If there’s one thing that motherhood has taught me it’s that an all-purpose balm is one of the handiest things you can have in your skin care arsenal. From cuts and scrapes to insect bites, chapped skin, rough patches and nappy rash, a good natural balm works a treat on them all. Best of all, they’re not just great for little ones, they work hard for their coveted spot in your handbag and work as lip balm, highlighter, cuticle cream and eyebrow shaper. Here are our favourites the whole family can get behind.
Clemence Organics, Baby + Mum Balm
This great multipurpose balm tackles everything from nappy rash to dermatitis and is a knight in shining armour for mums in those early days of breastfeeding. Blended with a winning trio of jojoba, shea butter and coconut oil, it’s super nourishing and hydrating, and smells gorgeous too. Like the rest of the range, it has been formulated by a naturopath so you know the combination of ingredients (that also includes lavender and chamomile) is a winner.
Available at Clemence Organics, $44.98
Biode, Skin Salve-Ation
A recent discovery, this hard-working balm is good for all the regular ailments like dry patches and rough skin, but believe it or not, it’s also become part of my beauty routine. A swipe across the cheeks after some tinted moisturiser gives a great glow, especially on the days you just don’t want to go all out with makeup. I’ve even used this on a dry winter body by adding a few drops of water to make an emulsion. Best of all it comes in completely plastic-free and home compostable packaging.
Available at Biode, $35
Wotnot, Nappy Rash Cream and Baby Balm
In the early days of motherhood, Wotnot was never too far away. The baby balm is essentially formulated for nappy rash, but it’s also soothing on skin that needs some extra moisturising. Organic Pawpaw and tea tree form the basis of this skin saviour that can also be used on rosacea and eczema. It also contains flaxseed oil which is high in omega-3 and 6. The baby lotion is also a winner—and not just for babies, but dry mum legs too—and the baby sunscreen is also worth every penny.
Available at Chemist Warehouse, $13.99
The Great State, Soothing Skin Balm
From removing red lipstick to nourishing a wind burnt face and scraped knees, I’ve put this balm through just about every stress test imaginable. It truly works a treat on anything you can throw at it and it’s also just lovely to dab on your lips each morning and head out the door. It blends beeswax with oils like grapeseed, jojoba, avocado, virgin coconut and cherry seed, so it’s ultra-hydrating and long-lasting without feeling too sticky. It has a nice smell and the cute blue tin is easy to quickly locate in an overloaded tote.
Available at The Great State, $32
Dr Bronner, Organic Magic Balm
You might know Dr Bronner’s for its Castile soaps but it also does a great organic multipurpose balm too. Like the others on our list, it’s good for the whole family, and contains the usuals like coconut, avocado and jojoba oils but with the added benefit of hemp oil. It’s particularly good for dry skin like heels and elbows, and because it’s fragrance-free it’s a good option for those with skin sensitivities.
Available at Dr Bonner, $19.75
Jenny Ringland and Erica Watson, of Green + Simple, are marie claire’s new sustainability experts. Each week they’ll be posting weekly stories on the best green, clean fashion, beauty and lifestyle products, as well as interviewing industry game-changers and experts. Learn more here.
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