The one-and-only-oil-guide: Everything you have to know about massage oil

Intimacy takes many forms. And one of them is the massage. Massages and massage oil go hand in hand, just like cheese and wine go hand in hand, sun and sea, espresso and martini, ravens and wolves. We tell you everything you need to know about massage oils. So that you can look like a well-oiled massage machine.

What is a massage oil?

Whether you are planning to loosen your partner's muscles, relieve stress, give a tantra massage or are looking for a 'happy ending', a massage oil is an indispensable part of a good massage. Massage oil makes the skin more supple and smooth, allowing your hands – or other body parts – to glide more easily over your partner's body.

How do you give a massage with massage oil?

Libraries have been written about giving a good massage. And of course there are as many massage preferences as there are people on Earth. But as far as we are concerned, these are the five golden tips for a massage that is a pleasure for both giver and taker: 

1.  Create a relaxed setting. Subdued lighting, music, the heating up a degree (if that fits in with your household environmental policy), maybe a candle or a little incense. Whatever you or your partner need to unwind. 
2.  Before you start, warm some massage oil in your hands and spread it over your partner in long, sliding movements. Important step, because cold massage oil, straight from the bottle, can feel unpleasant. 
3. Get to know each other's bodies during the massage. Ask your partner what feels good and what doesn't and be open about your preferences. As with sex, there is no one-size-fits-all with massages. 
4. Have you ever wondered how professional masseurs can last for sixty or ninety minutes without getting lame thumbs or hands? They use their entire body to exert pressure, rather than just their hands. Nice for the massaged, easier for the masseur. 
5. An open door, but so important: enjoy. Not only from the physical touch, but also from the physical and emotional bond you build while giving or receiving a massage.

What is in the Aia* natural massage oil?

The main ingredient of our massage oil is brassica campestris. Brassica is the Latin name for cabbage and mustard plants. Does that sound unsexy? Isn't it at all! Brassica campestris is a beautiful plant with yellow flowers, the extract of which is known for its skin-soothing effect and for its richness in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In addition, it is odorless. We personally like that, because – and tastes differ of course – an upwelling strawberry or bubblegum scent quickly takes you out of the massage mood.

We also use shea butter, or butyrospernum Parkii butter. This is a vegetable butter extracted from the shea tree that grows on the African savanna. The third and final ingredient in our massage oil is tocopheryl acetate. This is a form of vitamin E that you often see in cosmetic products because of its antioxidant effect: it prevents degradation of the massage oil when it comes into contact with oxygen.

That's all! No perfume, no silicones, no sulphate and no parabens. And as a bonus – or no, actually this should be the standard – our products are vegan and not tested on animals.

Well, the choice is yours! Are you going for an evening of cheese and wine, espresso and Martini, or massage and massage oil? In the latter case, click here to order our natural massage oil online.