Article by Dominique Winebaum
Nowadays a line of cleansing and moisturizing products, but it all started with the original Bag Balm that was formulated as a balm to “soothe cracked, dry cow udders” back in 1899.
As a disclaimer, RTR typically reviews running/hiking shoes and gear and not cosmetic/skin products. This said, Bag Balm’s original formula balm is used by runners, skiers and outdoor folks to help prevent blisters and chafing by creating a barrier, along with helping prevent wind burn.
After using all the products in the bundle, I truly enjoyed the cleansing and moisturizing feel on my skin along with the minty scent, yet the glossy tubes made me ponder about generating so much plastic waste.
Aside from the Bag Balm original formula and moisturizing & exfoliating soaps, all the packaging is made of thick plastic – my point is that though squeeze tubes are part of a trend in cosmetics, there are more eco-friendly options.
Based on their essential benefits and breadth of uses, as well as their eco-friendly packaging, I will focus this review on the Bag Balm Original Formula and the Soaps (2). I liked them so much I have purchased more!
Bag Balm Original Formula ($11.45 for 8 oz)
Bag Balm’s original formula is a balm that is used to heal or soothe the skin. The Bag Balm original formula is made of petroleum, lanolin, paraffin wax, water, and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, ingredients that have moisturizing and antiseptic properties.
As described by Bag Balm:
Versatile formula soothes skin from head to toe
Safe to use on people and animals
Made using just a few, simple ingredients
Enriched with petrolatum to moisturize and renew, lanolin to soothe and soften skin
No added fragrances, colors, alcohol, parabens or phthalates
Proudly made in Vermont, USA
Not a lotion that you lather on your body, but a balm that you rub into your dry or chapped skin, including lips, hands, and feet.
After using the Bag Balm original formula for a week on my hands and feet, I was literally hooked purchasing 3 tins (8oz) as the balm indeed “works wonders” on your skin, in comparison to other products, such as vaseline.
The Bag Balm original formula is available in different size tins: 1oz, 4oz, 8oz ($11.45) and also in a 4.5 lbs Jumbo Pail ($62), along with different tube sizes.
I plan to refill my mini tin with my new supply of Bag Balm original formula and use the mini tin when travelling. I will take the balm to prevent blisters and soothe my feet when trekking for 7 days in Switzerland/Italy in early September on our Tour des Combins.
And yes, I love the tin in all sizes. In 2023, the Company updated the design of the tin by making a few changes, but the product has remained the same since 1899.
The design on the lid is endearing with a cow and a wreath of clover along with the color green of the tin and Bag Balm logo in red.
Made of metal, I can dispose of my empty tins at our Town’s recycling center along with my tuna cans. Though Bag Balm has created a “Tin Up-Cycle Contest” on its website to encourage the re-use of empty tins, I would welcome a more “eco-friendly” approach from the Company in terms of their packaging, specifically as so many of their newer products are available in thick plastic tubes.
The Company Bag Balm has been expanding its line of products, both cleansing and moisturizing, yet the original formula will get you covered from head to toe (including your cuticles) in a balm like fashion. Likewise for their bars of soap - cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing - all this in 4 oz soap.
Exfoliating Bar Soap & Moisturizing Bar Soap ($5.19)
Bag Balm’s latest arrival is the moisturizing body wash with rosemary mint ($15), in a squeeze tube, a marketing trend in cosmetics that generate more waste, when their bara of soap also enriched with lanolin do a great job of moisturizing your body with a rosemary mint scent when showering. I have tested the exfoliating bar, which has both exfoliating and moisturizing properties, and I absolutely love the soap and find it greatly satisfying. In short, your skin will feel great using the soap(s) along with the fact that it comes in an eco-friendly packaging.
Both the Bag Balm original formula and the moisturizing and exfoliating soaps are going to be part of my cleansing and moisturizing routine, especially when it comes to my hands and feet for the balm. My selection is based on their breadth of uses, essential benefits, and eco-friendly packages – they are also reasonably priced.
I purchased 6 bars of soap via the Bag Balm website, with free shipping for orders of $20 or more..
All of Bag Balm
BAG BALM
AMAZON
Dominique has run for over 45 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No compensation was provided by brands for writing this article. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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