Skin Balm Apothecary

My Baby & Mom Balm was smooth when I received it, but over time it has become gritty. Why does this happen and Is it still okay to use?

First, yes! It is perfectly fine to use. The therapeutic properties are all still there. The pearl like granules should melt easily when rubbing it in between your fingers. But let's talk about why this may happen...

Your Baby & Mom Balm contains East African Shea butter, which is known for its high quality and nourishing properties. However, because this shea butter is not ultra-refined, and of the highest quality (raw etc.) it is more sensitive to temperature changes during storage or handling.

When the balm is exposed to varying temperatures, particularly when it melts and then re-solidifies, the fat crystals in the shea butter can re-form unevenly, leading to a gritty texture. this can happen during transit and hot weather, or other varying factors.

Here are some specific reasons this can happen:

1. Melting and Re-solidifying: If the balm melts (e.g., in a warm environment) and then cools down slowly, large crystals can form, causing the gritty texture.

2. Incorrect Storage: Storing the balm in a place where the temperature fluctuates frequently can contribute to this issue. It’s best to store the balm in a cool, consistent environment.

3. High-Quality, Unrefined Ingredients: The use of very high-quality East African Shea butter that is not ultra-refined means the fats haven’t undergone processing to stabilize them, making the balm more prone to grittiness.

How to Fix It:
You can remelt the Baby & Mom Balm and cool it down quickly to help avoid grittiness.

Here's how:

Herbal remedy for Mom & Baby’s skin—nursing balm, rash soother, & SO MUCH more!

Not a momma? The Baby & Mom Balm can still have a very important place in your herbal arsenal & skincare routine ⬇️⬇️

"I don’t currently have any children, but I do love all products by SBA, so I had to purchase this product too, and I’m SO GLAD I did. It is so soothing to the touch and a little bit truly goes a long way. It’s helped calm the itching of a rash on my hands that I’ve had persistently for about 15 years. I’ve also had a weird rash on my eyelid for the past few weeks. It would randomly get really dry and itchy but wouldn’t heal. I started using this product and within three days, you can hardly see the spot now. I would definitely recommend keeping this in your natural arsenal. It is amazing!" - Chloe

& one from a momma...

"I’m loving this new product. It smells great and is easy to apply. So far I’ve used it on my 1 year old’s minor diaper rash - I applied it after bath time before going to bed and in the morning, all redness and irritation was gone. I’m excited to try it for myself as well and on our new baby who will be here soon. What a relief to find a product with clean and safe ingredients that actually helps!" - Epi

🤍🤍

Want 15% off your next order? Keep reading,,. But first, this week's review + photo by one of amazing customers who uses the lash and brow growth powerhouse 😊⬇️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"This is the best eye balm for your lashes! It's all natural and doesn't contain toxic chemicals like other lash products. I use this on my brows, lashes, and lips! It's definitely a game changer and has helped my dull lashed shine and grow!!!" Lydia

Get 15% off your next order by leaving a review on the website with a photo of yourself AND your favorite SBA product in it. The photo above is a great example! To qualify for the 15% off, you must be in the photo. 🤍

"I have been using The Eye Balm™️ for years and it has made my lashes so thick and holds the curl literally allll day! Even through the Louisiana heat and humidity! 100% recommend this product! 😍" - Hannah H. 💕

The first of its kind - lash & brow balm in a tube - has been around for over a decade. It has over 600 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews online. Head there to read more and see customer photos like the one above. 🤍

Salem Paul came out at a whopping 10.1 lbs of pure cuteness. We have been MIA in baby exhaustion and bliss the last two-ish weeks; soaking in our new life with two blessings under two.

Labor was long (36+ hours). Salem ended up having a shoulder dystocia making the birthing process and recovery a bit more difficult than we had planned. But all is well and I am feeling great! God's peace was with us through it all. It ended up being a beautiful experience with lots of unexpected moments that I may share more of soon. ❤️

Been busy getting all the things ready for baby boy's arrival!
Any day now (or could be another week+).. he will come when he's ready...😊 My momma heart is so looking forward to seeing Selah with a baby brother. 🤍

Launching tomorrow at 9 a.m. Anyone who places the order through the link we share via text will get a the original lash and brow balm in a tube - The Eye Balm™️ as a FREE GIFT plus 10% off!!!! This will not be available to people who place an order just using the link we share via IG over the weekend. So make sure you sign up for the special link being sent out tomorrow morning around launch time. Check our stories for the link to sign up and details.

Okay now onto some FAQs about the Baby & Mom Balm. If we miss any, ask below ❤️

Should this balm be cleaned off the ni**le prior to nursing?
For babies under one year, we recommend removing the balm from ni**les prior to nursing due to the presence of beeswax. This is left to the mom's preference, but something we like to mention.

How long does this balm last for?
The shelf life of this product is about 6-9 months. There are no preservatives in it, so it is important that it is stored properly and absolutely no double-dipping occurs when applying it to Baby's bottom.

Can I use this for baby eczema?
Yes! But keep in mind, eczema can flare up and be caused by many external factors, like washing baby clothes with harsh detergents, applying products with harsh ingredients as a lotion or in the bath, other skin irritants, and dietary factors. So although we recommend applying this product on any irritated skin, identifying the primary source of the irritation is important.

Can I use this even if I'm not a mom or my kids are grown?
100%! It's a great multi-purpose, herb-heavy-salve! It was just created with baby's skin in mind and super sensitive areas. So if you have really sensitive skin or struggle with rosacea, eczema, or flareups, I would definitely recommend having this as part of your skincare routine.

Can this be used on baby acne?
Yes, but baby acne - also known as neonatal acne - can be caused by many factors, including maternal hormones, immature pores, irritation from fabrics and detergents, overactive sebaceous glands, contact with saliva and spit-up, baby products with fragrance, etc. With this in mind, try to identify the primary source of the acne and limit exposure to any irritants.

FAQ cont.⬇️

"Mom, what do you mean SBA is dropping a new product this Friday?"

Selah is excited to be a part of our new product launch! She has been the best little tester the last year of all the different formulas and agrees this one is it! We are both so excited to share it with you 😊

For access to something exclusive, be sure to look at today's stories so you don't miss out when it launches. 🌸

Our 100% Organic Body & Facial Cleansing Oil can be used several different ways....

1️⃣ Facial cleansing oil. This is great for ladies who were makeup as it can act as a gentle makeup remover to breakdown buildup. Oil breaks down oil, but double cleansing is important! We still suggest following up with our aloe-based cleanser afterwards. you have acne prone skin, use our Lemongrass Facial Cleansing Oil.
2️⃣ Cuticle oil & of course, body oil!
3️⃣ Massage oil & growing belly oil for expecting mommas

What's your favorite way to use it? ⬇️

The vitamin E found in prickly pear seed oil is the highest of any plant oil on the market (3 times higher than argan oil). Prickly pear seed oil has been known to reduce the appearance of fine lines, help prevent premature wrinkles, brightens dark under-eye circles, calms redness, helps relieve inflamed skin, and brightens complexion. Just a few reasons it is a key ingredient in our Sweet Dreams Glow Balm - the last step in your skincare routine.

🍃 Homemade Hair & Skin Mask Gel 🍃

This gel is great for the whole family and super customizable. Also works lovely as a face mask - seeds and all! After cooled, apply to face. Leave on until it dries and since off. Follow up with your SBA routine.

MATERIALS
5 Tbsp whole flaxseeds NOT MILLED
2 cups distilled water
Strainer (cheesecloth, paint strainer bag, or unused knee high nylon)
Empty, clean, pump or flip cap bottle
Essential oils and preservative if using - there are quite a few preservatives out there, so do your own research and follow the instructions on the right amount to add. For essential oils, I use our organic line and I like a blend of lavender and orange. 


NOTES
Either golden or brown WHOLE flaxseeds will work, not milled.
If your gel gets too thick to strain it, you can always add more water and heat a little more, if necessary, before trying to strain it again.
Flaxseed hair gel can be preserved with a natural preservative for a longer shelf life and no need to store in the fridge. If not using a preservative, store in the fridge and it should last for up to two weeks!

INSTRUCTIONS
Add the water to a small saucepan and boil it.
Once boiling, add the flaxseeds to the boiling water and lower the heat. Keep heating over medium heat until the water starts thickening up and getting frothy. Stir! You don't want the flaxseeds sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. 

When the water has thickened (after about 12 minutes), remove from heat and let it cool. Do not let it cool down too much. Once it becomes cool enough for you to strain, do so. If it cools down completely, it might be more difficult to strain.

Optionally, add essential oils to your DIY flaxseed hair gel for fragrance.

Store in the fridge for maximum storage time.

Throw away and make a new batch hen the gel starts to get cloudy or smell off, after 14 days or so, whichever comes first. 

Flaxseed hair gel can be applied to wet or dry hair. Be patient. Just like with any non-commercial, homemade product, you are going to have to apply it differently. Give it time to dry.

Do you know what makes the Sweet Dreams Glow Balm different than a lotion or cream?

Let's talk about it - our Daydream SPF and Sweet Dreams Glow Balm do not have any liquid added to them, meaning they are technically not "true moisturizers" in the skincare world. Our HA Blue Tansy Moisturizer and Repair Cream are both considered moisturizers due to having liquid added to them and emulsified.

If you have dry skin, or are over the age of 30, or live in a dryer climate, you need more than just a cleanser and serum or balm! This is what we recommend:

1. Cleanse & Tone
2. Apply one of your SBA serums. This is where you can target what your skin needs. Serums tends to pe*****te the skin on a deeper level due to being smaller on a molecular level than moisturizers. I (Chelsea) like to use the Awake Coffee Serum for a.m. & the Firming Serum (it's like nature's retin-a) for night time.
DON'T STOP AT THIS STIP ⬆️
3. Moisturize! Use one or our moisturizers - Repair Cream or Blue Tansy HA Cream.
4. Seal it all in with one of our balms. Daydream SPF for daytime and the Sweet Dreams Glow Balm (what's being featured in the video above) at night. These two products locks everything you put on underneath them in for longer nourishment and better results. If you have oily skin, you may be able to omit step three during the daytime.

Don't like how dewey all of these layers make your skin look? Use any of our clay masks to give more a matte look. This will not add color, or cover anything up. Think of it like those rice papers that used to be popular in the early 2000s, but so much better! See video above to see how to follow all the steps mentioned. 😊

Momma & Baby Balm details coming soon! But until then, let's share a few SBA products that many mommas use for their little ones, myself included.

1️⃣ The Eye Balm™️: it's a diaper bag must have. Yes, it's known mainly as the original lash and brow growth booster in a tube, but many moms have found it to be a great multipurpose balm as well. It works wonders on small scrapes, bruises and dry spots. 100% organic and infused with frankincense - yes, please!
2️⃣ Unscented Glow Balm: Great for rashes, minor cuts, dry skin, and when in doubt - just rub it on! It's super gentle and non-comedogenic. Also great as a nursing balm!
3️⃣ Unscented Body Oil: great as a post bath oil or to use on rashes and dry areas on the skin.

Is there an SBA product that you use as a Momma on your little ones? If so, let us know below.

I have received so many messages over the years from sweet mommas who have used our products in different ways for their littles.

Of course, we always recommend you do a spot test and read all the ingredients for yourself to make sure that your baby is not allergic to anything present.

Above photos were taken by around Selah's first birthday & is one of my favorite home shoots we have done with her to date! 😊

The Eye Balm™️ is hormone-free, petroleum (Vaseline-free), and does not have any long term side effects that some eyelash serums do. Making it a great eyelash conditioner for brows and healthy eyelashes during pregnancy and beyond. Plus, it offers nourishment for healthy lash growth and does so much more than just hold a curl.

Check those eyelash growth serums you’re applying for synthetic prostaglandins. Look for these ingredients on product labels:
* Isopropyl cloprostenate
* Isopropanol Phenyl-hydroxyl-pentene Dihydroxy-cyclopentyl-heptenate
* Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide
* Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide
If it has any of these, you may want to contact the company and ask about concentration and safety.

The artificial hormones listed above will most likely make your lashes longer, but the long term effects may not be worth it. Some not-so-appealing long term effects are drooping eyelids, skin darkening, and iris colour change.

7️⃣ ways you can use your favorite lash & brow growth balm in a lip balm tube—The Eye Balm™️.

For over a decade, ladies have loved using my original formulation to nourish their brows and hold that gorgeous curl on their lashes. But, The Eye Balm™️ can do so much more than that! Here’s how you can get the most bang-for-your-buck out of this amazing product...

1. Lash & Brow Growth Balm - Natural, cold-pressed, organic oils in The Eye Balm nourish and promote growth in your lashes and brows. Many ladies have testified to seeing their lashes and brows grow after using The Eye Balm!
2. Hold Lash Curl & Set Brows - Natural waxes and butters in The Eye Balm help give your lashes a long-lasting curl and keep your brows set in place (use with a spoolie when setting your brows for a stunning “blow-out” effect! ✨).
3. Moisturize & Nourish Eye Area - Rub The Eye Balm around your eyes to moisturize this often-neglected area. Keeping this area moisturized (along with the healing powers of Frankincense essential oil!) can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.
4. Topical Treatment for Dry Spots - Find a small scaly or flaky dry spot on your skin? Apply some of The Eye Balm to it! It’s safe for children and infants too!
5. Natural Neosporin - Organic essential oils like Frankincense and Lavender carry antibacterial and healing properties that make The Eye Balm a great first aid treatment for small cuts, scrapes, and burns.
6. Treat & Heal Cuticles - Are your cuticles flaking, tearing, and just not appealing to look at? The Eye Balm can nourish your cuticles to keep them looking smooth and healthy!
7. Heavy-Duty Lip Moisturizer - If you happen to not have an SBA Lip Balm on hand, or if you need more intensive treatment for your lips, The Eye Balm can be applied to your lips like any of our other Lip Balms. The Eye Balm is formulated with more waxes and butters than our Lip Balms, giving longer-lasting nourishment for your lips.

Did we miss any? 💚

Thank you Ebby for the beautiful photo 🤍

So what would I change about my original dishwasher detergent recipe?

Nothing. 😄

This DIY DISHWASHER DETERGENT is still my favorite.

Before we get into directions, please note that all water is different and depending on where you live, and how hard your water is, you may have to adjust the ingredients. You could switch out the washing soda for baking soda and try that or another DIY recipe online. There are a lot! Maybe search for one from a person who lives in your area and see what works for them.

Ingredients:
1 c. borax
1 c. washing soda
1/2 c. salt
1/2 c. citric acid

Directions: measure all ingredients as stated above, and mix them together in a container. Use your mixing utensil to break up any clumps or shake the ingredients in the container.

When ready to use, place 1 tablespoon in the dishwasher detergent area of your washer and enjoy clean dishes.

Note: this detergent works great for us and doesn't live water marks - but we do rinse and sometimes wash our dishes before putting them in the dishwasher so not sure how this would work with dishes that aren't rinsed well. 🤍

Make your own hair gel with flaxseeds!

This gel is great for the whole family and super customizable.

MATERIALS
5 Tbsp whole flaxseeds NOT MILLED
2 cups distilled water
Strainer (cheesecloth, paint strainer bag, or unused knee high nylon)
Empty, clean, pump or flip cap bottle
Essential oils and preservative if using - there are quite a few preservatives out there, so do your own research and follow the instructions on the right amount to add. For essential oils, I use our organic line and I like a blend of lavender and orange. 


NOTES
Either golden or brown WHOLE flaxseeds will work, not milled.
If your gel gets too thick to strain it, you can always add more water and heat a little more, if necessary, before trying to strain it again.
Flaxseed hair gel can be preserved with a natural preservative for a longer shelf life and no need to store in the fridge. If not using a preservative, store in the fridge and it should last for up to two weeks!

INSTRUCTIONS
Add the water to a small saucepan and boil it.
Once boiling, add the flaxseeds to the boiling water and lower the heat. Keep heating over medium heat until the water starts thickening up and getting frothy. Stir! You don't want the flaxseeds sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. 

When the water has thickened (after about 12 minutes), remove from heat and let it cool. Do not let it cool down too much. Once it becomes cool enough for you to strain, do so. If it cools down completely, it might be more difficult to strain.

Optionally, add essential oils to your DIY flaxseed hair gel for fragrance.

Store in the fridge for maximum storage time.

Throw away and make a new batch hen the gel starts to get cloudy or smell off, after 14 days or so, whichever comes first. 

Flaxseed hair gel can be applied to wet or dry hair. Be patient. Just like with any non-commercial, homemade product, you are going to have to apply it differently. Give it time to dry.

Have you made this before? Let us know your experience with it or tips if you have any to add 😊

Going into 2024 knowing where true contentment lies. 😊

It's reinforced a thousand different ways. As women we're to live under no one’s control.⁣
⁣
We're independent, strong and productive – all on our own.⁣
We can juggle just about anything that’s thrown our way.⁣
⁣
Oftentimes, we approach the day as though we have something to prove. If we are more productive, we will feel fulfilled and content, right? ⁣
⁣
Wrong. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Here’s the thing - true contentment only comes when we surrender completely to Jesus and become more like HIM. Contentment only comes when we allow ourselves to be totally controlled by Him. I know, trust me, it's not always easy.⁣
Galatians 5:22-23 says, ““But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”⁣
⁣
These beautiful traits we want so desperately to be a manifested in our lives ONLY come as a result of our total submission to Him. What pleases God is not how many followers we have on IG, how cute our outfits are, or how full our calendar is.⁣
⁣
What matters to God is how patient we are with others, how we act when we are not posting our lives in perfect curated squares, how genuinely kind we are to the people around us, and what choices we make when no one is watching.⁣
⁣
So, take time to stop and think about where you are on this path to being submitted to Him, and how you are living your life on a day to day bases. ⁣
⁣
As strong and independent as you are, you can make the conscious decision to be under someone else's control…and that “someone” is a LOVING God who has a far greater plan than you could ever come up with on your own.⁣
⁣
Can I get an amen? 🤍

Our formulas have not changed, but the weather has!

Which means cooler temps in many areas. Cooler temps just don't effect our skin, but it also effects quite a few of your SBA products.

We do not use artificial solidifiers or gels in our products, so extra firmness when exposed to colder temperatures is normal. But don't worry, we have easy solutions for this!

But first, what not to do - if your package arrives on a cold day, put it somewhere a bit warmer in your house, maybe a few feet away from a heater vent or something so the products can warm up a bit. If you try to apply them right when they arrive on a cold day, chances are they will be pretty firm! Also, do not leave your The Eye Balm™️ in your cold car! If you do, it will probably be too hard to apply right away to the delicate eye area.

Let's talk about a few application tips...

🙆🏻‍♀️ If you notice your deodorant is not being applied as easily, hold it under your arm longer before swiping - body heat goes a long way to warm up natural products that do not have artificial solidifiers in them.

✨ If your Sweet Dreams Glow Balm or Daydream SPF seems a bit harder to scoop out of the jar, take a bit extra time to warm it up in between your fingers and massage it onto your face. Extra massaging is great for lymphatic drainage and de-puffing!

👀 Is The Eye Balm™️ a bit harder to glide across your under eye area or on your lash line? Warm it up first by applying it on your brows or another area that needs some extra TLC.

🌾 If your purifying serum arrives frozen - it has happened in some really cold areas - no worries, the therapeutic properties have not been negatively effected. To get it back to a oil consistency, run some warm water over the bottle or sit it in some hot water for a few minutes and it will be back t normal soon. Jojoba Oil is actually a liquid wax, so if it gets cold, solidification is possible.

Okay, now go layer your skincare because no doubt your skin needs extra layers during this cold season when moisture is sucked out of the air due to heaters being blasted and colder, windy temps outside!

Let us know if you have any questions ⬇️⬇️

We have so much to be thankful for. One major thing is all of you! Our small, family-run business would not be possible without your support.

Enter THANKFUL15 for 15% off your entire order. Or click the link in stories to have it automatically applied. Ends Sunday at midnight PST. ❤️

Also, the new product: Brow Styling Wax & Clay is also launched! 👏🏻👏🏻

Swipe to see before & afters. Launching Friday!!! If you missed yesterday's reel, watch it before working through the questions below. ✨

Shape, sculpt, and set your brows with Brow Styling Wax & Clay. Formulated to create a blow-out look, lock hairs in place, and give a long-lasting, lifted hold.

Okay, now into some FAQs...

Q: Will this add color to my skin or brows?
A: Nope! It will not. It has brown hues in the tin due to the clays in the product, but like our Sweet Dreams Glow Balm is pink but won't add pink to the skin, and our Blue Tansy Ultra Rich Moisturizer is blue but won't add blue to the skin, this product will not color your skin or brows.

Q: Why do my eyebrows seem to flake a bit after using this?
A: This may happen for a few people due to the brows not being exfoliated (think about it: when was the last time you exfoliated your brows?). So when you apply the wax and clay with a spoolie, it may cause some exfoliation. This is okay and is probably even a good thing to cleanse your brows of old, dead skin.

Q: I have seen people attempt something like this with soap. Is this the same thing?
A: Nope! Most soaps are meant to be washed off due to harsh ingredients. They also typically dry leaving a weird film or frosty look after a while. Our Brow Styling Wax & Clay will dry clear, and the ingredients are great to keep on the skin. The essential oils in this product help with brow hair growth.

Q: Can this be used on eyelashes?
A: Due to the volume of essential oils in this product and other ingredients, it was formulated specifically for the brows. The eye area tends to be more sensitive, and we suggest sticking to using The Eye Balm™️ on your lashes.

Q: What is the shelf life of the product?
A: It will last up to 18 months if stored properly and remains sterile. Make sure the spoolie is clean before dipping it into the product and that the product is not extremely wet when you close the lid.

Q: How long will it last?
A:That really depends on how much you use it. If once a day, it will probably last about six months.

Miss any? Please ask your questions below so we can get them answered before the launch ⬇️⬇️

PSA before today's recipe: our sitewide sale is next weekend! PLUS, a NEW PRODUCT is launching. Talking about more details in today's stories!

Okay, onto this yummy syrup....

With the holidays here, this is a fun, herb-packed, yummy syrup!

Apple Spice Syrup
1 cup apple juice
1 cup sugar

Once sugar dissolves, add in spices below and let simmer on low for 10 mins. It should thicken up quite a bit.

What's great about custom homemade syrup is you can always add more if you would like. I probably add a bit more than what is below, but some people might not want as much spice. So start with this amount and adjust accordingly.

1 1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cardamom
1/2 tsp. cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp. clove
1/2 tsp. coriander

If using all powders, no need to strain. Just pour into jar of choice and enjoy!

Did you know it is super easy to make your own room spray with natural scents?

My favorite room mist blends using our organic line of essential oils:

All recipes are for 8 ounce bottle. Use distilled if you can. Add a few drops more of each one until you get the strength you want. Remember to shake your bottle before spraying!

15 drop of orange 🍊
10 lemon 🍋
5 drops lemongrass 🌾

10 drops lavender
10 drops orange
10 drops lemon

15 drops orange 🍊
10 drops lemon 🍋
10 drops lavender

Have a favorite blend using simple essential oils? Share below ⬇️✨

Double tap if you’ve ever had a random zit or a pimple show up. 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️

Our 100% organic Blemish Balm is a great acne spot treatment to carry with you when those pesky blemishes show up unexpectedly. No matter where you are, taking it out and applying a swipe or two is easy peezy. Gentle and nourishing while being effective ✔️.