For any new people wanting advice on oils
I wanted to comment because:
1. My son has nut allergies so it's something I'm vary aware of, and I've seen clients with nut allergies.
2. I'm a qualified masseuse and have made a career of erotic massage since 2011.
Note: almond is classed as a nut for allergy purposes and some people are allerguc to almonds and to coconut. Some people are allergic to things , but not to the oil of those things. No one is allergic to grapeseed oil.
Best budget solution to all massage needs is Grapeseed oil - you can buy it in the supermarket next to olive oil etc.
I've never heard of anyone being allergic to it.
There is no nut warning on the bottle of grapeseed oil that I have here, and I can confirm those warnings are put on lots of things - just in case. - You can tell your client, show them the bottle, and give them the choice.
When we trained we learned Grapeseed was one of the 3 most popular base oils for "massage oil", and probably the most popular (due to low cost). When you buy "massage" oil you are probably buying mostly grapeseed oil.
It is ideal because - on its own - it does not smell.
The client will not need to shower afterwards.
And, like all vegetable based oils, it will sink into the skin.
Baby oil is not vegetable based. It has a roll in helping skin conditions but is not idea for massage at all - because of the smell and the fact that it doesn't absorb into the skin so clients need to wash it off.
Lubricants used by masseuses are these based in this order best/ most popular first:
1. Veg oil: Grapeseed, almond, coconut.
2. Other veg oils (yes supermarket cooking oil is perfectly good, it is only the smell of it that puts us off).
3. Creams - note creams are full of chemicals by default. They contain water and preservatives and fragrances. Therefore, people with very sensitive skin or allergies can have reactions to creams. The other downside is that creams are absorbed by the skin faster than veg oils.
4. Powders / talc
Note Baby oil is not on the list!
Finally. To keep oil clean & safe and uncontaminated I pour out what I intend to use into a separate bowl for each client. And unused oil from this bowl is thrown away. Bowls go in dishwasher afterwards.