Whether you are gliding your hands all over your lover's body as a peace offering during an impassioned make-up session, languorously kneading tense muscles as part of a relaxing nightly routine, or teasingly caressing your partner for any reason at all, Flower Power Teasing Massage Oil is the ideal conduit for channeling your passion and love.

I have tried this oil in many capacities and, unsurprisingly, I find that the best use for this product is for couple's massage sessions. I was happy to discover that it can also be used as a lightweight skin moisturizer that provides a non-greasy barrier of protection.

I do not recommend using this product as a penetrative lubricant for vaginal or anal sex due to the presence of mineral oil (a petroleum by-product which consists, partially, of cyclic paraffins). For an exhaustive listing of ingredients (with a description of their likely purposes in this product, as well as any potential hazards**), please see both the Special Features and Personal Comments sections below.

Upon first examining the clear oil as it freely flowed in the palm of my hand, my first thought was that it appeared watery. However, when I dipped a finger into the pooling liquid and then held it aloft, the resulting drop that adhered to my fingertip remained suspended until I finally grew impatient waiting for it to drip. Intrigued, I rubbed the fragrant concoction all over my hands and arms and was delighted by how rich and luxurious it felt. I also nagged my husband into trying out its amazing cohesive properties.



The oil seems to absorb nicely, leaving my skin feeling silky soft and smooth without even the subtlest hint of stickiness or greasiness. After a generous application of this product, my skin feels soothed, nourished, and "cushioned" -- similar to the smoothness imparted by a paraffin wax treatment.

My husband is particular about fragrance, so I wanted a product that would not be too floral. Despite its name suggesting otherwise, Flower Power Teasing Massage Oil has a pleasant and gender-neutral aroma that smells wonderful and does not scream femininity. The predominant scent is mostly vanilla, which gives it a warm and inviting undertone. The capsicum, or chili, lends just a slight and gentle spiciness (hence the "teasing" part of the product name). The floral ylang ylang scent is extremely subtle and merely contributes an exhilaratingly cheerful top note.

Another reviewer had noted that the fragrance softens upon application to the skin, mellowing to a bubblegum scent. I also found this to be true. But don't let the idea of a massage oil smelling somewhat like bubblegum be off-putting to you in any way. Rather than bringing back childhood memories, the scent manages to be sophisticated and alluring -- yet fun. Objective descriptions aside, the best way I can describe the fragrance of this oil is to give you my subjective impression of it: it is simply yummy!

The taste of the oil is not at all disagreeable or bitter. Rubbed into the skin, it has a rather mild and sweet taste -- with just a hint of spice. The warming effect of the capsicum slightly tingled on my tongue, though not in a spicy hot or numbing manner. Thus, using this massage oil on your partner will not discourage you from licking, nipping, or running your teasing tongue across his or her body; as a matter of fact, the intriguing, subtle taste may even invite you to do so. However, I highly suggest that you are careful not to ingest very much of this oil. Rub it in thoroughly before embarking on your oral explorations!

Flower Power soaks into the skin extremely well and it does not leave an oily or greasy residue; thus, I do not ever feel like I need a shower after using it. Because it absorbs so well, it works best when using it for massage purposes when it is applied to hydrated skin. It then provides an enduring glide that can outlast the masseuse!

As an additional plus, the oil is very easy to clean up and has not stained our sheets or our clothing.

The product is packaged in a gray box featuring the outline of an adorable fairy frolicking amongst mushrooms. The bottle itself is gray plastic with silver, white, and red lettering.

I have the larger 5 oz. bottle, which has a very convenient translucent white pump. This makes me very happy because oils which must be poured from a bottle tend to continuously seep down the sides and to leave rings upon the surface of furniture or counter tops. While I occasionally have to wipe off the sides of my bottle, I have not had any issues with seepage. The oil has never left a mark on any surface upon which I have left it resting.

The pump rotates to a locking position, so it would be safe for travel. However, as with any liquid cosmetic item, I suggest that you pack it in a zip lock bag and try to pack it upright as a precaution.

I've never owned the smaller sized bottle of Flower Power Teasing Massage Oil, but I believe it comes with a click-top lid. While, in my opinion, this is not as convenient as having the pump, it certainly beats having a messy open bottle. But since this massage oil is so wonderful, you will want to get the larger size anyway!

In descending order of predominance, the ingredients (and their likely purposes in this product) are as follows:

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Var Dulcis): This oil has a light, non-greasy texture that easily absorbs into the skin to soften it, protect it against moisture loss, and nourish it with high concentrations of linoleic and oleic essential fatty acids. Deemed safe for use in cosmetic products, it is commonly used as a lubricant on the surface of the skin, imparting a soft and smooth appearance. Believed to decrease anxiety, it is also used for aromatherapy.

**Paraffinum Liquidum: This is just a fancy way of saying mineral oil, which is a lightweight, inexpensive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless oil consisting mostly of alkanes and cyclic paraffins. Mineral oil is a liquid by-product produced by the distillation of petroleum products from crude oil. It is commonly used in cosmetic products for several purposes. Some of these purposes are (1) as an emollient skin conditioning agent to provide general-purpose, non-reactive lubrication to the surface of the skin, as well as giving it a soft, smooth appearance; (2) as an occlusive skin conditioning agent that forms a barrier on the skin's surface to slow the loss of water; (3) as a skin protectant to provide relief to injured skin, as well as temporary protection from harmful stimuli; and (4) as a solvent to dissolve other substances (in this case, the profusion of various oils comprising this product).

Please note that mineral oil is included on some dermatological lists of comedogenic substances, so if mineral oil has previously exacerbated pre-existing acne or caused new breakouts, you might want to either steer clear of this product or make certain that you wash it off immediately after your massage.

Also, aerosolized (airborne) products containing mineral oil have been linked to low-to-moderate levels of immunotoxicity and non-reproductive organ system toxicity (Flower Power Teasing Massage Oil is not aerosolized, however).

Mineral oil has also been inconclusively correlated with cancer.

NOTE: I recommend using any product that contains petroleum-based ingredients SOLELY for external use. I would NOT recommend using any such product, including Flower Power Teasing Massage Oil, as a sexual lubricant for penetration.

Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima): This expensive oil is chock-full of vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 (Panthothenic acid), D, and E, as well as minerals, protein, lecithin, and fatty acids. It is excellent for nourishing dry skin and treating eczema. Used for centuries in African skin treatments, it is believed to possess healing and regenerating properties. It has even been demonstrated to be non-irritating to sensitive skin. Deemed safe for cosmetic products, it is used as a skin-conditioning agent that forms a barrier on the skin's surface to slow the loss of water.

Cyclomethicone: This is a clear, odorless, unmodified silicone that is used for many cosmetic products as a base solvent to blend oils. While unmodified silicones are too large to penetrate skin cells and thus remain on the skin's surface, they play a role in delivering oils and nutrients to the top layers of the skin. Upon application, cyclomethicone evaporates quickly, so it does not block pores. It leaves behind the oils, which can then be absorbed. It also leaves behind a silky-smooth feel. Cyclomethicone has been deemed safe for cosmetic purposes, though it is suspected of being a persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant (at higher doses).

Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride: Complicated though it sounds, this is simply fractionated coconut oil. Coconut oil is comprised of lower chain fatty acids (like lauric acid, capric acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid). Completely body-safe and food-safe, this oil is commonly used in cosmetic and personal care items, as it absorbs rapidly into the skin. In skin products, it serves as an emollient skin-conditioning agent to lubricate and impart a soft smooth appearance.

Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer: This is a large polymer made up of three different monomers (small molecules): ethylene, propylene and styrene. There are no known hazards, but it has not been assessed for safety in cosmetics. Polymers are commonly used in cosmetic products to capitalize on their adhesive/cohesive properties. This specific polymer is used in many popular cosmetics, including lip glosses and baby oil. This may be the ingredient that accounts for the massage oil's curious ability to form dangling droplets that stubbornly cling to my finger and refuse to drip.

Ingredient listing continued below . . .

Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer: This is another large polymer made up of three different monomers: butylene, ethylene, and styrene. It has never been evaluated for safety in cosmetics. I believe this polymer also adds to the adhesive/cohesive properties of the product.

**C12-13 Pareth-3: This is a polyethylene glycol ether formed from a mixture of synthetic C12-13 fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide. It is used in moisturizers, antiperspirants, shampoos, and even mascara. Frighteningly enough, it is classified as a medium human health priority with regard to non-reproductive organ system toxicity and is also identified as a neurotoxin at moderate doses.

I believe this ingredient is used as an emulsifier, a type of surfactant that keeps mixtures of immiscible fluids (i.e., fluids that do not dissolve readily together) well dispersed.

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis): A natural oil derived from the seeds of a desert shrub, this is an occlusive skin-conditioning agent that forms a barrier on the skin's surface to slow water loss. It has been declared safe for use in cosmetic products.

**Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis): Derived from the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis plant, this ingredient is used in cosmetics to restore suppleness, to improve the appearance of dry, damaged skin, and to decrease flaking. Though it has been linked to cancer and to reproductive/developmental effects at moderate doses, it has been declared safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications, such as limitations of concentration.

Macadamian Nut Oil (Macadamia Ternifolia): This is the fixed oil obtained from the nuts of the macadamia tree and is mostly comprised of the glycerides of fatty acids. It is used as an emollient in cosmetics to smooth and soften the skin, but has not been evaluated for safety in cosmetics.

**Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis Sativa): This is an oil derived from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa -- but don't confuse this plant with Cannabis indica, which is the illegal variety with the psychoactive compounds! (However, if the hemp in this product actually was the illegal, psychedelic variety, my late 60's/early 70's Flower Child theme would take on a whole new dimension!)

Made up of linoleic and linolenic acids, antioxidants, phytosterols, phospholipids, minerals, protein, and all nine essential amino acids, hemp oil is used as a miscellaneous skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic products. Used as an ingredient in moisturizers, lip balms, and body oils, hemp seed oil is touted to be a good moisturizer and hydrater, as well as a wrinkle-reducer.

In Canada, there are restrictions on this oil's use, concentration, and manufacturing in cosmetics, but the reasons for these restrictions are extremely vague. Inquirers are merely pointed to even more vague research studies on PubMed. Many of the studies were not even conducted on this particular subspecies of hemp. At any rate, the concentration of this oil is not very high in this product, given its place on the list of ingredients. Since I don't plan on ingesting large quantities of Flower Power Teasing Massage Oil, I feel comfortable using it for its intended purpose.

Essential Oils: These are concentrated oils consisting of volatile aroma compounds derived from plants. The term "essential" simply means that the oil carries the distinctive scent/essence of the plant from which it was extracted. Essential oils cannot be categorized by specific chemical properties -- they are simply defined by their characteristic fragrances. These oils are used in a broad variety of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, and foods/drinks.

List of the various essential oils

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia): This is a plant material that is derived from the unripe fruit of a species of vanilla orchid that is native to Mexico. This species has a high vanillin content and is thus one of the primary sources of vanilla flavoring in food products and for vanilla essence in perfumes. Vanillin planifolia has not been evaluated for use in cosmetics -- though if it's safe enough to eat, it should be safe enough to be applied topically to skin. I believe it is used in Flower Power Teasing Massage oil solely for its wonderful scent -- adding to its effectiveness as an aromatherapy product.

Ylang Ylang (Canango Odorata): This is an essential oil from the flowers of the tropical Cananga odorata tree, which is native to Asia. It has a sweet, heavy fragrance that is similar to jasmine and it is commonly used in perfume and in aromatherapy. In cosmetics, it is used as an emollient and a solvent; but, since animal studies have shown skin irritation at moderate doses, its use in cosmetics is subject to restrictions in recommended use and concentration levels.

Chili (Capsicum Frutescens): This extract is derived from the fruit or the plant of hot peppers. The FDA has deemed it safe enough to use as a food additive, as well as for use as a counter-irritant in Over-The-Counter (OTC) external analgesic drugs. It has also been declared safe as a cosmetic ingredient when it is formulated to be non-irritating. Examples of cosmetics in which it is used include skin care products and shampoos. It is used as a miscellaneous skin conditioning agent.

I believe this is the ingredient that provides the subtle, yet very pleasing, warming sensation.

**E-vitamin (Tocopheryl Acetate): A natural antioxidant that is isolated from vegetable oil, this common vitamin supplement is used in many cosmetic and personal care products.

There is strong evidence that it is a human skin toxicant and there have been studies that indicate that it may be a carcinogen, as well as an organ system toxin (though low dose studies are unavailable). Thus, there are "implicit safe concentration limits" for its use in products. It is designated as safe for use in cosmetics and in food, in limited concentrations. It is a known sensitizer and can cause immune system responses that include blistering, burning, hives, itching, and scaling of the skin.

References: These websites might be helpful to you in researching ingredient safety.

CosmeticsInfo.org
Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database
3Dchem.com

I just recently decided to experiment with massage oils. I realized that this would be a gamble, however, and that I might find myself with some lovely massage products that were demoted for use solely as after-shower moisturizers.

While I have always loved massages, my husband has, at best, always been lukewarm about them. It is rare that I can coax a back or neck rub out of him and, strangely enough, he does not ever want to receive one himself. When I do succeed at coaxing a massage from him, the experience is wonderful. He has exceptionally strong hands, so it is mind-numbingly (and drool-inducingly) soothing to yield to the rhythmic movements of his warm fingers. So, it was with high hopes that I requested the large bottle of Flower Power Teasing Massage Oil.

The first time he massaged the oil onto my back, it was directly after I had showered and I had not used a moisturizer. Thus, my skin drank in the oil rather quickly, leaving my husband to complain that the oil was "dry" and almost abrasive to his fingers. The second time, however, I made certain that I was moisturized. This time, the oil lasted for a long period of time -- outlasting my husband and his fingers, which grew weary. He also found the warming sensation of the oil, combined with the friction of rubbing my skin, to be a bit irritating to his hands, so he snapped on a pair of nitrile gloves to finish the massage. Surprisingly, though I expected an unpleasant, synthetic feel, I could not tell he was wearing gloves. Perhaps the warming sensation of the oil helped.

The oil spread very nicely, felt FANTASTICALLY warming and soothing (even directly pumped from the bottle), and provided a glide that was perfectly balanced with just enough skin-grabbing friction. I recently acquired a JimmyJane massage stone and he found that the massage oil worked quite well with it (which is a good thing since it gave his fingers a break).

It took me several weeks of coaxing, but I finally talked him into allowing me to give him a massage. Yet, when it came right down to it, he would always make excuses for delaying another day. Finally, one afternoon as he lay face down taking a nap, I cautiously approached my cute quarry and, beginning at his ankles, I gently began massaging him and worked my way up to his neck and shoulders, appreciative of the combined grip and glide the oil provided. Though in our previous massage sessions he did not like the warming sensation of the oil on his hands, it did not bother him in the least to have it rubbed into the skin of his shoulders, back, buttocks, and legs; indeed, he actually found the warming sensation to be rather soothing and subtle. Also noteworthy was the fact that I personally did not find the oil to be unpleasant to my hands at all, but instead found it to be rather pleasing. People apparently differ in their sensitivity to warming products -- and different body parts can obviously have different reactions.

While I haven't been able to talk him into receiving further massages, he did find the experience pleasant -- describing the sensations as warming, soothing, and relaxing. Afterward, to my surprise, he did not rush to the shower to rinse the oil off, but was instead perfectly content to peacefully lounge around, dabbling with his computer. The oil soaked into his skin and did not leave a sticky or oily residue, so he was comfortable waiting until the evening to take a shower (his usual routine).

Considering that this is a man who absolutely cannot stand any type of product that remains on his skin (other than deodorant), that is saying A LOT, folks! Flower Power works like a charm to peacefully subdue even those who are most averse to a good old-fashioned back rub, soothing them into yielding to a lover's caressing touch. And that is a wonderful power, indeed.