How to Make a Massage Oil Water Dispersable
Massage therapists have to deal with the problem of oil-stained massage linen on a regular basis. One solution is water-dispersable massage oil, sold by many manufacturers of massage products. However, if you like to create your own special massage blends rather than buy commercial products, you can add Polysorbate to your blends to make them water dispersable. Make your own blends using these proportions: 75 percent of oil or mixed oils, 20 percent Polysorbate and 5 percent essential oils.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Beaker or glass measuring cup
- Mixing spoon
- Kitchen towel
- Glass or PET container for the massage oil
- 12 oz. oil, such as almond, grapeseed, jojoba, olive or canola oil
- 3 tbsp. Polysorbate 80
- 1 tsp. essential oil, such as lavender, rosemary or whatever you prefer
Instructions
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Purchase Polysorbate 80 from a supplier of soap and cosmetic ingredients. Some companies that sell essential oils also sell Polysorbate. Polysorbate is an emulsifier manufactured from olive oil, available in different weights from 20 to 80. It is used commercially in foods, vaccines and cosmetics and is considered to be safe, although products containing Polysorbate should not be used on injured or damaged skin.
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Wash the measuring spoons and cups, beaker or glass measuring cup and mixing spoon in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher. Rinse in hot water, and let them dry in the dishwasher or on a clean kitchen towel.
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Combine 12 oz. of oil, 3 tbsp. of Polysorbate 80 and 1 tsp. of essential oil in the beaker, and mix thoroughly until they are completely combined. Decant the massage oil blend into a glass or PET plastic massage-oil bottle. Other plastics may degrade if they have oil and essential oils in them.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a single oil or a blend of oils as the base of your dispersable massage oil. For instance, you might want to blend a heavier oil, such as olive oil, with a lighter oil, such as grapeseed oil, for just the right glide.
Blend essential oils to make a unique fragrance. Blend an herbal essential oil such as cedar, rosemary or lavender with citrus and floral essential oils such as orange, lemongrass, bergamot or lemon with rose, neroli, jasmine or ylang-ylang.
Store massage oil in the refrigerator between uses to extend the shelf life. Massage oil can last for several months when stored in a cool place but can go rancid quickly if left in a warm place such as your car.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images
