15 handmade salves and balms that feel soothing in cold weather • Schisandra & Bergamot

Cold weather can leave skin feeling dry, tight, and in need of extra care. Handmade salves and balms offer gentle nourishment using natural ingredients that protect, soothe, and restore moisture. They’re easy to make, customizable, and often far more comforting than store-bought options.

This list highlights simple handmade balms and salves that bring warmth and relief during chilly months. Whether you love crafting your own remedies or just enjoy natural care, these ideas help keep your skin soft and cared for all winter long.

DIY Floral-Infused Hand Salve Recipe

Two metal tins filled with yellow balm sit on a wooden surface, surrounded by dried flowers and lavender sprigs. — Photo Credit: Schisandra & Bergamot

Give your hands a little TLC with this homemade flower-infused hand salve. Made with nourishing oils, creamy shea butter, and a touch of beeswax, it melts into your skin to soften and soothe.

Get The Recipes: DIY Floral-Infused Hand Salve Recipe

Juniper Berry Salve

Five tins of balm with evergreen sprigs on top, surrounded by various greenery, placed on a wooden surface. — Photo Credit: Schisandra & Bergamot

An easy, healing juniper berry salve to soothe inflammation. This DIY salve uses only 3 ingredients and is the perfect addition to any medicine cupboard.

Get The Recipe: Juniper Berry Salve

Yarrow Salve

Round tins of balm and a lip balm tube are displayed on a wooden surface. Each tin is adorned with a small white flower. — Photo Credit: Schisandra & Bergamot

Use this yarrow salve recipe to make boo boo sticks or a yarrow balm to have on hand for a large variety of uses.

Get The Recipe: Yarrow Salve

Lemon Balm Healing Salve Recipe

Two open metal tins filled with yellow balm sit on a patterned fabric surface, next to a closed tin. — Photo Credit: FOOD FOR LIFE GARDEN

This healing salve recipe with lemon balm has fantastic benefits for the skin. Learn how Lemon Balm, or Melissa, can improve your well being! Make this salve so you have it on hand when you need some relief from sore skin conditions.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Balm Healing Salve Recipe

Tallow Lotion Bar Recipe

Assorted lotion bars in metal tins, a wooden spoon with shea butter, and chunks of beeswax arranged on a white marble surface. — Photo Credit: Boreal Bloom Homestead

Create nourishing tallow lotion bars with this simple DIY recipe! Made with grass-fed tallow, beeswax, and a carrier oil, they provide deep hydration and are gentle enough for the whole family. Customize with your favorite scents and enjoy quick-absorbing, non-greasy moisture for everyday use or gifting.

Get The Recipe: Tallow Lotion Bar Recipe

Whipped Tallow Balm

A glass jar filled with swirled whipped cream sits on a marble surface next to a wooden spoon with whipped cream on it. — Photo Credit: Boreal Bloom Homestead

Whipped tallow balm is a deeply nourishing, all-natural moisturizer that’s as versatile as it is luxurious. Made with creamy, grass-fed tallow as the base, it can be infused with vanilla or other botanicals for a subtle, natural scent or blended with essential oils for a personalized touch.

Get The Recipe: Whipped Tallow Balm

The Best Homemade Lotion Recipe

A jar of creamy white lotion or balm is shown from above, surrounded by several solid yellowish beeswax bars. — Photo Credit: Maxon Made

Believe me when I say this is the only homemade lotion recipe you'll ever need. It's the original "Perfect Cream," formulated by famous herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar. I link her original recipe and share how you can adapt it to your own preferences.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Lotion Recipe

Chickweed Salve

Open white jar of cream with a smooth creamy surface, placed on a wooden surface with green leaves nearby. — Photo Credit: Learning And Yearning

Be sure to try this chickweed salve recipe – it's easy to make and is great for itchy skin and all types of skin irritation.

Get The Recipe: Chickweed Salve

Calendula Salve

A metal tin filled with balm sits on a white surface next to dried yellow flowers, a folded cloth, and a small potted plant in the background. — Photo Credit: Kateable

Calendula Salve is a soothing, herb-infused balm made to nourish dry, irritated, or sensitive skin. Its gentle, natural properties make it a staple for everyday skincare and minor skin relief.

Get The Recipe: Calendula Salve

Plantain Salve

A round tin filled with green herbal salve sits on a marble surface, with dried herbs scattered around and a jar of herbs in the background. — Photo Credit: Kateable

Plantain Salve is a calming, herb-based balm crafted to ease minor skin irritations, scrapes, and dryness. Its gentle, restorative properties make it a reliable addition to any natural skincare toolkit.

Get The Recipe: Plantain Salve

Chamomile Salve

A round, open tin container filled with smooth, light yellow balm. The lid is placed beside it on a white surface. — Photo Credit: Kateable

Chamomile Salve is a gentle, soothing balm designed to calm irritated skin and promote relaxation with its naturally comforting properties. Ideal for sensitive skin, it offers mild, nurturing relief for everyday dryness and minor discomforts.

Get The Recipe: Chamomile Salve

Oregano Salve

A tin of green salve is open on a flat surface, with dried herbs scattered on a wooden board in the background. — Photo Credit: Kateable

Oregano Salve is a potent, herb-infused balm known for its cleansing and soothing properties, making it useful for minor skin irritations. Its warm, aromatic qualities provide comforting relief while supporting natural skin wellness.

Get The Recipe: Oregano Salve

Healing Tallow Salve

A small glass jar filled with creamy white balm sits on a white surface next to a striped towel and some scattered dried lavender buds. — Photo Credit: Kateable

Healing Tallow Salve is a rich, deeply nourishing balm made from natural fats that help moisturize and support skin repair. Its soothing, restorative qualities make it ideal for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin.

Get The Recipe: Healing Tallow Salve

Homemade Sleep Salve

Two metal tins filled with green salve sit on a wooden surface next to a sprig of lavender, yellow beeswax pieces, and a white spoon. — Photo Credit: Saving Dollars & Sense

Homemade Sleep Salve is a calming, aromatic balm crafted to encourage relaxation and promote a more restful night’s sleep. With soothing ingredients and gentle scents, it offers a natural way to unwind before bedtime.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Sleep Salve

Homemade Bug Bite Balm

A round tin filled with pale green balm is placed on a white surface next to a sheer white cloth and green leaves. — Photo Credit: The Oklahoma Homesteader

Homemade bug bite balm made with natural, skin-nourishing ingredients. These balms offer a chemical-free alternative to store-bought creams.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Bug Bite Balm

Handmade balms and salves offer simple comfort during cold months, helping restore moisture and bring warmth back to winter-weary skin. With natural ingredients and soothing scents, they make everyday care feel more nourishing. A little crafting goes a long way in creating remedies that support relaxation, softness, and seasonal self-care.