Body

Body cosmetics differ primarily in the amount of fat and water in the formulation, and this ratio determines everything else: the consistency, the absorption rate, and what type of skin the product is suitable for. In this category, we have gathered balms, butters, ointments, bath salts, and after-sun products, mostly with hemp seed oil in the composition.

How to choose a body cosmetic?

Instead of searching for a product by name, it is worth starting with the consistency, as it is responsible for the effect on the skin.

1. Balm, butter, or ointment. A balm is an emulsion with a predominance of water, absorbs quickly, and is suitable for everyday use and summer. Butter has more solid fats, stays on the skin longer, and works better in winter. Ointment is almost water-free, creates an occlusive layer, and is used spot-wise, not on the entire body.

2. Ingredients at the beginning of the list. The first five positions usually make up the majority of the product. If the oil you are looking for is at the end of the list next to fragrance substances, its share is negligible regardless of what the front of the packaging claims.

3. Fragrance substances. The fragrance composition is often the most common cause of irritation for people with sensitive skin. Fragrance-free products or those with fragrance only from essential oils are a safer choice for reactive skin.

4. Capacity and consumption rate. A half-liter pump balm usually lasts for several weeks of daily use on the entire body. Butters in small jars are intended for areas that require more attention, such as elbows, knees, and feet.

What you will find in the body cosmetics category

The largest group consists of products from the PALACIO brand: pump balms, body butters, hemp ointments, and bath salts, available with hemp seed oil and additives such as lavender, argan oil, or shea butter. Next to them, you will find after-sun products and warming patches.

Facial care products are gathered in the facial cosmetics category, and gels and creams for other purposes in the gels and creams categories. We write more about the formulations themselves in the guide on hemp cosmetics.

Hemp seed oil in cosmetics

Oil pressed from hemp seeds is a typical plant oil rich in linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid. It has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it rarely clogs gland openings, and absorbs relatively quickly for a plant oil.

It is worth distinguishing it from the extract from flowers, which is sometimes added to cosmetics in small amounts and described separately. On the ingredient list, seed oil appears as Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, and the extract as Cannabis Sativa Extract. These are two different raw materials with different prices and different places in the formulation.

How to use body cosmetics

Balms and butters are best applied to slightly damp skin right after bathing, as they then retain the water that remains in the epidermis. On dry skin a few hours after bathing, the effect is weaker.

Bath salts are dissolved in hot water before entering the tub, usually in the amount indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging, most often from one to three handfuls. A salt bath should not last longer than twenty minutes, and afterwards, it is advisable to rinse the skin with clean water and apply balm.

Ointments are used spot-wise and in small amounts, rubbing in until absorbed. Due to the occlusive layer, they should not be applied under tight clothing just before going out.

Safety and contraindications

Use the cosmetic only externally. Before the first use of a new product, perform a patch test on a small area of skin, such as on the forearm, and wait a day. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, and in case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water.

Do not use on damaged skin, open wounds, or skin changes requiring dermatological consultation. After-sun products do not protect against radiation and do not replace sunscreen. Store products out of reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a balm and a body butter?

The ratio of water to fat. A balm has a predominance of the water phase, is lighter, absorbs faster, and is suitable for everyday use and warm months. Butter contains more solid fats, such as shea or cocoa, creates a more durable layer, and works better for very dry skin and in winter.

Does hemp oil in cosmetics clog pores?

Hemp seed oil has a low comedogenic rating, so it rarely causes blackheads and is sometimes recommended for oily skin as well. However, the reaction is individual, and the effect depends on the entire formulation, not a single ingredient. For acne-prone skin, it is advisable to start with a small area.

How much salt should I add to the bath?

Manufacturers usually recommend from one hundred to three hundred grams for a standard bathtub, which is from one to three handfuls. Dissolve the salt in hot water before filling the tub to the desired temperature, as it dissolves more slowly in lukewarm water and some crystals settle at the bottom.

Do body cosmetics have an expiration date after opening?

Yes, and it is marked with the symbol of an open jar with a number of months, such as twelve or twenty-four. This period counts from the first opening, regardless of the minimum durability date on the bottom of the packaging. Pump products stay fresh longer than those in open jars because they have less contact with air.

Can body cosmetics be used on the face?

It is better not to, although it is not dangerous. Body formulations are usually richer and have a higher concentration of fragrance composition because the skin on the body is thicker and less reactive. On the face, such a product can be too heavy and more often causes irritation or clogged gland openings.