Massage Oils, Gels, Lotions, Creams : Whats the difference?

About our range

Here at Lierre, we offer a wide selection of massage products and supplies to meet the needs of both professionals and personal users. Our range includes massage oils, gels, creams, and lotions, all thoughtfully selected with quality, sustainability, and accessibility in mind.


As distributors, we aim to provide practitioners with the flexibility and accessibility to purchase massage essentials that suit their needs—at an affordable price.

We’re proud to be official distributors of Quebec-based brands such as BioOrigin Experience and L’Herbier, which focus on natural ingredients and environmentally conscious production throughout their product lines.


Our selection also includes other trusted massage brands known for their professional-grade quality and carefully crafted with practitioners in mind.

Understanding the differences

Oils

Lightweight and versatile, massage oils offer excellent glide and are ideal for various massage techniques.

Common types include:

Argan Oil:

Rich in vitamins A and E, it helps treat dry skin and inflammation, making it suitable for general skin care and massage oils.

Rice Bran Oil:

Hypoallergenic and relatively dry, it's rich in antioxidants like ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol.

Coconut Oil:

Deeply hydrating, though it may clog pores for some skin types.

Grapeseed & Jojoba Oils :

Lightweight and non-comedogenic, they help regulate oil production and won't leave your skin feeling greasy

Argan Oil:

Rich in vitamins A and E, it helps treat dry skin and inflammation, making it suitable for general skin care and massage oils.

Coconut Oil:

Deeply hydrating, though it may clog pores for some skin types.

Rice Bran Oil:

Hypoallergenic and relatively dry, it's rich in antioxidants like ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol.

Grapeseed & Jojoba Oils :

Lightweight and non-comedogenic, they help regulate oil production and won't leave your skin feeling greasy

Gels

Thicker than oils, gels provide greater coverage and glide. They often contain thickening agents or emulsifiers, resulting in varying textures.

Gels are typically water-based and absorb quickly, making them suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.

Lotions

Thicker than gels, lotions are gentle on the skin while offering more glide than creams. They are popular for both professional and personal use. Lotions have a higher water content, making them lighter and suitable for normal to slightly dry skin.

Creams

The thickest option, creams deeply moisturize the skin and are usually used for treatments that target smaller body areas. They offer the least amount of glide and the most amount of grip, ideal for deep tissue work.

Balms

Oil-based and include thickening ingredients like beeswax. Once warmed, they dissolve into a consistency similar to massage gels.

Products for pain relief ?

Menthol and camphor are the most popular pain relief ingredients present in massage balms and creams, as they both provide a cooling sensation. 


As for massage oils in particular, the common pain and tension ingredients used are eucalyptus and peppermint. Meanwhile, menthol is less common in oils, since it can be considered quite overpowering and may irritate sensitive skin.

Recommended Product:

L’herbier Muscular & Pulmonary Massage Gel

Contains peppermint, eucalyptus, and camphor.

Hypoallergenic Options?

Most massage oils are unlikely to cause allergic reactions, though this can depend on individual sensitivities.
If you're treating a diverse clientele, it's a good idea to keep at least one nut-free oil on hand.



We typically recommend Rice Bran Oil as a safe choice for sensitive skin.

Recommended Product:

L’herbier Rice Bran Oil

Organic, hypoallergenic and odourless

Products for pain relief ?

Menthol and camphor are the most popular pain relief ingredients present in massage balms and creams, as they both provide a cooling sensation. 


As for massage oils in particular, the common pain and tension ingredients used are eucalyptus and peppermint. Meanwhile, menthol is less common in oils, since it can be considered quite overpowering and may irritate sensitive skin.

Hypoallergenic Options?

Most massage oils are unlikely to cause allergic reactions, though this can depend on individual sensitivities.
If you're treating a diverse clientele, it's a good idea to keep at least one nut-free oil on hand.



We typically recommend Rice Bran Oil as a safe choice for sensitive skin.

Recommended Product:

L’herbier Muscular & Pulmonary Massage Gel

Contains peppermint, eucalyptus, and camphor.

Recommended Product:

L’herbier Rice Bran Oil

Organic, hypoallergenic and odourless.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I avoid oil stains?

The best way to avoid stains is to invest in high-quality massage sheets and change them regularly.


Sheets made from a polyester-cotton blend are less likely to absorb oil than 100% cotton sheets, while still feeling more natural than 100% polyester. We recommend our 50% polyester / 50% cotton percale sheets for customers who are particularly concerned about stains.


Another effective solution is to use water-based lotions or gels, which are much easier to clean. Options such as BioOrigin Neutral Massage Gel, and Bon Vital’s Therapeutic Touch Lotion are all water-based and water-dispersible. These formulas help reduce residue on sheets and massage tables. Additionally, Bon Vital’s Coconut Massage Gel and Muscle Therapy Oil are designed for easy cleanup, making them great choices for minimizing staining

Why does my gel still feel oily?

Massage gels can sometimes leave a slightly oily residue depending on their formulation. Some may contain emollients, thickening agents, or nourishing ingredients to create a smooth glide. As a result, the skin may feel dewy rather than completely dry. That said, massage gels are still typically lighter and less greasy than oils.


If a gel feels overly oily, we recommend using a smaller amount or choosing one labeled as "non-greasy" or "fast-absorbing."

What is tocopherol and why is it on so many massage oils’ ingredient lists?

Tocopherol is a form of Vitamin E, commonly added to massage oils for its antioxidant properties. It helps extend the shelf life of the product by preventing the oils from oxidizing or going rancid. Moreover, it may also offer skin benefits such as moisturizing and soothing properties. Thus, making it a popular ingredient in many topical formulations.