What is a salve?
The moisturizing magic of Lauren’s All Purpose has left us wondering: what exactly is a salve and how does it moisturize so deeply?
Conjuring images of apothecary bags and botanical pharmacies, salves were especially popular in 1800’s America and considered a precursor to today’s over-the-counter ointments.
Technically speaking, a salve is a topical moisturizer used as protection or to promote healing. But unlike lotion which has a high water content, salves are an anhydrous formulation, i.e. waterless moisturizer. Their consistency is soft enough to penetrate the skin but also thick enough to create a protective barrier and lock in moisture. Salves typically include herb-infused oils to soothe and heal skin conditions.
Think of salve as a liquid, herbal bandaid protecting your largest organ, your skin!
The word salve, pronounced with or without the “L”, is used interchangeably with balm and ointment. The real difference between them all though is not in their uses but in their preparation: All three are a combination of herbal oils and fatty wax but salves tend to have the least amount of wax, making them the softest and most easily absorbed. (Say goodbye to the after-shower lotion slick!)
Lauren’s All Purpose Salve manages to maintain that delicious whipped feel thanks to its lack of wax: its shea butter substitute keeps skin incredibly soft while its fatty acid content rapidly creates moisture. And unlike beeswax, shea butter is edible making LAPS true, organic skin food. Feed your soul and heal yourself with a tender touch.
2 comments
Hi Lauren, Just reading your story and I use your LAPS, Rose Vetiver and I just put myself on the auto order for the LAPS. with my order for a candle and Rose Vetiver Salve. I also use the oil as well!
I love your products and I have my Mom hooked on it now too. Have you ever thought about a lotion in the LAPS or would you have to add water or a preservative? The reason I ask about that is I am always in a hurry when getting ready to go out and I never have the time to put the LAPS on my body and end up using something else that goes on faster and easier plus my LAPS is going down so fast because I do use it at night. Just curious if that was in your thought process for the future!? Thank You!!
I have now tried both Salves and Serum!! I am in moisture heaven!! I have been using a very expensive skin care regimen and I quit the next day after I tried my first day/night of LAPS!! I have always thought I needed the expensive stuff, Not So!! I am going to be 61 in a couple days and my skin is plump, moisturized and soft as a baby’s bottom. I lost some slight wrinkles and I haven’t used a whole jar yet!! Thank You Lauren for the Tender Touch!! Best of all, all organic and natural!! I couldn’t begin to tell you all the ingredients in my expensive stuff let alone pronounce it. The funny thing I couldn’t really afford the expensive stuff!! Thank You, I am so happy I found LAPS and Lauren, she is really a very nice person and cares!!