In an aromatherapy massage, the oil choice is half the session — yet most of what is written about oils is overblown. This guide introduces the six oils we use most, with realistic effects: which one for which feeling, and when to avoid which.
The six oils at a glance
When you are undecided, use this table for a quick overview. We describe each oil in detail in the sections below.
| Oil | Feeling / Aroma | Best time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Calming, soft | Evening, before bed | May feel too relaxing if you want daytime energy |
| Mint | Cool, sharp, alert | Midday, morning | Can stretch wakefulness late at night |
| Eucalyptus | Camphor-like, clearing | Spring, air-conditioned season | Strong scent; sensitive noses should ask for a light blend |
| Chamomile | Soft, sweet, soothing | Any season, first timers | The gentlest option; do not expect a bold character |
| Ylang ylang | Floral-sweet, intense | Romantic couples' sessions | Low dose for first tries; a distinctive scent not everyone loves |
| Orange | Citrus, cheerful | Mornings, winter days | Light and short effect; not for deep-unwind evenings |
Lavender: the evening classic
The most requested oil, and it earns its fame: its calming scent visibly speeds up the unwinding in evening sessions. Planning a before-bed session? Start here.
Mint: freshness and focus
Cool and sharp, it leaves you feeling awake — the midday oil. Skip it late at night; in some guests it stretches alertness.
Eucalyptus: clear breathing
Its camphor-like scent opens the nose — loved in spring and by people working long hours in air-conditioning. The scent is strong; sensitive noses should ask for a light blend.
Chamomile: the gentlest option
Soft, sweet, soothing. The safe harbour for scent-sensitive guests and aromatherapy first-timers.
Ylang ylang: intense and exotic
Floral-sweet and distinctive. Those who love it, love it passionately; we suggest a low dose for first tries. Also the classic of romantic couples' sessions.
Orange: a cheerful opener
Citrus gently lifts the mood — a good companion for morning sessions and grey winter days.
For pregnancy, children and sensitive skin
As pleasant as aromatic oils are, not every oil suits everyone — and we think it matters to be honest about that. Some oils — the strongly scented ones such as mint and eucalyptus — are generally not recommended during pregnancy, for small children, or with certain health conditions. Intense oils are also avoided on sensitive skin or skin with a history of allergies.
So we keep one simple rule: tell your therapist about your situation before the session. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic condition or sensitive skin, knowing this lets us make the choice safe for you. When needed we switch to a gentler oil (chamomile is often the safe harbour) or plan that day's session with an oil-free, scent-free method instead. If you have any health condition you are unsure about, we recommend checking with your doctor before the massage — we do not diagnose, we only offer comfort and relaxation.
Do you mix two oils?
Yes, often. The most loved pairing in our salon is lavender + orange — a cheerful top note over a calming base. The blend is always kept light and diluted in a carrier; if you like, we can let you smell it and adjust together before the session.
Can't decide?
No problem — before the session we let you smell three or four oils and pick together what fits your day. Always mention skin sensitivities and allergies; every oil is diluted in a carrier. Details on our aromatherapy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the scent of the oil I choose stay on me after I leave?
A faint trace can linger, but it usually fades within a few hours. If you would rather the scent not stay on you for long, tell your therapist; we can use a lower-intensity blend or a neutral carrier.
Do I have to use the same oil every session?
No. Most of our guests change oils with the season and their mood that day — orange in winter, lavender on a summer evening. If you have a fixed favourite, we note it so it is ready for your next visit.
My nose is very sensitive and I want no oil scent at all; can I still have an aromatherapy session?
In that case we can work with a very low-intensity or almost scent-free carrier oil instead of classic aromatherapy. The touch and relaxation stay the same, with no dominant scent. Just share this before the session.

