Short answer: A botanical body balm is often built on plants with a long tradition in European herbal culture — arnica, marigold, lavender, ginger — together with cooling and warming ingredients such as menthol and camphor. In a cosmetic product, we describe what they contribute to the feel of the skin and the experience during massage, not any medicinal effects.
The plants and what they contribute
In a body balm, botanical ingredients are chosen for a careful, natural composition. Here are the most common ones in our CBD Balm:
- Arnica — a nurturing botanical extract with a long place in European herbal tradition. What is arnica in skincare?
- Ginger — contributes a warming feel and serves as an antioxidant ingredient.
- Lavender — contributes mainly its relaxing scent (and is declared as a fragrance allergen in the INCI).
- Marigold (calendula) — a classic nurturing botanical extract. Read more.
- St. John's Wort — a traditional European plant extract.
| Botanical ingredient | Contributes (cosmetically) |
|---|---|
| Arnica | Nurturing botanical extract |
| Ginger | Warming feel, antioxidant |
| Lavender | Relaxing scent (declared as a fragrance allergen) |
| Marigold (calendula) | Classic nurturing extract |
| Menthol + camphor | Coolness that turns into warmth |
Cooling and warmth — the sensory experience
What makes a massage balm distinctive is often the feel. Menthol gives an immediate coolness, camphor a warmth that builds during the massage. Together they create the balm's characteristic progression. Further reading: what do menthol and camphor do in a balm?
How they work together in a formulation
The ingredients are carried by a nourishing base — in CBD Balm, shea butter, olive oil and crambe oil — together with hemp seed oil and CBD. The botanical complex and the cooling/warming substances work together for the experience on the skin during a slow massage in circular motions. Want to understand how all this appears in the ingredient list? See how to read an INCI list.
Safety
- Several of the plants (arnica, marigold) belong to the daisy family — in case of known allergy, cross-reaction may occur.
- Lavender contains natural fragrance substances that are declared as allergens.
- Menthol and camphor have concentration limits; avoid eyes and mucous membranes, do not use on small children.
- Apply to whole, clean skin, and test a small area first if you have sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are "adaptogenic" plants — does this apply to skincare?
The term adaptogen comes from herbal medicine and describes a claimed effect in the body. In cosmetics, we do not talk about such physiological effects — we describe what the plants contribute to the feel of the skin and the product's experience.
Are botanical balms better than others?
Not automatically — what matters is the formulation as a whole and whether it suits your skin. Botanical ingredients are often chosen for a natural composition and sensory experience.
Can I use a body balm on my face?
Follow the product's instructions. A massage balm with menthol and camphor is made for the body, not for the face or sensitive areas.
Why is lavender listed both as "Lavandula" and as fragrance substances?
The plant is stated in Latin, and its natural fragrance allergens (e.g. Linalool) are listed separately for transparency. More about INCI.