Imagine preparing for childbirth, wanting to feel as ready and comfortable as possible. Many expectant parents explore ways to ease the journey, and perineal massage is a popular technique. But what do you use to make that massage effective and soothing? Selecting the right oil can feel overwhelming. Do you pick something scented? Something natural? Many oils promise great results, leaving you wondering which one truly works best for your sensitive skin and your goals.
Choosing the wrong oil can lead to irritation or simply not give you the benefits you hope for. You deserve to feel confident in the product you use during this special time. This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes an oil perfect for perineal massage. You will learn about safe ingredients, what to avoid, and how to choose the ideal partner for your practice.
Ready to find the perfect, nurturing oil for your preparation? Keep reading to discover the best options and make your massage routine a true success.
Top Oil For Perineal Massage Recommendations
- Labor & Perineal Massage Oil: Birth & Baby Oil is a soothing perineal and labor massage oil.
- Baby Massage Oil: This lightweight oil is gentle enough for delicate skin and is great for infant massage and after bath time.
- Clean Ingredients: Non-GMO apricot oil and organic lavender flowers. Nothing else.
- Suggested Use: This all-natural oil is ideal for use during childbirth and labor, and gentle enough for use on baby's newborn skin.
- Motherlove Difference: Birth & Baby Oil is vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, made with organic herbs, Certified Cruelty Free by Leaping Bunny, and made in the USA with imported ingredients. Free of petroleum and petroleum by-products, lanolin, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fillers. Motherlove is a certified Women-Owned B-Corp that focuses on environmental and social responsibility.
- SUPPORTS SKIN ELASTICITY- During pregnancy, apply 2-3 drops to condition skin and support elasticity before perineal massage
- NOURISHES SKIN- Massage oil may also be used to nourish the skin of your stretching belly during pregnancy
- ORGANIC OILS- Made with a nourishing blend of safe, organic jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and apricot kernel oils
- GYNECOLOGICALLY TESTED- Suitable for sensitive skin and 100% natural with no petroleum, parabens, or artificial fragrance
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC AND CLIMATE NEUTRAL- Certified organic with no animal testing, this product is also certified climate neutral by the DFGE institute
- Weleda Perineum Massage Oil - 50ml/1.7oz
- PREPARES FOR CHILDBIRTH – Regular perineal massage helps reduce tearing and the need for an episiotomy during delivery. Use from 32–36 weeks to soften and increase skin elasticity.
- ORGANIC INGREDIENTS ONLY – Made with Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Vitamin E, and Calendula Oils for deep hydration and elasticity. Non-toxic, vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free.
- PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM SAFE – Gentle formula for use before and after birth. Massage 2–3 times per week during the third trimester and continue postpartum to support recovery.
- MULTI-USE MASSAGE OIL – Can also be used for postpartum body massage, as a baby oil, or for dry skin and eczema relief. Absorbs easily without greasy residue.
- AWARD-WINNING WOMEN-OWNED BRAND – Irene Organics is a multi-year Parent & Baby Award Winner for Best Postpartum & Baby Skincare. Handcrafted in small batches in eco-friendly glass bottles.
- TRADITIONAL PERINEAL BIRTHING PREP OIL PREPARES FOR CHILD BIRTH - In traditional midwifery, perineal massage supports skin elasticity and prepares the body for smoother, more comfortable labor. WishGarden's Perineum Massage Oil features botanicals infused into hydrating oils to extract their rich, nourishing constituents. This oil moisturizes and softens the skin leaving you more confident for the big day. Gently massage topically to perineal area 3-4x per week starting at 34 weeks.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS - Minimal and clean ingredients = happy and nourished skin. With Plantain leaf, Calendula flower, Jojoba oil and Camelina oil, this formula helps penetrate deep into layers of skin and increase skin elasticity. Our botanicals are infused into gently warmed oil, which extracts a broad range of available constituents. Our proprietary blend of Jojoba and Camelina oils are deeply emollient and do not clog pores. Quality tested for identity, purity and safety.
- PREGNANCY SELF CARE & LABOR AND DELIVERY ESSENTIALS - For over 45 years, WishGarden Herbs has been supporting doulas, midwives, and expecting moms during their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. Our birth prep and labor prep proprietary formulas contain no parabens, petroleum, synthetic fragrances or concentrated essential oils. Certified organic, vegan and gluten free.
- COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY: We make this perineal massage oil for pregnancy from a love of plants and Mother Earth, so sustainability is everything to us. Each herb supplier and farmer goes through an extensive screening process and annual review and must meet our high standards for sustainability & quality. In July 2023, WishGarden won the Supply Chain Integrity Award from Nutrition Business Journal, recognizing our commitment to sustainability & regenerative farming.
- MIDWIFE-FOUNDED, WOMAN-OWNED & FAMILY RUN SINCE 1979: We are herbalists, botanists, scientists and naturalists making this perineal massage oil the old-fashioned way, using only the cleanest, most vibrant ingredients for optimal potency, efficacy and safety. WishGarden self-manufactures and distributes each of our herbal extracts in Boulder, Colorado.
- CLINICALLY TESTED: This perineal massage oil is formulated with natural essentials like Vitamin E, Rosehip, and Jojoba Oils to support perineal skin, preparing it for birth with a soothing feel.
- PREGNANCY MUST-HAVE: Studies show that using perineal massage oil from 34-35 weeks can reduce the risk of perineal tears by 9% and Episiotomy by 16%. An essential to your prenatal care routine.
- MOISTURIZING & NOURISHING: Infused with calming Jojoba Oil, moisturizing Vitamin E, and elasticity-boosting Rosehip Oil, this perineal prep oil leaves your skin feeling soft, nourished, and hydrated.
- FRAGRANCE-FREE & UNSCENTED: Perfect for moms-to-be with sensitive skin, this oil is fragrance-free and unscented, providing a gentle and calming experience during your prenatal care routine.
- EASY APPLICATION: Use 3-4 times a week from 34 weeks onward. Scan the QR code on the packaging for a detailed massage technique, developed by dermatologists and gynecologists for optimal results.
- LEVEL SET THE STRETCH: Vitamin E helps skin work up its built-in elasticity to help avoid stretchmarks and promote perineal stretching
- PERINEUM + STRETCH MARKS: Reduce the appearance of stretch marks and prep for perineal massages
- SAFE + GENTLE: Specially formulated to be safe for pregnancy skin
- NO MINERAL OR SYNTHETIC OILS: Using instead nourishing coconut oil, sunflower oil and beeswax
- NO ADDED PHTHALATES OR SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES: And never any added no synthetic fragrances, dyes, formaldehyde, or parabens either
- Perineal Massage Oil for Labor Preparation - Designed to support your pre-birth routine, this oil is ideal for gentle perineal massage during the final weeks of pregnancy, helping to enhance comfort and flexibility in preparation for delivery.
- Almond Oil - Mommy Care’s all natural sweet almond oil is ideal for perineal massage due to its slow absorbent to the skin without a greasy feel, allowing for a more extended lubrication period.
- Won't Clog Pores - Safe, soothing natural ingredients perfect for your skin. SLS/SLES Free, mineral oil-free, paraben free, and petrochemical free.
- Usage Instructions - Massage the perineum daily with flexible sweet almond oil. It is recommended to massage perineum after a bath. Packaging may vary.
- Not Just for Mom - After birth, flexible sweet almond oil will make a fantastic oil for baby massage.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Oil for Perineal Massage
Perineal massage is a great way to prepare your body for childbirth. Using the right oil makes this process much easier and more comfortable. This guide will help you pick the perfect oil for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for perineal massage oil, look for a few important things.
Natural Ingredients are Best
The skin in the perineal area is very sensitive. You want oils made from natural ingredients. Avoid oils with lots of added chemicals, perfumes, or artificial colors. These things can sometimes irritate the skin. Look for oils that list simple, recognizable ingredients.
Absorption Rate Matters
Think about how quickly the oil soaks into your skin. Some oils absorb fast, which is good if you don’t like feeling greasy. Other oils stay on the surface longer, offering more glide during the massage. Decide which texture feels better for you.
Scent Profile
Some oils have no smell. Others have light, natural scents from essential oils. If you are sensitive to smells, choose an unscented option. If you enjoy aromatherapy, a light lavender or chamomile scent might help you relax during the massage.
Important Materials in Perineal Oils
The base oil is the most important part. Certain oils work better for this specific massage.
- **Almond Oil:** This is a very popular choice. It is light and absorbs well. It is rich in Vitamin E, which is good for the skin.
- **Jojoba Oil:** Jojoba oil is very similar to the natural oils your skin makes. This means your skin usually accepts it very well. It offers a smooth, long-lasting glide.
- **Coconut Oil (Fractionated or Virgin):** Virgin coconut oil is thicker. Fractionated coconut oil stays liquid and is lighter. Both offer great moisturizing benefits.
Things That Improve or Reduce Oil Quality
The quality of the oil directly affects your massage experience.
What Makes Oil Better:
Cold-pressed oils are generally higher quality. This process uses less heat, which keeps more of the natural goodness, like vitamins and antioxidants, in the oil. Organic certification also signals higher quality because it means fewer pesticides were used in growing the source material.
What Makes Oil Worse:
Mineral oils or petroleum-based products should be avoided. They do not offer the same skin benefits as natural plant oils. Also, heavily refined oils have lost many of their helpful properties during processing.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the oil changes what you need from it.
When to Start Using It
Most doctors suggest starting perineal massage around 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. Consistency is key. You should use the oil regularly, a few times a week, for the best results.
The Massage Itself
You need an oil that allows your fingers to move smoothly without too much pulling or friction. If the oil dries out too fast, you have to stop and reapply, which breaks your concentration. Look for reviews that mention the oil lasts through a full massage session. A good oil helps you relax, making the massage feel less like a chore and more like self-care.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Perineal Massage Oil
Q: How much oil do I need for one massage?
A: You only need a small amount, usually just a few drops or about a dime-sized amount. Start small; you can always add more if needed.
Q: Can I use regular body lotion instead of massage oil?
A: It is better to use a pure oil. Lotions often contain water and alcohol, which can dry out the skin or cause irritation during this specific massage.
Q: Is it safe if some of the oil gets inside my vagina?
A: Yes, if you use a pure, natural oil, it is safe. The perineum is close to the vaginal opening, so some contact is unavoidable.
Q: Do I need to wash the oil off immediately after the massage?
A: No. Since you are using natural oils, you do not need to rush to wash it off. Many people leave it on for a little while to let the skin absorb the benefits.
Q: Does the oil need to be warmed up first?
A: Warming the oil slightly can make the experience more relaxing. You can rub a small amount between your clean hands for a few seconds before applying it.
Q: Can I use essential oils directly in the massage oil?
A: Only use essential oils if they are already mixed into a carrier oil by the manufacturer. Undiluted essential oils are too strong and can burn sensitive skin.
Q: Will any oil prevent tearing during birth?
A: No single oil guarantees you will not tear. The massage and the oil help the tissue become more flexible, which might reduce the risk, but it is not a guarantee.
Q: How should I store the perineal massage oil?
A: Store the oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. This keeps the natural oils from going bad too quickly.
Q: Are there any oils I should definitely avoid?
A: Avoid oils with fragrance, artificial dyes, baby oil (mineral oil based), or oils you know you are allergic to. Stick to simple, food-grade or cosmetic-grade natural oils.
Q: Do I need a special brand for this massage?
A: You do not need a brand specifically labeled “perineal massage oil.” A high-quality, pure, unscented sweet almond or jojoba oil works just as well.