One question we’re commonly asked is “what is the difference between a lotion and balm?”
The main answer is water and preservatives.
Lotions are the lightest and have highest concentration of water. They tend to come in bottles with a pump or squeeze top and get absorbed quickly into the skin. Since lotions are primary water based, people find they need to be reapplied more often.
Balms are anhydrous, meaning they contain no water. Balms are made with natural oils and butters, and are the most highly concentrated. When it comes to balms, a small amount goes a long way. Balms do not need to contain preservatives and therefore will change consistency depending on the temperature.
When products contain water must also contain a preservative to inhibit bacteria growth. Alcohol is one of the most common preservatives added. Check out our blog post “Is alcohol really that bad?”
All lotions and balms are not made equal. Make sure you check the label to ensure there are no hidden harmful ingredients.