Find HS Code and trade information for massage cream

Massage Cream

Massage cream is a semi-solid preparation used to lubricate skin during massage, facilitating gliding strokes and enhancing therapeutic benefits. It typically consists of a blend of oils, emollients, and other ingredients designed to nourish the skin and address specific needs.

Material Composition

The base of most massage creams is a combination of vegetable oils, mineral oil, or a water-based emulsion. Common oils include:

• Sweet Almond Oil: Rich in Vitamin E, suitable for most skin types.
• Jojoba Oil: Closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, easily absorbed.
• Grapeseed Oil: Lightweight and non-greasy.
• Coconut Oil: Moisturizing, but can be comedogenic for some skin types.
• Mineral Oil: Provides excellent slip, though some prefer natural alternatives.
• Water: Used in water-based creams to create a lighter consistency.

Other ingredients often incorporated include:

• Emollients: Shea butter, cocoa butter, lanolin, providing hydration and softening.
• Essential Oils: Lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, peppermint, rose, for aromatherapy benefits and specific therapeutic effects.
• Vitamins: E, A, D, for skin nourishment.
• Herbal Extracts: Arnica, ginger, for anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties.
• Thickeners: Carbomers, xanthan gum, to adjust consistency.
• Preservatives: To prevent bacterial growth, particularly in water-based formulations.

Purpose and Function

• Reduced Friction: The primary function is to minimize friction between the therapist’s hands and the client’s skin, allowing for smooth, flowing strokes.
• Skin Hydration: Emollients and oils nourish and hydrate the skin, preventing dryness and irritation.
• Muscle Relaxation: The gliding action and warmth generated during massage, combined with ingredients like essential oils, can promote muscle relaxation.
• Enhanced Circulation: Massage stimulates blood flow, and certain ingredients can further enhance circulation.
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils provide therapeutic aroma and can influence mood and well-being.
• Targeted Therapy: Specific ingredients address conditions like muscle soreness, inflammation, or pain.

Usage Scenarios

• Swedish Massage: General relaxation and stress relief.
• Deep Tissue Massage: Addressing chronic muscle tension and knots.
• Sports Massage: Pre- and post-event muscle preparation and recovery.
• Prenatal Massage: Gentle massage for pregnant women.
• Hot Stone Massage: Used in conjunction with heated stones to enhance muscle relaxation.
• Aromatherapy Massage: Utilizing essential oils for specific therapeutic benefits.

Common Types

• Oil-Based Creams: Provide excellent slip and are suitable for deep tissue work. Can leave a slightly oily residue.
• Lotion-Based Creams: Lighter consistency, easily absorbed, suitable for Swedish massage.
• Cream-Based Creams: Balance between oil and lotion, providing good slip and absorption.
• Water-Based Creams: Lightweight, non-greasy, ideal for sensitive skin. Require frequent reapplication.
• Gel-Based Creams: Cooling sensation, often used for sports massage or muscle recovery.
• Warm/Heated Creams: Designed to be warmed before application for enhanced muscle relaxation.
• Medicated Creams: Contain ingredients like menthol or camphor for pain relief or inflammation.

Massage cream falls under preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap. Based on the provided reference material, the following HS codes are relevant:

• 3401301000: Soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for use as soap, in the form of bars, cakes, molded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap: Containing any aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agent. This code covers preparations for washing the skin in liquid or cream form, sold at retail, and containing aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agents. The first two digits, '34', indicate Chapter 34, which covers soaps, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, cleaning preparations, and toilet preparations. '3401' specifies soaps and organic surface-active products for use as soap. '340130' further defines these products as being in the form of liquid or cream for retail sale.
• 3401305000: Soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for use as soap, in the form of bars, cakes, molded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap: Other. This code also covers preparations for washing the skin in liquid or cream form, sold at retail, but specifically for products that do not contain aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agents. The structure is the same as the previous code, with '3401305000' indicating 'Other' preparations within this category.

Regarding HS code 3401301000 and 3401305000, the products are put up for retail sale.