Rubbing Onto the Skin
- Creams and Ointments: Due to the prohibition of memareach (as part of the melacha of memachek, smoothing), one may not rub any creams or ointments onto one’s skin on Shabbos, such as hand creams. (MB 328:81, SSK 14:30, 14:67).
- The poskim debate whether memareiach applies to creams which gets fully absorbed into the skin (so do not sit in their ‘smoothed state’ on its surface) and whether they may therefore be rubbed in on Shabbos. Consult a Rav where guidance is required (see SSK 33 fn64, Dirshu 328:75, OS 17 fn28).
- Oils and perfumes: By contrast, it is permissible to apply liquid oils or perfumes to one’s body; given their liquid texture, memareach does not apply (SSK 14:32, 14:36).
Using for Medicinal Purposes
- Medicinal Oils: Oils which are ostensibly being used for medicinal purposes may only be applied on Shabbos for a person who is considered a ‘choleh she’ein bo sakana’ (one who is ill but not dangerously so; this is defined someone who is bed-bound or feels unable to function properly as their whole body is weak due to illness, eg due to a migraine or high temperature) or for the needs of young children (young children are intrinsically considered ‘choleh she’ein bo sakana’)
- However, If it is a type of oil which is normal even for healthy people to apply to that place on the body, it is permitted even for someone who is not defined as a choleh she’ein bo Sakana to apply it, even for medicinal purposes, given this intent is not obvious to an onlooker (SA & R 327:1, MB2, Definition of Choleh She’ein Bo Sakana – SA 328:17, SSK 33:1)
- Medicinal creams: in cases of a ‘choleh she’ein bo sakana’, or for the needs of young children (young children are intrinsically considered ‘choleh she’ein bo sakana’), it is permissible to use medicinal creams on Shabbos.
- However, in such circumstances it remains prohibited to rub creams onto skin, nappies (diapers) or bandages due to memareiach; rather the cream should simply be placed (dabbed), without rubbing. Small amounts of cream may be placed on multiple different points on the surface. It is not a concern if the cream then gets smoothed out by the application of the bandage, nappy etc to the skin (SSK 14:31, 33:14, fn70; Definition of Choleh She’ein Bo Sakana – SA 328:17, SSK 33:1).
- Suncream: SSK forbids the use of cream and even liquid sunscreen on Shabbos; given these are applied to prevent one from burning, they fall under the prohibition of engaging in medicinal activities on Shabbos. Given there are opposing opinions, one should consult a Rav in cases of need. (SSK 14:44).
