Oil, Lotion, or Cream? How to choose!

When it comes to massage, the right medium can make a big difference in both technique and client experience. Here is a quick guide to help you choose between lotions, creams, oils, and gels, along with tips on how to care for your linens.

Lotions

What are they?
Lightweight and easily absorbed, lotions are great for lighter, frequent reapplication techniques like Swedish massage.

Pros:

• Fast-absorbing and non-greasy.
• Ideal for general massage work and hydrating the skin.
• Washes out of linens easily.

Cons:

• Needs frequent reapplication.
• Doesn’t provide enough glide for deep tissue work.

Creams

What are they?
Thicker than lotions, creams offer a balance of glide and grip, making them ideal for deep tissue or targeted muscle work.

Pros:

• Good for deeper work with long-lasting hydration.
• Less likely to spill or absorb too quickly.

Cons:

• Can feel heavier on the skin.
• May leave a slight residue.

Oils

What are they?
Oils provide excellent glide and deep moisture, perfect for relaxation-focused massages and techniques like hot stone or cupping therapy.

Pros:

• Great glide for smooth, flowing strokes.
• Nourishing for the skin with added therapeutic benefits from essential oils.

Cons:

• Can leave a greasy residue on skin and linens.
• Requires prompt washing to prevent oil build-up in linens.

Gels

What are they?
Gels have a smooth, gliding texture but absorb faster than oils, making them great for clients who do not like greasy residue.

Pros:

• Smooth texture, less residue than oils.
• Hypoallergenic and easy on sensitive skin.

Cons:

• Absorbs quickly, requiring reapplication.
• May not offer enough resistance for deep tissue techniques.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

What is it?
A lightweight, odorless oil that is great for extended glide, especially in hot stone or cupping massages.

Pros:

• Non-greasy, hypoallergenic, and great for sensitive skin.
• Perfect for long glide techniques without feeling heavy.

Cons:

• Does not moisturize as deeply as other oils.
• Can be expensive.

Which Should You Choose?

• For lighter work: Lotions are affordable and quick to use.
• For deeper work: Creams or oils provide better glide and longer-lasting hydration.
• For less mess: Gels or lotions will not stain linens and are easy to clean.

At ViVi Therapy, we offer a range of oils, lotions, creams, and gels, all carefully selected to meet the needs of massage therapists. Our clinic favourite has been Restructuring Cream! Not sure which to try? Stop by our store or request samples with your next order!

Happy massaging!

Looking for more tips? Check out our YouTube!