Biotone Dual Purpose Massage Creme is meant for full-body massage use. The product combines features of a lotion as well as an oil, according to Biotone. It can be used from the feet to the face. One of the highlighted ingredients is arnica extract, which Biotone includes to ease bruises and stimulate circulation. The cream has many other ingredients as well.
Arnica
Arnica extract is derived from the plant Arnica montana. Taking this extract orally can reduce inflammation and bruising, according to a study by Brook M. Seeley published in the 2006 Archives of Facial and Plastic Surgery. This extract, however, should not be used on abraded skin as it is a significant skin irritant, according to Paula Begoun, author of "The Original Beauty Bible."
Emollients
Several ingredients serve as emollients in this product, including cold-pressed sweet almond oil, Hawaiian kukui nut oil, octyl palmitate (coconut oil ester) and cetyl wax. The last two ingredients also serve as thickening agents. Emollients soothe skin and prevent water loss, Begoun advises. Another ingredient, carbomer is used as a thickening agent.
Emulsifying Wax
The vegetable-derived emulsifying wax in Biotone Dual Purpose Massage Creme helps to keep other ingredients from separating.
Ivy Extract
Ivy extract (hedra helix) has astringent properties. It can irritate skin, advises Begoun.
Aloe
Cold-pressed aloe vera oil is included in this product. Despite aloe's reputation as a skin soother, no real, solid evidence exists that it aids the skin in any significant way, according to Begoun. Some research does indicate, however, that components of aloe, such as glycoprotein, are anti-irritants effective in wound healing. It is doubtful that these qualities remain when the aloe is mixed into cosmetics products, however, according to Begoun.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is touted as an "antioxidant superstar," according to Begoun. Antioxidants protect skin cells by combating skin-damaging free radicals but do not prevent wrinkles or other signs of aging, according to Vanderbilt University of Nashville, Tennessee.
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin serves as a humectant. It is used due to its ability to attract water from the skin's lower layers, which increases the amount of water in the skin's surface layers, Begoun said.
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