Massage Oils

What are massage oils?

A massage oil is a blend of carrier oils and fragrance made to let hands glide over skin without friction. In a sensual context it does three jobs at once: it slows you down, it makes touch feel more deliberate, and the scent lingers to set the mood. The oils in this collection range from lightly fruit-scented everyday bottles to pheromone-infused luxury blends and warming, lickable formulas. Most are for external use only, which is why they sit apart from lubricants.

Types of massage oils

Kama Sutra Naturals

Vanilla Sandalwood, Tropical Mango, Strawberry Dreams, Island Passion Berry and Coconut Pineapple are the familiar, dessert-leaning scents of the Naturals line, sold in a small travel size and a larger bottle.

Aromatic blends

Kama Sutra Aromatics in Sweet Almond, Serenity, Harmony Blend, Pleasure Garden and Soaring Spirit, Wicked Sensual's Lavender and Rosemary, Lemongrass and Ginger, Wild Rose and Sandalwood, Honeysuckle and Ivy and Vanilla and Sugarcane, JO Aromatix and Anoint Perfumery's Lavender Flower and Vanilla Bean and Lime Infused Coconut lean toward spa-style botanical fragrance.

Pheromone-infused oils

Me and You Pheromone Infused Luxury Massage Oils come in a long list of fruit and floral blends, and Sex Magnet offers Leather and Blue Lotus. These are marketed as pheromone-infused; think of the scent as the main event.

Warming and lickable oils

Sex Syrup's lickable flavored warming massage oil is designed to be kissed off, and warms gently on contact with skin or breath.

Organic botanical oils

Foria's massage oil with organic botanicals is the collection's premium pick for anyone who reads ingredient lists.

How to choose a massage oil

Start with scent, since you will both be breathing it for an hour, then check the formula suits how you plan to use it.

• Scent: Fruit and vanilla for sweet and playful; lavender, sandalwood and herbs for a calmer, spa-like mood.
• Use: Standard oils are for massage only; a lickable formula is the one to pick if you want to taste it.
• Skin: If either of you reacts to fragrance, choose a simpler botanical oil and patch test first.
• Size: Small bottles are ideal for trying a scent or packing for travel; larger bottles are better value for regulars.
• Extras: Pheromone and warming claims are part of the fun, but the oil should feel good first.

How to use and care for massage oils

Pour a little oil into your palm, rub your hands together to warm it and start with long, slow strokes along the back and shoulders before working toward the areas you are heading for. Lay down a towel, since oil marks sheets.

• Keep oil away from the eyes and from any broken skin, and stop if the skin becomes red or itchy.
• Do not use a massage oil internally or with latex condoms unless the label specifically allows it; use a lubricant for that.
• Keep oil off silicone toys, which can be damaged by oils.
• Store bottles upright, out of sunlight, and use within the period stated on the label.

Massage oils for couples and date nights

A massage is one of the easiest ways to start an evening slowly, and our for couples edit pairs well with any oil here. If you like the ritual, massage candles melt into warm oil and double as lighting, and arousal oils pick up where a massage leaves off. The wider massage and body range covers lotions, powders and bath products too.