There’s something wonderfully simple about a skin balm. No complicated routine. No ten-step process. Just a little scoop warmed between your fingertips and massaged into skin that needs some extra care.
Our Calendula Balm was created with exactly that kind of simplicity in mind a rich, botanical balm designed to nourish and condition dry skin while feeling comfortable enough to use every day.
But what exactly is calendula balm? What is calendula used for? And how is a balm different from a cream or body oil?
Let's get into it.
What is calendula balm?
Calendula balm is an oil-based skincare product made with calendula infused oil alongside butters and other ingredients that give the balm its texture and skin-conditioning properties.
Unlike a cream or lotion, which contains a significant amount of water, a balm is generally anhydrous (made without water.) This gives it a richer, more concentrated texture and allows it to create a protective layer over the skin.
Calendula has a long history of traditional use in herbal skincare, where it has been valued for its gentle, skin-soothing and conditioning qualities.
The result is a beautiful little multitasker that's particularly lovely when skin is feeling dry, rough or in need of some extra nourishment.
What is calendula good for?
Calendula is one of those botanicals that has earned its place in skincare for good reason.
In traditional herbal preparations, calendula has long been used to care for the skin, and it's especially well-suited to products designed for dry, delicate or uncomfortable-feeling skin.
In a balm, calendula can be used as part of a nourishing formula designed to:
- Condition and soften dry skin
- Help skin feel more comfortable
- Nourish rough or dry areas
- Support a healthy-looking skin barrier
- Add botanical goodness to an everyday skincare ritual
It's important to remember that a cosmetic balm isn't a treatment for a medical skin condition. If you're dealing with persistent irritation, a wound, infection or a diagnosed skin condition, it's always best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Why use a balm instead of a moisturiser?
It really comes down to what your skin needs and how you like your skincare to feel.
Creams and lotions contain water and tend to have a lighter texture, making them easy to spread over larger areas of the body.
Body oils are made primarily from oils and can be lovely for softening and conditioning the skin.
Balms are richer and more concentrated. Because they don't contain water, they can provide a more substantial layer of nourishment and help reduce moisture loss from the skin's surface.
That makes a balm particularly lovely for dry skin and those areas that always seem to need more attention like hands, cuticles, elbows, knees, feet and other dry patches.
And because a little goes a long way, you don't need much to get the benefits of a balm.
We love using our Calendula Soothing Skin Balm on top of a hydrating moisturiser to lock in moisture.
What makes our Calendula Balm different?
This is one of our favourite things about our Calendula Balm.
Traditional calendula balm recipes are really simple, sometimes made with just calendula-infused oil and beeswax. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with a simple formulation, they can often tend to feel quite greasy.
We wanted our balm to deliver all the beautiful benefits of calendula but with a more luxurious skin feel.
One of the comments we hear most often about our Calendula Balm is:
"It absorbs so well."
And that's exactly what we wanted!
Rather than relying solely on calendula-infused oil and beeswax, we carefully formulated our balm with a combination of oils, butters and supporting ingredients chosen to create a balance between rich nourishment and a lighter, more comfortable finish.
The result is a beautiful balm that melts between your fingertips and spreads easily across the skin, allowing you to massage it in without feeling like you've covered yourself in a layer of heavy oil.
It's still rich. It's still a nourishing balm. But it doesn't have to feel greasy.
What's actually inside our Calendula Balm?
We believe you should be able to understand what's going onto your skin, which is why we love talking about the ingredients behind our formulations.
Calendula
The botanical star of the formula.
Calendula has a long history of traditional use in herbal skincare and is valued for its skin-conditioning and soothing qualities.
It's a beautiful fit for a balm designed to care for dry, comfort-seeking skin.
Nourishing oils
We carefully blended rich oils like olive and avocado with lighter oils like camellia to help soften and condition the skin while also contributing to the balm's beautiful texture.
We didn't simply want an oil-heavy formula that sat on top of the skin. The combination of oils was selected to help create a balm that feels nourishing while remaining comfortable to wear.
Mango butter
Brings richness and softness to the formula and helps create that beautiful balm texture. It also contributes to some of the balm's luxurious, melt-on-contact feel.
Beeswax
Beeswax provides structure, helping turn our blend of oils and butters into a balm rather than an oil.
It also contributes to the protective quality of the formula, helping leave a light layer over the skin.
But the goal wasn't to make a hard, waxy balm. It's part of a carefully balanced formula designed to melt easily and spread beautifully.
How do you use calendula balm?
The great thing about a balm is that you really don't need much.
Start with a small amount and warm it between your fingertips. As the balm melts, massage it gently into clean, dry skin.
You can apply it wherever your skin needs a little extra attention.
Some of our favourite places include:
- Hands and knuckles
- Cuticles
- Elbows
- Knees
- Heels and feet
- Dry patches
Start with a small amount and add more if needed. Because balms are concentrated, a little can go a surprisingly long way.
When is the best time to use calendula balm?
There really isn't one "right" time. You can reach for your balm whenever your skin needs it.
After a shower or bath:
Apply to clean, dry skin while you're settling into your evening routine.
Throughout the day:
Keep it nearby for dry hands, knuckles and cuticles — especially during cooler or drier weather.
Before bed:
This is one of our favourite ways to use a balm. Massage a little into particularly dry areas before settling in for the night.
Can you use calendula balm on your face?
A balm can be used on the face by some people, particularly those with dry, dehydrated skin, and on areas that feel rough or flaky. If you're unsure if this is you read this blog to learn more about dry and dehydrated skin.
However, everyone's skin is different.
If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, you may prefer a lighter facial moisturiser or facial oil. If you're trying our Calendula Balm on your face for the first time, start with a very small amount and see how your skin responds.
Is calendula balm greasy?
This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about balm.
A balm can feel greasy, particularly when it's formulated incorrectly or made primarily from heavier oils and a large amount of wax.
But not every balm has to feel that way.
Our Calendula Balm was formulated specifically to find a balance between the richness you'd expect from a balm and a more comfortable, easily absorbed skin feel.
Of course, the amount you use makes a difference too. Start small, you can always add more!
How much calendula balm should I use?
Less than you probably think.
Because our balm is concentrated, start with a small amount, roughly a pea-sized amount for a small area, and warm it between your fingertips.
Massage it into the skin and add a little more if needed.
The warmth of your hands helps soften the balm, making it easier to spread without needing to apply a large amount.
Can you use calendula balm every day?
Absolutely! For most people, a balm can easily become part of an everyday skincare routine.
Use it whenever your skin feels dry or whenever you want to give a particular area some extra nourishment.
It doesn't need to be complicated.
Sometimes skincare is simply about noticing what your skin needs and giving it a little more care.
Is calendula balm suitable for sensitive skin?
Calendula is traditionally associated with gentle herbal skincare suitable for a range of skin types and ages, but "natural" doesn't automatically mean that an ingredient will suit everyone.
If you know you're allergic or reactive to plants in the daisy family, calendula products may not be suitable for you. It's always a good idea to check the full ingredient list and patch test a new product before applying it more broadly.
Ready to give your skin a little extra love?
Discover our Calendula Soothing Skin Balm and make it part of your everyday skin ritual.
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