When it comes to moisturizers, you shouldn’t have to choose between clean ingredients and options. At Krem au Krem, our Body Balm and Body Butters get quite the controversy. What are balms & butters, what’s the difference, and how to determine which one is ideal for your needs? Read to learn the secrets to these common contemplated questions by customers like you.
Whether you're looking for something soft or thick to bring hydration, both will last all day long with just one application
In this blog, we’ll dive into the similarities, differences, and benefits of both of our best selling moisturizers and how it fits into your clean beauty lifestyle.
What is a Body Balm vs. a Body Butter?
Body Butters are made with natural plant based butters such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Kokum Butter, Mango Butter etc which are chemically composed of saturated fats formed during a cold seed pressing process. Once these oils are at room temperature they will solidify into hard fats, called butters. You will find a plethora of body butters in the market now containing a variety of ingredients, some you can trust and some not so much. It is important to note that not all marketed body butters actually contain plant based butters, so be sure to verify the ingredient label prior to purchase. You can always rely on our ingredients to be sourced directly to our manufacturing facilities to be inspected and trustworthy with zero water added!
- Shea Butter imported from Ghana
- Cocoa Butter from Peru
- Mango Butter from India
From there the raw materials are melted, whipped, and then packaged by us for you, creating the pillow soft final product your skin loves like butter on toast.
Body Balms can be made with butters, but have a more solid final finish. Almost like a wax consistency, usually containing some plant based wax such as beeswax, calendula wax, coconut wax etc. Our body balms have the texture of Vaseline without the gasoline, and are infused with rich high grade beeswax that we hand filter onsite.
We believe skincare should be simple, clean, and made with ingredients you can recognize. At just $19, our body balm is more than just hydration—it’s a carefully crafted staple born from a love for simple, effective skincare.
Handmade in small batches, this balm is built on plant-derived goodness you can trust. Here’s what you’ll find in every 4 oz gold aluminum tin:
- Plant‑powered purity: No parabens, no synthetic fragrances or additives—just botanicals that treat your skin right.
- Designed for daily life: Perfect for cracked skin and hands, dry climates, or everyday protection—without heaviness.
- Travel‑ready resilience: Heat‑tested and mess‑free, it won’t melt in your bag or leak during travel.
- Beauty meets sustainability: A sleek, stylish minimalist tin that doubles as evidence of our zero-waste approach.
Ingredients You’ll Find in This Balm:
- Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: The start of the show. It hydrates, heals, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Lightweight, soothing, and rich in nutrients—perfect for daily lip hydration. Rich in fatty acids and gentle for sensitive skin.
- Vitamin E Oil: A powerful antioxidant that helps repair damaged or cracked skin.
- Organic Raw Beeswax: Creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture and smooth the skin.
- Fragrance Oils: Lightly scented to give each balm a gentle, refreshing finish. Adds a hint of natural sweetness, never overpowering.
With over 80% certified organic ingredients, this balm is crafted for purity, safety, and sustainability. Together, these ingredients create the perfect balance of softness, shine, and long-lasting moisture. Each swipe reflects our commitment to mindful formulation and thoughtful self-care.
The differences…
It’s funny that this question is asked the most, because one product would not exist without the other. Quick story time, the body balm was formulated during the pandemic when customers wanted the body butter shipped in the summer heat. Being it was our first time dealing with this hurdle, we thought of creating a product that can withstand the heat but also provide the same amount of moisture without being so stubbornly hard. Et Voila, the Body Balm was born.
So initially, the body balm was intended as a non-melting moisturizer, but grew into something more! The balm is now a staple in our product line because not only does it not melt, it's portable, dependable, and has healing benefits that are not found in the body butter.
- Anti-inflammatory properties found in Coconut Oil & Beeswax
- Anti-histamines for allergens
- Water-proof barrier for protection
- Instantly softer skin after one use
- Non-sticky & Non-greasy application
Ideal for sun spots, sun damaged skin and bug bites. Or in the winter, it’s ideal as an alternative to your petroleum based products, for dry , cracked skin. The body balm is the easiest traveling accessory as it won’t make a mess in your bag, or car while you stay hydrated on the go!
Our body butters are our OG bestsellers, and were formulated for full-body use to provide long lasting hydration for dry, sensitive skin and hair. The body butters are softer and more sensitive than the body balms, and require a little more attention for care. Body Butters are whipped to created a soft pillow application that easily melt into your skin at body temperature without greasy residue or heaviness. With all those delicate features, it requires ideal temperatures for storage in order to keep its whipped texture. All body butters are recommended to stay at ambient temperature (70 degrees Fahrenheit), away from sunlight and must be used within 12 months of use.
So we always say, butters must stay at home and balms can go outside.
How do I know which is for me?
Now that you understand what a balm / butter is and what the differences are, you’re probably thinking “okay great, but I still have some questions,” let’s see if we can clear them up for you:
Which is good for eczema or dry skin? The answer is both safe for sensitive skin types and were formulated for people with eczema specifically. The differences are dependent of where you choose to use it on your body or seasonal changes.
For example, our founder uses the body butter on her body all year round to manage her chronic eczema, and the balm on her face for protection from the sun and environmental elements. The balm is also recommended for hand use if washing hands frequently or manual labor is an active part of your lifestyle, calloused hands or feet, dry elbows and much more.
How do they feel? The body butter is light, fluffy, and whipped, similar to whipped cream once settled in a jar. The balm is thicker and has a Vasoline or petroleum jelly texture without the greasy feeling.
Is the packaging sustainable? You have options between reusable tins and recyclable plastic. Our body balms are available in 4 oz gold Aluminum tins, or in our 2 oz plastic twist-up Body Stick. Our body butters are available in 3 size options from 4, 8, 16 oz plastic PET recyclable jars.
Can I travel through TSA? Yes, our body balms are net weight 3.4 oz and our body sticks are 2 oz. Our body butter in our 4 oz can be TSA safe as it is net weight 3.4 oz, but we recommend packing it in your checked bag as TSA may confiscate it due to labeling and softening to a liquid form.
So depending on how you plan to use your moisturizer, truly determines which one you should take home.
Here are the scent notes offered for either product, something simply for everyone to enjoy:
Body Balm scents:
- Honey Shea FO
- Bay Rum FO
- Almond Bark - Almond & Sandalwood EO
- Jasmine & Violet FO
- Magnolian Pineapple FO
- Eucalyptus EO
Body Butter scents:
- Chocolat (Unscented) - natural cocoa scent has chocolate aroma
- Honey Shea - Honey & Shea FO
- Magnolian Pineapple - Magnolia & Pineapple FO
- Ocean Flower - Plumeria & Ocean Breeze FO
- Jasmine & Violet - Jasmine & Violet FO
- Bay Rum - Bay Rum FO (spicy Caribbean herb)
- Eucalyptus & Mint - Eucalyptus & Mint EO
- Coconut Cream - Coconut Cream Pie, Coconut, Pina Colada FO
- Black Woods - Black Amber Musk, Sandalwood, & Almond EO
- Almond Essence - Almond, Vanilla, Mahogany Teakwood EO
- Leaf Remedy - Rosemary, Sage, Eucalyptus EO
- Cinnamon Vanilla - Cinnamon & Vanilla EO
- Sunflower Roses - Sunflower & Roses FO
- Sweet Sage Tea - Sage, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, & Vanilla EO
Fall collection scents:
- Cashmere Sweater - Cashmere Woodlands & Vanilla FO
- Apple Orchard - Apple Cider, Plumeria & Vanilla FO
- Sensational - Mahogany Teakwood & Vanilla EO
- Lavender Vanilla - Lavender & Vanilla EO
- Cherry on Top - Cherry, Almond & Vanilla FO
No parabens, no phthalates, no petroleum—just pure, effective skin care.
Real Feedback from Real Krew Members
We let our customers speak for us, and they never hold back.
“A Low-Down, Silky-Smooth, TSA-Approved Testimony
Listen… I wasn’t expecting to be delivered from my lifelong relationship with Vaseline, but here we are. Krem Au Krem’s pomade has officially taken the throne. No more walking around with that “my momma greased me up before school” shine. No more TSA side-eye when I explain, “Yes ma’am, the Vaseline is medically necessary. ” Now? I pull out my cute little travel-ready pomade tin like a soft-life heiress. “Excuse me… let me apply my pomade. ” 🥳 Very demure. Very grown. Very mind your business while I moisturize. And the best part? I only need this thing once, maybe twice, per day. This ain’t no reapply every hour situation. This is endurance. This is commitment. This is anointing without the oil slick. As for the sugar scrub and body butter… oh I already know that’s about to be a 1–2 punch combo that has me sliding through the day like I’m dipped in satin. I haven’t even cracked them open yet but I can hear the angels warming up the harmonies. Just know when I do? I’m stepping into my Low Down Dirty Shame era: “Boys, stay off me… stop rubbin’ on my silk skin!” 🤣🤣🤣 Krem Au Krem really did what needed to be done. 10/10. Highly moisturized. Not a single dry patch in sight.”
That’s the kind of confidence we strive for. Whether you’re trying the balm for the first time or restocking a favorite, every application feels clean, comforting, and silky smooth.
When & How to Use Them?
Both are moisturizers, but they come with different sets of instructions. Be sure to know which one suits your hygiene routine the best!
Body Butter
Apply a small amount in your palm, and use it when your skin is clean and damp, with clean dry hands to ensure product longevity. Rub into skin and dawn clothing.
Body Balm
Take a small amount in your hands and rub into the area in need of hydration.
Your Body Deserves the Best—So Why Wait?
With so many moisturizers out there, it’s hard to know which ones are truly clean and effective. But when you choose our natural organic body balm or body butter, you’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in a feel-good ritual backed by purpose and purity.
Both products are:
- Handcrafted in small batches.
- Made with organic coconut oil.
- Eco-conscious from packaging to ingredients.
- Loved by customers who value quality and results.
- Delivered fresh to your door.
- Perfect for gifting purposes. Pair with other essentials or include in sustainable gift bundles for thoughtful presents.
Clean beauty should be accessible, that’s why our hydrating moisturizers are priced starting at just $16—no bells, no hidden costs, just purity and performance.
Why is Krem au Krem the Natural Choice?
Our formulation process, ingredient transparency, and community-first approach define what we do. Here’s how we’re different:
- Ingredient Honesty: No chemicals you don’t recognize. What you read is what you get.
- Clean and Resolute: No shortcuts, no artificial fixes—just plant-derived skincare done right.
- Designed for Simplicity: Whether it’s your overnight balm or daily lip partner, it fits into your life seamlessly.
- Community Built: Slow growth with loyal customers who believe in our mission, not just our products
Final Thoughts: Ready to Treat Your Skin Right?
If you're tired of synthetic moisturizers that just sit on your skin without healing them, it's time to switch to something natural, organic, and nourishing. Our body butter or body balm is your skin’s new best friend—clean, effective, and made with care.
At Krem au Krem, we believe that skincare should feel good, do good, and smell amazing while doing it. With ingredients you can pronounce and results you can feel, your lips will thank you every time. Shop now!