Oil Thickeners for Massage Oil

To make your olive oil thicker and more viscous for massage, you can use oil gelling agents or thickeners. These ingredients help create a more substantial texture and improve the glide on the skin.

Recommended Option: Oil Thick™ Clear S

• Product: Oil Thick™ Clear S (INCI Name: Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer)
• Properties: This is the ingredient the staff recommended. It creates a clear, thixotropic oil gel. Thixotropic means the gel is thick when still but becomes more liquid when you apply force (like rubbing it on the skin), providing excellent slip and spreadability, which is ideal for massage oil. It works well with polar oils like olive oil.
• Usage Rate: The staff suggested starting at 5%. The general usage rate is 3-15%, depending on how thick you want the oil to be. Higher concentrations will result in a thicker gel but might feel slightly sticky.
• Mixing: Typically mixed into the oil by heating the oil to 85-120°C (depending on the specific oil) and gradually adding the powder while stirring until fully dissolved.

Alternative Oil Thickeners

Several other "Oil Thick™" products based on Dextrin Palmitate can also thicken oils and create gel textures:

• Oil Thick™ Soft (INCI Name: Dextrin Palmitate): Creates a soft, translucent oil gel. Can be used in all types of oils. Usage rate: 2-10%.
• Oil Thick™ Hard (INCI Name: Dextrin Palmitate): Creates a semi-solid, translucent oil gel. Can be used in all types of oils. Usage rate: 0.1-10%.
• Oil Thick™ Transparent (INCI Name: Dextrin Palmitate): Creates a clear oil gel with high viscosity. Can be used in all types of oils. Usage rate: 0.1-10%.
• Oil Thick™ Thixotropic (INCI Name: Dextrin Palmitate): Also provides a thixotropic gel texture similar to Oil Thick™ Clear S, suitable for any oil type. Usage rate: 2-10%.

These Dextrin Palmitate-based thickeners are also mixed by heating them in the oil, typically between 75-105°C, until dissolved.

Another option is:

• Oil-Fix™ O (INCI Name: Silica Dimethyl Silylate): This silica-based gelling agent works well with vegetable oils like olive oil. It can help thicken the oil and also has the benefit of potentially reducing tackiness and providing a smoother feel, especially at higher usage rates (above 1.5%).
• Usage Rate: 0.5-10%.
• Mixing: Dispersed in the oil.

Choosing the right thickener depends on the final texture you desire (soft gel, firmer gel, clear, translucent, thixotropic). For a massage oil that spreads easily but has more body than pure olive oil, Oil Thick™ Clear S or Oil Thick™ Thixotropic are excellent choices due to their thixotropic nature. Oil-Fix™ O is also a good option, particularly if you want to reduce any potential tackiness.

Remember to start with a small percentage and adjust based on the desired viscosity and feel. Always follow the specific mixing instructions for the product you choose.