Collection: Salves, Gels & Balms

These three formats are closely related but serve slightly different purposes. Salves are oil-and-wax based formulas with no water content — they create a protective barrier on skin that seals in moisture and supports the healing of dry, chapped, or irritated areas. Balms are similar in composition but tend to be firmer and are often used for targeted applications like lips, cuticles, or spot treatment. Gels are water-based or aloe-based formulas that feel cool and lightweight on skin, absorbing quickly without a heavy or occlusive feel — ideal for soothing sunburn, minor irritation, or inflamed skin. Each has a specific best use case, and the right choice depends on what you're trying to address.

Salves and balms shine in situations where you need concentrated, long-lasting protection and moisture in a specific area. They're excellent for dry, cracked skin on hands, heels, elbows, and knees; chapped or wind-burned lips; minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions where a protective barrier supports natural healing; cuticle care; and dry patches that aren't responding to regular lotion. Because they're waterless and wax-based, they stay put and don't absorb as quickly as a lotion — which is exactly what you want when you need lasting protection.

Many of our balms are formulated for facial use, including lip balms and targeted facial treatment balms. For salves, it depends on the specific formula — some are intended for body use only, while others are gentle enough for facial skin. Check the individual product page for guidance on intended use. If you have acne-prone skin, be mindful that heavier wax-based formulas can be occlusive and may not be the best fit for breakout-prone areas.

Our salves and balms are built on a foundation of plant-based waxes like beeswax or candelilla wax, combined with nourishing oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and castor oil. We use botanical extracts, essential oils, and naturally derived actives for targeted benefits — things like calendula for soothing, arnica for muscle comfort, or tea tree for its naturally cleansing properties. You won't find petroleum jelly, harsh fragrances, or added parabens in our formulas. Full ingredient lists are on every product page.

Some are and some aren't — it depends on whether the formula uses beeswax or lanolin. Beeswax is an animal-derived ingredient that provides excellent texture and protective properties in salves and balms, but it is not vegan. Lanolin is a byproduct of wool shearing. Products that use candelilla wax or carnauba wax as the base are fully vegan. Each product page clearly notes whether a formula is vegan so you can shop with confidence.

Gels are typically water or aloe vera based, which gives them their characteristic lightweight, cooling texture. Unlike lotions and creams, which contain emulsified oils and tend to feel richer and more occlusive, gels absorb almost instantly and leave no oily residue. This makes them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, for use in warm weather, or for soothing applications where you want immediate comfort without heaviness — like after sun exposure or on irritated skin. They're also a great choice for the face when a lighter touch is preferred.