Salves, ointments, balms, and liniments have been around for centuries as an option for treatment to ails and illnesses. Salves and balms have many benefits for treating skin problems, like chafing and eczema.

Salve vs Balm

While the consistency and ingredients may vary between salves and balms, they are both made with herbal oils (sometimes essential oils) and they can assist with a wide range of skin issues.

Salves are generally made up of a combination of herbal oils and wax, but at a lower percentage than balms. This gives them a softer texture that allows them to be absorbed into the skin more easily.

For the most part, a balm has the same ingredients as a salve. Balms have a higher wax content giving them a harder, thicker consistency that is able to keep its shape.