BIOTONE is globally recognized as the #1 selling massage lubricant brand, a staple trusted by Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs), clinical practitioners, and luxury spas worldwide. Developed specifically for professionals, the brand's success stems from its commitment to superior workability, clean ingredients, and practical professional support.
This definitive guide provides an authoritative deep-dive into the history, core product families, ingredient science, and professional applications of Biotone, offering practical guidance for every practitioner building a successful treatment menu.
Section 1: History – From Practitioner Request to the Industry Standard
Biotone’s origins trace back to a grassroots movement focused on natural wellness, quickly pivoting to address a critical need in the emerging massage profession.
A Factual History of Professional Lubricants
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Late 1970s - Early 1980s: Founded by Jean Shea in San Diego, the brand began by focusing on natural skincare. The defining moment came when a local massage school challenged Shea to formulate a product that could withstand the demands of extended, deep-tissue bodywork without irritating skin or staining linens.
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Innovation: Biotone rapidly became known for innovation, being one of the first to engineer products with advanced texture, including pumpable crèmes and light massage gels offering superior coverage—all designed to optimize the therapist's workflow.
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Modern Focus: Today, Biotone operates as a full-service supplier, emphasizing professional relationships, providing SDS/MSDS documentation, offering bulk packaging (gallons/pumps), and supporting the industry with continuing education resources.
Why BIOTONE Matters to Professionals
Biotone’s product development is inherently practitioner-focused. Its packaging, textures, and washability were all created to support the high-volume, repeated use required in clinical settings, establishing its strong foundation of Experienceand Trustworthiness within the market.
Section 2: Core BIOTONE Product Families and the Dual-Purpose Difference
Biotone's comprehensive catalog ensures a tailored solution for every modality and client need. Products are often categorized by texture, which dictates the level of glide vs. control the therapist maintains. See the entire line here
The Categories Professionals Rely On
| Product Family | Best for Modality | Key Workability Feature |
| Massage Lotions | Swedish, Relaxation, General Spa Use | Water-dispersible, long glide, easy wash-out. (e.g., Advanced Therapy, Unscented Hydrating). |
| Massage Cremes / Crèmes | Deep Tissue, Targeted Work, Myofascial Release | Thicker texture, superior controlled drag, and less reapplication. (e.g., Dual-Purpose Creme). |
| Massage Oils | High-Glide Circulatory Work, Luxury Blends | Classic oil base for maximum glide; specialty blends for aromatherapy-friendly use. |
| Gels | Light Coverage, Cooling, Sports | Light, fast-absorbing texture, often provides 25% more coveragethan oils; great for less residue. |
The Flagship: Dual-Purpose™ Massage Creme
The Biotone Dual-Purpose Massage Creme remains the industry's top seller for its patented balance:
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It offers the lasting workability of a rich oil while providing the clean, non-greasy finish of a lotion.
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It is enriched with skin-nourishing ingredients like Almond Oil and Aloe Vera, and beneficial botanicals like Arnica Extract to aid circulation and muscle relief.
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It is reliably water-dispersible, reducing staining and extending the life of professional linens.
Section 3: Formulation Science – What’s Inside and Why it Works
Biotone’s high performance stems from specific formulation choices that balance efficacy with professional requirements.
Typical Formulation Components
Professional Biotone lotions and crèmes are emulsion-based (a balanced water + oil system). This composition is designed to optimize glide, skin-feel, and washability for clinical workflows.
Practical Takeaway: Lotions and crèmes are generally water-dispersible (easier to wash out), whereas pure oils provide longer glide but require more cleaning effort. Therapists choose the base based on their desired controlled drag and post-treatment clean-up requirements.
Section 4: Where and How Biotone is Used. Biotone’s extensive catalog means its products are found across a spectrum of professional healthcare and wellness settings.
Safety, Testing, and Professional Supports
Biotone reinforces its Authoritativeness by providing key documentation for practitioners:
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Safety Documentation: The company routinely publishes SDS/MSDS and comprehensive ingredient listings for their products.
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Hypoallergenic Claims: Many professional formulas highlight being paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and nut-oil free (always verify the specific SKU).
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Education: Biotone supports the professional community with continuing education resources, blogs, and practice guidance to assist therapists in contraindication assessment and appropriate product application.
Final Assessment: BIOTONE’s Enduring Professional Legacy
Biotone’s position as the #1 selling massage lubricant is a result of four decades of focused partnership with the professional community. The brand’s strength is not just in a single product, but in its ability to offer tailored, research-informed formulations that consistently support diverse modalities—from the high-glide demands of Swedish to the controlled friction of Deep Tissue.
For any professional seeking to optimize performance, ensure client comfort, and minimize operational costs (linens), Biotone provides the reliable, high-quality foundation needed for success.
See the entire line here: Biotone Professional Massage & Spa Lubricants
BIOTONE FAQ — Expert Answers for Therapists, Spas & Wellness Clinics
1. What is BIOTONE?
BIOTONE is a leading manufacturer of professional massage lubricants — including lotions, creams, oils, gels, and specialty clinical products. It is widely used in spas, massage schools, physical therapy clinics, chiropractic offices, and medical wellness centers.
2. Why is BIOTONE the #1 selling massage lubricant brand?
Professionals choose BIOTONE because its formulas offer reliable glide, consistent texture, hypoallergenic options, water-dispersibility for easy cleanup, and bulk packaging suited to high-volume practices. The company also provides SDS documentation and educational resources that therapists rely on.
3. What’s the difference between BIOTONE lotions, creams, oils, and gels?
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Lotions: Water-dispersible, smooth glide, ideal for general massage and spa use.
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Creams (Crèmes): Thicker texture, more control and grip, preferred for deep tissue and targeted work.
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Oils: Long-lasting glide, great for Swedish massage and continuous stroke techniques.
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Gels: Lightweight and quick-absorbing with less residue; ideal for modalities needing minimal slip.
4. Are BIOTONE products hypoallergenic?
Many BIOTONE formulas are designed for sensitive skin and contain no nut oils or strong fragrances. However, each product has a different ingredient list, so professionals should always check the specific formula and perform a patch test on clients with known sensitivities.
5. Do BIOTONE lotions and creams wash out easily?
Most BIOTONE lotions — especially the Advanced Therapy and Hydrating series — are water-dispersible, meaning they wash off easily from linens and skin. Creams may require slightly more effort due to their richer emollients.
6. What sizes do BIOTONE products come in?
BIOTONE offers a wide range of sizes, from small 4–8 oz bottles to half-gallons, full gallons, and 5-gallon buckets for busy studios and clinics. Pump tops and dispensing containers are available for hygienic, high-volume use.
7. How long do BIOTONE products last?
Most lotions and creams list an approximate 18-month shelf life when properly stored. Oils may last longer depending on the specific formula. Always check the product’s label, SDS, or storage guidelines for accurate timing.
8. Where are BIOTONE products typically used?
Therapists use BIOTONE in:
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Day spas & wellness centers
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Massage therapy practices
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Sports massage & athletic recovery settings
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Chiropractic and physical therapy clinics
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Massage schools and training programs
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Medical spas and integrative health clinics
Its versatility makes it suitable for both relaxation and clinical modalities.
9. Does BIOTONE offer products for retail or at-home use?
Yes. Although BIOTONE is primarily a professional brand, many of its body lotions, butters, CBD topicals, and specialty items are purchased by clients for home care, recovery routines, and self-massage maintenance.
10. What is the best BIOTONE product for deep tissue massage?
Therapists typically choose BIOTONE Deep Tissue Massage Lotion or Dual-Purpose Creme, as they provide a balanced grip that prevents slipping while still allowing controlled glide for sustained pressure.
11. What is the best BIOTONE product for spa or relaxation massage?
For general spa treatments, Advanced Therapy Lotion, Hydrating Lotion, or Silky Massage Oil are popular due to their smooth, non-sticky application and clean post-treatment feel.
12. Are BIOTONE products safe for 'hot stones' or warm therapy?
Many oils and lotions can be gently warmed, but always follow manufacturer guidance and avoid overheating any product. Warming devices should be consistent, temperature-controlled, and designed for professional use.
13. Can BIOTONE products be used with essential oils?
Most unscented BIOTONE lotions, creams, and oils can be blended with essential oils. Always mix properly, label custom blends, and follow safety guidelines regarding dilution (typically 1–3% for topical application).
14. Are BIOTONE products cruelty-free or vegan?
Many BIOTONE products are plant-based and cruelty-free, but formulas vary. Professionals should review the ingredients of specific products or consult BIOTONE directly for confirmations.
15. How should BIOTONE products be stored?
Store all massage lubricants in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Close containers firmly, clean pump dispensers regularly, and avoid contamination by using clean hands or sanitary dispensing tools.
16. Do BIOTONE products stain sheets or linens?
Water-dispersible lotions typically wash out easily. Oils and oil-rich creams may require pre-treatment or hot-water washing. Using high-quality, tightly woven massage linens helps minimize absorption.
17. Are BIOTONE products suitable for clients with allergies?
BIOTONE offers multiple nut-free, unscented, or hypoallergenic options — but each product varies. Always check for ingredients like:
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Nut oils
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Sulfates / parabens
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Fragrance
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Essential oils
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Herbal extracts
When in doubt, patch testing is recommended.
18. Can BIOTONE products be used on the face?
Some creams — like Dual-Purpose Creme — are designed to be safe for both face and body. Always check the specific product’s intended use and avoid formulas containing fragrance or essential oils on sensitive facial skin.
19. Does BIOTONE offer CBD massage products?
Yes. BIOTONE produces CBD-infused topicals under its LAB+BLENDS line, commonly used for recovery, soreness, and retail take-home care.
20. Where can I buy BIOTONE products?
BIOTONE products are widely available through:
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Professional massage suppliers
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Spa and wellness distributors
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Online massage therapy retailers
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Some chiropractic / PT supply stores