Creating your own natural skincare is easier than you think! This collection features simple DIY salves and balms designed to nourish, soothe, and protect your skin.
Using ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and beneficial herbs, these recipes offer a wonderfully gentle way to care for your skin, leaving it feeling soft and wonderfully cared for.
Table of Contents
1. Customizable Salve Base with Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, and Olive Oil
This incredibly versatile salve base recipe is perfect for a variety of skin needs, from baby care to bug balm.
It’s made with gentle, food-based ingredients like organic beeswax for firmness, creamy cocoa butter for moisture, and nourishing extra virgin olive oil.
You can easily customize it with your favorite essential oils or herbal infusions to create a balm that’s perfect for you.
Key Ingredients:
- Organic Beeswax
- Organic Cocoa Butter
- Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Benefits:
- Moisturizing
- Protective Barrier
- Customizable
Pro Tip: For a milder scent that won't interfere with added essential oils, opt for raw cocoa butter.
Get the Recipe: Customizable Salve Base with Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, and Olive Oil
2. Calendula and Lavender Healing Salve
This healing hand salve is a treat for dry, irritated skin, especially during the winter months.
It combines the soothing properties of lavender with the skin-promoting benefits of calendula, infused into a nourishing oil base.
Beeswax helps create a protective barrier, leaving your skin feeling soft and deeply moisturized.
Key Ingredients:
- Lavender Infused Oil
- Calendula Infused Oil
- Shea Butter
- Beeswax Pellets
Benefits:
- Deeply Moisturizing
- Soothing for Dry Skin
- Promotes Healing
Pro Tip: To make this salve less greasy, you can add up to 1/2 teaspoon of arrowroot powder to the oils and stir well to prevent clumps.
Get the Recipe: Calendula and Lavender Healing Salve
3. Intensive Hand Salve with Shea Butter and Beeswax
This intensive hand salve is perfect for giving your dry, chapped hands the TLC they deserve.
It’s a simple melt-and-pour recipe featuring nourishing shea butter and beeswax to create a thicker, more moisturizing emollient.
Apply it at night with cotton gloves for super soft skin by morning.
Key Ingredients:
- Shea Butter
- Beeswax
- Carrier Oil (e.g., olive, avocado, almond)
Benefits:
- Intense Moisturization
- Protective Barrier
- Softens Skin
Pro Tip: You can add calendula, comfrey, or plantain infused oils for extra skin-nourishing benefits.
Get the Recipe: Intensive Hand Salve with Shea Butter and Beeswax
4. Elderflower Salve for Soft, Glowing Skin
This DIY elderflower salve is a delightful treat for your skin, offering deep nourishment and a lovely floral scent.
Made without beeswax, it uses candelilla wax for a smooth texture and is packed with skin-loving ingredients like elderflower, baobab oil, and shea butter.
It helps soften skin, improve elasticity, and can soothe irritation.
Key Ingredients:
- Elderflower Infused Oil
- Candelilla Wax
- Baobab Oil
- Squalane Oil
- Shea Butter
- Fractionated Coconut Oil
Benefits:
- Deeply Moisturizing
- Improves Skin Elasticity
- Soothes Irritation
Pro Tip: If you're not a fan of the natural scent of raw shea butter, you can use refined shea butter, avocado butter, or mango butter instead.
Get the Recipe: Elderflower Salve for Soft, Glowing Skin
5. Yarrow, Plantain, and Calendula Wound Salve
This powerful herbal salve is your go-to for minor cuts, scrapes, and wounds.
It harnesses the natural healing properties of yarrow (to help stop bleeding), plantain (for soothing and inflammation relief), and calendula (to promote skin regeneration).
It’s a wonderfully gentle yet effective way to support your skin’s recovery.
Key Ingredients:
- Yarrow
- Plantain
- Calendula
- Carrier Oil
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Supports Wound Healing
- Reduces Inflammation
- Antimicrobial Properties
Pro Tip: For the best shelf stability and to prevent spoilage, always use fully dried herbs when making oil infusions for salves.
Get the Recipe: Yarrow, Plantain, and Calendula Wound Salve
6. Rose Petal Salve for Hydration and Glow
Infused with the delicate beauty of roses, this salve is a luxurious treat for your skin.
It's deeply moisturizing, helping to keep your skin soft, smooth, and supple.
The rose-infused oil, combined with beeswax, offers soothing and healing properties, making it a wonderful addition to your daily skincare routine.
Key Ingredients:
- Rose Infused Oil
- Beeswax
- Sensual Essential Oil Blend
Benefits:
- Intense Hydration
- Soothing for Skin
- Promotes Skin Regeneration
Pro Tip: If you want a softer salve for massage, use less beeswax. This will make it melt more easily with body heat.
Get the Recipe: Rose Petal Salve for Hydration and Glow
7. Lemon Balm Salve for Soothing Skin
Enjoy the refreshing scent and soothing power of lemon balm with this simple homemade salve.
It’s perfect for treating minor skin irritations, dry patches, and insect bites.
Made with infused lemon balm oil and beeswax, it acts as a natural moisturizer that absorbs beautifully, leaving your skin feeling calm and comfortable.
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh Lemon Balm Leaves
- Carrier Oil (olive or coconut)
- Beeswax
- Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Soothes Minor Irritations
- Relieves Dry, Cracked Skin
- Natural Moisturizer
Pro Tip: For an extra boost, consider adding other beneficial herbs like calendula or chamomile to your lemon balm infusion.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Balm Salve for Soothing Skin
8. Easy Healing Salve with Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Beeswax
This super simple healing salve is a must-try for its comforting and protective qualities.
Made with just three base ingredients – coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax – it melts beautifully into your skin.
It’s perfect for creating a nourishing balm that feels deeply moisturizing and can be customized with your favorite essential oils for added benefits.
Key Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil
- Shea Butter
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Nourishing
- Protective
- Moisturizing
Pro Tip: Adjust the amount of beeswax to achieve your desired consistency – more beeswax makes it firmer, less makes it creamier.
Get the Recipe: Easy Healing Salve with Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Beeswax
9. Soothing Comfrey Salve for Skin Irritations
This comfrey salve is a traditional remedy that feels wonderfully soothing on the skin.
Comfrey leaves, known for their healing properties, are infused into avocado oil and then combined with beeswax to create a gentle balm.
It's fantastic for easing minor skin irritations, dryness, and discomfort, leaving your skin feeling calmer and more comfortable.
Key Ingredients:
- Comfrey Leaves
- Avocado Oil
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Soothing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Skin Healing
Pro Tip: Add a teaspoon of Vitamin E oil to this salve after melting for an extra moisturizing boost and natural preservative.
Get the Recipe: Soothing Comfrey Salve for Skin Irritations
10. Stress-Be-Gone Balm with Lavender and Calming Essential Oils
When life gets a little overwhelming, this Stress-Be-Gone Balm offers a moment of calm.
Infused with relaxing lavender and a blend of soothing essential oils like neroli, sweet orange, and chamomile, it creates a wonderfully fragrant balm.
Simply apply it to pulse points for a gentle way to unwind and feel more centered.
It’s a little pot of tranquility.
Key Ingredients:
- Lavender-Infused Oil
- Beeswax
- Calming Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Calming
- Relaxing
- Stress Relief
Pro Tip: Customize the essential oil blend to your preference, using any combination of calming oils you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Stress-Be-Gone Balm with Lavender and Calming Essential Oils
11. Amish Drawing Salve for Splinters and Bumps
This Amish Drawing Salve is a traditional remedy with a powerful draw.
Formulated with ingredients like comfrey, plantain, calendula, activated charcoal, and bentonite clay, it's designed to help gently pull out splinters and other debris from the skin.
It’s a comforting and effective balm for those little everyday mishaps.
Key Ingredients:
- Comfrey Infused Oil
- Plantain Infused Oil
- Calendula Infused Oil
- Activated Charcoal
- Bentonite Clay
Benefits:
- Drawing
- Soothing
- Detoxifying
Pro Tip: Cover the area with a bandage after applying this salve, as the charcoal can transfer to fabrics.
Get the Recipe: Amish Drawing Salve for Splinters and Bumps
12. Wild Violet Salve for Skin Health
Embrace the gentle power of nature with this Wild Violet Salve.
Rich in antioxidants and with anti-inflammatory properties, violet leaves and flowers create a balm that’s wonderfully nourishing for the skin.
It’s perfect for moisturizing dry patches, soothing minor irritations, and promoting overall skin health, leaving your complexion feeling soft and radiant.
Key Ingredients:
- Violet Infused Oil
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Moisturizing
Pro Tip: Use this salve on dry skin, minor insect bites, or scrapes for comforting relief.
Get the Recipe: Wild Violet Salve for Skin Health
13. Intense Chapped Hand Salve for Dryness
When your hands feel rough and dry, this Intense Chapped Hand Salve is a wonderful treat.
It’s designed to provide deep moisture and protection, helping to soften and smooth even the driest skin.
This rich balm is a must-have for restoring comfort and suppleness to hardworking hands.
Key Ingredients:
- Herbal Infused Oil
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Intense Hydration
- Skin Repair
- Protective Barrier
Pro Tip: Always do a small patch test when using a new balm to ensure you don’t have any sensitivities to the ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Intense Chapped Hand Salve for Dryness
14. Nourishing Lip Balm for Soft Lips
Keep your lips feeling incredibly soft and smooth with this easy-to-make lip balm.
It’s crafted with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, olive oil, and cocoa butter, creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
This balm provides lasting hydration and a comforting feel, making it a daily essential for happy, healthy lips.
Key Ingredients:
- Beeswax
- Olive Oil
- Cocoa Butter
Benefits:
- Moisturizing
- Protective
- Softening
Pro Tip: Adjust the ratio of beeswax and oil to achieve your perfect consistency – more wax for a firmer balm, more oil for a softer one.
Get the Recipe: Nourishing Lip Balm for Soft Lips
15. Muscle Rub Balm with Frankincense and Mint
Soothe tired muscles with this invigorating Muscle Rub Balm.
Combining the warming properties of frankincense with the refreshing sensation of mint essential oils, this balm feels wonderful to massage into achy areas.
It’s a comforting, natural way to support muscle recovery after a workout or just a long day.
Key Ingredients:
- Beeswax
- Coconut Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Spearmint Essential Oil
- Wintergreen Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Frankincense Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Soothing
- Invigorating
- Muscle Relief
Pro Tip: This balm stays put longer than diluted essential oils, meaning less frequent reapplication is needed.
Get the Recipe: Muscle Rub Balm with Frankincense and Mint
16. Lemon Balm Lip Balm for Cold Sore Relief
This special lip balm is formulated with lemon balm, known for its antiviral properties, to help soothe and heal cold sores.
Infused olive oil, beeswax, and nourishing essential oils like melissa, peppermint, and tea tree work together to offer comfort and aid recovery.
It’s a gentle, effective way to care for your lips during an outbreak.
Key Ingredients:
- Lemon Balm Infused Olive Oil
- Beeswax
- Grass-Fed Tallow
- Melissa Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Antiviral
- Soothing
- Healing
Pro Tip: To keep your balm hygienic, use a clean Q-tip or applicator to apply it directly to a cold sore, avoiding double-dipping.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Balm Lip Balm for Cold Sore Relief
17. Warming Ginger Pain Salve
Experience the comforting warmth of this Ginger Pain Salve.
Ginger is the star ingredient, offering a gentle warming sensation that can be lovely for soothing sore spots.
Combined with nourishing oils and beeswax, this salve creates a rich, spreadable balm that feels deeply comforting and is perfect for targeting areas of discomfort.
Key Ingredients:
- Ground Ginger
- Carrier Oil
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Warming
- Soothing
- Pain Relief
Pro Tip: You can add a pinch of ginger to other salve recipes for an extra warming and pain-relieving boost.
Get the Recipe: Warming Ginger Pain Salve
18. Soothing Oregano Salve for Skin Irritations
This homemade oregano salve is a powerhouse for natural healing.
Packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it's perfect for soothing minor skin irritations, reducing redness, and hydrating dry patches.
The combination of oregano infused in oil and beeswax creates a wonderfully comforting balm that feels deeply nourishing.
Key Ingredients:
- Oregano
- Carrier Oil (e.g., grapeseed)
- Beeswax
- Oregano Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Soothing for skin irritations
- Hydrating
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of oregano essential oil for an extra boost of its therapeutic properties, but do so after the mixture has cooled slightly.
Get the Recipe: Soothing Oregano Salve for Skin Irritations
19. Jewelweed Salve for Itchy Skin and Stings
Experience the soothing magic of jewelweed with this simple salve, a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
It's renowned for its ability to calm itchy skin, relieve stings from nettles, and soothe the irritation of poison ivy.
The blend of jewelweed-infused oil and beeswax creates a smooth, comforting balm that brings quick relief.
Key Ingredients:
- Jewelweed leaves
- Olive oil (or other neutral oil)
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Anti-itch
- Soothes stings and rashes
- Natural relief for poison ivy
- Calming for irritated skin
Pro Tip: Use fresh jewelweed leaves for the best infusion. Chop them roughly to increase surface area for the oil.
Get the Recipe: Jewelweed Salve for Itchy Skin and Stings
20. Nourishing Basil Salve for Skin Health
This homemade basil salve is a delightful way to harness the power of this fragrant herb.
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, basil helps protect your skin, soothe irritation, and promote a healthy glow.
Combined with nourishing oils and beeswax, it creates a lovely balm for minor skin issues and everyday moisturizing.
Key Ingredients:
- Dried Basil leaves
- Carrier oil (e.g., almond, avocado)
- Beeswax
- Shea butter (optional)
Benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Promotes skin health
- Glowing skin
Pro Tip: Add a touch of green mica powder for a subtle hint of color, or keep it natural for a pure herbal balm.
Get the Recipe: Nourishing Basil Salve for Skin Health
21. Versatile Healing Salve for Cuts and Scrapes
Whip up your own natural antibiotic ointment with this versatile healing salve.
It's designed to speed up recovery for minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and bug bites.
By infusing nourishing oils with beneficial herbs, you create a gentle yet effective balm that promotes healing and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Key Ingredients:
- Herbs (e.g., calendula, comfrey, yarrow)
- Carrier oil (e.g., olive oil)
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Promotes healing
- Soothing for burns and bites
- Antibacterial properties
- Moisturizing
Pro Tip: Experiment with different local herbs like calendula, comfrey, or yarrow to customize the salve to your family's needs.
Get the Recipe: Versatile Healing Salve for Cuts and Scrapes
22. Quick & Easy Natural Healing Salve
This DIY healing salve is a lifesaver for minor skin emergencies! It's incredibly easy to make and uses readily available ingredients.
Whether for kids' boo-boos, gardening nicks, or just dry skin, this balm offers soothing relief and natural healing properties.
It absorbs beautifully, leaving your skin feeling comforted and cared for.
Key Ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Beeswax pellets
- Essential oils (therapeutic grade)
- Vitamin E oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Supports tissue repair
- Soothes skin irritations
- Moisturizing
- Quick to prepare
Pro Tip: Using beeswax pellets makes measuring and melting much simpler than using a block.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Natural Healing Salve
23. Simple DIY Healing Salve for First Aid
Take charge of your family's first aid with this simple DIY healing salve.
It's a fantastic natural alternative for cuts, scrapes, and irritated skin.
By infusing nourishing oils with beneficial herbs, you create a potent balm that supports your body's natural healing process, leaving skin feeling soothed and protected.
Key Ingredients:
- Infused oils (e.g., calendula, plantain)
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Natural wound healing
- Soothes irritation
- Gentle on skin
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: If you prefer not to infuse your own oils, you can often find pre-infused oils on sites like Etsy.
Get the Recipe: Simple DIY Healing Salve for First Aid
24. Black Drawing Salve for Drawing Out Toxins
This potent drawing salve is your secret weapon for tackling stubborn splinters, drawing out toxins from bug bites, and soothing skin infections or boils.
Packed with activated charcoal and healing herbs like plantain, it works gently yet effectively to pull impurities from the skin, leaving it feeling clearer and more comfortable.
It's a must-have for any natural first-aid kit.
Key Ingredients:
- Activated Charcoal
- Plantain
- Healing Herbs
Benefits:
- Draws out toxins
- Soothes splinters and bug bites
- Helps with boils and infections
Pro Tip: For best results, apply the salve generously and cover with a bandage to keep it in place overnight.
Get the Recipe: Black Drawing Salve for Drawing Out Toxins
25. Soothing Chickweed Salve for Rashes and Bites
Experience the cooling and gentle touch of this chickweed salve, perfect for soothing irritated skin.
Its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it a wonderful remedy for rashes, eczema, and bug bites.
Made with simple ingredients like chickweed and olive oil, it leaves your skin feeling calm, refreshed, and wonderfully soft.
Key Ingredients:
- Chickweed
- Olive Oil
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Soothes rashes and eczema
- Calms bug bites and stings
- Gentle and cooling
Pro Tip: This salve is excellent for sensitive skin, but always perform a patch test first if you have very delicate skin.
Get the Recipe: Soothing Chickweed Salve for Rashes and Bites
26. Lavender Lemongrass Garden Salve for Sore Hands
Nourish and comfort hardworking hands with this delightful Lavender Lemongrass Garden Salve.
Infused with calendula, lavender, and comfrey, this rich balm is designed to soothe dryness and aches that come from gardening or other manual tasks.
The calming scent of lavender and refreshing hint of lemongrass make it a truly pampering treat for your skin.
Key Ingredients:
- Calendula
- Lavender
- Comfrey
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Soothes dry, cracked hands
- Relieves garden aches
- Relaxing aroma
Pro Tip: For an extra boost, add a few drops of Vitamin E oil to the mixture before pouring to enhance its skin-loving properties.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Lemongrass Garden Salve for Sore Hands
27. Soothing Lavender Salve for Skin Soothing
This easy-to-make lavender salve is a wonderful way to soothe and moisturize your skin.
Lavender is known for its calming properties, making this salve perfect for minor irritations, insect bites, and dry patches.
It leaves your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and gently scented, providing a touch of natural comfort.
Key Ingredients:
- Lavender
- Beeswax
- Shea Butter
Benefits:
- Calms skin irritations
- Moisturizes dry skin
- Promotes relaxation
Pro Tip: Use a small heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water as a double boiler if you don't have a dedicated one.
Get the Recipe: Soothing Lavender Salve for Skin Soothing
28. Herbal Drawing Salve for Splinters and Boils
When tweezers just won't cut it, this herbal drawing salve is your go-to solution for drawing out stubborn splinters, soothing boils, and tackling bug bites.
With powerful ingredients like comfrey, plantain, activated charcoal, and tea tree oil, it works to gently pull impurities from the skin, promoting natural healing and relief.
Key Ingredients:
- Comfrey
- Plantain
- Activated Charcoal
- Tea Tree Oil
Benefits:
- Draws out splinters
- Helps with boils and infections
- Soothes bug bites
Pro Tip: Activated charcoal can stain, so be sure to cover the application area with a bandage to protect your clothing and surfaces.
Get the Recipe: Herbal Drawing Salve for Splinters and Boils
29. Homemade Drawing Salve for Irritations
This simple and effective drawing salve is a must-have for your natural first-aid kit.
Formulated with natural ingredients and essential oils, it's designed to help 'draw out' irritations like splinters, bee stings, and other skin issues.
It provides relief and promotes healing naturally, making it a gentle yet powerful remedy.
Key Ingredients:
- Herb-infused olive oil
- Beeswax
- Bentonite Clay
- Activated Charcoal
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Relieves splinters and stings
- Soothes skin irritations
- Natural and affordable
Pro Tip: You can substitute essential oils based on what you have, but a blend of lavender, tea tree, and frankincense offers excellent benefits.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Drawing Salve for Irritations
30. Yarrow Salve for Wound Healing and Skin Repair
Harness the ancient healing power of yarrow with this versatile salve.
Renowned for its ability to stop bleeding, heal cuts, and soothe dry skin, yarrow salve is a fantastic addition to any natural first-aid kit.
Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties help regenerate skin cells, promote circulation, and protect wounds, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated.
Key Ingredients:
- Yarrow
- Carrier Oil (e.g., olive oil, coconut oil)
- Beeswax
Benefits:
- Stops minor bleeding
- Heals cuts and scrapes
- Soothes dry skin
- Anti-inflammatory
Pro Tip: Always perform a patch test before widespread use, especially if you have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family.
Get the Recipe: Yarrow Salve for Wound Healing and Skin Repair
31. Yarrow Salve for Enhanced Healing Properties
Create a deeply beneficial yarrow salve that enhances skin healing with its potent properties.
This recipe focuses on a slow infusion method to maximize the extraction of yarrow's healing compounds into your carrier oil, which is then combined with beeswax.
It's a wonderful natural remedy for wounds and skin irritations.
Key Ingredients:
- Dried Yarrow
- Carrier Oil
- Beeswax
- Yarrow Tincture (optional)
Benefits:
- Promotes wound healing
- Soothes skin
- Boosts medicinal properties
Pro Tip: For an extra medicinal boost, you can add a few droppers of yarrow tincture to the mixture just before pouring.
Get the Recipe: Yarrow Salve for Enhanced Healing Properties