In the world of massage oils, quality and effectiveness depend on many criteria, among which the type of massage oil extraction plays a key role.

This process, which determines how oils are obtained from plants, fruits or seeds, directly influences their properties, purity and ability to nourish the skin or act on the muscles . In other words: it is really a selection criterion not to be missed to know which massage oil to choose !

Green Spa helps you understand everything to make the best choices for you.

Everything you need to know to understand cold extraction

Let’s start with the best type of massage oil extraction: cold extraction.

Cold extraction, also called cold pressing, is a method that respects raw materials.

It involves pressing seeds, nuts or fruits at a controlled temperature, generally below 50°C, in order to preserve their natural properties.

This process does not require any chemicals, ensuring a pure, unrefined oil that is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants .

Cold-pressed oils are particularly recommended for massages, as they retain their therapeutic benefits.

For example, cold-pressed coconut oil or sweet almond oil offer exceptional nourishing properties and penetrate the skin quickly, without leaving a greasy film. The best of the best for relaxing and natural massages, such as Ayurvedic massages.

What are the effects of hot extraction?

Unlike cold pressing, hot extraction involves a significant temperature rise to extract the maximum amount of oil from the raw materials.

This method is often used in industrial settings to increase yields, as it allows more oil to be extracted from the same ingredients.

However, heat often alters sensitive compounds like vitamins and antioxidants , reducing the overall quality of the oil.

For massage, hot-extracted oils can have different characteristics. They tend to be lighter in texture but less rich in beneficial active ingredients for the skin.

While they may be suitable for general uses or in settings where purity is not essential, they will not be as effective for targeted massages or specialized treatments , such as deep hydration or muscle relaxation .

Especially since they are generally considered less effective than cold-pressed massage oils.

Should you opt for chemical extraction?

Finally, another extraction method used in the cosmetic industry is chemical extraction, often done using solvents . And of all the massage oil extractions, this is the one that Green Spa recommends the least!

This process allows oils to be produced at a reduced cost , which explains their prevalence in mass products.

However, the use of chemical solvents , such as hexane (to name one), can leave residues in the final oil, raising questions about safety and skin compatibility.

To be avoided at all costs!

Refined vs. Unrefined Oils: Which to Choose?

Beyond extraction, refinement is an additional step that can be added.

It involves filtering the oil to remove impurities , but it can also remove valuable nutrients. Refined oils, often odorless and uniform in color, are common in mass-market products.

Although they are sometimes useful for avoiding strong odors or textures, they often lack the richness of beneficial active ingredients.

On the other hand, unrefined oils, often cold-pressed, are rich in nutrients. These oils, such as argan oil or avocado oil, retain their natural qualities, making them ideal for massages.

They provide a pleasant texture, a subtle natural fragrance and regenerating properties that promote the well-being of the skin and muscle tissues.

Choose the massage oil extraction according to your needs

When choosing a massage oil, take into account the objectives of your treatment.

For a relaxing massage to relieve muscle tension , an oil rich in fatty acids and cold extracted , such as hazelnut oil or sesame oil, will be particularly beneficial.

For more targeted massages, such as sports recovery treatments , cold-extracted organic massage oil containing specific natural active ingredients, such as plant extracts, offers a more suitable solution.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a neutral oil for daily use or to mix with essential oils, a lightly refined oil but without chemical solvents may be suitable.

The important thing is to check the labels and choose certified organic or natural oils like those from Green Spa, which guarantee an extraction process that respects the raw materials and your skin.

With Green Spa massage oils, discover extraction as a guarantee of quality

Choosing the right massage oil is not only based on its texture properties or its fragrance : the type of extraction is a determining criterion, which we don't think about enough!