Choosing the Best Massage Oils for a Relaxing Massage in London

So, you've picked a skilled massage therapist from your favourite wellness website, undressed, and settled under a fluffy towel. The lights are dim, the music is calming, and the door opens — your therapist walks in with a bottle of... baby oil.

Wait, baby oil?

Before you sink into a deep state of relaxation, it's worth knowing that the massage oil can make or break your experience. If you’ve ever wondered why your skin feels greasy long after a massage, the answer may lie in the oil itself.

Let’s explore which oils to avoid, which ones to love, and what your skin truly needs — especially if you're booking a relaxing massage in London.

Why Baby Oil Might Not Be the Best Choice for Massage

While commonly used for babies and found in many homes, baby oil is mineral oil-based, which forms a barrier on the skin. This prevents the skin from adequately breathing and may even clog pores, slowing your body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins.

It can also feel sticky or greasy for hours after a massage, leaving an uncomfortable residue — not exactly the outcome you're hoping for from a relaxing massage experience in London.

That said, baby oil has its fun side: It’s slippery and great for playful, sensual massage moments at home, but there are better options for therapeutic or spa-style treatments.

Best Oils for a Relaxing and Skin-Friendly Massage

1. Fractionated Coconut Oil

• Light, odourless, and long-lasting

• It doesn’t smell like coconuts (despite the name)

• Easily washes out of towels

• Slightly sticky texture — ideal for deep tissue or targeted muscle work

• Less suited for full-body flowing massage

2. Sweet Almond Oil

• The most widely used oil in professional massage

• Smooth and luxurious with excellent glide

• Absorbs well into the skin — may require reapplication during longer sessions

• Ideal for Swedish massage or other flowing techniques

• Note: Avoid if you or your client has a nut allergy

3. Grapeseed Oil

• Lightweight and silky with a neutral scent

• High in omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants

• Excellent for sensitive or allergy-prone skin

• Very absorbent, leaving skin soft and nourished

• Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

4. Jojoba Oil

• Technically a wax, not an oil — but perfect for massage

• Non-greasy and quickly absorbed

• Anti-bacterial properties, great for acne-prone skin

• Balances oil production — suitable for all skin types

• One of the best oils for facial or scalp massage

5. Cocoa Butter

• Dense, rich, and packed with Vitamin E

• Best used for dry, cracked, or very dehydrated skin

• Not ideal for full-body massage due to thickness

• Great as a targeted treatment or after-massage moisturiser

Bonus Tips for the Perfect Massage Oil Experience

• Ask before your treatment: Don’t hesitate to ask your massage therapist what oil they use. Most professional therapists in London will be happy to tailor the experience based on your skin needs or preferences.

• Bring your own oil: If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or simply a preferred scent or texture, bringing your own oil is a great option.

• Consider aromatherapy oils: Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile can be blended with carrier oils to enhance relaxation and target stress, anxiety, or physical tension.

A Relaxing Massage in London Deserves the Right Oil

Whether you're booking a treatment at a spa or enjoying a mobile massage in London, the oil matters as much as the technique. The right massage oil can elevate your experience, leaving your skin nourished, your mind calm, and your body tension-free.

So next time you book your session — especially if it’s with Massage Me in London — take a moment to consider what’s going on your skin. Your body will thank you for it.