DIY Versatile Skin Salve for Chapping, Chafing & More

Skin Care

Our skin is great, it does a remarkable job protecting us, but sometimes it can develop some rather uncomfortable and even smelly problems. You probably know what I am talking about: skin rashes from working out too hard, chafing in special places, and the dreaded fungal infections like athlete's foot. Luckily, these issues can often be easily addressed with herbal home remedies.

This Versatile Skin Salve is something I like to keep on hand throughout the year as it is helpful for a large variety of skin irritations from diaper rashes to chapped skin, to post-workout chafing. It is soothing, protective, and well-balanced to help dry over moist skin yet moisten dry skin, and it is easy to customize!

What Makes This Salve Helpful

Over the years, I have tried a variety of skin care products, but the commercial products may be great in the short term, they never seem to leave me satisfied in the long term. Homemade herbal salves are easy to make, easy to customize, and often are helpful to address the real problem. This salve works with your skin to soothe irritation, absorb excess moisture, and protect against further friction; the secret is in the combination of herb-infused oils and that touch of powder. Instead of covering the skin in with a heavy, greasy layer, this salve is designed to:

• Soothe irritated and inflamed skin

• Create a light protective barrier

• Is antifungal

• Help skin heal

It absorbs more quickly than a typical salve and has a soft, almost powdery finish thanks to the added starch.

The Ingredient List

• Coconut oil or tallow: Choose what base oil works best for you. Coconut oil feels lighter and absorbs quickly; tallow is incredibly nourishing and protective for very sensitive skin

• Calendula: Calendula is one of my go-to herbs for skin as it is gentle, soothing, and helps the skin to heal

• Marshmallow root (optional): Marshmallow root is soothing and moistening, ideal for inflamed skin

• Chickweed (optional): Chickweed is cooling and has a long been used for itchy, inflamed, irritated skin

• Beeswax: Adds structure and creates a breathable barrier that offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties

• Arrowroot, tapioca powder, or cornstarch (optional): Powder is what gives the salve that smooth, dry-touch finish that makes it perfect for areas prone to moisture

• Essential oils (optional but helpful, consider omitting for babies)

  • Tea tree: The go to essential oil for antimicrobial, antifungal needs

  • Lavender: Calming and skin-friendly

  • Frankincense carterii: Skin supportive, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties

  • Patchouli: Skin-supportive, calms irritated skin, and has antimicrobial properties

Versatile Skin Salve Recipe (2% dilution)

This recipe uses a 2% dilution of essential oils, which is considered appropriate for most adult skin when used occasionally, as needed, but can be reduced to a lower dilution.

• 4 oz calendula-infused coconut oil or tallow (optionally add marshmallow root and/or chickweed)

• 2 Tbsp beeswax pellets

• 2 tsp arrowroot, tapioca powder, or cornstarch (optional)

• 10 drops tea tree essential oil (optional)

• 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

• 5 drops frankincense or patchouli essential oil (optional)

To make the calendula infused oil, gently melt 4 oz of coconut oil or tallow in a double boiler and add in up to 2 oz of dried herb, ensuring that the herb is fully submerged in the oil. Allow the blend to heat gently over low heat for at least 3 hours. Remove from heat, and strain out the herb.

In the double boiler, gently melt the beeswax, then add in the infused oil and stir.

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the powder or starch, followed by the essential oil drops (omit if for a baby, or omit tea tree and just add 2 drops of lavender and frankincense/patchouli). Stir well.

Pour into sterile salve tins or small glass jars and allow to cool completely before capping.

The salve will firm up as it cools and have a smooth, creamy texture.

Be sure to label.

How to Use

This salve is incredibly versatile. Just scoop out a small amount with clean, dry hands, and apply to area of need. A little goes a long way! Here are some of the ways it can be used:

• Chafing relief: Apply to inner thighs, under arms, or anywhere friction is causing trouble

• Sweaty areas: Use it in the areas that tend get and stay damp - under breasts, in skin folds, inner thighs, etc

• Minor skin irritations: Works great on mild rashes, bug bites, or any spot that is feeling a little hot and inflamed

• Pre or post-workout: Apply to areas that tend to rub and chafe

• Baby-butt care: If you are making a batch for diaper rash, just leave out the essential oils or omit the tea tree and use 2 drops of lavender and frankincense/patchouli for a gentle, effective diaper balm (<0.5% dilution)

Variations & Customizations

• Extra gentle: Decrease drops of skip essential oils entirely

• Extra drying: Add an additional ½–1 tsp powder or starch

• Ultra-soothing: Use both marshmallow root and chickweed in your oil infusion.

• Skin-healing: Add lavender buds to the herbal infusion for additional skin healing and soothing benefits

• Anti-itch: Add plantain to the herbal infusion to calm itchy, irritated skin

• Warming pain-relief: Add ginger to the herbal infusion, and/or add a few drops of ginger essential oil to add a warming pain relief benefit to the salve

As always, label your jars clearly and store in a cool place.

Note: This recipe is intended for general skin care and comfort, not to diagnose or treat medical conditions. If irritation persists or worsens, consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Final Thought

Simple herbal preparations like this have been a huge game changer in my house. They work, and they can work fast by supporting the body where and how it needs a little help.

If you give this recipe a try, I would love to hear how it works for you. And if you make any tweaks or substitutions, drop a comment and let me know.