Questions
Frequently asked
How the salves are made, how long they keep, how to use them, and what we can and cannot tell you about them.
Making
Are Veritabalm salves handmade?
Yes. Veritabalm salves are made by hand in small batches using slow-infused botanical oils.
How long are the botanicals infused?
Our botanicals are typically infused for 4 to 6 weeks in olive or avocado oil before being blended into finished salves.
Is beeswax used, or is there a plant-based option?
Each jar lists its wax on the label and on the product page. Where a blend can be made with a plant-based wax instead of beeswax, we say so there. If you need a specific one, write to us before ordering and we will tell you what the current batch used.
Packaging
Why brown glass jars?
We use brown glass jars to help reduce light exposure and support product freshness.
Using
Are these products medical treatments?
No. Veritabalm salves are cosmetic products intended for external use and daily skin care. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Should I patch test?
Yes. Because botanical ingredients can be potent and individual sensitivities vary, we recommend patch testing before broader use.
How do I patch test?
Apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm and leave it for 24 hours without washing the area. If you notice any irritation, do not continue using the product. If you have known sensitivities to any botanical listed on the jar, please speak with a qualified professional first.
How should I store my salve, and how long will it keep?
Keep the jar closed, out of direct sunlight, and somewhere cool — a bathroom windowsill is the one place to avoid. Stored that way, a jar is at its best within twelve months of opening. The brown glass and the vitamin E in the blend are both there to help it stay that way.
The salve feels firmer in winter and softer in summer. Is that normal?
Entirely. There is nothing in the jar to keep the texture constant across temperatures, so a natural wax and oil balm firms up when it is cold and softens when it is warm. Warming a small amount between your fingertips brings it back to the same texture either way.
Orders
Why is a blend sometimes unavailable?
Because an infusion takes four to six weeks and we do not keep stock beyond what a batch yielded. When a blend sells out, the next batch is usually already resting in oil. Joining the batch letter is the quickest way to hear when it is poured.
Do you ship outside the United States?
Not at the moment. Glass is heavy and cosmetics carry country-specific rules we would rather meet properly than approximately. If you are outside the US and would like a jar, write to us and we will let you know when that changes.
Do you offer wholesale or custom batches?
Yes, in small numbers. For wholesale, custom batches, or limited-release inquiries, please contact us and tell us roughly what you have in mind and when you need it. Because everything begins with a four to six week infusion, custom work needs planning well ahead.
Still here
Still have a question?
We read every message ourselves and usually reply within two working days. Tell us the blend or the order number and we will answer properly.