7 Best Carrier Oils for Massage Therapy
Massage therapists know that choosing the right carrier oil can make all the difference in a treatment. These base oils carry essential oils, nourish the skin, and provide the perfect glide for therapeutic work. Let's explore seven of the best options, including three client favorites: almond, avocado, and coconut oils.
1. Sweet Almond Oil
This lightweight classic absorbs easily while providing excellent glide. Rich in vitamin E, it nourishes skin without clogging pores. Its mild, slightly nutty aroma makes it perfect for blending with essential oils. Many therapists appreciate its balanced viscosity - not too thick, not too thin.
2. Avocado Oil
A richer choice for deep tissue work, this emerald-green oil penetrates deeply to relieve tight muscles. Packed with vitamins A, D, and E, it's particularly beneficial for mature or dry skin. The thicker consistency allows for slower, more intentional strokes.
3. Fractionated Coconut Oil
Unlike regular coconut oil, this liquid version won't solidify. It provides long-lasting glide without greasiness, making it ideal for longer sessions. The neutral scent and antibacterial properties make it a spa favorite.
4. Jojoba Oil
Technically a liquid wax, jojoba most closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. It's perfect for facial or scalp massage and helps balance oil production. The quick absorption leaves skin moisturized without residue.
5. Grapeseed Oil
A light, affordable option that absorbs quickly. The high linoleic acid content helps repair the skin's moisture barrier. Many sports massage therapists favor it for its non-greasy feel.
6. Apricot Kernel Oil
Exceptionally gentle, this oil works well for sensitive skin types. The vitamins A and C promote skin elasticity while the subtle nutty aroma creates a comforting experience.
7. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A traditional choice for Ayurvedic massage, this antioxidant-rich oil provides deep hydration. The warm, earthy scent enhances grounding during treatments.
Creating Your Perfect Blend
Most therapists create custom blends by mixing 2-3 oils. A popular combination is:
40% almond oil (for glide)
30% avocado oil (for nourishment)
30% fractionated coconut oil (for spreadability)
Professional Tips:
Always patch test new oils
Store oils in dark glass bottles
Consider your client's skin type and massage goals
Rotate oils seasonally (lighter in summer, richer in winter)
At ROH Healing, we carefully select organic, cold-pressed oils for all our treatments. Each oil brings unique therapeutic properties to enhance your massage experience.
"The right oil transforms massage from a physical treatment to a holistic experience."
Would you like specific recommendations for your practice? Our therapists would be happy to guide you in selecting the perfect oils for your needs. Book a consultation today to discuss creating your signature blend.
Here are the best carrier oils to mix with sandalwood and patchouli essential oils for massage therapy, along with their unique benefits for your practice:
Top 5 Carrier Oils for Sandalwood & Patchouli Blends
(Ideal for grounding, sensual, or meditative massages)
1. Jojoba Oil
Why? Mimics skin’s natural sebum; balances oily/dry skin.
Best For: Facial massage or clients with acne-prone skin.
Mix Ratio:
1 oz jojoba oil + 3 drops sandalwood + 2 drops patchouli
2. Fractionated Coconut Oil
Why? Odorless, non-greasy, and perfect for long glides.
Best For: Full-body relaxation massages.
Mix Ratio:
1 oz coconut oil + 4 drops sandalwood + 3 drops patchouli
3. Sweet Almond Oil
Why? Lightweight with a subtle nutty aroma that complements earthy scents.
Best For: General aromatherapy massage.
Mix Ratio:
1 oz almond oil + 5 drops sandalwood + 2 drops patchouli
4. Avocado Oil
Why? Deeply moisturizing; enhances the rich, woody notes.
Best For: Dry skin or mature clients.
Mix Ratio:
1 oz avocado oil + 3 drops sandalwood + 3 drops patchouli
5. Grapeseed Oil
Why? Fast-absorbing and budget-friendly.
Best For: Sports massage or quick sessions.
Mix Ratio:
1 oz grapeseed oil + 4 drops sandalwood + 1 drop patchouli
Why These Pairings Work
Sandalwood (warm, woody): Promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
Patchouli (earthy, musky): Grounds emotions and enhances sensuality.
Combined Effect: Creates a deeply calming, spiritually uplifting blend perfect for:
Stress relief
Sacred feminine massages
Meditation support
Pro Tips for Your Practice
Patch Test: Always check for allergies (patchouli can be strong).
Dilution: Use 1-2% dilution (3–6 drops total EO per oz carrier oil).
Label Clearly: E.g., "Grounding Blend: Sandalwood + Patchouli in Jojoba".
Storage: Keep in dark glass bottles to preserve potency.
Bonus: Add 1 drop of bergamot to brighten the blend!
Ideal Client Uses
Anxiety Relief: Jojoba + sandalwood/patchouli (applied to wrists).
Sensual Massage: Almond oil blend (add ylang-ylang for depth).
Chakra Work: Coconut oil blend for root/heart chakra massages.
Need a custom dilution chart or blend ideas for specific client needs? Happy to help! 🌿
"Oils are the whispers of the earth; let them speak through your hands."
Best Essential Oils to Pair with Avocado, Coconut & Almond Carrier Oils
Choosing the right essential oils for your carrier oils can elevate your massage practice, offering targeted benefits for relaxation, pain relief, and skin health. In this guide, we’ll explore the best essential oils to blend with avocado, coconut, and almond carrier oils, along with therapeutic uses and mixing ratios.
1. Best Essential Oils for Avocado Oil
(Rich, deeply moisturizing—ideal for dry/mature skin & deep tissue work)
Top Essential Oils to Mix:
Frankincense (skin rejuvenation, anti-aging)
Myrrh (healing cracked skin, grounding)
Helichrysum (scar tissue repair, inflammation)
Vetiver (muscle relaxation, stress relief)
Patchouli (skin elasticity, emotional balance)
Best Uses:
✔ Deep tissue massage
✔ Anti-aging facial treatments
✔ Scar/wound healing blends
Sample Blend:
"Deep Repair Massage Oil"
1 oz avocado oil
4 drops frankincense
3 drops helichrysum
2 drops vetiver
2. Best Essential Oils for Fractionated Coconut Oil
(Lightweight, odorless—great for hot stone massage & sensitive skin)
Top Essential Oils to Mix:
Lavender (calming, universal skin-safe)
Eucalyptus (respiratory relief, cooling effect)
Peppermint (pain relief, invigorating)
Tea Tree (antibacterial, acne-prone skin)
Ginger (warming, circulation boost)
Best Uses:
✔ Sports/recovery massage
✔ Lymphatic drainage
✔ Aromatherapy for stress relief
Sample Blend:
"Muscle Recovery Blend"
1 oz fractionated coconut oil
5 drops lavender
3 drops peppermint
2 drops eucalyptus
3. Best Essential Oils for Sweet Almond Oil
(Light, mildly nutty—perfect for general massage & sensitive skin)
Top Essential Oils to Mix:
Chamomile (soothing, anti-inflammatory)
Ylang-Ylang (sensual, heart-opening)
Sandalwood (meditative, skin hydration)
Bergamot (uplifting, balances oily skin)
Geranium (hormonal balance, floral aroma)
Best Uses:
✔ Relaxation & couples massage
✔ Sensitive skin treatments
✔ Emotional release work
Sample Blend:
"Calming Floral Massage Oil"
1 oz sweet almond oil
4 drops chamomile
3 drops ylang-ylang
2 drops bergamot
How to Choose Your Blend?
GoalBest Carrier OilEssential Oils to TryDeep hydrationAvocadoFrankincense, myrrhPain reliefCoconutPeppermint, eucalyptusSensual massageAlmondYlang-ylang, sandalwoodAnti-agingAvocadoHelichrysum, rosehip
Pro Tips for Blending
Dilution Ratio: 1-2% for massage (3–6 drops EO per oz carrier oil).
Patch Test: Always check for skin sensitivity.
Storage: Use dark glass bottles; shelf life = 6–12 months.
Did You Know?
Avocado oil + frankincense = wrinkle-reducing facial serum.
Coconut oil + peppermint = natural headache relief roll-on.
Almond oil + lavender = baby-safe massage oil (extra diluted).
Final Thoughts
Pairing essential oils with the right carrier oil enhances absorption, aroma, and therapeutic effects. Whether you’re crafting a muscle-soothing coconut blend, a luxurious avocado facial oil, or a relaxing almond massage mix, these combinations will elevate your practice.
