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.
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 option for therapists looking to provide their clients with a relaxing and therapeutic experience. 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 on A. 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.
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’ offers a wide range of massage products from creams, lotions, gels, oils, exfoliators, foot balm and essential oils. Their products are cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free.
The Bon Vital’ Multi-Purpose Massage Crème is ideal 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 has a thick consistency and is not 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.
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 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 a 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 on Amazon. Some users 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 more than 25 years of experience, they are dedicated to providing customers with quality products made from premium ingredients. 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 ideal 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 more than 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. 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 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 include people who don’t like the scent, and the cream 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.
7. Bon Vital’ Coconut Massage Crème
Bon Vital’ Coconut Massage Crème 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.
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.
8. MASSAGE FX Unscented Massage Cream
Massage FX have been in business for more than five years, and their cream is ideal 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.
What to look for in massage creams
Organic ingredients are important in a massage cream because they are free of harsh chemicals and pesticides. Therefore, the therapist can avoid skin irritation while the client are not exposed to any harmful chemicals.
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 connective tissues. However, 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 session, it’s best to consult with your therapist.
Absorption rate
The rate of absorption determines 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. Keep this in mind 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
A cream that is too thick may be difficult to spread, and one that is too thin may not provide enough coverage. The right viscosity will depend on the type of massage you are using and the clients’ needs.
Ingredients
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. Some allergens include essential oils, fragrances, and preservatives (e.g. formaldehyde-releasing agents)
Greasiness
A good massage cream should not make your skin feel greasy. 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
There are ways for you to navigate through massage 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?
Check reviews of the company to see what others have said about their products and services.
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.
