Updated February 2021

One of my most frequently asked questions is "What's the difference between Skin Soothe and Skin Seal, and which one should I try?"

Skin Soothe is the first product I created for sale, and is still one of my most popular. I had previously made a number of products for my own use, including a basic diaper cream, and a salve using wild harvested jewelweed from my neighbours pond. When a friend approached me in need of a product to nourish her eczema-damaged hands, that diaper cream and jewelweed salve combined to form the inspiration from which Skin Soothe was born. Almost 8 years later, Skin Soothe remains a top seller in no small part because of its gentle, effective, and highly multi-purpose nature! When I first sold it, it was called "Miracle In A Jar", and some of my customers insist it should still be called that ;)

Skin Soothe is made with organic herbal infused sunflower oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, and a bit of zinc (<3% now though original batches were made with roughly 7%). Skin Soothe is most commonly used for things like diapering care, and minor cuts, scrapes, rashes or burns, etc.  I do have people who use it as hand and face cream, for skin damaged by things like eczema, or instead of medical wound ointments. It should be noted however that Skin Soothe isn't an antibiotic, antifungal, or burn ointment, etc. and I don't make any specific healing claims about this or any of my products. 


Skin Seal is made with organic beeswax, shea butter, hemp oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and herbal infused sunflower oil. It's designed to provide intense moisture and 'seal' the skin to protect it while still allowing it to breathe. It is a much thicker formula than Skin Soothe with double the beeswax, and shea & cocoa butters.  It is not as frequently used for wee bottoms, but it actually makes a great zinc-free diaper cream. Skin Seal is most popular for people with very dry, damaged, and broken skin. Some of the first people to test Skin Seal were winter runners who wanted a plant-based alternative to the traditional petroleum jelly/vaseline on their faces to prevent windburn. Skin Seal excels at keeping exposed faces supple in the face of the chilly winter winds and protecting hands from the dryness winter brings.

What both products have in common are beeswax, jojoba oil, and the 8 herbs I use: jewelweed, bee balm, calendula, chickweed, cottonwood, lavender, marshmallow, and plantain. These herbs have been carefully selected for the healing properties historically associated with them, and can be found in many of my products. Jojoba Oil is actually a liquid wax which mimics the sebum our skin naturally produces. It is a superstar plant oil believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in antioxidants and omegas 6 & 9. It is an emollient that serves as an NMF - natural moisturizing factor. Topical use of jojoba oil helps maintain and repair the integrity of the moisture barrier of your skin so that your body can then do the amazing work of healing.

 

Both Skin Soothe and Skin Seal are designed to nourish the moisture barrier of your skin, but your body works the real magic. Our bodies are in fact designed to heal themselves. When you give the skin what its needs, so the moisture barrier is healthy, the body is able to do the important healing work. 

Which product is best depends on your individual needs and truthfully - - I encourage you to trust your gut when deciding which one will best suit your situation. Your body is wise!

Skin Soothe is popular with parents and caregivers because it is so versatile and easy to apply. It really does soothe on contact, making it a great choice for pain-sensitive little ones. I keep a jar upstairs, downstairs, and in my purse. Alongside LipBliss Balm, its one of the products I never leave home without. 

Skin Seal is so effective at providing a breathable 'seal' for your skin that I've actually discontinued my Lotion Bars which were Skin Seal's predecessor if you will. It is much thicker than Skin Soothe and takes a bit of effort to soften and rub in, but it also has more 'stick-to-it-ive-ness'. Its breathable enough for faces and gentle enough for wee bottoms but still tough enough for knees, elbows, and feet, and like Skin Soothe, does not contain any "sting-y" ingredients and instead soothes on contact.

The great thing about both these products is their versatility. If you buy one for a specific purpose and it doesn't meet your need, you can use it in many other ways. (The same is true for virtually everything I make!)  Because there are no harsh ingredients or essential oils, only gentle whole plant-based ingredients, both are safe even for young and vulnerable family members and can be used freely, as needed.

As for which one is best, I can't pick a favourite - they are both amazing at what they do! Skin Soothe has been popular for years but Skin Seal gives it a run for its money! 

I would be remiss however, if I didn't also mention Touch Me Not Balm. If you are looking for a balm to comfort and soothe swollen oozing situations (things like hemorrhoids, athletes foot, yeast/fungal issues), Touch Me Not is made with herbs historically used for these purposes. It contains jewelweed, black walnut hull powder, bee balm, chickweed, cottonwood, plantain, and yarrow infused sunflower oil, as well as jojoba oil, and a touch of beeswax. Touch Me Not Balm is not a substitute for medical care, however it may help to calm and tone your unhappy tissues.

If you've tried any of the above products, and would like to share your story, please feel free to click through to the product(s) and leave a review. Your experience can help others decide which product might be best for them and is most sincerely appreciated.
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