What is the difference between a balm and salve?

In the realm of skincare products, salves and balms share common ground. A salve is a semi-solid soothing or healing ointment, composed mainly of oils and wax. When applied, it melts and absorbs into the skin, making it a popular choice for various skin conditions like burns, cuts, and rashes. A balm , while similar, has a thicker consistency due to a higher proportion of wax or similar substances. Rather than being absorbed into the skin, balms form a protective layer on the skin's surface, sealing in moisture and providing a barrier against external elements. Examples of this are lip balms and body balms.

What are some common uses for salves and balms?

Made from a combination of oils, waxes, and often beneficial herbs or essential oils, salves and balms are used for all kinds of bath and beauty needs. Here are some ways people use their salves and balms: Soothing: A primary function of salves and balms lies in their soothing capabilities. Due to their composition of nourishing ingredients and their ability to deeply penetrate the skin, salve ointments are typically employed to alleviate various skin ailments. For instance, many people use arnica salves , lemon balms, tallow balms, or dandelion salves for bruises or skin irritations. Lip care: Lips are a specific area prone to dryness, especially in the winter. Lip balms packed with hydrating elements provide relief and repair for dry or chapped lips. Etsy sellers offer a wide range of natural lip balm options, from beeswax lip balms to sugar lip balms , as well as organic lip balms and homemade lip balms. Moisturizing: Salves are also highly regarded for their moisturizing properties. They have a high oil content which, combined with their deep absorption, makes them exceptional for providing intense hydration. Hand salves , such as rose salves, are particularly effective for injecting moisture into dry and cracked skin. Protection: Balms often serve as protective barriers. They are designed to sit atop the skin rather than soaking into it, thus helping to seal in moisture and shield the skin from harsh environmental factors. They’re great for protecting and nourishing the skin in challenging weather conditions, be it harsh winter winds or the drying effects of summer heat. You’ll also find plenty of specialized balms, like tattoo balms for new ink. Conditioning: Balms also act as wonderful conditioning agents. Specific products like beard balms and hair balms are tailored to condition and style, helping to maintain healthy, well-groomed facial hair and hair locks. These balms often contain nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and essential oils, which not only provide moisture but can also help manage frizz and add a gentle shine. Cleansing: For those who seek a nourishing cleanse, options like an oat cleansing balm and makeup remover balm are quite popular. These cleansing balms gently remove impurities and makeup from the skin, leaving it refreshed and moisturized without the harsh effects of some conventional cleansers. Choose a full face balm or a specialized eye balm depending on your needs. Specialized care: Lastly, there is a range of balms designed to offer specialized care for specific needs. Products like nipple balms , created with nursing mothers in mind, offer gentle, safe relief for dry and chafed skin. Similarly, pet balms like dog paw balms and dog nose balms are crafted to provide targeted care for our furry friends, helping to soothe and protect their sensitive skin against cracking or drying out.

Salves & Balms

(13,921 Results)

Haitian Natural Gres Cacao, Gres Koulèv, Bave Bef Mix

(198)

$130.00

From shop Lakayremedy

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Miracle Salve - What Ails Ya - 2 Oz - Herbal Salve 100% Organic Oils and all Natural Herbs

(647)

Star Seller

$15.00

From shop WhatAilsYa

FREE shipping
Chamomile Mineral Sunscreen | Non-toxic | Reef Safe | Plastic-Free | Natural

(1,221)

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$11.00

From shop HoneywildApothecary
Etsy’s Pick
Arnica Salve - All Natural Herbal Salve, Arnica Infused Salve Arnica Ointment - High Potency Formula

(2,392)

$10.95

From shop ShopEarthFolk

FREE shipping
Bare Your Soles Foot Balm /// <<<

(1,801)

Star Seller

$28.50

From shop TheHomeHerbalist
Black drawing salve, Activated Charcoal Bentonite Clay, All Natural Organic First Aid Kit, gardener outdoorsman gifts, gifts for him

(12,635)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.99
Original Price $6.65 (25% off)

From shop Wildwomanonfire
Lithospermum (紫雲膏)

(1)

$20.00

From shop JJoyceShop
Manuka Honey Healing Salve with Herbal Infusion - For Humans - Cuts - Wounds - Burns - Bug Bites

(631)

$22.99

From shop thehoofandpawco
HEARTSPRING Lemon + Sage Lip Balm

(5,529)

$7.00

From shop HEARTSPRINGCO
Etsy’s Pick
lymph balm , violet tallow , herbal salve , wildcrafted botanical , artisan handmade

(448)

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$17.00

From shop aforagerscollective
Triple Antibacterial Eczema Butter

(4)

$22.00

From shop noahsnature

Only 1 left — order soon
Cayenne salve capsaicin, arnica, neuropathy pain cream nerve pain arthritis, 2oz

(2)

$13.99

From shop creatorstouchbotanic
Comfrey Salve - Made in the USA with Comfrey and all natural ingredients

(1,029)

Star Seller

$6.50

From shop TXPhillips
Gift for Her Cocktail gift, Cocktail lip balm, Stocking stuffers for women, lip gloss, lip butter Unique gifts for her mothers day under 5

(26,222)

$4.99

From shop LittleFlowerSoapCo
Shingles Salve, Shingles Lotion, Shingles Cream, Natural Skin Care

(113)

Star Seller

$20.00

From shop NaduraSkinCare
Bulk lip balms- bulk lip salves- Bulk party favors- Wholesale balms-No Labels, party favors, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers

(453)

Star Seller

$30.00

From shop Enviebodycare
Lucinda's Hemorrhoid Salve 2 pack

(407)

Star Seller

$9.29

From shop GlenbrookFarmsHerbs
Cottonwood Bud Oil 8 oz. - Balm of Gilead - Massage Oil -

(494)

Star Seller

$50.00

From shop EssentialNorthwest
Belly Balm, Belly Butter, Belly Salve, Salve for Moms

(15,121)

Star Seller

$14.99

From shop RootedEarth
Lemon Pound Cake Lip Balm

(32,122)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop TipsyGoatSoapCompany
Natural Herbal Oils | Organic | Calendula | Comfrey | St Johns Wort | Rollerball

(2,454)

Star Seller

$10.00

From shop AndreasHerbals
Mullein Salve

(46)

$10.00

From shop MoonstarHerbals

Only 2 left — order soon
Organic Healing Salve | Calendula Skin Balm | Sunburn, cuts, eczema, psoriasis, baby rash

(158)

$20.41

From shop ArtemisiaAlchemy

FREE shipping
Grass-fed Tallow Salve for Hand & Body, Nourishing and Moisturizing for Dry Skin, Plastic-Free Metal Tin Packaging

(3,778)

$4.00

From shop SolaceFarmHomestead
Wild Yam Salve

(449)

$19.00

From shop LisasFragranceNSuch

FREE shipping

Bestseller
Manuka Honey + Tallow Balm: 850+ MGO Organic Grass-Fed Grass-Finished Pasture Raised. Medicinal Grade Manuka Honey- Tissue and Wound Repair

(22)

Star Seller

Sale Price $20.00
Original Price $25.00 (20% off)

From shop KershOrganics

FREE shipping
Lemon Balm Salve, 2 oz Jar or 1 oz Tin, Unscented Melissa Infusion Balm, Small Batch Handmade

(3,455)

Star Seller

$9.95

From shop Herbfriend
Organic Nettle Arnica Pain Salve Yarrow Mango Butter, 1oz, 2oz

(1,164)

Star Seller

$13.95

From shop EarthFaeMagic

FREE shipping
Pure Organic St. John's Wort Herbal Oil | Body and Massage Oil

(2,454)

Star Seller

$13.00

From shop AndreasHerbals
Lanolin Skin Salve - All Natural Dry Skin Salve, Old Fashioned Lanolin Balm, Extra Hydrating Skin Salve - High Potency Herbal Formula

(2,392)

$10.95

From shop ShopEarthFolk

FREE shipping
Toasted Marshmallow Lip Balm

(32,122)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop TipsyGoatSoapCompany
SALE! (1) Lemongrass Balm + (1) Lavender Balm = (2) 8oz for 34

(1,801)

Star Seller

$34.00

From shop TheHomeHerbalist
Goldenseal Myrrh Salve / Itchy / Dry Skin / Skin Problems / Skin Salve

(5,002)

$7.95

From shop OwensAcres
No. 1 - Pure tallow balm, whipped tallow balm, organic jojoba oil, organic grassfed tallow, natural skincare

(14)

$18.00

From shop DaltonAndCo
Pine Tar Salve

(1,565)

Star Seller

$7.99

From shop FourPeaksSoapery
Face Tallow Salve, Grass-fed Sheep Tallow Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Face and Sensitive Skin

(3,778)

$5.50

From shop SolaceFarmHomestead
Plantain Salve - Glass 2 oz Jar, Unscented or Scented, Organically Grown Plantain Infusion, Organic Ingredients,

(3,455)

Star Seller

$14.95

From shop Herbfriend
Calendula Salve

(256)

Star Seller

$12.50

From shop UntamedMommaGoods
Balm of Gilead or Cottonwood Infused Healing Salve

(404)

$13.37

From shop MysticWildCraft
Gotu Kola Foot Healing Salve

(7)

Star Seller

$19.99

From shop DeeplyxRooted

Only 3 left — order soon
Artistry Ideal Radiance SPF 50+ Sunscreen Amway 30 ml 1.0 fl oz NEW SEALED discontinued, rare, find still great product and expired 19/03/05

$20.00

From shop Sunshinewille
Muscle Rub Salve - 1oz - Cayenne Pepper Salve - 100% Organic - 2oz

(15)

$14.99

From shop GrassyBranchAcres

FREE shipping
Black Drawing Charcoal Salve | All Natural | First Aid

(58)

Star Seller

$16.95

From shop OneFlockFarm

Only 1 left — order soon
Happy Feet - Rejuvenating Foot Balm

(6,967)

Star Seller

$9.95

From shop Soapyoaks
Balm of Gilead - Cottonwood infused oil - Poplar bud salve - All purpose - sore muscle rub - wildcrafted salve

(414)

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$11.00

From shop WilyCoyoteBotanicals
Hair magic-INGROWNS salve -1 oz or 4 oz

(497)

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$9.99

From shop Simonnessalves
Tea Tree Balm - 8oz tin /// <<<

(1,801)

Star Seller

$30.50

From shop TheHomeHerbalist
FUNGIcycle |100% Natural Fungal foot serum| homeopathic remedy | anti-fungal | toe nail fungus | athlete's foot |

(47)

$15.99

From shop VitaYouSolutions

There's so much more for you to discover

Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Salves & Balms

Haitian Natural Gres Cacao, Gres Koulèv, Bave Bef Mix

Miracle Salve - What Ails Ya - 2 Oz - Herbal Salve 100% Organic Oils and all Natural Herbs

Chamomile Mineral Sunscreen | Non-toxic | Reef Safe | Plastic-Free | Natural

Arnica Salve - All Natural Herbal Salve, Arnica Infused Salve Arnica Ointment - High Potency Formula

Bare Your Soles Foot Balm /// <<<

Black drawing salve, Activated Charcoal Bentonite Clay, All Natural Organic First Aid Kit, gardener outdoorsman gifts, gifts for him

Lithospermum (紫雲膏)

Manuka Honey Healing Salve with Herbal Infusion - For Humans - Cuts - Wounds - Burns - Bug Bites

HEARTSPRING Lemon + Sage Lip Balm

lymph balm , violet tallow , herbal salve , wildcrafted botanical , artisan handmade

Triple Antibacterial Eczema Butter

Cayenne salve capsaicin, arnica, neuropathy pain cream nerve pain arthritis, 2oz

Comfrey Salve - Made in the USA with Comfrey and all natural ingredients

Gift for Her Cocktail gift, Cocktail lip balm, Stocking stuffers for women, lip gloss, lip butter Unique gifts for her mothers day under 5

Shingles Salve, Shingles Lotion, Shingles Cream, Natural Skin Care

Bulk lip balms- bulk lip salves- Bulk party favors- Wholesale balms-No Labels, party favors, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers

Lucinda's Hemorrhoid Salve 2 pack

Cottonwood Bud Oil 8 oz. - Balm of Gilead - Massage Oil -

Belly Balm, Belly Butter, Belly Salve, Salve for Moms

Lemon Pound Cake Lip Balm

Natural Herbal Oils | Organic | Calendula | Comfrey | St Johns Wort | Rollerball

Mullein Salve

Organic Healing Salve | Calendula Skin Balm | Sunburn, cuts, eczema, psoriasis, baby rash

Grass-fed Tallow Salve for Hand & Body, Nourishing and Moisturizing for Dry Skin, Plastic-Free Metal Tin Packaging

Wild Yam Salve

Manuka Honey + Tallow Balm: 850+ MGO Organic Grass-Fed Grass-Finished Pasture Raised. Medicinal Grade Manuka Honey- Tissue and Wound Repair

Lemon Balm Salve, 2 oz Jar or 1 oz Tin, Unscented Melissa Infusion Balm, Small Batch Handmade

Organic Nettle Arnica Pain Salve Yarrow Mango Butter, 1oz, 2oz

Pure Organic St. John's Wort Herbal Oil | Body and Massage Oil

Lanolin Skin Salve - All Natural Dry Skin Salve, Old Fashioned Lanolin Balm, Extra Hydrating Skin Salve - High Potency Herbal Formula

Toasted Marshmallow Lip Balm

SALE! (1) Lemongrass Balm + (1) Lavender Balm = (2) 8oz for 34

Goldenseal Myrrh Salve / Itchy / Dry Skin / Skin Problems / Skin Salve

No. 1 - Pure tallow balm, whipped tallow balm, organic jojoba oil, organic grassfed tallow, natural skincare

Pine Tar Salve

Face Tallow Salve, Grass-fed Sheep Tallow Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Face and Sensitive Skin

Plantain Salve - Glass 2 oz Jar, Unscented or Scented, Organically Grown Plantain Infusion, Organic Ingredients,

Calendula Salve

Balm of Gilead or Cottonwood Infused Healing Salve

Gotu Kola Foot Healing Salve

Artistry Ideal Radiance SPF 50+ Sunscreen Amway 30 ml 1.0 fl oz NEW SEALED discontinued, rare, find still great product and expired 19/03/05

Muscle Rub Salve - 1oz - Cayenne Pepper Salve - 100% Organic - 2oz

Black Drawing Charcoal Salve | All Natural | First Aid

Happy Feet - Rejuvenating Foot Balm

Balm of Gilead - Cottonwood infused oil - Poplar bud salve - All purpose - sore muscle rub - wildcrafted salve

Hair magic-INGROWNS salve -1 oz or 4 oz

Tea Tree Balm - 8oz tin /// <<<

FUNGIcycle |100% Natural Fungal foot serum| homeopathic remedy | anti-fungal | toe nail fungus | athlete's foot |

There's so much more for you to discover

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