According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. It is likely you may know somebody affected by breast cancer, or maybe you are a breast cancer survivor yourself. Fortunately, death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1990. Early detection is key; be proactive and schedule an annual breast exam.
This soothing breast balm was created to raise awareness and help women going through breast cancer treatment. The recipe is inspired by Sharon’s Boob Balm for Radiation Burns. Using similar soothing ingredients such as olive oil, vitamin E oil and calendula extract and lavender essential oil, this balm is moisturizing and calming for any ouch or rough patch on skin. Apply this balm directly to affected area multiple times per day. If you are going through radiation, check out Sharon’s Boob Balm for Radiation Burns for an extra powerful version of the recipe below.
What You’ll Need:
2.1 oz. Olive Oil
1.4 oz. Avocado Oil
1.2 oz. Cocoa Butter
1 oz. Castor Oil
.7 oz. Cera Bellina Wax
.7 ounces Shea Butter
9 mL Hungarian Lavender Essential Oil
.5 oz. Vitamin E Oil
.3 oz. Calendula Extract
2 Candle Tins
Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!
TWO: Cut the shea and cocoa butters into small pieces, and add to the hot oils. Shea butter and cocoa butter are particularly nourishing to skin and are a favorite ingredient in balms. This study showed that shea butter has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
THREE: Stir the butters into the oils until fully melted. Ideally, use this solely to help melt the butters to prevent butter crystallization. If necessary, heat the container in the microwave using 30 second bursts until the butters are fully melted.
FOUR: Add the calendula extract and stir to thoroughly combine.
FIVE: Add the vitamin E oil, and lavender essential oil. Stir until thoroughly combined. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is not only great for skin, but helps to lengthen the shelf life of the balm.
Calendula extract has long been used in skin care for its soothing abilities. This study showed significant wound healing abilities with calendula. According to the University of Maryland, professional homeopaths often recommend using ointments with calendula to heal first degree burns.
SIX: Pour the mixture into the clean, dry candle tins or jars. Allow to fully cool and harden for several hours. Enjoy!
Have you, or somebody you know been affected by breast cancer? Were there any amazing treatments or tips you can share for wound healing and emotional support?
I was just wondering if it’s ok to use for sore breasts when pregnant or breastfeeding?
I would recommend talking with your doctor! I would recommend sharing the ingredients with them to see if there’s anything of concern, especially because your baby may ingest any leftover balm. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can anything, like tapioca starch, be added to this recipe to make it less greasy? Or would that change how it helps heal?
Thanks!
Tapioca powder is great in body butters to make them less greasy! I’m not entirely sure about this balm though. It may be tricky to incorporate the powder into a melted balm. It may clump up or settle at the bottom. I would recommend mixing it with the essential oil before adding to the balm. You can start with just a teaspoon or so, then add more if you like. Then, add the powder/essential oil mixture and stir until the balm is around 130F. In case the tapioca powder doesn’t dissolve, that should help suspend it.
I would recommend making a small test batch first to see if that works! You can also test it on your skin to see if you like the way it feels. It shouldn’t affect the way the balm works, it will just make it a bit less greasy. You can also use arrowroot powder if you like. 🙂
Arrowroot Powder: https://www.brambleberry.com/Arrowroot-Powder-P3706.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi there,
This recipe is great! But I have a small problem. It got little bits in it after a while. It’s as if the wax separated and solidified even though I melted everything well. What might have gone wrong?
Hi Barbara!
Glad you like the recipe! I’m wondering if the little bits may be graininess. If butters like shea and cocoa cool to quickly, they form little bits inside. To prevent that, we recommend tempering them – like you do with chocolate. It involves heating them to a certain temperature, holding them at that temperature and then cooling them very quickly. Learn more about how to temper butters here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/soaping-in-the-summer-heat/
I think that will help with the bits! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thanks so much! I’ll give it a go.
I just want to say, that is balm worked great for my mom who went through radiation. She felt it was the only thing that felt good to her. Now, she uses it for dry feet etc., and it works really well.
I’m wondering if this would make a good diaper rash ointment for babies?
Thanks!
I’m so glad this balm worked well for your mom! I hope she’s feeling better now. 🙂
As for a good diaper rash ointment, I’m not entirely sure! You may check with your doctor to see if any of the ingredients could be potentially irritating. Also, I would recommend leaving out the essential oil. Baby skin can be quite sensitive, so leaving the essential oil out is a way to be extra careful!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Yes, I will check around. I would either use no essential oil or maybe chamomile extract or calendula. Thanks again!
You’re very welcome! The extracts sound like a great idea. 🙂
Sunday Night Spotlight: Extracts: https://www.soapqueen.com/bramble-berry-news/sunday-night-spotligh-extracts/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I apologize if this has already been answered in the feed. I have chamomile extract that I really don’t know what to do with. I was considering replacing the lavender EO with it since I have heard that chamomile is soothing to the skin and is also having positive results in cancer patients. I’m just not sure if it will work in this recipe or how much I should use. Also, I do not have the deodorized cocoa butter. Would this be a bad combo?
Hi there!
You can absolutely use chamomile extract if you like! It is thought to soothe skin. We recommend using about 1 tsp. per pound of product. For this recipe, you can use about a 1/2 teaspoon or so. 🙂
Read more about extracts here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bramble-berry-news/sunday-night-spotligh-extracts/
If you don’t have cocoa butter, you can use another butter like shea or mango butter. Both of those butters add great moisturizing properties to the balm. They are a little softer than cocoa butter, so the recipe will be softer overall. A small test batch may be helpful to check the consistency with a substituted butter. 🙂
Shea butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Butter-P3220.aspx
Mango butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Mango-Butter-P3221.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi there, just found this recipe and I’m just wondering if this would be okay to use after pregnancy? Gravity is seriously taking its toll and I don’t want to look old before my time haha. Also have you got any recipes for breast feeding soothing creams?
Hi Kate!
This recipe should be fine to use after pregnancy, but you may want to talk with your doctor just to be extra careful. Also, we don’t have any soothing cream recipes, but thank you so much for your suggestion! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I’m sorry to be a bummer, but I personally would use this balm only WITHOUT the lavender, especially after radiation. And by no means I would use Sharons method by using the pure, undiluted oil! I would not take the risk to make thing worse, like Paula Begoun states in this article:
“LAVENDER EXTRACT AND OIL
Rating:
POOR
Categories:
Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts , Plant Extracts , Irritants
Widely-used plant that’s a member of the mint family. It is primarily a fragrance ingredient, although it may have antibacterial properties. There is no research showing it has any benefit for skin (Sources: Phytotherapy Research, June 2002, pages 301–308). In fact, it can be a skin irritant but there is a conflicting research on just how much of a photosensitizer lavender can be. It appears lavender oil all by itself isn’t a photosensitizer, but when exposed to oxygen (as it would be when applied to your skin), one of it’s fragrant components, linalyl acetate forms substances that lead to allergic contact dermatitis in and out of sunlight (Sources: The New Ideal in Skin Health: Separating Fact from Fiction, Thornfeldt, Carl M.D., Allured Books, 2010, pages 286–287; Contact Dermatitis, January 2008, pages 9–14; Hautarzt, February 2002, pages 93–97; and Contact Dermatitis, August 1999, page 111).
Research also indicates that other components of lavender, specifically linalool, can be cytotoxic, meaning that topical application causes skin-cell death (Source: Cell Proliferation, June 2004, pages 221–229). Lavender leaves contain camphor, which is known as a skin irritant. Because the fragrance constituents in lavender oil oxidize when exposed to air, lavender oil pro-oxidant. This enhanced oxidation also increases its irritancy on skin (Source: Contact Dermatitis, September 2008, pages 143–150). Lavender oil is the most potent form, and even small amounts of it (0.25% or less) can be problematic. It is a must to avoid in skin-care products, but is fine used as an aromatherapy agent for inhalation or relaxation (Source: Psychiatry Research, February 2007, pages 89–96; and http://www.naturaldatabase.com).”
But on the other hand:
“CALENDULA EXTRACT
Rating:
GOOD
Categories:
Antioxidants , Plant Extracts , Antibacterial/Anti-Acne , Anti-Irritants
Extract derived from the plant commonly known as pot marigold, there is little research showing that it has any effect on skin, though it may have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Note: If you have ragweed (or similar plant) allergies, topical application of calendula is not recommended because of the risk of an eczematous allergic reaction (Source: http://www.naturaldatabase.com)”
Hi Anna!
Just to let you know, this comment got filtered and we just now found it. Sorry for the delay! We’re still getting adjusted to our new blog design.
Thank you so much for your comments! I notice the information shared was about lavender fragrance oil. Lavender fragrance oil is synthetic, while the Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil used in this recipe is 100% pure and natural. It may be a different oil you’re talking about!
That being said, the great thing about making your own cosmetics is that you can customize them any way you like. This means you can leave the essential oil out of this recipe if you prefer. We also encourage anyone with concerns to research and choose whatever ingredients they feel comfortable with. 🙂
Thanks again for your feedback!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi Kelsey, no problem! I guess you’ve had a lot of work on it, but the results are great! The new look is beautiful!
Just to be clear: the balm itself looks luscious and I’m sure it’s a great product. I’ve hardly ever been dissapointed by a Soapqueen recipe 🙂 It’s just the addition of the lavender that makes me worry about. And no, Begoun is not talking about the fragrance oil, she’s clearly talking about the plant material.
But hey, you’re right: everyone can make his own choice. That’s so great about making your own stuff 🙂 !!!
Hi Zala!
That’s why I love soaping! You are able to choose what goes in your recipes. You can add whatever you’re comfortable with. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Any advice on measuring tenths of an oz for this recipe? Maybe I have to get a different scale? Mine measures oz, 1/8, 1/4, etc. Or do I convert to mL?
Hi Janet!
You can definitely convert these measurements to mL if that’s easier for you. Some scales also measure in grams. That may be an option for you. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Another question…a friend of mine who is a breast cancer survivor was told by her Dr. to stay away from oils as oil traps heat (which is what a burn is). I don’t know if there is a process to make this more water-based and use less oil? Also was wondering what castor oil does for burns? Thanks!
Hi Maggie!
I would recommend sharing your concerns with your doctor to get his or her professional opinion. Each person’s skin is different, so your doctor may have an idea of what works for you!
We have some great recipes for soothing irritated skin that are water-based. I’ll include them below. Again, you may want to consult your doctor about the ingredients. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
After Sun Care Spritzers and Skinsicles: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/after-sun-care-spritzer-skinsicles-2/
If I wanted to add Aloe Vera Gel to this recipe, how much should I add?
Thanks!
Hi Maggie!
Since Aloe Vera Gel is a water based product (at least the one we carry at Bramble Berry is) you would need to add an emulsifier and some preservative to get this balm to not separate and keep it from growing any mold or bacteria. If however you have an oil based Aloe Extract you could use that in place of the Calendula extract.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This looks like a great recipe. I have most ingredients on hand except for the calendula extract, I currently have chamomile, oat, carrot, avocado, and mallow extract. Which of these would be a close replacement for the calendula extract?
Hi Marleny!
While none of those extracts will be exactly the same as the calendula extract, you can definitely use them as a substitute!
Oat extract is very soothing and would work nicely in this recipe. Avocado extract is very moisturizing and is another nice substitute. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Oat extract: https://www.brambleberry.com/Oat-Extract-P4934.aspx
Avocado extract: https://www.brambleberry.com/Avocado-Extract-P4931.aspx
This sounds wonderful. I think I’m going to use undeodorized cocoa butter and leave out the EO so there will still be a slight hint of chocolate scent.
I have pretty much most of the ingredients except shea butter. I have shea OIL, and I’m wondering if I could swap the recipe’s ingredients around, i.e. using 1.4 oz of Shea Oil instead of Avocado, and 0.7 oz of Avocado Butter (the only soft-ish butter I have on hand) instead of shea. Do you think that would change the texture of the balm too much? Normally I’d trial and error a bit, but I don’t have enough Cera Bellina Wax to “squander” on errors. 😀
Hi Sibs!
The cocoa butter scent would be awesome in this!
Adding shea oil and avocado butter will make this recipe a little softer, as the shea butter is a little more firm. If you want that texture a little harder, you can up the beeswax slightly. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Shea oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Oil-Liquid-P4892.aspx
Avocado butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/solid-Avocado-Butter-P3207.aspx
This is wonderful. I am meeting with a customer/friend soon to give her products for her store and her sister uses essential oils having survived breast cancer. The three of us were just discussing this.. She’ll love it! I may make some just for her and then send her here to do some reading..
Hi Carrie!
Perfect timing! I’m so glad you like this recipe, and I hope your friend’s sister does as well. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
How timely! Someone just asked me to make them a balm for their hubby’s feet, which have dry, patchy skin.
I don’t have Cera Bellina Wax, but I do have Candelilla Wax and Bees wax.
Which would be a better substitute to the Cera Bellina?
Since Bees wax is harder, would it be best to use a little less?
Thank you for your help!!
Hi Sly!
Candelilla wax is a little softer than beeswax, so I think it would make a nice substitute.
You can use either wax, but they will change the consistency of the balm. I’d recommend making a small test batch so you can find the texture you like. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Candelilla wax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Candelilla-Wax-P4207.aspx
White Beeswax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Beeswax-White-P4211.aspx
Oh this is so timely! My husband’s aunt just started radiation treatments last week. I sure hope my supplies arrive in time to make some of this for her.
Hi Angela!
I’m glad you like this recipe! Also, do you have an order number? If so, I’d be more than happy to check the status of your order for you. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I can see the order status (#403696) on the website. I just ordered today (after we returned from visiting our Aunt last night), so I know it will probably be a few days before it ships. Thankfully, we’re close, geographically, so it’s typically a day once it actually ships!
Hey Angela!
Thanks for that order number! I checked on your order and it’s in our warehouse being processed. Yay!
Right now we’re at a 24-hour turnaround time, so your order will probably ship today. Once it ships, you’ll get an email with tracking information. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Whoo hoo! You guys rock!
I am a breast cancer survivor. I was one of the 3,000 pregnant women who are diagnosed every year. Both my daughter (I was 7-1/2 month pregnant at the time of diagnosis) and I are fine. I am coming up on my 4th year of being cancer free, and it helps me to appreciate life so much more.
There were 2 main items that were suggested to my by my radiation oncologist. One was 100% pure aloe gel, to apply it 3 times a day to where I was getting radiation. The other was calendula ointment, which I made by doing a triple infusion of calendula in olive oil and then did equal parts of that with bees wax. It made a lovely ointment that I applied twice a day.
If you are going to use something like this, or give it away I suggest also using pieces of flannel between the skin and clothes. The ointments can be greasy, and you usually want to apply them generously, but don’t want it all over your clothes. I bought white and black flannel at the craft store, cut it into pieces and the put in on my skin over the ointment to keep my clothes from being oil stained. It worked like a charm, and it also prevented my clothes from rubbing on the raw areas.
Do be careful of EO’s and FO’s in items for areas being treated by radiation. The skin is very sensitive, and even low levels can add to the irritation. Most women in the chat room I am on prefer unscented items during chemo and radiation, as the scents can bother them. I was prescribed a burn cream with Balsam Peru EO in it, and I couldn’t stand the smell then. I don’t mind it now, but it shows how your sense of smell changes during treatments.
Best wishes to those undergoing treatment now, and know that there are many of us on the other side of treatment waiting to welcome you with open arms to the sorority that none of us wanted to pledge, but now find ourselves life long members of.
Hi Merryn!
First of all, thank you so much for sharing your story. I couldn’t even imagine being diagnosed when pregnant, but I’m so glad you hear you and your daughter are doing well. 🙂
Also, thank you so much for those suggestions! I think they are very helpful to people who are undergoing treatment. I love the idea of including flannel pieces so there is no ointment on your clothes.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
That is an awesome recipe. Thank you for posting it.
Hi Debbie!
You’re welcome, I’m glad you like it! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Cannot wait to make this with my bff, Jan Quick, that is currently going through chemo for breast cancer. Thank you for posting this 🙂
Hi Maia!
I’m so happy you enjoy this! I hope it helps Jan’s skin feel great. Our thoughts are with her. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This sounds wonderful! I have two friends that would benefit from this right away…thank you so much for this recipe and the thoughts about October’s Awareness month.
I can’t wait to get started!
Hi Gwendolyn!
You are welcome! I’m so glad you like this recipe, and I hope your friends do as well. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Wish I’d seen this before I started crafting today! I ended up making up my own recipe for a balm – olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil and beeswax. I made two batches, one with lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint, and another with lavender, eucalyptus, sage, litsea and egyptian geranium. If the cera bellina wax causes better gelling, I may have to give that a try next time I start fiddling with my recipes!
Hi Carly!
That sounds like a great balm with some great essential oil blends! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Cera bellina wax creates a soft and supple texture, so you may like it in your balm. Let us know how it turns out!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Is it possible to replace cera bellina with regular beeswax and add a bit of emulsifying wax?
Hi Ksenija!
You can replace the cera bellina wax with beeswax. Keep in mind beeswax is harder than cera bellina wax, so it will change the texture of your balm.
As for emulsifying wax, it is used to combine oils and water. Because this balm is made up of all oil, I’m not sure how it would work in the recipe!
It may be helpful to make a small test batch to check the texture and consistency. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Emulsifying wax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Emulsifying-Wax-P4896.aspx
White Beeswax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Beeswax-White-P4211.aspx
This looks wonderful thank you. I’m guessing it would be great for Eczema as well.
Hi Michelle!
You are so welcome, I’m glad you like this recipe! This balm is very soothing, so it may feel nice on itchy or inflamed skin. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry