Ultrabalm Multi-purpose Balm

In all honesty, when I first sat down to write this review, I didn't really know where to start. This wasn't because I had little experience with this product - in fact, I've been using it solidly for the past six months. Neither was it because it was ineffective - quite the opposite. It was simply because this product is as basic as they come and does exactly what it states on the tin. No more, no less.

Ultrabalm is a multi-purpose balm made from three ingredients and designed for  'bits that chap and chafe'. In it's simplest terms, it's Lush's version of Vaseline - just without the long list of non-vegan ingredients and a company that test on animals. 

Much like the above product, the balm's consistency means that it's resilient to water and works as a very effective barrier on the skin. At the same time, the jojoba oil is highly moisturising and stops Ultrabalm from drying out the skin. Then there's rose oil, which aside from being fantastic at calming and soothing irritated and sensitive skin, also gives this balm a very subtle floral scent. 

This useful balm can be used for an impressive array of ailments - from wounds and dry patches, sun-damaged skin and hair management. However, I will state that this balm should not be used as a lip balm - simply because it's too greasy and doesn't dissolve well enough to moisturise the lips. 

Aside from this, let's focus on what this balm can do. First and foremost, this balm works wonders at protecting shallow cuts and scrapes, forming a barrier to prevent dirt getting in whilst keeping the area well lubricated. Since turning to a vegan diet almost seven years ago, I have noticed that I tend to heal a little bit slower than I used to. Ultrabalm helps to speed things up.  

Secondly, this balm also helps to soothe skin and reduce redness, whether it's from eczema, bites, rashes or sunburn. I notice a difference within a few hours of applying this and it's a godsend if you're out somewhere and get stung by a stinging nettle. I have also used this after I've been tattooed and it helps to keep the colour in whilst soothing my scarred skin. 

Finally, the carefully selected waxes make this a highly moisturising product. When I get dry patches on my face, arms or feet, I always apply this and within a day or two my skin looks and feels so much better. It works especially well on the soles of my feet, where I sometimes get a build up of hard, dry skin from being on my feet all day. Within a few days of using this, my skin softened and by the end of the month, these patches had all but disappeared. 

A 45g tub will set you back £8.75, and while that may sound like a lot of money, the tub will last you a good six months to a year - even with daily use. Unlike Vaseline, it's great for the environment and is 100% safe to use on your skin. Plus those who dislike overpowering smells, will be happy to know that this has a very subtle smell. 

Overall, this is staple Lush product and one that is well worth the investment. It fits in your bag or pocket and can be taken anywhere, should you need to pull it out during an emergencies. Although I have described lots of ways that this product works, I haven't even covered half of the things that it can do, and it is up to you to try it out for yourself and discover how it can help you. I will never not have a pot on my being. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Organic Jojoba Oil, Candelilla Wax, Rose Wax.

Vegan?: Yes.

2015 Price: £8.95 for 45g.