Massage cream is a type of moisturizer that is designed to be used during several types of massage. It helps to lubricate the skin and provides a protective barrier between the hands and the body. Massage cream is often used to help with dry skin, reduce the appearance of scar tissues, or perform a face massage.
When picking out a cream, choose a product that is right for both the massage therapist as well as the clients’ needs. Also, you want to select a product that is not too greasy and has a mild to no scent, similar to choosing a massage oil, lotion, or gel.
When choosing a massage cream, it’s important to consider the company’s environmental practices as this will lead to greater quality in the individual ingredients. By doing your research, you can be sure to find a product that is both effective and environmentally friendly.
1. BIOTONE Dual-Purpose Massage Crème
BIOTONE is a trusted name in the massage industry, known for their high quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction. Their Dual-Purpose Massage Crème is no exception, offering a versatile and effective option for therapists looking to provide their clients with a relaxing and therapeutic experience. This rich cream can be used as both a massage lotion and a moisturizer, making it a great all-in-one option for busy therapists. With its light, floral scent and non-greasy formula, the BIOTONE Dual-Purpose Massage Crème is sure to please even the most discerning client.
The Biotone company has been around for over 30 years and makes a variety of different massage creams. The Dual-Purpose Massage Crème that is perfect for those who want the benefits of an oil, but with the absorbency of a lotion. This cream is rich and thick, yet easy to wash out of clothing and linens. It’s also cruelty free and made in the U.S.
The BIOTONE Dual-Purpose Massage Crème has received rave reviews from users. Many people love its thick texture and how it doesn’t spill or leave a greasy residue. It’s also very easy to wash out, which is a huge plus! People also appreciate the added skin benefits that this cream provides, such as a soft, smooth feel and a non-greasy finish. Overall, this cream is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality massage cream.
Active ingredients: Purified water, coconut oil ester, almond oil, prunus amygdalus, emulsifying wax NF, arnica extract, ivy extract, aloe vera oil, kukui nut oil, cetyl alcohol, vitamin E, glycerin, carbomer, TEA, germal, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, fragrance
Pros: Non-greasy, light, floral scent, won’t stain fabric, can be used for a wide variety of modalities, can be used as a massage lotion or a moisturizer, cruelty-free, Made in the USA.
Cons: Warming in a hot towel cabby can cause it to spoil faster; may not be ideal for light pressure relaxation modalities like lomi lomi or Swedish.
2. Bon Vital’ Multi-Purpose Massage Crème
Bon Vital’ is a company that has been dedicated to helping people perfect their touch through massage therapy and body care products for over 20 years. They focus on the quality of their ingredients and formulate their products specifically based on feel and function to meet your needs.
As a leader in the professional massage therapy market, they offer a wide range of professional products from massage creams, lotions, gels, oils, exfoliators, foot balm and essential oils. Their products are cruelty free, gluten free, and paraben free. You can trust that their products will help you restore, protect, and thoroughly hydrate your skin.
The Bon Vital’ Multi-Purpose Massage Crème is a versatile creme that is perfect for a relaxing full body massage, back massage, or neck massage. It is enriched with Vitamins A, B5, C, and E, a blend of jojoba and olive oil, Shea butter, aloe vera, and more that restore, protect, and thoroughly hydrate dry skin and lock in moisture. It has an incredibly smooth and easy glide with the right amount of friction for any Swedish, deep tissue, or sports massage. It’s also water dispersible for quick and easy cleanup and pumpable for your convenience.
The Bon Vital’ Multi-Purpose Massage Crème is an amazing product that has helped me with my neck pain. It has a thick consistency, and it’s not at all greasy. However, some people have found this cream to be too thick and difficult to work with. Also, the smell has been described as “off-putting” by some people. Overall, this is still a great product that many people have enjoyed!
Active ingredients: Purified Water, octyl Palmitate, grapeseed oil, sesame seed oil, jojoba seed oil , avocado oil, pro vitamin B5, vitamin A, vitamin E.
Pros: Non-greasy, light scent, won’t stain fabric, can be used for a wide variety of modalities, can be used as a massage lotion or a moisturizer, cruelty-free, made in the USA.
Cons: Too thick for some modalities, off putting odor.
3. Sacred Earth Vegan Massage Cream
Sacred Earth Botanicals company mission is to promote a line of professional massage therapy products with a focus on certified organic ingredients, environmentally friendly packaging, and sustainable business practices. The company is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley’s wine country near Eugene, Oregon.
Their facility is certified organic by the Oregon Tilth, and the USDA company offers its customers peace of mind knowing their massage products have been thoughtfully developed with the health of the therapist, client, and the environment in mind. Some reasons why you should buy from Sacred Earth Botanicals:
- They’re an organic, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and vegan product. It’s also certified by the Oregon Tilt and USDA.
- The cream does not contain any formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
- Ideal for dry skin, scars, or face massages.
Sacred Earth Vegan Massage Cream has gotten mixed reviews. People have said that it’s incredibly effective for dry skin, scarring, and face massages. However, some people have found the cream to be too thick and difficult to spread. Overall, the majority of reviewers seem to be happy with the product.
Active ingredients: water, aloe vera leaf juice, olive oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, Shea butter, vegetable glycerin, emulsifying wax, stearic acid, vitamin E, rosehip oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil
Pros: Certified organic, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and vegan, Free from formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, Perfect for dry skin, scarring, or face massages.
Cons: Some reviewers find the cream to be too thick and difficult to spread.
4. Organic Bath & Body Restructuring Massage and Body Cream
Organic Bath & Body is a trusted and reliable company in the health and beauty industry. With over 25 years of experience, they are dedicated to providing customers with quality products made from premium ingredients. Many of their ingredients are natural, organic, and botanically-sourced, giving them an edge against other companies. Their turnaround times are also quick and their pricing is competitive, making them a great choice for private companies and retail organizations alike.
Organic Bath & Bodys Restructuring Massage and Body Cream is perfect for those who are looking for a thick, smooth cream that will provide long-lasting moisture. This cream is made with organic and natural ingredients, which makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin. The cream is also non-sticky and absorbs quickly into the skin.
The positive reviews for Bath & Body Restructuring Massage and Body Cream praise the cream for its thick, smooth texture, long-lasting moisture, and non-sticky formula. The negative reviews for the cream mention that the scent is too strong, the cream is too greasy, and that it does not absorb well into the skin. Overall, the positive reviews outweigh the negative reviews, and Bath & Bodys Restructuring Massage and Body Cream is a good choice for those looking for an effective moisturizing cream.
Active ingredients: grapeseed oil, organic rosehip seed oil, organic flaxseed oil, organic jojoba oil, borage oil, vitamin E.
Pros: Made with organic and natural ingredients, non-sticky formula, absorbs quickly into the skin, long-lasting moisture, thick, smooth texture.
Cons: Scent is too strong for some, too greasy for some, does not absorb well into the skin for some.
5. Soothing Touch Basics Massage Cream Unscented
Soothing Touch is a massage therapy company that offers its customers high quality, affordable massage products. The company has been in business for over 20 years and offers a variety of massage creams, gels, and oils. The Soothing Touch Basics Massage Cream Unscented is a good choice for those who are looking for an unscented, hypoallergenic cream. The cream is free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan.
The positive reviews for Soothing Touch Basics Massage Cream Unscented praise the cream for its unscented formula, hypoallergenic properties, and lack of synthetic fragrances. The negative reviews for the cream mention that it is thin and has a slight odor. Overall, the positive reviews outweigh the negative reviews, and Soothing Touch Basics Massage Cream Unscented is a good choice for those looking for an unscented, hypoallergenic cream.
Active ingredients: Filtered Water, octyl palmitate, sunflower oil, canola seed oil, vitamin E, chamomile extract, cucumber fruit extract, argan nut oil.
Pros: Hypoallergenic, no synthetic fragrance, washes out of sheets.
Cons: May be thin, slight odor.
6. PrePak Products Freeup Unscented Massage Cream Jar
PrePak Products is a leading provider of massage and physical therapy supplies. The company offers a wide variety of products, including massage creams, gels, and oils. The PrePak Products Freeup Unscented Massage Cream Jar is a good choice for those who are looking for an unscented, hypoallergenic cream. The cream is free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan.
Positive reviews praise the cream for its unscented formula, hypoallergenic properties, lack of synthetic fragrances, and ability to soften the skin. The negative reviews for the cream mention that it’s too thick, has an unpleasant odor and is difficult to spread. Overall, the positive reviews outweigh the negative reviews, and PrePak Products Freeup Unscented Massage Cream Jar is a good choice for those looking for an unscented, hypoallergenic cream.
Active ingredients: Petrolatum, purified water, USP mineral oil, lanolin alcohol, stearyl alcohol, methyl gluceth-20, sodium lauryl sulfate, ethyparaben, methlparaben, DMDM hydantoin.
Pros: unscented, hypoallergenic
Cons: may be too thick, goes bad quickly
7. Biotone Nutri Naturals Massage Cream
Biotone Nutri Naturals Massage Cream is a good choice for those who are looking for an unscented, hypoallergenic cream. The cream is free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan.
The positive reviews for Biotone Nutri Naturals Massage Cream praise the cream for its amazing glide, natural ingredients, washes out of sheets, and its ability to fully absorb into the skin. The negative reviews for the cream don’t like the scent and soaks into the skin too quickly. Overall, the positive reviews outweigh the negative reviews, and Biotone Nutri Naturals Massage Cream is a good choice for those looking for an unscented, hypoallergenic cream.
Active ingredients: Coconut oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, wheat germ oil, jojoba oil, carrot oil, vegetable derived emulsifying wax, extract of avocado and extract of carrot, vitamin E, amino acids, grapeseed extract and grapeseed oil, citric acid, aromatic extracts and fragrance.
Pros: Good glide, absorbs into skin, doesn’t stain sheets.
Cons: Some don’t care for the scent, absorbs quickly.
8. Bon Vital’ Coconut Massage Crème
If you’re looking for a massage cream that will leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and nourished, look no further than Bon Vital’ Coconut Massage Crème. This smooth and luxurious creme is made with 100% pure Fractionated Coconut Oil to help you achieve a more relaxing and enjoyable massage experience.
The thick, creamy consistency of this massage cream provides plenty of glide while absorbing easily into the skin, making it ideal for all types of massage modalities. Plus, the natural antioxidants in Bon Vital’ Coconut Massage Crème help protect from premature aging, dry skin, and scarring. So go ahead and pamper yourself with this delightful cream—your skin will thank you for it!
Bon Vital’ Coconut Massage Crème has received mostly positive reviews from customers. Many people enjoy the thick, creamy consistency of the creme and find that it provides plenty of glide during their massage, and is even a good option for those who like cupping.
However, some customers have complained that the cream can go rancid quickly leaving a smell of mildew. Also, a few customers have noted that the coconut scent of the creme is not as strong as they would like.
Overall, Bon Vital’ Coconut Massage Crème seems to be a good option for those looking for a thick, creamy massage cream with a light coconut scent.
Active ingredients: Purified water, fractionated coconut oil, octyl palmitate, emulsifying wax NF, sesame seed oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba seed oil, squalane, vitamin B5, vitamin A, vitamin E.
Pros: Great glide, non-greasy.
Cons: May go bad quickly, scent too light.
9. MASSAGE FX Unscented Massage Cream
If you’re looking for another option for unscented massage cream, look no further than Massage FX. They’ve been in business for more than five years, and their cream is perfect for both relaxation massage and deep tissue work. Plus, it’s totally water dispersible, so it won’t stain your clothes. And if you’re worried about the smell, the Massage FX cream has a pleasant, light scent that won’t overpower you.
On the plus side, reviewers love the Massage FX cream for its smooth texture and glide, its light scent, and its ability to be blended with essential oils. They also appreciate that it’s totally water dispersible and won’t stain clothes. On the downside, some reviewers find the cream to be a bit runny, and others wish it were cheaper. Overall, though, the positive reviews outweigh the negative, and Massage FX is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality massage cream.
Active ingredients: Water, sunflower seed oil (helianthus annuus), safflower oil, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, grapeseed oil, arnica montana, flower extract, vitamin E .
Pros: Versatile cream; good glide; won’t stain sheets.
Cons: May be runny; higher cost.
10. Biotone Biotone Muscle and Joint Relief Therapeutic Products Massage Creme
Biotone Muscle and Joint Relief Therapeutic Products Massage Creme is one of the best massage creams on the market. It’s perfect for dry skin, scar tissue, and face massage. The cream is made with arnica, boswellia, and devil’s claw, which are all excellent ingredients for pain relief.
The cream is also non-greasy and absorbs quickly, which makes it perfect for use before or after a workout. The Biotone Muscle and Joint Relief Therapeutic Products Massage Creme is also available in a convenient travel size.
The vast majority of reviews for this product are positive. People love the cream for its pain-relieving properties, non-greasy texture, and quick absorption. Most of the negative reviews are from people who find the scent to be too strong. Overall, this is an excellent cream for people who are looking for relief from pain and discomfort.
Active ingredients: Water infused with certified organic botanicals of arnica, quince, burdock and lemon bioflavonoids, coconut oil ester, safflower oil, canola oil, emulsifying wax NF, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, arnica montana, boswellia, devil’s claw and lemon bioflavonoids, essential oils of eucalyptus, bergamot, and balsam peru.
Pros: Non-greasy, pain-relieving, quick absorption
Cons: Strong scent.
What to look for in massage creams
We have chosen these 10 massage creams that meet our high-quality standards based on the following criteria.
Organic ingredients are important in a massage cream because they are free of harsh chemicals and pesticides. This is important for both the massage therapist and the client. The therapist can avoid skin irritation, while the client can be assured that they’re not being exposed to any harmful chemicals.
When it comes to choosing a massage cream, there are many factors to consider. But if you keep your own needs and the needs of your clients in mind, be sure to find the perfect cream for your practice.
The type of massage being performed will also play a role in what kind of cream is used. For example, a deep tissue massage may require a cream with more glide in order to help the therapist access the deeper layers of muscle tissue. On the other hand, a lighter Swedish massage may be best served by a cream with less glide in order to avoid friction and skin irritation.
The use of scent in massage therapy is a personal preference. Some therapists and clients find that the scent of certain essential oils can be relaxing, while others prefer unscented products. There are also some cases when the use of scent should be avoided, such as with pregnant women or those who are allergic to certain fragrances. If you’re unsure whether or not to use scent in your massage therapy, it’s best to consult with your therapist.
Absorption rate
The rate of absorption is important to consider when purchasing a massage cream because it will determine how long the product lasts during a session. A cream that absorbs quickly may need to be reapplied frequently, while one with a slower absorption rate will last longer.
So keep this in mind when choosing a massage cream, especially if you’re working with a client who has dry skin. One way to test absorption rate is to apply a small amount of the cream to the forearm and spread it across the skin. After 10 minutes, if the skin is still massageable with hardly any friction, then the cream has a good absorption rate.
Viscosity
The viscosity of a massage cream is another important factor to consider. A cream that is too thick may be difficult to spread, while one that is too thin may not provide enough coverage. The right viscosity will depend on the type of massage you are performing and the client’s needs.
Ingredients
The ingredients in a massage cream can have a significant impact on its efficacy. Look for products that contain key ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and cocoa butter. These ingredients are known to be effective moisturizers that can help to keep dry skin hydrated.
Allergies
If you or your client has any allergies, check the ingredients list of the massage cream before purchasing or using it. This will ensure that you select a product that does not contain any allergens.
Greasiness
A good massage cream should not make your skin feel greasy. This is important because greasy products can be difficult to remove from sheets and may leave your client feeling uncomfortable.
Odor
Some massage creams have strong scents that may be off-putting to clients or cause allergies. If you’re sensitive to smells, choose a product that has a milder scent. You can also ask for samples of products before purchasing them to test for odor.
Truth in advertising
You want to spend your hard-earned money on products and brands that are honest to the public, and it can be challenging to determine what claims are true or not. But there are ways for you to navigate through the marketing claims.
A 2014 study reviewed more than 1,100 online retail sites that sell herbal and similar products and found that:
- Less than 8% of them reported adverse effects;
- Less than 3% cited scientific literature to support their claims;
- 10.5% recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional before using them.
Find out more about each of the common herbs that are found in massage creams, lotions, and similar products at NCCIH.
Environmental friendly
When looking for environmentally friendly products, consider how the items were made. How were the herbs cultivated and grown? Was the process sustainable? Were they tested on animals?
These are all important factors to consider when choosing a company to buy from. Also, check reviews of the company to see what others have said about their products and services. By doing your research, you can be sure that you are choosing a company that is environmentally friendly and that produces high-quality products.
Final verdict
There are a lot of massage creams on the market, but our top pick is Sacred Earth Vegan Massage Cream. Most people looking for cream over lotion, oil, or gel do so because they are looking for a thicker medium. Thicker mediums tend to be better for focus work because a little goes a long way.
Since many of the qualities that we look for in a medium can very drastically based on skin type (dry, oily), use (is medium being applied primarily to client or the hands and arms of the therapist), this cream wins out because of its ease in clean up and the lasing effects that it has on the skin.
Lindsay Jones, LMT
Lindsay is a licensed massage therapist and a mother of three, who specializes in rehabilitation with emphasis on prenatal and postnatal care.
After graduating from the National Holistic Institute in San Jose, Calif., she went on to study how pain affects the body and how it can be alleviated during the constant changes of pregnancy and early motherhood.
In her free time, Lindsay has a deep love of all forms of art from storytelling and music to sewing and painting.
