oil. Narayana oil also has slightly better customer reviews than it. However, it has better value for money because it is cheaper.
3. Khadi Mauri Herbal Body Massage Oil
This is a natural oil with a stimulating effect. Khadi is a well-known brand for its outstanding ayurvedic products that are completely organic.
Ingredients
It is a blend of Jojoba oil with hot stimulating extracts of mango and ginger.
Benefits
It is a perfect natural massage oil with suitability for all skin types. Despite having a stimulating effect on the body, it is smooth on the skin and does not irritate. The ingredients moisturize the skin deeply and provide bright, youthful skin. Moreover, it is perfect for an aromatherapy massage due to the rich aroma of mango and ginger.
It is ranked 3rd because it has lower customer ratings than our top rankers. Also, its stimulating effect can be unsuited to some. But that doesn’t take away the fact that it is one of the best ayurvedic massage oils.
4. Sugandhadi Body Treatment Oil
This is a perfect ayurvedic body massage oil. It is made according to ancient ayurvedic texts to create a mixture that is suitable for all.
Ingredients
It is a blend of various herbal ingredients processed in whey and sesame oil. The various herbal ingredients are- ashwagandha, turmeric, lavender, jelly leaf, nutgrass, etc.
Benefits
It has a very gentle nature, and so, it can also be used on kids. It is excellent in healing joint and muscle pains. Also, it provides anti-aging benefits like- skin-tightening and toning. Moreover, it helps relieve our stress and also refreshes our minds.
It is also suitable for aromatherapy massages because of its divine minty aroma.
To sum it up, it has great ingredients and benefits but ranks 4th because of above-average customer reviews.
5. WOW Skin Science Thai Body Massage Oil
This is a dense blend of 6 different oils providing benefits of all of them. WOW is a popular brand with a wide variety of natural products at a reasonable price.
Ingredients
It is a blend of Extra Virgin Olive oil, jojoba oil, Morrocan argan oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, lemongrass essential oil and jasmine absolute.
Benefits
It is rich in Vitamin A, C, E, and fatty acid linoleic. These help in restoring the youth of the skin and also provide antibacterial protection. Also, it strengthens the skin structure and heals skin damage. Additionally, it also moisturizes the skin to help fight dryness. Moreover, it has jasmine absolute which helps soothe the skin due to its anti-inflammation properties.
It is a completely natural oil blend, 100% vegan, free of gluten, parabens, silicone and even, colour.
This concludes that it is a great product, but it has a greasy texture that can be irritating; this oil is particularly for the skin. Hence, it does not do a great job at healing body pains, unlike other oils on our list. This is why it is ranked at the 5th spot.
6. Mcaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Body Polishing Oil
This is a light, easy to absorb oil with the goodness of coffee. It has a very gentle nature and so, is suitable for all skin types.
Ingredients
It contains coffee(caffeine), rosehip, sweet almond oil and Vitamin E.
Benefits
This coffee oil helps reduce cellulite while also helping in skin repair. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants that help in fighting skin problems and pigmentation. The oil also contains rosehip that moisturizes the skin and also tightens it. Moreover, sweet almond oil further refreshes the skin, and Vitamin E helps develop overall skin health. Additionally, this oil also protects from the sun’s UV rays and hence, reverses tanning.
It is also suitable for aromatherapy massages because of its rich aroma of freshly grounded Arabica coffee. It is particularly suitable for coffee-lovers. (who isn’t?)
It is ranked 6th on our list because we found its performance level to be a bit lesser than other top rank holders. Although, it is a very popular product and also has great customer reviews.
7. Himalaya Wellness Stress Relief Massage Oil
This is a light, easy-to-absorb massage oil. It has been made taking into notice both ancients ayurvedic principles and modern science
Ingredients
It is made up of country mallow, winter cherry and Indian madder.
Benefits
This oil provides a lot of unique benefits in comparison to its competitors. Firstly, it contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Secondly, it helps in healing nervous disorders. Thirdly, it refreshes our minds from stress and fatigue. Additionally, it provides optimum skin care and anti-aging effects.
It is also suitable for all skin types because of its soothing nature to all types of skin.
No doubt, it is a great ayurvedic massage oil with some extraordinary benefits. But unlike other oils in this list, it has no aroma, which made us rank it 7th.
8. Biotique Bio Avocado Stress Relief Body Massage Oil
This is an oil blend, especially for a full-body spa massage. It is moisture-intensive and suitable for all skin types.
Ingredients
This oil is a blend of avocado oil, castor oil, almond oil, neem oil, sesame oil, mustard oil, wheat and dandelion extracts.
Benefits
This oil has been made to achieve the best benefits of all the oils. It fights premature aging by making the skin fuller and shinier. Also, it is effective against tensed muscles and joints. Moreover, it also protects from sun damage and also reverses it.
This oil is suitable for all types of skin especially those with dryness and minor problems in them.
To sum it up, it is a great blend but it has a rather strong smell. Hence, we have ranked it 8th.
9. Pure sense Grapefruit Body Oil
This oil is a mineral-rich blend of various essential oils. It is recommended for normal or combination skin types.
Ingredients
It is a blend of grapefruit oil, sweet almond oil and orchid petals.
Benefits
This oil has a luxurious feel and is suitable for people with dry skin. It contains minerals that deeply nourish your skin. Also, it holds moisture in your skin, which restores skin elasticity.
One of its best features is that it has completely pure and organic ingredients. These ingredients work great in revitalizing your whole body and mind.
It also has an awakening aroma which makes it suitable for aromatherapy massages.
Concluding that it is a great oil for all skin types, but we ranked it at 9th because of average customer reviews. Also, its brand name is less superior than most in this list.
10. Khadi Natural Ayurvedic Jasmine Massage Oil
This is a light, non-greasy oil. It is a brilliant aromatic massage oil that is suitable for all skin types.
Ingredients
This oil contains jasmine essential oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, sesame oil, Vitamin E and mogra extract.
Benefits
It is a very quick-absorbing oil that helps to nourish your skin. This also promotes better metabolism and blood circulation.
Its jasmine aroma works fine in refreshing you. It also promotes heightened senses and motivation. Moreover, it also has a relieving effect on muscle and joint pains.
Overall, we found out in our research that it’s a good oil but is not suitable for aromatherapy sessions. It has a strong irritating smell, and hence, we ranked it at 10th.
Also, read the best hair oil for women and men.
FAQ | Body Massage oil
Ayurveda considers sesame oil as the best for a massage. Although, every oil has its benefit and you must choose it, according to your suitability. For instance- I use coconut oil because it is cheaper and more easily available than most oils.
Yes, massage causes the blood to move through congested areas better. Hence, it is good for blood circulation.
Swedish massage is the most popular massage in the world. It uses soft strokes on delicate body parts and hard strokes on strong parts. It greatly relaxes us by releasing stress from both muscles and the mind.
1/2 cup would work for most.
Massage increases blood circulation in the body making it look redder.
Yes, it can be done at night but Ayurveda mostly suggests doing it in the morning.
Yes, Ayurveda strongly suggests bathing after abhyanga/ massage.
Massage tends to release tension and toxins from our body. This is why your body might need rest to cope with it.
NCBI found out in a research that olive oil is the best skin-penetrating oil.
Editor’s Note | Body Massage oil
A full body massage is one of the best activities to relax from the building stress in our life. And it not just relaxes us but also leads to greater fitness levels. While it certainly can’t replace meditation and exercise, it can surely complement them. Nothing beats a massage session after a hard workout. It completely loosens our body and also vitalizes our senses.
In this fast-growing world, we are almost always in a hurry. First, hurrying to work, then to home, then to the gym or parties, and so on. Even in our free time, we continuously subject ourselves to social media, which doesn’t allow us to rest. This whole lifestyle is killing our generation, and we aren’t even aware of this danger.
We should just stop being in a hurry every time. And at times, we should just take some rest and RELAX.
How to relax? Just be aware to not rush into everything. Instead, do your bit of exercise and meditation. And after a long, challenging day-take a massage, not necessarily by a spa or a professional; You can yourself. Gently rub your sore muscles with a massage oil while being completely lost in its aroma, and it will repay you by releasing all your stress and toxins. Yes, that’s the divine feeling of a massage- the feeling of utmost relaxation.
