Updated on 3 November 2022
Weleda Sport (200 ml)
This sunflower and olive oil-based treatment is very popular with consumers (sportsmen and women alike) and is enriched with arnica, which has soothing properties. Ideal for all types of aches and pains, it has a pleasant fragrance.
Weleda no longer has to prove its reliability to users, as the success of this oil once again confirms. Particularly recommended before or after sport, it relaxes the muscles and prevents aches and pains. And, if it is indeed appreciated in a sporting context, it is not to be outdone in relieving all types of contractures and muscular or articular pains, as our tests have shown. It seduced us not only by its warm perfume with notes of lavender and rosemary but also by its good organic composition certified Nature and its still accessible price. We found its texture rather greasy, but less sticky than the slimming oil of the same brand. On the other hand, the latter is more practical as it has a spray.
Massage oil is an excellent ally for well-being.
In addition to the beneficial results of the massage itself, you can expect to benefit from the virtues of certain active ingredients.
There are dry oils and fatty oils.
It is not uncommon to find oils scented with lavender, which is conducive to relaxation.
We also advise you to pay attention to the composition of the care products you use.
Naissance Sweet (500 ml)
This sweet almond oil is multi-purpose and can be used as a neutral-smelling massage oil or mixed with a suitable amount of essential oil to create a tailor-made treatment.
13.99 € sur Amazon
As it can serve as a base for many treatments, we enjoyed using this sweet almond oil as a massage oil. It has the most neutral fragrance of all the oils we tested. In use, we found its texture to be very greasy, which can be a little less pleasant for the masseur. The fact that it has a neutral fragrance is a real advantage in our opinion. It allows you to use it in the evening without it smelling in the room, and it allows people who are sensitive to smells to enjoy it too. In addition, it is only made of sweet almond oil (perfect for more sensitive skin) and is therefore 100% natural. Note that it is also available in an organic version, but that the budget then increases significantly.
If its fine texture and subtle almond fragrance are already appealing, its moisturising power and satin finish on the skin is equally seductive. The little extra? It is obtained from almonds grown in France.
L’Occitane Almond (100 ml)
Again, it is not advertised as a massage oil per se, but it seems to have everything it needs to do the job with flying colours – and many users confirm this. The slightly greasier texture and the sweet scent of fresh almonds have everything to please. Rich in almond, camelina and muscat rose oils, it also helps to leave the skin supple and moisturised. The composition and the glass pump bottle are convincing.
Primarily intended for body, face and hair care, its dry texture and very sensual fragrance make it an ideal massage oil. Rich in 7 vegetable oils, it also helps to nourish and protect the skin.
Nuxe Prodigieuse (100 ml)
This oil has been on the market for 30 years, and the brand has been hailed as a “cult product” by users. In our tests, we found that its texture was indeed a little drier than other oils. Thanks to this, we were able to perform a massage that warmed the skin a little more. One of our testers found it more pleasant (when massaging and being massaged), but the other had no real preference. The fragrance with notes of orange blossom and vanilla is quite strong and may not appeal to everyone. On the other hand, we found its glass pump bottle very practical and elegant. Finally, its good composition completes the picture.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best mid-range | Best budget | Best high-end | High-end alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
| Weleda Sport (200 ml) | Naissance Sweet (500 ml) | L’Occitane Almond (100 ml) | Nuxe Prodigieuse (100 ml) |
| This sunflower and olive oil-based treatment is very popular with consumers (sportsmen and women alike) and is enriched with arnica, which has soothing properties. Ideal for all types of aches and pains, it has a pleasant fragrance. | This sweet almond oil is multi-purpose and can be used as a neutral-smelling massage oil or mixed with a suitable amount of essential oil to create a tailor-made treatment. | If its fine texture and subtle almond fragrance are already appealing, its moisturising power and satin finish on the skin is equally seductive. The little extra? It is obtained from almonds grown in France. | Primarily intended for body, face and hair care, its dry texture and very sensual fragrance make it an ideal massage oil. Rich in 7 vegetable oils, it also helps to nourish and protect the skin. |
| £ 23.48 on Amazon | Price search in progress... please wait | See the price on Amazon | £ 24.66 on Amazon |
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How did we test?
To test the massage oils, we used them by massaging and being massaged. This allowed us to judge their texture, their fragrance (evaluated by four people), and the practicality of their container (fast flowing, spray, drip…).
We also took note of our different feelings. Finally, we took a look at their composition.
How to choose your massage oil?
Whether it is to soothe specific pains or simply to spend a sensual moment together, massage oil is an excellent ally for well-being. But to avoid sticking to the sheets or staining your clothes, it is important to choose a practical and quality product, without leaving out the sensory dimension of a successful moment of relaxation.
So we’re sharing our tips to help you decide what to buy:
- The benefits: in addition to the beneficial results of the massage itself, you can expect to benefit from the virtues of certain active ingredients, depending on your needs. Thus, while arnica is appreciated by sportsmen and women for its soothing properties, some oils are also enriched with ingredients that help reduce cellulite and stretch marks or are simply very effective in moisturising the skin in depth, while others claim to be aphrodisiacs.
- Texture: there are so-called dry oils, and fatty oils – a criterion that depends on their fatty acid content. While dry oils have the advantage of penetrating the skin fairly quickly, without leaving a sticky film and without the risk of staining sheets/clothes, fatty oils can be appreciated for prolonging the duration of the massage. In short, it all depends on your preferences.
- The fragrance: again, it is up to you to determine your desires and preferences, but it is not uncommon to find oils scented with lavender, conducive to relaxation, or warmer and spicier scents, such as ylang-ylang flower, inviting a more sensual massage. For a boost, some oils have scents reminiscent of citrus fruits or certain aromatic plants.
Of course, you can choose a simple neutral or pure oil for your massage, or even add a few drops of essential oils (with the proper precautions). The important thing is simply to find an oil whose texture and scent awaken your senses.
As usual, we also advise you to pay attention to the composition of the care products you use. You might as well do yourself some good on all levels!
Other recommended massage oils
Kneipp Ylang Ylang (£14.44 / 100 ml upon publication): a very practical container. During our tests, we found this oil to be more easily dosed than the others. Indeed, its opening lets the oil drip out if you tilt it slightly. On the other hand, its texture was rather greasy and its particular ylang-ylang smell did not please all our testers. Nevertheless, it is very pleasant to use, even on more hairy male legs.
Elemis De-Stress Massage Oil (£37.80 / 100 ml upon publication): an alternative way to relax. Praised as harmonising and ultra-relaxing by the brand, this oil is considered by consumers to be conducive to calm, relaxation and stress relief. It is therefore ideal to apply it before going to sleep. Its sweet almond oil base and a cocktail of essential oils (including rosewood, geranium, lavender and chamomile) ensure a soothing moment for the body and mind. It was the (very) high price that made us decide not to buy it.
Other tested massage oil
Natessance Naturel Sensual (£8.56 / 100 ml upon publication): not practical enough. This massage oil comes in a glass bottle with a very impractical neck. Indeed, after unscrewing the cap, the neck is wide open which makes it difficult to dose the quantity you want without getting it everywhere. We also found the flavour to be very strong and too sweet, and this did not please everyone.
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
