They might not be as ubiquitous as the three-step cleanser, toner and moisturiser ritual of many Western skincare routines, however humble balms have been used for centuries across the world to heal, soothe and smooth the skinunsung beauty heroes for their natural and multipurpose approaches.

Comprised of a medley of oils, waxes and (very occasionally) butters to coat the skin with a protective barrier, here are three that top our list for must-buy balms.



Long has coconut oil been touted as the be-all-and-end-all for, well, quite literally everything – from our tresses and brows to the soles of our feet as seen in ancient Ayurvedic practices. Harnessing its cult goodness, RMS Beauty bottles the unadulterated elixir (and its tropical scent) in its Raw Coconut Cream balm that makes for an all-in-one makeup remover, facial cleanser and skin moisturiser. Rich in antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties from its key component, lauric acid, it’s one of those products that you’ll wish to slather on at will... Have at it!


Elsewhere, no challenge is too big for Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Wild Rose Beauty Balm – be it exfoliating, taming wayward brows or soothing cuticles and lips. A multi-purpose powerhouse with a can-do attitude, it packs a punch with a mixture of rosehip oil (sourced from the woodlands and hillsides of rural northern Serbia), Pro-Vitamin A (a natural source of retinol), and Vitamin E – and comes housed in a pot that protects its precious aromas and properties from UV rays. In short, it’s too good not to tuck into immediately.


Meanwhile, for a deep healing overnight treatment that’s never greasy, heavy or oily – designed to regenerate and repair like nobody’s business – REN Clean Skincare’s Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm is just what you’ve been looking for. Enriched with jojoba oil, olive, almond, borage, linseed and sunflower (the list goes on and on), this balm calms irritated complexions and brings about a natural balance to alleviate dehydration and stress. We’ll take an annual subscription, please!


Things are looking balmy... Shop the trio here:



Also on Because Magazine:

+ Gala Gordon stars in our latest beauty tutorial with Kay Montano

+ Make strides in sustainable style with the best ethical sneaker brands out there...

+ Alex Gore Browne reveals her go-to haberdashery in London... So, let's get crafty!