What is the best massage oil to use?

We continually get asked for recommendations regarding massage oil.

Here at High Spirits Retreat, we use tasteless coconut oil because we believe it is gentle on the skin. However, it has to be heated in the winter and, over time, clogs drains. So, it's not perfect!!

We asked the question on Facebook “Which massage oils are you using, and why would you recommend it?” Here are the answers:

Ajna Angel - I buy organic 1-litre coconut oil from Coles for $9.

Lou Arkuszewski - Generally, I use Organic Tasteless Coconut oil, but depending on the client's needs, I use herbal oils or oils with extra magnesium.

Grant King - Combination of liquid coconut oil and sunflower oil.

Catherine Godward - I had already bought some H2O oil before the training, so I'm using that up, and it is good. Almond oil is water soluble, so it is easy to wash towels. I also have coconut oil, but can you share where you get yours again? It didn't smell so coconutty, which I liked.

Shelley Kent - Grape seed oil is great!!

Leah Rice-Levitt - I use macro organic coconut oil from Woolworths. I also use Hygiene Australia detergent.

Susie Rad - I love using coconut oil in towels or sheeting, as it never smells rancid. It would be perfect if we could add the water-dispersible ingredient to the coconut oil.

Natalie Ellen - Coconut all the way; I do a hot wash with nothing in the machine so it doesn't clog the drains. I understand it is a waste of water, but this works well for me and the drains. 

Jenny Richardson - I've used fractionated coconut oil for about 18 years now - it's liquid, doesn't smell, and I've never had a problem with my drains. I use Aquafresh from Yesteryear Plantations in Tumut to help get oil out of my linen.

Mahinaarangi Wehi - Just switched to this MCT oil as it is better priced and more easily accessible.
I've been using fractionated coconut oil for the last 5 years, along with various balms and moisturisers.
I previously used Melrose H2Oil or jojoba oil. In comparison, fractionated coconut oil is easier to remove from linen and is less rancid.
On a personal note, I noticed that my skin loves coconut oil when I changed to it. So I get to leave the treatment room with my glow on. That's a win.
Please, if you are using seed oils on the body or in your diet.
Do some research.
In a nutshell, we have no evolutionary adaptation to seed oils since it's only been in the human diet since c.1900.
I dislike being told 'restrictive' info like this, so I'm sorry if I'm busting your balls right now.

Carrey Nicholl - Water-dispersible oil is much easier to wash off the body, off the table, and out of towels. I started with coconut oil, but it began staining over time, and my towels just never washed up properly. H20 Oil saved my life, and it feels AMAZING.

Ellie Freeborne - I use MTC oil because it clogs less, and I've found coconut oil to be the best on so many levels.

Ian Brown - I use Macadamia oil, which my clients love. However, we found that the "water dispersible oil" has additives to which some of my clients had reactions. I buy it in 20kg drums, which costs about $15 per litre.
Obviously, macadamia oil is more challenging to remove from sarongs and clothing, but the reward for my skin and my clients is huge: It is one of the best oils in the industry for our skin and hair.

George Parker - I've been using Melrose Massage H2Oil Water Dispersible for years. It's light, has no fragrance, contains vitamin E, and doesn't stain linen.

Rob Murphy - For remedial, I use a mineral oil to avoid allergies from Need Supplies, and then for Heartworks and Ka Huna, I have a blend of that with coconut oil, about 60% coconut split.

Jane Hansen - I also use Macro Organic Coconut Oil from Woolworths xx.

Amy Haley-Kermond - Grapeseed. To warm, I just have teapot and teapot warmer in which I submerge my oil bottle. Perfect temp.

Megan Bell - I use Melrose H20 oil, too, or coconut oil in hot washes.

Kayla Kayo Takekawa - I use Macadamia oil. I love the texture and smell, and it is nourishing for the skin.
If the person has a nut allergy, I'd use either black sesame oil or grape seed oil. However, grape seed oil is a bit too thin in texture.
Coconut oil clogs the pores and drains, and I personally don't like the smell of it, so I'm not a big fan…

Roger Curtis - I use alba kukui nut oil, which is easy to wash out of sarongs and towels. No smell and lasts for years.

Lara Dillon - I have gone through a few - Nut oils like almond can trigger allergies, avocado was nice but stained, I used to do a mix of avocado and sunflower.
Sunflower on its own is really nice, but like grape seed and olive oil etc, all left colouration.
Jojoba was good but very expensive, so I would again bulk it up with sunflower oil.
I actually use food-grade MTC now with no issues and no need for heating. There is no smell, no staining issues, and it is great for the skin.
(Then, with H2Oil - I was allergic to the added vitamin E… so like the nut oils, etc - it's not as common, but it's something to be mindful of).

Laurette Lubbers - This is my go-to – Fractionated Coconut Oil. Fractionated (keeps it from solidifying) and organic; therefore, it can also be used in the kitchen.

Carleon Willis - I use fractionated coconut oil and MCT oil mainly because they're the lightest I can find, have good slip, and have low odour. After several hours of being oily myself, any of the heavier oils make me feel yukky and not pono.

Pauline Ryeland - Fractionated coconut oil. They spin it to remove whatever makes it hard in winter. It's lighter and no smell - I love it.

Jacqui Ward - I use coconut oil. I have tried a few different oils over the years, but this washes out the easiest from towels and sarongs. The water-dispersible oil seemed to cling to fabrics more.

Sally Prescott - I enjoy macadamia oil, silky and smooth. Organic sunflower oil too mixed with black sesame x

Bianca Flowers - 50 50 Fractionated coconut oil, which is MCT oil and macadamia oil.

This is fantastic—so many good suggestions for which oil to use. Thanks heaps for all your contributions. We may reconsider which oil to use on our own courses. Keep massaging, and thanks again.  Jorgen