10 Best Facial Massage Creams 2024 in the United States

Your face gets the most exposure to the sun and elements--so you have to take special measures to moisturize and clean the face. But, the benefits of massaging the face are not so apparent. Current research indicates that massaging the muscles in the face can relax any muscle tension in your face. This in turn will relieve anxiety and improve your overall mood (just like a full-body massage does). And once your face muscles are relaxed, it will also prevent wrinkles and lines in the face as well. So massaging your face with a moisturizing cream will give you a two-pronged attack to rejuvenate your skin and achieve a more youthful appearance.

There are massage creams and gels that are specially formulated for massaging into your face. These creams are enriched with moisturizers, such as aloe vera, and oils to remove wrinkles and fine lines. They can also have vitamins to nourish the skin and increase skin tone and firmness. But it still will be beneficial to look at the different facial massage creams that are available, to choose which is best for you.  

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting a facial massage cream. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of facial massage cream,

• See useful tips about that particular type of facial massage cream,

• Read reviews of different facial massage creams, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of facial massage cream, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

You’ll see massage creams and massage gels on the market. We can list the differences between them as follows:

• Massage cream: The purpose of a cream is more for moisturizing the skin since they typically contain oils. They are smoother than a gel and can be smeared onto the skin more easily than a gel. They can also be combined with an essential oil for aromatherapy effects.

• Massage gel: A massage gel has a more watery consistency than a cream. When massaging it into the skin, it creates more friction and heat. Gels will not contain oils, so they are not for moisturizing the skin. However, they are recommended for loosening the muscles over the course of massaging.

• Using massage cream with a massage machine: Some customers recommend using a massage machine for a facial massage.

• Active ingredients in massage creams: These are the most common ingredients in facial massage creams and their reputed benefits:

  • Vitamin C: This is a known antioxidant, which means that it can remove free radicals from the system. Free radicals are theorized to be the cause of aging--so Vitamin C can reverse some effects of aging. This is the main ingredient in the Biotone Herbal Select Face Therapy.

  • Coconut Oil and Glycerin: These are known for their moisturizing properties. They can be found in the Advanced Clinicals Coconut  Oil Moisturizing Cream. It will contain “fractionated coconut oil”: This means that it has been processed by steam and hydrolysis to break it down somewhat. This keeps the coconut oil from solidifying, and also allows it to last longer.

  • Aloe Vera: This is known to soothe dry skin, and also protect against sunburn. This is the main ingredient in the Jasmine Aloe Vera Massage Cream.

  • Argan Oil: This is seen to cleanse the skin and remove excess sebum and dirt which can clog the pores. It is a main ingredient in the Pure Argan Real Facial Premium Massage Cream.

  • Collagen: This is a protein that the body produces naturally. But collagen production decreases with age. A cream with collagen can help tighten skin, to give a younger appearance.

• Preparing your face for a massage: Prior to performing a massage, experts say that you should clean the skin of the face with cleansing pads or with mild soap and water. This will remove any dirt, sebum, oil, or makeup. Then you can apply a facial massage cream.

• Method of performing a facial massage: The makers of the Bb Laboratories PH Massage Gel Pro suggest the following method of applying their cream:

  • Apply the gel with your palms, and spread it over your face. Massage it into the skin for 5-10 minutes. In order to avoid applying too much pressure, you should use only your ring and middle fingers for the massage. Gently move your fingers in a circular motion. The recommended method of massage is as follows: forehead, temples, the hollow area beneath eyebrows, the sides of nose, the cheekbones, the jawline, the earlobes, and finally the scalp.

  • Wipe off any excess cream with a wet wipe, or by dabbing with tissue paper. Then rinse your face with warm water.

  • After a massage, they recommend using their placenta extract and lotion. Bb Laboratories employs sheep placenta in their products, which is supposed to be rich in stem cells and proteins. It is reputed to have success making the skin firmer, as well as promoting collagen production to increase the elasticity of the skin.

• When not to perform a facial massage: Experts say that you shouldn’t perform a facial massage if the skin is broken or irritated. For example, if you have acne, eczema, or psoriasis, a massage will irritate the skin even more. So you’ll have to wait for the irritation to go away before performing a massage.

• Jasmine-- was founded in 1981. Their products use marine collagen, ceramid serum for hydrating the skin, aloe vera and cucumber for fresher feeling skin, and the antioxidant CoQ10.

• Strictly Professional--was founded by Richard Appleby in 1989, as makers of skincare and aromatherapy products. Their products include eye contour cream and eye gel, petroleum jelly, moisturizing cream, cleansing cream, as well as a series of waxes.

• Advanced Clinicals--is based in Chicago, Illinois. Their products include creams, lotions, serums, oils, face masks, and more.  Their products employ retinol, Vitamin C, and AHAs that are regularly employed in anti-aging treatments.

• Biotone--was founded in 1978 in San Diego, California. They make a series of skin care products for massage therapists, aestheticians, and spas. They make massage, aromatherapy, and body care products such as exfoliators, body lotions, dry oil body spray, and body butters.

• Bb Laboratories--was founded in 1997, with their main office in Tokyo, Japan. They make skincare products, such as a hyaluronic acid series, cleansers, skin whiteners, makeup removers--even placenta extract products.