Creating your own skincare is a rewarding journey into natural wellness.
This collection highlights simple, yet potent, DIY salves and balms that harness the power of natural ingredients.
From soothing skin irritations to deeply moisturizing, these recipes offer a gentle touch and noticeable benefits, all while keeping your routine beautifully natural..
Table of Contents
1. All-Purpose Salve with Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, and Olive Oil
This versatile salve base is your go-to for a multitude of skin needs.
Crafted with organic beeswax for protection, creamy cocoa butter for moisture, and nutrient-rich olive oil, it creates a soothing balm that feels gentle on the skin.
It's perfect for everything from chapped lips to minor irritations, offering a comforting, nourishing layer..
Key Ingredients:
- Organic Beeswax
- Organic Cocoa Butter
- Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Benefits:
- Hydrating
- Protective
- Soothing
- Moisturizing
Pro Tip: Customize this base by adding your favorite essential oils or herbal infusions for a personalized scent and enhanced benefits.
Get the Recipe: All-Purpose Salve with Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, and Olive Oil
2. Calendula Salve for Soothing Skin
Harness the gentle, healing power of calendula with this wonderfully soothing salve.
Made with nourishing base oils like olive or sunflower oil and solidified with beeswax, this balm is perfect for calming irritated skin, soothing dryness, and promoting a healthy glow.
It feels incredibly comforting and works to nourish your skin naturally..
Key Ingredients:
- Calendula Petals
- Olive Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Beeswax Pastilles
Benefits:
- Soothing
- Nourishing
- Promotes Healing
- Calming
Pro Tip: For an extra boost, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to enhance the calming properties of this salve.
Get the Recipe: Calendula Salve for Soothing Skin
3. Moisturizing Beeswax Lip Balm
Keep your lips soft and smooth with this deeply moisturizing beeswax lip balm.
Combining the protective qualities of beeswax with the richness of shea butter and the conditioning power of jojoba oil, this balm creates a luxurious feel.
It locks in moisture, shields against the elements, and leaves your lips feeling wonderfully supple..
Key Ingredients:
- Beeswax
- Shea Butter
- Jojoba Oil
Benefits:
- Deeply Moisturizing
- Protective
- Softens Lips
- Locks in Moisture
Pro Tip: Experiment with different carrier oils like almond or coconut oil to find the perfect consistency and benefits for your lips.
Get the Recipe: Moisturizing Beeswax Lip Balm
4. Soothing Aloe Vera Salve
Experience instant relief with this simple yet effective aloe vera salve.
Made with moisturizing avocado oil and hydrating aloe vera powder, this balm offers a soothing touch for dry or irritated skin.
It’s less messy than traditional gel and provides a gentle, calming layer that nurtures your skin back to comfort..
Key Ingredients:
- Aloe Vera Powder
- Avocado Oil
- Beeswax Pellets
Benefits:
- Skin Calming
- Moisturizing
- Soothing
- Hydrating
Pro Tip: If you don't have aloe vera powder, you can use fresh aloe vera gel, but be aware that it will shorten the shelf life of your salve.
Get the Recipe: Soothing Aloe Vera Salve
5. Nourishing Skin Salve with Shea Butter and Beeswax
This all-purpose skin salve is a comforting treat for dry or rough patches.
It blends rich shea butter for deep nourishment, hydrating coconut oil, and protective beeswax to create a smooth, spreadable balm.
This recipe is perfect for keeping your skin feeling soft, smooth, and wonderfully cared for..
Key Ingredients:
- Shea Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Deeply Nourishing
- Moisturizing
- Protective
- Softens Skin
Pro Tip: For a less greasy feel, try adding a small amount of arrowroot powder or cornstarch to your salve mixture.
Get the Recipe: Nourishing Skin Salve with Shea Butter and Beeswax
6. Basic Beeswax Salve Base
This easy basic salve recipe is a fantastic foundation for all your natural remedies.
By melting beeswax with your favorite oil, you create a soothing, solid balm perfect for mending common ailments.
It’s simple to customize and provides a gentle, protective layer for your skin..
Key Ingredients:
- Oil of choice
- Beeswax
- Essential oil (optional)
- Herbs (optional)
- Vitamin E oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Versatile
- Protective
- Soothing
- Nourishing
Pro Tip: Use beeswax pastilles for the easiest melting experience, and always perform the 'spoon test' to get your desired consistency.
Get the Recipe: Basic Beeswax Salve Base
7. Healing Oregano Salve
Discover the powerful healing properties of oregano with this simple, DIY salve.
Infusing oregano into a carrier oil and combining it with beeswax creates a potent balm for skin irritations, muscle aches, and dryness.
Its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities make it a must-have for your natural remedy collection..
Key Ingredients:
- Oregano
- Carrier oil
- Beeswax
- Oregano essential oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Promotes Healing
- Soothes Irritations
Pro Tip: Adding a few drops of oregano essential oil at the end can amplify its therapeutic effects, but always use sparingly.
Get the Recipe: Healing Oregano Salve
8. Dandelion Salve for Sore Muscles and Dry Skin
Embrace the gentle power of nature with this dandelion salve.
Crafted from foraged dandelion flowers infused in olive oil and firmed with beeswax, this balm is wonderfully soothing for sore muscles and dry skin.
It offers a comforting, natural way to nurture your body, leaving skin feeling soft and revitalized..
Key Ingredients:
- Foraged dandelion flowers
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Beeswax pastilles
- Vitamin E oil (optional)
- Essential oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Soothes Sore Muscles
- Moisturizes Dry Skin
- Nourishing
- Comforting
Pro Tip: For a lovely scent, add a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil when the salve has cooled slightly.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Salve for Sore Muscles and Dry Skin
9. Lavender Salve for Soothing Skin
This calming lavender salve is a dream for both your skin and your senses.
Infused with the relaxing aroma of lavender, it's wonderfully moisturizing and can help soothe minor skin irritations.
Its creamy texture melts into your skin, leaving it feeling incredibly soft and balanced..
Key Ingredients:
- Lavender flowers
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
Benefits:
- Moisturizing
- Calming scent
- Skin soothing
Pro Tip: Add a few extra drops of lavender essential oil if you desire a stronger, more pronounced scent.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Salve for Soothing Skin
10. Comfrey Salve for Skin Healing
This comfrey salve is a powerhouse for skin repair and comfort.
Comfrey is renowned for its ability to aid in skin healing, making this salve perfect for minor abrasions and dry patches.
It creates a protective, nourishing layer that helps your skin feel revitalized and smooth..
Key Ingredients:
- Comfrey leaves
- Beeswax
- Carrier oil
- Essential oils
Benefits:
- Skin healing support
- Nourishing
- Protective barrier
Pro Tip: Essential oils like lavender or tea tree can be added for extra benefits and a pleasant scent.
Get the Recipe: Comfrey Salve for Skin Healing
11. Balm of Gilead (Cottonwood) Salve
Discover the benefits of Balm of Gilead salve, made from the fragrant buds of the cottonwood tree.
This salve is beautifully scented and offers excellent support for your skin, acting as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
It’s a unique and effective remedy for skin comfort..
Key Ingredients:
- Cottonwood buds
- Beeswax
- Balm of Gilead infused oil
Benefits:
- Skin support
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic properties
Pro Tip: If you can't forage cottonwood buds, they can often be purchased online from herb shops.
Get the Recipe: Balm of Gilead (Cottonwood) Salve
12. Herbal Salve for Cuts and Irritations
This all-natural herbal salve is a must-have for your home apothecary.
Packed with healing herbs, it’s perfect for soothing minor cuts, scrapes, bug bites, and even dry skin.
Its wonderfully fragrant and deeply moisturizing properties make it a delightful and effective skin treatment..
Key Ingredients:
- Plantain leaves
- Comfrey leaves
- Yarrow
- Lavender flowers
- Lemon balm
- Beeswax
- Carrier oil
Benefits:
- Soothing for minor injuries
- Moisturizing
- Healing properties
Pro Tip: You can customize this salve by using a variety of medicinal herbs, making it uniquely suited to your needs.
Get the Recipe: Herbal Salve for Cuts and Irritations
13. Herbal Bite and Sting Salve
When summer brings pesky bites and stings, this specialized herbal salve is your best friend.
Formulated with plants like jewelweed and plantain, it's designed to calm irritated skin and reduce discomfort.
It’s a deeply moisturizing and effective way to find relief..
Key Ingredients:
- Jewelweed
- Plantain
- Echinacea
- Comfrey
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
- Essential oils
Benefits:
- Soothes bites and stings
- Calms irritated skin
- Deeply moisturizing
Pro Tip: Shea butter and cocoa butter add extra moisturizing and healing benefits, making the salve even more luxurious.
Get the Recipe: Herbal Bite and Sting Salve
14. Basil Salve for Topical Care
Harness the anti-inflammatory power of basil with this simple salve recipe.
While often used in cooking, basil also offers wonderful benefits for topical skin care.
This salve provides a natural way to care for your skin, leveraging the healthful components of fresh basil..
Key Ingredients:
- Basil
- Beeswax
- Carrier oil
Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Topical skin care
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: Basil is also beneficial for digestion and respiratory issues, though this salve is intended for topical use only.
Get the Recipe: Basil Salve for Topical Care
15. Calendula Salve for Skin Nourishment
This homemade calendula salve is a truly beautiful and nourishing skin treatment.
Infused with the healing properties of calendula flowers, it's wonderful for moisturizing and soothing minor skin irritations.
The golden hue is as lovely as its skin-loving benefits..
Key Ingredients:
- Calendula flowers
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
- Carrier oil
- Essential oils
Benefits:
- Nourishing moisturizer
- Soothing for skin irritations
- Wound healing support
Pro Tip: Adding dried calendula petals to the top while the salve sets creates a decorative and floral finish.
Get the Recipe: Calendula Salve for Skin Nourishment
16. Pine Needle & Shea Butter Salve
This deeply nourishing salve combines the comforting scent of pine needles with the richness of shea butter and beeswax.
It's a wonderful natural option for soothing the skin and providing a protective barrier.
The infused pine needle oil offers a unique, woodsy aroma, making this a truly special treat for your skin..
Key Ingredients:
- Pine Needle Infused Oil
- Beeswax
- Shea Butter
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Nourishing
- Soothing
- Protective Barrier
Pro Tip: Experiment with different essential oil blends like eucalyptus and rosemary for a refreshing, spa-like experience.
Get the Recipe: Pine Needle & Shea Butter Salve
17. Mullein Flower Salve for Dry Skin
This mullein flower salve is a gentle yet effective remedy for dry, chapped, or cracked skin.
Mullein is known for its soothing properties, and when infused into oil and combined with beeswax, it creates a lovely balm that helps to restore moisture and comfort to your skin..
Key Ingredients:
- Mullein Flower Infused Oil
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Moisturizing
- Soothing
- Skin Repair
Pro Tip: If you don't have access to mullein flowers, the leaves can also be used for oil infusions, though the flowers are often preferred.
Get the Recipe: Mullein Flower Salve for Dry Skin
18. Goldenrod & Cacao Butter Salve
Discover the healing touch of goldenrod in this multipurpose salve, beautifully blended with rich cacao butter and beeswax.
This balm is wonderful for soothing sore muscles, achy joints, and minor scrapes.
It also offers skin-healing and soothing benefits, making it a fantastic all-around addition to your natural skincare collection..
Key Ingredients:
- Goldenrod Infused Olive Oil
- Cacao Butter
- Beeswax
- Rosemary Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Soothing
- Skin Healing
Pro Tip: For a gentler option, especially for children, omit the optional essential oils.
Get the Recipe: Goldenrod & Cacao Butter Salve
19. Calming Lavender Beeswax Salve
This simple yet effective beeswax salve recipe is infused with soothing lavender, creating a calming and moisturizing balm.
It’s perfect for applying to dry patches, soothing irritated skin, or as a relaxing treat before bedtime.
The gentle combination of sunflower oil, shea butter, and beeswax makes it a comforting choice..
Key Ingredients:
- Sunflower Oil
- Dried Lavender Buds
- Shea Butter
- Beeswax Pastilles
Benefits:
- Moisturizing
- Calming
- Soothing Irritated Skin
Pro Tip: For a different scent profile, try infusing your oil with chamomile or calendula flowers instead of lavender.
Get the Recipe: Calming Lavender Beeswax Salve
20. Lemon Balm Salve for Skin Irritations
Harness the gentle power of lemon balm with this wonderfully soothing salve, ideal for a variety of skin concerns.
Its antiviral and antibacterial properties make it a great companion for bug bites, cold sores, and general skin irritations.
The blend of lemon balm infused oil and beeswax creates a comforting balm that helps calm and heal the skin..
Key Ingredients:
- Lemon Balm Infused Oil
- Beeswax Pellets
- Avocado Oil
Benefits:
- Antiviral
- Antibacterial
- Calming
Pro Tip: For specific applications like cold sores, consider adding optional ingredients like lysine powder or essential oils like peppermint and tea tree.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Balm Salve for Skin Irritations
21. Nourishing Shea Butter & Jojoba Lotion Bar
Experience luxurious, solid lotion with this easy-to-make lotion bar featuring shea butter and jojoba oil.
These bars melt on contact with your skin, providing deep hydration and a silky smooth feel.
They are a wonderful zero-waste alternative to bottled lotions and are incredibly portable..
Key Ingredients:
- Shea Butter
- Jojoba Oil
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Deep Hydration
- Silky Smooth Skin
- Moisturizing
Pro Tip: For a vegan option, substitute candelilla wax for beeswax.
Get the Recipe: Nourishing Shea Butter & Jojoba Lotion Bar
22. All-Purpose Skin Nourishing Salve
This versatile salve is a simple yet effective way to keep your skin feeling soft and nourished.
Made with a blend of shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax, it creates a rich balm that’s perfect for dry patches or general skin conditioning.
It’s wonderfully easy to make and a fantastic natural remedy to have on hand..
Key Ingredients:
- Shea Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Beeswax
- Raw Honey
Benefits:
- Nourishing
- Soft Skin
- Moisturizing
Pro Tip: To reduce greasiness, a small amount of arrowroot powder or cornstarch can be added to the salve mixture.
Get the Recipe: All-Purpose Skin Nourishing Salve
23. Customizable Beeswax Salve or Balm
Learn the basics of creating your own salves and balms with this flexible recipe.
Combining beeswax with natural oils, this recipe allows for endless customization, whether you prefer a firmer balm or a softer salve.
It's a fantastic way to create personalized skincare that’s perfect for moisturizing and protecting your skin..
Key Ingredients:
- Natural Oil (e.g., Jojoba, Olive, Sweet Almond)
- Beeswax Pellets
- Shea Butter (optional)
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Moisturizing
- Protective Barrier
- Customizable
Pro Tip: Experiment with adding butters like shea or cocoa butter for an extra creamy and nourishing finish.
Get the Recipe: Customizable Beeswax Salve or Balm
24. Homemade Pain Relief Salve with Essential Oils
This potent pain relief salve is a fantastic natural remedy for everyday aches and pains.
It combines the power of essential oils like sandalwood, clove, and ginger, known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, with nourishing coconut oil.
It provides a soothing sensation to sore muscles and joints, offering comfort and relief..
Key Ingredients:
- Beeswax
- Coconut Oil
- Sandalwood Essential Oil
- Clove Essential Oil
- Ginger Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Soothes sore muscles
- Relieves joint pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Natural pain relief
Pro Tip: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before widespread use, especially when working with essential oils.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pain Relief Salve with Essential Oils
25. Homemade Tallow Vapor Rub with Essential Oils
This versatile homemade vapor rub is a fantastic natural alternative for soothing sore muscles and easing congestion.
Made with nourishing tallow and a blend of essential oils, it offers a cooling and warming sensation that feels deeply comforting.
It’s perfect for rubbing on tired muscles or applying to your chest and temples when you need relief..
Key Ingredients:
- Grass Fed Tallow Balm
- Beeswax
- Essential Oils (e.g., Sniffle Stopper blend)
Benefits:
- Soothes sore muscles
- Eases congestion
- Provides cooling/warming relief
- Natural remedy
Pro Tip: If you don't have tallow, coconut oil can be used as a substitute, and you may want to include beeswax for a firmer consistency.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Tallow Vapor Rub with Essential Oils
26. Old-Fashioned Pine Tar Salve
This old-fashioned pine tar salve is a traditional remedy known for its ability to help with a variety of skin concerns, from splinters and bug bites to eczema.
Infused with soothing herbs and combined with pine tar and beeswax, it creates a balm that gently cares for the skin.
It’s a simple, effective option for natural skin support..
Key Ingredients:
- Herbal-Infused Oil
- Pine Tar
- Castor Oil
- Beeswax
- Activated Charcoal
Benefits:
- Traditional skin remedy
- Soothes irritation
- Aids in healing minor issues
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: Infuse your oil with soothing herbs like plantain, calendula, or violet leaves for added skin benefits.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Pine Tar Salve
27. Amish Black Drawing Salve
This traditional Amish black drawing salve is a powerhouse for drawing out impurities, making it incredibly useful for splinters, insect stings, and even boils.
Its unique blend of activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and nourishing oils helps to cleanse and soothe the skin.
It’s a reliable, natural helper for those little skin emergencies..
Key Ingredients:
- Calendula Oil
- Castor Oil
- Beeswax
- Raw Honey
- Activated Charcoal
- Bentonite Clay
Benefits:
- Draws out impurities
- Effective for splinters and stings
- Cleanses skin
- Soothes minor ailments
Pro Tip: For best results, cover the area with a bandage after applying the salve and leave it on for at least 12-24 hours.
Get the Recipe: Amish Black Drawing Salve
28. Calendula-Infused Oil Salve
This simple calendula-infused oil salve is a wonderfully gentle and soothing option for irritated skin.
Calendula flowers are known for their healing and calming properties, making this salve perfect for dry patches, minor cuts, or just everyday skin comfort.
It leaves your skin feeling soft, nourished, and well-cared for..
Key Ingredients:
- Olive Oil infused with Calendula Flowers
- Beeswax
- Lavender Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Soothes irritated skin
- Nourishes dry patches
- Supports skin healing
- Gentle and calming
Pro Tip: To test the texture before pouring, place a small spoonful of the melted mixture on a cold plate; adjust beeswax for firmness or oil for softness.
Get the Recipe: Calendula-Infused Oil Salve