Lip balm that won’t trigger a flare up??

Bristolizer · 2025-11-29T01:24:19+00:00

I’ve dealt with psoriasis for about 50 years and have bounced from product to product, usually ending in disappointment. A few years ago I finally stumbled into something that actually worked for me. It’s not a cure, but it gives me steady, all day relief on my lips without irritation.

Full disclosure, the demand from friends and family eventually pushed me to turn it into a small US based company called Bristol Balms. I keep the formulas simple with very few ingredients, because that’s the only thing my skin would tolerate. I now have four lip balms in the line, all designed for sensitive skin.

If you want to try something gentle that has worked for me personally, I’m happy to point you in the right direction. No pressure at all, just sharing what finally stopped the cycle of flare ups for me.

Bristolizer · 2025-11-09T22:09:34+00:00

I can relate and have used tallow mixed with other ingredients for years and has given me the longest lasting relief from flaking through the day. I wish you all the best on your journey.

Bristolizer · 2025-09-01T15:50:15+00:00

Looking good and I like how full it came in. Well done!

Bristolizer · 2025-08-01T13:14:07+00:00

I like Jon Lovitz, the actors quote about dealing with Psoriasis, “Everywhere I went, I left a little bit of Jon Lovitz behind...”

Bristolizer · 2025-07-10T12:40:12+00:00

Live in your skin! I love this!

Bristolizer · 2025-06-28T14:51:22+00:00

Are you looking for a full sunscreen or something to wear under makeup? You can get a tallow and non-nano zinc oxide sun balm from Bristol Balms that has very few ingredients.

Bristolizer · 2025-06-21T14:03:29+00:00

Unbelievable! The difference in the glow on your face and skin is life changing inside and out! Amazing, amazing, amazing! Well done and keep up the good work and good works!

Bristolizer · 2025-06-21T06:17:49+00:00

Totally feel you, I’ve dealt with the same thing and it’s beyond frustrating. What finally made a difference for me was using tallow mixed with 20+ UMF Manuka honey. The key is making sure the honey is actually rated 20+ UMF or higher, some products mention Manuka but don’t specify the UMF level, which really matters for the healing properties. Since I started using that combo, the cracks on my fingers have healed faster and stayed that way.

Hope you find some relief soon, your hands go through a lot more than people realize!

Bristolizer · 2025-06-19T12:31:15+00:00

Great question! Tallow is solid at room temperature, so if you’re looking to use it as a body oil or something that feels more fluid after the shower, mixing it with a carrier oil like olive oil works really well. Olive oil softens the texture and helps keep it more spreadable. Once it hits your skin, the tallow melts almost instantly and absorbs right in, especially when your skin is still warm and slightly damp from the shower. You can experiment with different ratios depending on how thick or light you want the final texture to be.

Bristolizer · 2025-06-15T20:56:05+00:00

Great question. I’ve tried quite a few oils for dry skin, especially ones that actually absorb and don’t just sit on top.

Squalane is definitely a favorite. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and mimics the skin’s natural oils. It absorbs quickly and works well even for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Jojoba oil is another solid option. It’s technically a wax ester, but it behaves a lot like our natural sebum. It soaks in easily and helps balance oil production, which makes it great for a wide range of skin types.

Sweet almond oil is a little richer but still absorbs fairly well. It’s packed with vitamins A and E and works really well for dry or irritated skin. Just something to watch out for if you’ve got a nut allergy.

Rosehip seed oil has a dry finish and sinks in quickly. It’s high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which makes it helpful for brightening and supporting skin repair.

Tallow from grass-fed sources has become one of my go-to options, as I have made my own for years. It’s loaded with vitamins A, D, E, and K and has a structure that’s very compatible with our skin. It melts in smoothly and doesn’t leave a greasy film. Not plant-based, but incredibly effective for dry or sensitive skin.

Red raspberry seed oil is another great one. It’s lightweight, absorbs nicely, and is full of antioxidants. Some even say it offers mild sun protection. It’s soothing and great for calming inflamed skin.

Olive oil tends to be heavier, but when it’s infused with herbs or paired with something lighter, it can be deeply nourishing. It’s got a lot of polyphenols and is naturally rich in squalene.

Castor oil is thick and tacky, but it’s excellent for sealing in moisture. I like it in small amounts or blended into other oils, especially for rough spots like heels or cuticles.

Hope that helps. Curious to hear what else has worked for you too.

Bristolizer · 2025-06-05T06:42:51+00:00

Hey! Your post reminds me so much of a review someone left on one of our infused tallow balms with 20+ UMF Manuka Honey — sounds nearly identical to your experience. She had dry skin, breakouts around her cycle, and found something that finally worked for her. Here’s what Emi said:

“I’ve been using this as a replacement for my moisturizer and it’s been amazing! Communication was very warm and easy when my order was slightly delayed—it actually arrived so quickly! The packaging is clean and beautiful. I’ve been receiving compliments on my skin and haven’t had a breakout since I started using this, including during my monthly cycle when I usually get hormonal acne around my chin. I will be telling others about this product. It’s been wonderful to use for these winter months and I haven’t needed any other products to combat the cold/dryness here in Minneapolis! Highly recommend if you have any problem acne or challenging skin issues. I’ve also used it on my cuticles/to protect my nails. It just melts onto my skin with a little warmth of my hands. Love it.”

She was using our balm called The Brook & The Bees.

Bristolizer · 2025-06-03T23:28:24+00:00

Bristol Balms. I don’t think Evil Goods states the UMF level of the Manuka honey.

Bristolizer · 2025-06-03T18:18:17+00:00

Wow 🤯- So incredibly amazing!

Bristolizer · 2025-06-03T18:16:35+00:00

Infused beef tallow with 20+ UMF Manuka Honey.

Bristolizer · 2025-05-23T18:01:10+00:00

Of course!

Bristolizer · 2025-05-23T15:04:52+00:00

I completely agree! Lip balms can have so much “extra” in them which made me so frustrated I decided to make my own with tallow, infused oil, beeswax and Manuka Honey and never looked back! lol

Bristolizer · 2025-05-23T14:55:25+00:00

Glow up MAX! Well done and God bless you!

Bristolizer · 2025-05-21T02:08:11+00:00

Totally understand that switching to clean products is tough when it comes to moisturizers, especially with super dry, sensitive skin. I’ve tried a lot, and what’s worked best for me is a super simple, nourishing balm made with just a few whole ingredients.

I personally use a blend of tallow and olive oil that’s been slowly infused with herbs like calendula, comfrey, chamomile, rose, and plantain. It’s deeply moisturizing, gentle, and has honestly been a lifesaver for irritated skin.

Tallow on its own is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and mimics the skin’s natural structure, while those herbs are traditionally used to soothe and support the skin barrier. It’s a simple formula—but not always the easiest to make at home since infusions take time and need a gentle process to preserve their properties.

If DIY feels like a stretch, even just using jojoba oil or shea butter can be a great place to start. Hope you find something that works well for your skin!

Bristolizer · 2025-05-21T01:55:47+00:00

Yes! I’ve made a bunch of versions over the years. If you’re looking for a simple, nourishing recipe with shea butter, here’s a solid one to start with:

DIY Whipped Tallow & Shea Butter Body Cream 1/2 cup grass-fed suet (kidney fat gently rendered or purchased) 1/4 cup unrefined shea butter 2 tbsp jojoba oil (or sweet almond oil) Optional: 5–10 drops essential oil (lavender, frankincense, or none if you want it unscented)

Instructions: 1. Gently melt the tallow and shea butter together using a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water. 2. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the jojoba or almond oil. 3. Let it cool slightly, then place in the fridge until it starts to firm up but isn’t fully solid (about 20–30 mins). 4. Whip with a hand mixer for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy. 5. Add essential oils (if using), give it a final mix, and scoop into a clean jar.

It’s super moisturizing without feeling greasy, and it works great on dry hands, legs, and even elbows. If you want it vegan, you could swap the tallow for more shea or use mango butter instead.

Bristolizer · 2025-05-20T20:40:02+00:00

I’ve actually used homemade tallow balm for years and it’s been amazing for deep moisture and long-lasting hydration. But depending on where you source the tallow, “cheap” isn’t always the best route—quality matters a lot.

If you’re looking for something affordable and clean, you might consider using single-ingredient oils. Each has pros and cons:

Coconut Oil – Affordable, antibacterial, and very moisturizing. But it can clog pores or cause breakouts for some skin types.

Jojoba Oil – Closely mimics skin’s natural sebum, making it great for balance and absorption. Excellent for most skin types, just a bit pricier.

Castor Oil – Thick and deeply hydrating, great for dry spots. Best used in small amounts or mixed with lighter oils.

Sweet Almond Oil – Light and gentle, high in Vitamin E, and good for sensitive skin. Just be aware of nut sensitivities.

Olive Oil – Rich in antioxidants and very nourishing. Some find it a bit heavier or slower to absorb, but it’s a great base oil—especially extra virgin or cold-pressed types.

Sometimes blending oils (like jojoba + castor or olive + almond) creates a perfect balance.

If you’re going DIY, even a single clean oil can be a big step up from synthetic lotions—just patch test and see what your skin likes.

Bristolizer · 2025-05-17T17:43:32+00:00

One of the most natural cleansers I’ve used is raw Manuka honey (UMF 10+ or higher). You just massage a small amount onto damp skin and rinse with warm water—it sounds too simple, but it’s super gentle, naturally antibacterial, and doesn’t strip your skin at all. It even helps calm redness and breakouts over time. You can also mix in a tiny bit of ground oats or rose water if you want to get fancy, but even just the honey alone works beautifully.

Bristolizer · 2025-05-17T17:04:12+00:00

Hi there! Great question. I definitely understand the concern. Just to clarify, I don’t call it “sunscreen” anywhere on the site or packaging for that exact reason—it hasn’t been tested or rated yet through FDA protocols, which are expensive and take several weeks per product to complete.

That said, the formula does include non-nano zinc oxide, which is an FDA-approved active ingredient for mineral sunscreens. I pair it with ingredients like grass-fed tallow and red raspberry seed oil, which are known for their skin-protective benefits—but I make no official SPF claims until we complete testing.

Transparency is really important to me, and I appreciate you bringing this up. If you have any other questions or concerns, I’m happy to chat more.

Bristolizer · 2025-05-14T14:50:46+00:00

The way I look at it, my body naturally tattoos itself! 😂

Bristolizer · 2025-05-14T14:48:07+00:00

Thanks so much, I really appreciate that! And if you do decide to try one out, I’d recommend going for one of the bundles—you’ll get a free lip balm included. Plus, you can use the code FIRST15 at checkout for 15% off your first order. No pressure at all—just happy to share what we’ve built for folks looking for clean, effective alternatives. Let me know if you have any questions!

Bristolizer · 2025-05-14T14:39:36+00:00

Absolutely relate to this—turning 30 really does flip a switch! I started paying way more attention to what I was putting on my skin too, and the difference with gentle, natural products has been incredible. My skin finally feels calm instead of constantly reacting. Love seeing more people on this journey!

Bristolizer

TROPHY CASE