Balm Vs Cream: the main differences

What are the differences between a balm and a cream? This is a question that many ask me when it’s time to choose a skin care product.

In general, a balm is best for treating moderate dryness and irritation, while a cream is better for providing the skin with nutrients and preventing premature aging. However, some products combine the benefits of both.

Let’s discover some of the differences between these two products right away.

A balm is a skin care product designed to moisturize and soothe dry, cracked skin. It is rich in active and gentle ingredients such as oils, butters and waxes, which help seal in moisture in the skin and prevent water loss. These are normally anhydrous products (without water), however, depending on the formulation, some aqueous actives may be present in small quantities. These products often contain soothing ingredients such as calendula, aloe vera or chamomile.

A cream is a product normally designed to moisturize and nourish the skin. Its texture is lighter and it penetrates more easily than a balm. Its composition is composed of emollient ingredients to help seal in moisture to the skin, but in a smaller amount than a balm. Its main interest is the diversity of active ingredients that can be integrated in its composition. It contains a high percentage of water-based ingredients with (or without!) nourishing actives such as vitamins, plant extracts and antioxidants that help protect the skin or repair free radical damage. Some creams also contain ingredients to help soothe any irritation.

For its lighter texture, I recommend the cream for a daytime routine and the balm for the evening routine, however, depending on the cosmetic brand and the specificity of the product, the advice for use can be very diverse.

Choose the right product for your individual needs for best results and read the labels! Ask yourself the right questions. Does your cream contain mainly water without active ingredients (water) or with active ingredients (hydrolats, aqueous macerates)? Does it contain photosensitive or sun protection ingredients?

Through the range of Axolotl Beauty I offer balms and creams for skin care. They are rich in active ingredients of natural origin. Feel free to visit the store to learn more.