Lubricants Defined

Massage oil or crème? Body wax or duel-purpose lotion? The options for massage lubricants are numerous, and the choice can be confusing, especially when you’re first starting out.

Lubricants are made of either oil or blends of oil, water and thickening ingredients, and serve different functions, says Monica Frasier, president of Biotone. Which lubricant you use will depend on your professional needs and personal and client preferences.

Here’s a list of common massage lubricants and tips on how to find one (or more) that’s right for you:

Oil: Made from plants or seeds, massage oil contains no other ingredients, and sometimes has a slight fruit or nut scent. (You should ask your clients about possible allergies before using any nut oil.) Oil locks in moisture, leaving skin soft and smooth, and allows your hands to glide over muscle and tissue. This is a good choice when using long, sweeping strokes. It is also good for clients with excessive body hair, which might otherwise get pulled.

Lotion: Made from oil, water and a thickening agent, lotion absorbs more quickly into the skin than straight oil, and adds moisture. Lotion is good for deeper, more controlled work where you want to grasp muscle and tissue. Some clients prefer lotion to oil because it doesn’t leave them feeling greasy.

Cream (also crème) or body butter: Cream and body butter have higher oil content than regular lotions, provide more glide and go further between reapplication. By adjusting the amount used, they can be used for either Swedish or deep-tissue massage.

Gel: Massage gel is a thickened form of oil, and is usually blended with vegetable wax, which allows the oil to spread. It can also be adjusted for use with different kinds of massage strokes.

Storing your lubricants:

Oil will last up to a year or longer, if kept in a cool place and out of direct sunlight. Cream, body butter and lotion will last longer, up to a few years if properly stored, says Fraser. These products typically contain preservatives, such as paraben, which some clients may be sensitive to.

Sombra recently released a line of all-natural massage lubricants, made without paraben. The company’s cream, gel/oil and a menthol lotion don’t contain preservatives yet, have a three-year shelf life, says Jeff Baskett, marketing program manager for the company.

Essential oil:

Essential oils can be added to any massage lubricant that contains oil. Ask clients about their preferences or sensitivities for fragrance before adding essential oils to your massage lubricants.

Sampling products:

Lubricant manufacturers typically offer samples or small-size containers of their products so massage therapists can try them out. These are often available at massage-conference expos or through massage-therapy schools. You can also request samples directly from the company.

— Kelle Walsh