Which is better: a salve, a balm, or a lotion? (2024)

FAQs

Is salve better than lotion? ›

Because salves and balms have more oil in them than lotions they can be formulated to be stronger than most lotions on the market. Lotions, unlike salves and balms contain water, which is why they have a shorter shelf life and can contain preservatives.

Because lotions wear easily on the skin, they make a good option for lightweight daytime hydration. However, since lotions contain large amounts of water, their moisturizing effect can be significantly less than creams and balms and relatively short-lived.

Salves tend to be more oily and thinner in consistency, while balms are more thick and waxy. Salves can be better for moisturizing dry skin or treating specific conditions, while balms are better at sealing in moisture and creating a barrier against environmental irritants for general skincare.

Salve. Oil-based salves are not formulated with water, which makes them more occlusive than creams and lotions. “A salve is an ointment-based moisturizer that stays on the top of the skin but also penetrates more deeply into the skin,” Dr. Doyle says.

While the terms may be used interchangeably, a salve is a subset of the ointment category. Salves are typically softer than balms yet harder than traditional ointments. They absorb deeply into the skin and are frequently infused with herbs or essential oils to treat wounds and sores.

Balms are similar to moisturizers in that they protect the skin, but they are different in formulation and generally do not contain any water. Balms are solid in texture, and will break down when massaged into the skin or upon contact with heat. Balms are quite concentrated and a little goes a long way.

Vaseline will only produce a salve or ointment consistency but can also work very well as a lip balm, especially in the winter.

Pain balm is something that is comforting and soothing. It is one which relieves the pain. Thus the word relief is inbuilt in the word Pain Balm. A Balm in the physical sense is defined as a semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation.

Balms can be used as a regular moisturiser too, as part of a regular cleansing, toning and moisturising routine. You only need a small amount. Let it warm in your hands for a moment before applying to your skin and allow it to sink in before applying any make-up.

Both Aquaphor and Vaseline are skin protectants and occlusive moisturizers. They can help lock moisture into the skin, act as wound healers, and even work well as gentle makeup removers.

Why use salve? ›

Commonly salves are vulnerary, used to soothe and heal skin conditions. Some salves are antimicrobial; others are for muscle ache, bruising, and ischemia. Salves are sold in wide-top jars, and are applied with the finger, massaging the product directly into affected tissue.

In addition, salves can act as a protecting barrier to your skin. When you have dry cracked skin, irritated skin or break outs, the last thing you need is for your skin to come into contact with anything else that might cause irritation or infection.

Salves are generally made of organic beeswax and infused herbal oils with essential oils to make a semi-solid ointment. You can use base oils such as organic coconut, olive, sesame, sunflower and sweet almond oil and also consider fats like cocoa or shea butter too.

Hand salve is thicker than most hand lotion or cream. It uses beeswax to create a thick emollient, which moisturizes the skin. Hand salves are a more natural product, containing natural ingredients, and often has a more herbal smell like an essential oil.

Then pour the mixture into individually-sized, dry, sterilized glass jars or tins and allow them to cool. Finally, place the lids on the containers, label, and store in a cool, dry place. Like the herb-infused oil, salves have a shelf life of 6 months – 3 years depending on the oil used.

Creams are best used to moisturize and deeply hydrate the skin. Balms, on the other hand, are purely oil/fat-based preparations used for healing skin trauma and irritated or dry tissue.

Absorption and Skin Type Matters

Oily skin might absorb creams faster, while dry skin could benefit from the richer consistency of salves. It's essential to choose a product that not only addresses your needs but also complements your skin's characteristics.

In sum, salves are an ointment primarily used to promote healing of the skin or as protection. Unlike lotions, creams, and body soufflés, a genuine salve contains no water. A salve feeds healing nutrients to damaged skin through oil as the medium.

For very dry skin, balms and salves are also helpful: They have a higher oil-to-water ratio than standard moisturizers do and are designed to sit on top of the skin.

Commonly salves are vulnerary, used to soothe and heal skin conditions. Some salves are antimicrobial; others are for muscle ache, bruising, and ischemia. Salves are sold in wide-top jars, and are applied with the finger, massaging the product directly into affected tissue.

How long does salve last? ›

Like the herb-infused oil, salves have a shelf life of 6 months – 3 years depending on the oil used. Use them for the desired effects whenever you need, or share them with friends and family to spread the plant love around.