As a massage therapist, your hands are your livelihood — but they're also constantly exposed to the products you use every day. In recent years, a rise in contact dermatitis and skin sensitivity among therapists has highlighted a serious concern: not all massage oils are created equal. From harsh synthetics to poorly formulated blends, many products on the market can compromise skin health. In this post, we explore the hidden causes of sensitivity, and why more therapists are turning to Botanicals’ organic, food-grade body oils as a trusted, skin-safe solution.

Why Massage Therapists Are Choosing Organic Oils to Avoid Contact Dermatitis

In recent years, an increasing number of massage therapists have reported sensitivity reactions and cases of contact dermatitis linked to the products they use daily in their practice. As hands-on professionals, your skin is one of your most valuable tools — and also one of the most exposed. At Botanicals, we understand the vital importance of using products that not only nourish your clients' skin, but also protect your own.

Understanding Sensitivity: More Than Just Essential Oil Percentage

Product sensitivity can be triggered by a number of factors, and it’s not as simple as just checking the percentage of essential oils in a blend. What matters just as much — and often more — is:

• The combination and synergy of oils used in the blend

• The specific essential oils chosen, as some are inherently more sensitising

• The quality and purity of those oils

• The presence of any synthetic elements or additives

Unfortunately, some widely used massage oils — especially those from large multinational brands — prioritise cost-saving over quality, using inferior or synthetic ingredients that increase the risk of irritation. The integrity of these oils simply cannot compare with carefully sourced, certified organic alternatives.

Botanicals: Trusted by Therapists for Over 21 Years

At Botanicals, we’ve been formulating professional-grade organic skincare for over two decades — and in all that time, we have never had a report of sensitivity or skin reaction to our body oils, whether used by professional therapists or consumers.

Why? Because we do things differently:

• We use only food-grade ingredients in our formulations

• Our essential oils are 100% organic and ethically sourced

• Our carrier oils are cold-pressed and organic, naturally rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory properties

These organic carrier oils don’t just serve as a base — they actively help protect and heal the skin. Their hydrating and soothing qualities can support the skin barrier and may even counteract inflammatory skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis.

Professional-Grade Quality, Naturally

We encourage every therapist to look beyond the label when choosing products for professional use. Consider not only the scent or brand reputation, but also the integrity of the ingredients and the potential long-term impact on your skin.

At Botanicals, we are proud to offer organic blends that meet the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and skin compatibility — because we believe your wellbeing is just as important as your clients'.