Massage oil is a crucial component of a relaxing massage, but the label can be misleading. It is essential to read the ingredients list carefully, as the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system helps identify harmful ingredients. Hard ingredients in massage oils include mineral oils, dyes, parabens, phthalates, PEGs, silicones, alcohol, and perfume.
Instead of paying attention to the packaging, look at the INCI list of ingredients of your massage oil. By being aware of the ingredients in your massage oil, you can avoid harmful products and ensure the right care for your skin.
When was the last time you asked your massage therapist about the oil they were using? If you’re like 90% of massage clients, the answer is probably “never”. “It’s just oil,” you might think as you scan the menu of massage services. However, the choice of oil plays a critical role, as massage oils vary widely in texture, scent, and skin benefits—making it worth considering.
Basic oil
A basic oil massage involves the use of a simple “base oil”, which is usually a refined mineral oil known as Paraffinum Liquidum, a byproduct of petroleum. No worries – mineral oils are commonly found in personal care products, including massage oils, due to their ability to create a smooth glide over the skin.
However, unlike plant-based oils, mineral oil lacks nourishing properties. Since it sits on the skin’s surface rather than being absorbed, it should be washed off after the massage. Otherwise, it can leave a thin film that may clog pores, potentially leading to acne or irritation.
Aroma oils
Aroma oil massages, often priced slightly higher than standard oil massages, typically use a blend of affordable base oils infused with synthetic fragrances and additives designed to enhance the oil’s texture and spreadability. While these fragrances can create a pleasant sensory experience, the added substances also don’t offer the same therapeutic benefits as natural essential oils.
To better understand the ingredients found in many massage oils and how they impact both skin health and the massage experience, explore our detailed ingredient guide here:
Natural oils
Next in the hierarchy of massage oils are natural oils derived from the fatty parts of plants, such as seeds, nuts, or kernels. In Thailand, two of the most popular natural oils are Coconut oil and Rice Milk oil. Both are rich in fatty acids, which make them deeply moisturizing and nourishing for the skin.
Coconut oil, extracted from the meat or kernel of mature coconuts, is often considered the best value-for-money option for massage. Its moisturizing, protective, and anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for sensitive or damaged skin.
Rice Milk oil, on the other hand, contains natural skin-brightening agents that can help inhibit melanin production, reduce hyperpigmentation, and fade dark spots for a glowing complexion.
100% pure natural oils
For a massage oil to be labeled as ‘natural,’ it must contain at least 80% natural ingredients. True ‘natural’ massage oils, such as ‘100% pure coconut oil,’ should be free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or colorants, with the majority of the oil being unrefined or ‘cold-pressed’ to preserve its natural benefits. Cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil is generally considered superior to refined coconut oil (or other processed oils) due to its higher levels of natural fatty acids, mild, pleasant scent, and smooth, rich texture that melts easily on the skin.
Therefore, if you’re confident that pure coconut oil was used during your massage, it’s best to wait 1–2 hours before showering afterward. This allows your skin to fully absorb the oil’s nourishing properties and retain its protective benefits.
Mixed oils
However, the chances that the coconut oil used in a regular massage parlor is truly 100% natural, as promised on the menu—and that you shouldn’t head to the shower right after your massage—are quite low. Pure plant-based oils are significantly more expensive than synthetic ones and are typically found only in high-end spas, not in standard massage parlors.
Many ‘natural’ and especially ‘organic’ massage oils on the market are, in fact, counterfeits; even when labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘organic,’ they may contain only a small fraction of actual plant oil, diluted by synthetic fillers. This trend has even reached reputable producers in Chiang Mai, who face intense competition from cheaper, mass-produced oils from China.
How to distinguish natural coconut massage oil from synthetic flavored oil
Touch
- Natural Coconut Oil feels smooth and lightweight. It absorbs into the skin relatively quickly, leaving a moisturizing, non-greasy finish. When rubbed between your fingers, it feels rich but not sticky.
- Synthetic Flavored Oil often has a thicker or sometimes slippery texture due to additives like silicones. It may sit on the skin’s surface without fully absorbing, creating a greasy or slick feeling that can feel artificial.
Color
- Natural Coconut Oil should be clear or a very light yellow. Virgin coconut oil, particularly unrefined, may have a faint golden tint, but pure coconut oil is usually colorless when melted.
- Synthetic Flavored Oil may appear very clear, even with a bluish or unnatural tint, depending on the type of synthetic ingredients added. Some synthetic oils may also be artificially colored to look more appealing.
Smell
- Natural Coconut Oil has a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet coconut aroma that’s not overpowering. This scent should smell fresh, subtle, and authentic, not like candy or perfume.
- Synthetic Flavored Oil often has a strong, sweet, or perfumy coconut smell, sometimes with artificial undertones. If it smells overly intense, sugary, or like a tropical scent you’d find in beauty products, it’s likely synthetic.
Essential oils
