Collection: Body

Understanding the basics: balm and serum, two complementary treatments

What is a balm?

A balm is a rich cosmetic treatment, often water-free and therefore ultra-nourishing, which acts as a protective barrier to repair the skin and protect it from external aggressions. It is generally presented in a jar, sometimes solid, and formulated from natural extracts of plant origin . The balm can be enriched with shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), coconut oil or linseed oil (Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil), which provide omega and promote cell regeneration.

Used as a hydrating facial treatment, as a lip balm, or even as a body and hair treatment, it remains ideal for nourishing and repairing dry areas. In the beauty world, we also find the beautifying balm treatment or the complexion-enhancing balm, an innovation that combines nutrition and foundation for more radiant skin.

What is a serum?

A serum is a lightweight, fluid treatment that's specific and highly concentrated, facilitating the absorption of active ingredients and maximizing their effectiveness. It often contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss, but also active ingredients such as collagen, vitamin C, tocopheryl acetate, or centella asiatica, known for its cica complex that helps repair tissue.

There are also formulas enriched with fruit extract or seed oil to boost skin vitality. In modern routines, we talk about regeneration serum, anti-aging serum or even balm-in-balm treatment serum, which combines the concentration of a serum with the richness of a balm. This type of treatment, often resulting from organic and sustainable innovation , responds to each specific skin problem such as wrinkles, fine lines or skin aging.

The key differences between balm, cream and serum

The serum acts as a targeted treatment, while the moisturizer or light moisturizer maintains daily balance. The balm, on the other hand, is ultra-nourishing and acts as a restorative and protective shield .

A day cream is often used in alternation with a serum, while a beautifying balm treatment can complement makeup or serve as a final touch to a facial treatment. Each product therefore has its specific advantages: the serum targets, the cream maintains, and the balm protects. The choice depends on the skin's deficiency and the season, as certain textures are more suitable for winter or summer.

The benefits of skin balms and serums

The benefits of a balm

A balm offers multiple benefits: it intensely nourishes, protects, and repairs. Enriched with seed oil, coconut oil, or linseed oil, it helps prevent water loss and maintain skin structure. Organic balms with natural origins are often lightly scented to transform the skincare experience into a moment of relaxation.

At home, it is also used as a body or hair treatment, which demonstrates the versatility of this product designed with holistic beauty in mind. Its rich texture provides immediate softness, leaving the skin firm and visibly smooth.

The benefits of a serum

The serum concentrates powerful active ingredients such as vitamin C (a major antioxidant), collagen, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica extract to boost cellular stimulation. These active ingredients work together to reduce wrinkles, smooth fine lines, and improve skin radiance.

Thanks to its rapid absorption, serum is an effective moisturizer that can be combined with a cream or balm to maximize anti-aging effects. Some formulas also incorporate gentle, subtle fragrances, transforming application into a smooth and pleasant experience. Serum is therefore an essential anti-aging facial treatment in a modern routine.

When to use a balm, when to use a serum?

Serum is ideal for morning and evening use to treat a specific problem such as skin aging or lack of hydration. The richer balm can be used as a moisturizing facial treatment in winter or as a complement to a day cream. The new beauty balm trend is to combine the two, combining a regenerating serum and a balm to create a complete routine.

This method makes it easier to complete your facial treatment while keeping your skin protected and healthy. The benefit of this combination is that it keeps your skin radiant, supple, and repaired, with a comprehensive action against wrinkles and loss of firmness.

How to choose the right balm or serum?

Selection criteria for a balm

A quality balm should be rich in shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), seed oil, cica extract, or natural extracts. Organic and naturally derived versions are preferred because they offer better skin tolerance. Some formulas include fruit extract to enhance the restorative effects and provide added softness.

You should also consider the season: an ultra-nourishing balm is more ideal in winter, while a lighter balm will be suitable in summer. Finally, choosing a sustainable, zero-waste, or refillable product is a real advantage for limiting your environmental impact.

Criteria for choosing a serum

A serum should be specific to each specific concern: hydration, anti-aging, blemishes. An anti-aging serum enriched with collagen, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid effectively combats wrinkles and fine lines. Serums enriched with seed oil and centella asiatica help repair skin and maintain its suppleness.

Some include a cica complex that helps soothe irritation and strengthen skin's structure. The sensory experience can also be important: a light fragrance, a fluid or oily texture. Finally, it's recommended to choose sustainable serums designed with an eco-responsible approach.

Application and best practices to optimize results

The order of application: serum then balm

To maximize the benefits, it's essential to follow the correct application order: the serum first, then the balm. The serum acts as a targeted moisturizer that absorbs quickly thanks to its fluid absorption. Then, the ultra-nourishing balm acts as a protective film that protects the skin and prevents moisture loss.

This logic allows for maximizing results and prolonging anti-aging effects . Laboratories are now designing combined routines so that each treatment is used in a complementary manner, thus reinforcing cellular stimulation and regeneration.

Application gestures

The application technique is just as important as the choice of product. The serum is applied in a few drops, with gentle tapping movements to promote skin stimulation. The balm is taken from a jar, warmed between the hands, then applied in circular motions to smooth and make the skin softer and visibly smoother.

This sensory experience adds an extra touch of softness and facilitates the absorption of active ingredients. Working together, the serum and balm create a powerful duo that helps keep skin firm, radiant, and resistant to external aggressions.

Balm and serum, a holistic approach to the skin

Balm and serum in traditional medicines

For centuries, balms and serums have been used in ancient rituals. In Ayurveda, plant-based ointments enriched with seed oil and fruit extract were used to moisturize the skin and soothe inflammation. In China, medicinal balms combined natural plant extracts and cica extract to enhance regeneration.

These traditions demonstrate how the gentle experience of skincare was seen as a way to prevent skin aging. Today, these practices are being reimagined in a sustainable way and modernized through science.

The psychological and sensory role

Beyond the cutaneous effects, applying a serum or balm is a sensory experience. The balm, with its rich texture, provides softness and comfort, while the lightweight serum provides a pure and immediate sensation. Delicate fragrances add an olfactory pleasure that transforms a gesture into a ritual.

This approach reinforces the idea that moisturizing care requires not only skin care, but also emotional impact. Taking care of yourself at home, with a beauty balm or an anti-aging facial treatment, then becomes a way to maintain your inner and outer vitality.

The Future of Balms and Serums: Innovation and Sustainability

The future is moving toward sustainable, organic, and naturally sourced products. New formats are emerging: regeneration serum sticks, compact beauty balms, and refillable balms. Research is leveraging natural extracts from soil, plant fermentation, and marine biotechnology.

Cica complexes, new-generation hyaluronics, and omega-enriched seed oils represent innovative solutions. These innovations, designed for the future, aim to combine skin benefits, environmental benefits , and the pleasure of a gentle experience. These products are now available for everyone to order and easily integrate into a daily beauty routine.