Jean Shea is not only the founder of BIOTONE, but the brains behind its most iconic product: Dual Purpose Massage Crème. With roots in the natural products area and a desire to create natural products for the masses, Shea has been at the forefront of healthy products since the 1970s. We recently interviewed Shea to learn more about Dual Purpose Massage Crème, its origins, and what makes it stand out in the crowd.

Danielle Galian: What is the history of BIOTONE’s Dual Purpose Massage Crème? How did it originate and why was it created?

Jean Shea: I had a history of creating natural body care products for the health food market. When a local massage school asked me to formulate lubricants for its school, I saw an opportunity to apply my formulation knowledge to develop products for the massage industry.

In 1980, I established BIOTONE. At that time, there were only oils and lotions for massage therapists to use. I thought the market could benefit from a massage creme with a lot of workability and could be easily washed out of linens. This was the first of its kind massage product and rapidly caught the marketplace’s attention and enthusiasm.

DG: What is the difference in using a massage oil vs. a crème?

JS: Massage oil is generally either a single oil or a blend of several oils and oil-soluble ingredients. It would have the maximum glide. A cream is a blend of an oil or several different oils dispersed in a water-soluble base. Since oil and water do not stay together without an emulsifier, a cream will have other ingredients to emulsify the formula and keep the product from separating. This is the same principle as milk, which uses fat to emulsify and keep it together.

DG: The oil and crème texture of this product has been the secret to its success for 30 years. Can you explain how this combination works?

JS: It has the workability of an oil with the absorption of a lotion. The unique part is the amount of oil that is in the product. It has a very high percentage of oil, which gives it extended glide. It also will absorb when the massage session is completed.

This is unique since, for some creams to stay together, the formula is stabilized by reducing the oil, giving a lot less glide.

DG: Why are the extracts used (Arnica and Ivy) so important for this product?

JS: Arnica extract supports the reduction in recovery time from bruising. It has also shown wound healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. Ivy extract has numerous benefits, one of the most important is it may help circulation, which could serve to enhance the effects of a massage. Ivy is purported to help bring blood to the surface of the skin. Both are welcome additions to massage crèmes.

DG: Is there a reason it’s not in a pumpable container?

JS: For Dual-Purpose to give the desired glide and utilize the maximum amount of oil, the formula is thick and creamy. To be pumpable, it must be able to flow to some degree, and this is not possible with the Dual-Purpose formula.

DG: Can massage therapists modify this product by adding their own blend of oils or scents? 

JS: Yes, a person can do this. If the massage therapist adds oil, the product will become thinner. The massage therapist can also add essential oils. I suggest removing a small amount of the crème and adding the oil and essential oils to this. Do not add it to the entire container as the product will begin to separate.

DG: What is the “glidabilty” of this product and its ease on both the client and the massage therapist when used in a session?

JS: Dual-Purpose has maximum glide. It applies easily and imparts a smooth, even stroke. The therapist can control the glide by the amount of product that is used. This enables the versatility of the crème and its use for all modalities. The client will never feel sticky or oily from the therapist using this massage creme. 

DG: Where can massage therapists purchase BIOTONE’s Dual Purpose Massage Crème? 

JS: A massage therapist can purchase Dual-Purpose from our company headquarters or can go onto our website biotone.com. They can also purchase through our network of dealers throughout the states. We also sell to select dealers outside the United States.

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