Choosing the appropriate category for registering massage oils is essential not only for consumer safety but also to ensure that your marketing complies with relevant laws and regulations. Massage oils can be registered under different categories depending on their intended use.
1. Massage Oils for the Wellness Market
For massage oils used in spas or for general relaxation purposes—where the goal is to soften the skin and enhance the massage experience without any therapeutic or medicinal claims
Registration Category: Register as a cosmetic product, since these oils are meant for skin nourishment and comfort rather than for treating medical conditions.
Advertising Guidelines: Use phrases like “helps soften the skin” or “enhances massage relaxation.”
Avoid claims that the product relieves pain or treats health conditions.
2. Massage Oils for Physical Therapy Clinics
These oils are used in physical therapy or rehabilitation settings to reduce friction during massages, helping the process be more effective and comfortable.
Registration Category: Register as a medical device. The oil must demonstrate its role in facilitating physical therapy (e.g., reducing friction), without making any medicinal claims
Advertising Guidelines:
Use phrases like “helps reduce friction during massage” or “supports physical therapy procedures.”
Avoid statements about curing pain or aiding physical recovery.
3. Herbal Massage Oils
If the massage oil contains active herbal ingredients like plai, turmeric, or menthol—which have recognized medicinal properties for relieving pain or inflammation.
Registration Category: Must be registered as a herbal product under Thai traditional medicine or herbal health products. The registration must specify the active herbal ingredients and their therapeutic purposes.
Advertising Guidelines: You may highlight the herbal benefits, such as “helps relieve muscle pain” or “reduces swelling and inflammation.”
Massage Oil Registration Should Be Based on the Product’s Primary Use
1. For the Wellness Market: Register as a cosmetic product
(Focus: relaxation, skin nourishment)
2. For Physical Therapy Clinics: Register as a medical device
(Focus: supporting rehabilitation and physical therapy processes)
3. For Herbal-Based Products: Register as a herbal product
(Focus: therapeutic effects, symptom relief)
Choosing the correct registration category not only ensures legal compliance, but also allows for more effective advertising and marketing strategies, while minimizing regulatory risks.
For peace of mind and professional support, consider partnering with Natureprof — experts in product registration and regulatory compliance in the health and wellness industry.
