Some massage therapists don’t like the oils, creams, and lotions that often stain sheets and clothes. Also, some clients and patients don’t like the oily feeling after they receive a massage that can also get on their clothes.
And so, massage gels are great substitutes for oils and lotions, but they don’t offer a smooth glide, which may not be ideal for Swedish, Hawaiian lomi lomi, and similar styles of massage. However, they work pretty well for deep tissue work where you can still do some slow gliding while providing deeper pressure.
Warning: Some oils and gels can be combustible, especially if exposed to heat in the dryer. Consult dryer manufacturer’s guidelines for drying linens that have been exposed to oils and gels.
1. Soothing Touch Unscented Massage Gel
Soothing Touch was founded in 1977 by Yogi Bhajan in Los Angeles, California. They began with just a few Ayurvedic oil formulas from India, but since then, they have expanded their business to include over 200 cruelty-free products.
Soothing Touch Unscented Massage Gel has kept things simple, using familiar and paraben-free ingredients. Gels are intended to work similar to oils and this gel is no different. Soothing Touch Unscented Massage Gel has a long-lasting glide, allowing for consistent glide and flow throughout treatment.
Some reviewers love this product, saying that it works well and lasts a long time. They also appreciate that it is cruelty-free and vegan. Other reviewers were not as pleased with the product, stating that it stained their sheets and left a strong, unpleasant smell. Overall, however, the majority of reviewers seem to be happy with the gel.
Main ingredients: Sunflower oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, apricot oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil.
Pros: Very high viscosity, fair price. Can be warmed up prior to treatment without getting too “runny.”
Cons: Standard drawbacks of gels compared to oils and lotions.
2. Bon Vital Original Massage Gel
Bon Vital’ is a trusted name in the massage and spa industry, known for their high-quality products that are perfect for any massage modality. From creams and lotions to gels and oils, Bon Vital’ has a product to meet any need. Their specialty lines made with organic, natural, 100% pure, paraben-free, and preservative-free ingredients are perfect for even the most sensitive skin. And their essential oils can be added to any Bon Vital’ lubricant to create the ultimate aromatherapy experience.
Bon Vital’ Original Massage Gel is a thick, oily gel that provides long-lasting glide. It’s ideal for modalities that require the most slip and glide, making it a great choice for full body massages. Made with high-quality ingredients, this gel will leave your skin feeling softer and smoother than ever before.
While some reviewers find Bon Vital’ Original Massage Gel to be an excellent product, others find it lacking in comparison to similar products. Some say that it does not provide enough glide or slip, and that it feels more like a thick oil than a gel. Others find it difficult to wash out sheets and clothing. However, many people appreciate the fact that it is fragrance free and easy on sensitive skin. Overall, Bon Vital’s Original Massage Gel is a decent product, though it may not be the best on the market.
Main Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, octyl palmitate, vegetable emulsifying wax, glyceryl monostearate, sesame seed oil, soybean oil, jojoba seed oil, aloe vera extract, avocado oil, patchouli oil.
Pros: Added vegetable wax to provide better glide like a lotion. Long shelf life (two years) under proper storage.
Cons: Standard drawbacks of gels compared to oils and lotions.
3. TheraPro Massage Gel
If you’re looking for a quality massage gel that will provide you with a smooth glide and long-lasting coverage, then TheraPro is a great option. Their massage gel is infused with sunflower oil, aloe, and avocado oil to nourish and moisturize your skin, and it’s hypoallergenic so it’s gentle on even the most sensitive skin types. Plus, it’s water dispersible so it’s easy to clean up after your massage session.
The gel is thick and provides a good amount of coverage, but some people felt that it was too sticky. Overall, reviewers thought that the TheraPro Massage Gel was a good product, but there were some mixed, but some reviewers felt that the scent was too strong.
Main Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, ethylhexyl palmitate, PEG-20 glyceryl stearate, synthetic wax, sesame seed oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, fragrance, aloe vera leaf extract, jojoba seed oil.
Pros: Long shelf life (two years) under proper storage. Bargain price. Allows deep pressure with some gliding.
Cons: Standard drawbacks of gels compared to oils and lotions.
4. Sacred Earth Organic Massage Gel
If you’re looking for a brand that is all about being environmentally friendly, look no further than Sacred Earth Botanicals. Their products are certified organic and vegan, meaning that they’re gentle on both your body and the planet. In addition, they recycle or reuse everything possible to help reduce their footprint.
Also, their employees even get free massage sessions! So if you’re looking for a brand that is earth-friendly and dedicated to providing a great customer experience, Sacred Earth Botanicals is the perfect choice.
As one of the only massage gels on the market that is certified organic under the USDA’s National Organic Program, Sacred Earth Organic Massage Gel is a great choice for those looking for an earth-friendly option. The gel is made with certified organic oils and wax, and does not contain any synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, GMOs, or preservatives.
Sacred Earth Organic Massage Gel has both positive and negative reviews. Some people love that the gel is organic and has a grainy feel, while others think that the new formula is terrible and smells bad. Also, some find it difficult to wash off the skin and sheets. However, many find the product to be helpful and convenient to use. Overall, the Sacred Earth Organic Massage Gel seems to be a good product for most people.
Main Ingredients: Organic sunflower oil, organic safflower oil, organic coconut oil, organic shea butter, organic olive oil, certified organic beeswax.
Pros: Ingredients are guaranteed not tested on animals. Does not stain sheets and clothes.
Cons: Pricier than most major brands. Standard drawbacks of gels compared to oils and lotions
5. Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Gel
Biotone is a company that cares about its customers and their well-being. The company offers a wide range of quality massage oils, cremes, lotions, gels, and professional spa body and body care products. With more than 20 years in the business, Biotone has maintained its industry-leading position by providing products to meet massage therapists and estheticians’ varied preferences.
The company’s commitment to making the first product goes into making every product produced by Biotone, ensuring that customers receive only the best products available.
Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Gel is a top-of-the-line massage gel that provides unsurpassed glide and workability. The gel has a light, greaseless feel that leaves your skin feeling soft and silky, not sticky or tacky.
It’s also non-staining and won’t leave your sheets or clothing feeling greasy. With its light, refreshing scent, the gel is perfect for use during a massage or after a shower or bath. The gel is also great for use in the sauna or steam room. Advanced Therapy Massage Gel is available in both unscented and scented versions, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Positive reviews of Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Gel mention its light, refreshing scent, greaseless feel, non-staining properties, and ability to leave skin feeling soft and silky.
Negative reviews mention that the gel can be sticky or tacky, and that it doesn’t provide enough glide during a massage. Overall, reviewers seem to think that the positives of the gel outweigh the negatives, and that it is a quality product from a company that cares about its customers.
Main Ingredients: Apricot oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, octyl palmitate, carnauba wax, candelilla wax.
Pros: Lighter texture than most brands. Hypoallergenic fragrance.
Cons: Standard drawbacks of gels compared to oils and lotions.
6. Massage Gel by Massage FX
If you’re looking for a massage gel that is lightweight, easy to wash out of sheets and linens, and leaves your skin with a nourished, healthy glow, then look no further than Massage FX. Our proprietary blends are rich in vitamins and natural botanicals, and our unscented formula is hypoallergenic and perfect for full body massages.
Some reviewers love Massage FX gel for its light weight formula and lack of greasiness, while others find the gel to be too runny and watery. However, most reviewers agree that the gel is easy to wash out of sheets and linens and leaves your skin feeling nourished and healthy.
Active ingredients: Water, sunflower seed oil, safflower oil, grapeseed oil, arnica montana flower extract, vitamin E
Pros: Light weight formula, washes out of sheets.
Cons: May be runny.
What to look for in massage gels
We have chosen these six massage gels that meet our high-quality standards based on the following criteria.
Absorption rate
Water-based products like lotions will generally be absorbed more quickly by the skin due to evaporation. Oil-based products like creams and gels will tend to sit on top of the skin longer, providing a more lubricated surface for massage techniques that require slip and glide. Ultimately, the choice of product will depend on the type of massage being performed, the client’s skin, and the length of time the massage will last. You can test the absorption rate of any medium by putting a small amount on your fingers and working it into a small patch of skin.
Viscosity
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow referring to how thick or thin the product is. A thicker product like an oil will have a lower viscosity, while a thinner product like lotion will have a higher viscosity. The choice of product will ultimately depend on the type of massage being performed and the client’s skin.
To test the viscosity of a product, place a small amount on your fingertips and try to spread it out. A product with a higher viscosity will be thicker and more difficult to spread, while a product with a lower viscosity will be thinner and easier to spread. The choice of product will ultimately depend on the type of massage being performed and the client’s skin.
Ingredients
When choosing a massage gel, consider the quality of the ingredients. Look for gels that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera and jojoba oil, which are known to be gentle and effective. Avoid gels with synthetic fragrances or colors, as these can be irritating to the skin. Also, be sure to check the expiration date on the gel, as some gels can degrade over time and become less effective. Ultimately, the best massage gel is one that is tailored to your specific needs and skin type.
Allergies
Some people may be allergic to certain ingredients used in massage gels. Common allergens include fragrances, essential oils, and preservatives. If you have any known allergies, be sure to check the ingredient list on the gel before use.
If you experience any irritation after using a gel, discontinue use and consult a doctor if necessary. To check if a medium will cause an allergic reaction, a small amount can be tested on a portion of skin to see if there is any reaction.
Greasiness
A good gel may feel a little greasy initially but will soak into the skin as the tissue is warmed and worked.
Odor
A quality massage gel should have a pleasant smell that is not too strong or overwhelming. Some gels may contain essential oils or other natural ingredients that give them a light, refreshing scent. Note that sometimes the body heat generated by a massage may cause some scents to become more pronounced. If you’re sensitive to smells, check the ingredient list on the gel before use. In general, gels with synthetic fragrances should be avoided, as these can be irritating to the skin.
Truth in advertising
When choosing a massage gel, be sure to check the ingredient list to make sure that the product contains what it claims. Many products on the market claim to be “natural” or “organic,” but may only contain a small amount of the advertised ingredient. In some cases, these products may not contain any of the advertised ingredients at all. To avoid being misled, only purchase products from reputable brands that you trust.
Find out more about each of the common ingredients that are found in massage oils, lotions, and similar products at NCCIH.
Environmental friendly
There are a few things to look for when choosing an environmentally friendly massage gel.
- Check the ingredient list to make sure that the product is made with natural and/or organic ingredients. This will help to reduce the amount of chemicals and synthetic materials that end up in the environment.
- Look for products that come in recyclable packaging. This will help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
- Look for products that are made in an eco-friendly manner, such as using renewable energy sources or sustainable manufacturing practices like those not tested on animals.
Storage
Store massage gels properly to ensure their quality and efficacy. They should be stored in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. Check the expiration date on the gel, and discard any gels that are past their expiration date.
Also, clean and disinfect any tools or equipment that comes into contact with the gel.
Final verdict
Although gels were created as an oil alternative meant to be easier on fabrics, not all have succeeded in that regard. BIOTONE’s Advanced Therapy Massage Gel is the best choice of massage gel for its light, greaseless feel that leaves your skin feeling soft and silky.
Also, the gel is non-staining and won’t leave your sheets or clothing feeling greasy. With its light, refreshing scent, the gel is perfect for use during a massage or after a shower or bath. Overall, reviewers seem to think that the positives of the gel outweigh the negatives, and that it is a quality product from a company that cares about its customers.
Gels with reviews that stated a gel was too greasy or sticky did play a major role in this decision but keep in mind that what feels “greasy” or “sticky” to one person, may not feel that way to another. This is largely due to the different skin types as well as the amount of medium used. When working with gels using too much (more than the skin can comfortably soak up) will have undesirable effects.
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.
