XtoysLoving Joy Nuru Massage Gel 1L Review: Slippery Couples' Play
Editor's opinion
This is a water-based, dilute-before-use massage gel sold in a big 1 litre bottle, aimed squarely at couples who want the slippery, full-body Nuru ritual at home. It suits people ready for a properly messy, playful experience rather than a quick tidy massage, and the main caveat is preparation: you will want towels, a wipeable surface and somewhere to warm and mix it.
Nuru massage is a Japanese style built around one idea: skin gliding against skin with almost no friction. Loving Joy's take is a water-based gel you dilute one to one with water, spread generously across both partners, and then use for full-body contact. The 1 litre bottle signals the intent here — this is not a discreet little pump for a shoulder rub.
What a buyer should weigh is not whether it works as a slippery glide, but whether the ritual fits them. That means thinking about the mess, the dilution faff, material compatibility with any toys involved, and whether a water-based formula gives the longevity you want for a long session.
The good and the bad
What works
- Water-based, so it rinses off cleanly rather than leaving a greasy film
- 1 litre and diluted 1:1, so one bottle stretches a long way
- Skin-friendly extras like seaweed, grape seed and glycerin for a silky feel
- Safe alongside silicone toys, unlike silicone-based products
- Designed for genuine full-body contact, not just spot massage
What to be aware of
- Being water-based, it can dry out mid-session and may need topping up
- Requires mixing with water first, which is an extra step before play
- Inherently messy by design, so towels and a wipeable surface are essential
- Contains glycerin, which not everyone gets on with
Buy it if
Couples who want to turn massage into a slippery, immersive part of their intimate time and are happy to prepare the space for it. The large bottle suits regular use rather than a one-off.
Skip it if
Anyone after a quick, tidy massage oil for a back rub, or someone sensitive to glycerin. If you want a lasting glide with minimal reapplication, an oil or silicone product may suit better — though those bring their own cleanup and toy-compatibility trade-offs.
Design and formula
This is a water-based gel led by purified water and glycerin, with Laminaria Japonica (seaweed) extract, grape seed extract, trehalose and gluconolactone for hydration and a silky feel. Because it is water-based, it clears off skin with water and does not leave the heavy residue an oil would.
The trade-off with any water-based formula is longevity. Water evaporates and absorbs into skin, so a long session will likely need a splash of water or a fresh application to keep things slippery. It also contains glycerin, which is well tolerated by most but worth noting if you know you react to it.
How it is meant to be used
The instruction is simple: mix one part gel with one part water, then apply generously to both partners before full-body contact. That dilution is what makes the 1 litre bottle go so far, but it does mean an extra step — you cannot just pour and go.
It is worth preparing properly. Warm the mixture if you can, lay down towels or use a wipeable mat, and expect the whole affair to be slippery and messy on purpose. That mess is the point of Nuru, not a flaw, but going in unprepared is the quickest way to be disappointed.
Care, cleaning and compatibility
The clear advantage of a water-based gel is cleanup: skin, sheets and surfaces rinse and wipe down far more easily than they would with oil. A quick shower afterwards should deal with most of it.
On compatibility, water-based products are the safe default with silicone toys, where a silicone lubricant would not be. It is also generally friendly with latex, unlike oil-based products. As always, keep the bottle sealed and stored cool, and check the ingredients against any known sensitivities before a full-body application.
How it compares
Against a traditional massage oil, this trades staying power for easy cleanup and toy safety — oils glide longer but leave residue and are not latex-friendly. Against silicone-based glides, it loses some longevity but gains the ability to be used safely with silicone toys and rinsed off with water.
Within the Nuru category specifically, the dilute-to-use approach is standard, and the 1 litre size is what marks this out as built for repeat, generous use rather than a token amount for a single evening.
The bottom line
If you and a partner want to bring the slippery, full-body Nuru ritual home and are happy to mix, prepare and embrace the mess, this is a sensible large-format choice with skin-friendly extras and easy water-based cleanup. Just go in expecting to top it up during longer sessions, and skip it if you want a quick, tidy massage or know glycerin does not agree with you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to dilute it before use?
Yes. It is designed to be mixed one part gel to one part water for the right slippery texture. That dilution is also why a single 1 litre bottle lasts across many sessions.
Is it safe to use with silicone toys?
As a water-based product, it is the safe default choice with silicone toys, unlike a silicone-based lubricant. If you are combining it with any toy, water-based is generally the compatible option.
Will it leave a greasy residue?
No. Because it is water-based rather than oil-based, it is designed to rinse and wipe off cleanly for a non-sticky finish, so a shower afterwards should handle most of it.
Does it last a long time during a session?
Water-based gels tend to dry out or absorb into the skin over time, so for a long full-body session you may need to add a little water or reapply to keep the glide going.
Is it suitable if I have sensitive skin?
It contains glycerin along with seaweed and grape seed extracts, which most people tolerate well, but glycerin does not suit everyone. Check the full ingredient list against any known sensitivities and consider a small patch test first.