A massaging applicator includes a plurality of stumps 5a, 5b of smaller and large cross-section, respectively. The thinner stumps 5a which bend more easily alternate regularly with the thicker stumps so that two of the thicker stumps are followed by two of the thinner stumps when considered along the obvious direction of massaging, in this case perpendicular to the axis of a handle 3. The stumps may be cylindrical or conical and may be arranged in straight rows or in concentric circles.