Yes, a massage oil is important since it not only sets the mood of the massage, some oils also contain healing and therapeutic properties that may benefit you.  It is also useful to know which massage oil has the tendency to give you a greasy feeling, as well as the oils that quickly turn rancid and oils that can irritate the skin and cause rashes.

Usually, when people create a massage oil, what they do is choose a base or carrier oil and an essential oil.   A few drops of the more expensive essential oil is added to the carrier oil.  This way, the oil used in the body is not too concentrated and will only deliver the right amount of substances that our bodies needs.  Essential oils, by themselves, may prove to be too overpowering and concentrated.

With that, here are some base oils that you can look into when choosing a massage oil.

Apricot Kernel Oil.  This is generously infused with vitamin E, giving it skin moisturizing and anti-oxidant fighting abilities.  The vitamin E also helps to make sure that the oil does not quickly go rancid.  This is also slightly more expensive than the other base oils.  Another good thing about this massage oil is that it feels good on the skin and is not greasy.  People who suffer from allergies to nuts can have this.

Sweet Almond Oil.  This is a sweet-smelling oil that acts as an excellent carrier oil.  The skin absorbs the oil quickly and will not give you a greasy feeling afterward.  It is also very gently to the skin.  However, this may not be suitable for those who are allergic to nuts.

Fractionated Coconut Oil.  This kind of oil is light and feels fresh.  It also has a long shelf0life and is actually quite affordable.  It also has the added benefit of softening the skin and removing dry scales that the skin may have.

Jojoba Oil. This kind of oil is a favorite not just for massage oils but also for other skin and hair care products.  It is actually not an oil but a wax.  The skin absorbs this oil fairly quickly so that you may need to reapply more of the oil during the massage.  But it is silky and smooth and can soften the skin effectively.

Avocado Oil.  Because this is more expensive and heavier in texture, you can mix avocado oil with a lighter massage oil.  Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E and has excellent anti-oxidant properties.  However, those who are sensitive to latex may be uncomfortable using this oil.

Sunflower Oil.   Light and fragrant, this oil is great for aged skin since it helps to moisturize and stimulate the production of essential fatty acids in the skin. It is also rich in vitamin E.  The drawback with sunflower oil is that it has the tendency to go rancid faster than the other oils, so if you want this oil, buy a little at a time.

Olive Oil.  Another great massage oil would be olive oil.  Yes, this is not used just for salads and pasta, you can use this on your skin as well.   Olive oil, however, is heavy, so it needs to be mixed with a lighter oil.

Grapeseed Oil.  Odorless and light, this glides smoothly on the skin and leaves it with a satiny feel.   This is infused with the essential fatty acid called linoleic acid.  It helps in the restructuring and regeneration of the skin.  It also helps to keep the skin moisturized.

Cocoa Butter.  This is a rich and luxurious alternative.  It does have a heavy texture and may need the addition of other lighter oils.

Shea Butter.  Similar to cocoa butter, this is also rich and luxurious and may also need the addition of lighter oils.  On its own, it does work well with the skin, but it is on the heavy side and may feel oily.

Sesame Oil.   This oil should be blended with lighter oil to have a better consistency that is suitable for massage.  However, ayurvedic massage makes use of this since it not only relaxes during massage, it can also help with problems such as dry skin, bloating, anxiety, constipation and poor blood circulation.

Whew!  This is quite a list.  But actually there is more!  There are plenty of massage oils to choose from.  All you have to do is maybe try a few and see which massage oil works best for you.

There are actually over a hundred different kinds of essential oils.  Here is just a short list

Apricot oil This oil nourishes the skin, moisturizing it and invigorating it so that dry and tired skin is revitalized.  Apricot massage oil is also helpful in relieving inflammations and irritations.

Avocado Oil This oil can be used by itself or mixed with grape seed oil or almond oil.  It is helpful for those who have skin problems such as psoriasis, sun damage or eczema.  It is an effective moisturizer that nourishes the skin, softening it and giving it new life.

Cocoa butter This is very sensual and rich, with chocolate undertones.  Yummy!  It is used to moisturize and treat dryness and stretch markets.

Grape seed oil Infused with linoleic acid, Vitamin E, minerals and other proteins, grape seed oil is another great moisturizer.  The linoleic acid regenerates our cell membranes and skin.  You can use grape seed oil by itself or blend it with a carrier massage oil.

Jojoba oil Ho! Ho! Ho! For hohoba (as jojoba is pronounced).  This is a popular moisturizer and can be readily seen as an ingredient for facial creams and shampoos.  It can keep acne in check and works well with all kinds of skin.

Hazelnut oil Another excellent moisturizer, this one tightens the skin and keeps it toned and refreshed.  It also promoted the regeneration of cells and the strengthening of the capillaries.

Sesame oil This essential oil is used extensively in Ayurveda massage, as it can detoxify and nourish the skin.  It also relieves one of constipation, poor circulation, bloating, anxiety and dryness. It is best to blend this massage oil with a carrier oil as it is a thick oil which gives off a strong aroma and a greasy feeling when used on its own

Shea butter This oil has similar properties as cocoa butter and is composed of the natural fat from the shea tree’s fruit.  It is an excellent emollient and moisturizer and is effective in treating acne, dry skin, dark spots, pigmentations, burns, scars, eczema, and wrinkles.  It softens the skin and strengthens the hair.  It is absorbed quickly by the skin.

Wheat germ oil This massage oil is particularly rich with essential fatty acids and vitamin E.  It relieves and renews mature skin, making it look younger and tighter.  It is used to treat stretch marks and scars.