Sanctuary Barrier Balm
An essential oil free balm in a rich yet breathable formula. A moisture-locking blend filled with nutrient-dense Amazonian butters and oils plus raw beeswax, a range of plant sterols, and phospholipids. Working in harmony to provide sanctuary for dry, sensitive conditions.
One of the key highlights is the use of unrefined phospholipids. On a cellular level, the molecules attract and hold onto water while also organizing themselves into a structure similar to natural skin. So when applied with a humectant layer, it creates an effective skin-identical moisture barrier.
This process lends to improving the absorption of restorative compounds and the delivery of sustained moisture throughout the day.
Scent: Natural and earthy with nutty, sweet notes. No added essential oils.
Skin Types: Dry and sensitive skin, including those with barrier disruption.
Texture: This is a soft creamy, balm that melts on contact with the skin.
Note: Please be aware that plant butters have a low melting point and can melt in transit during hot weather. As a result, the balm can change from a whipped texture that is soft yellow to a firmer texture that is dark orange due to air deflation. This does not impact the product's efficacy in any way.
More Amazonian plant goodness! Slight formula change to better manage consistency of ingredient availability. The scent, texture, and benefits on the skin are the same. Please see the ingredient section for details.


Sanctuary Barrier Balm
Botanical Profile
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Amazonian butters of cupuacu, tucuma, ucuuba, and bacuri are abundant in naturally occurring inflammation modulation compounds that soothe irritated skin. Helping to maintain elasticity, a key component of healthy skin. Nutrients from the butters feed the skin to better protect against hypersensitivity while the emollients soften rough, dry patches. If the skin is compromised, the properties help wounds such as general barrier damage and burns caused by the sun and/or wind.
Buriti, bacaba, and graviola oils provide a complex array of antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols to protect against cellular degradation from UV and other environmental stressors.
The ceramide-rich jojoba wax and protective pomegranate sterols create the seal providing the final occlusive element - preventing water loss and supporting the other ingredients to improve all-over moisture.
The Amazonian ingredients used were all harvested by small, independent co-ops that help prevent rainforest clear-cutting. The fruit/nut trees harvested provide important monetary opportunities to local communities vs. using the trees for lumber or cleared to graze livestock. We focus mainly on regional ingredients but feel in small volumes this was a beneficial way to support Indigenous groups. We also donate $2 per full-size balm sold for preservation efforts in addition to our normal donations relating to environmental and social causes.
Ritual
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Apply as the final layer in your skincare routine. For best results, ensure the skin is damp/hydrated to improve moisture function. It can also be used as a restorative night mask by applying a thicker layer, allowing slow absorption while you sleep.
During warmer months or when not as dry, mix in your palm with a hydrating serum to create a day cream for a lighter application.
We find this best paired with the Ambient Moisture Liquid for increased hydration.
Ingredients
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Formula adjustment as of Feb 6, 2024: Replaced Murumuru butter with Cupuacu butter, Rice Bran wax with Beeswax, and Hazelnut oil with Bacaba oil. Increased Buriti oil and removed the Carrot oil.
35% regionally sourced
theobroma grandiflorum (cupuacu) butter#, astrocaryum tucuma butter#, virola sebifera (ucuuba) butter#, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) wax*^, mauritia flexuosa (buriti) fruit oil#, bacaba oil (oenocarpus bacaba) oil#, beeswax*^, punica granatum (pomegranate) sterols, annona muricata (soursop - graviola) oil#, platonia insignis (bacuri) butter#, and [lecithin & helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil* & *lentinus edodes (shiitake mushroom) extract*^ & tocopherol]
*organic | ^regionally sourced | #fair-trade/co-op
This balm contains no added essential oils and the scent is natural and earthy.
To foster higher standards of stewardship among the land & people we practice bioregional sourcing. Most ingredients are grown throughout the Pacific West and including our own micro-garden in Oregon.
Products ordered from our site often have a freshness guarantee of 12+ months, refer to the best-by date on the packaging.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult with your doctor before using herbs. Always do a patch test on your skin before applying it to a large surface. For informational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Size: 30ml Full
I love this stuff. Please never change the formula. My perioral dermatitis is finally dormant again.
Love all of their products, this is so moisturizing
Unfortunately, this product caused me to break out pretty badly. For context, I have very dry, combination skin and severe eczema (currently managed with prescribed topicals). I typically have to apply a layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor morning and night just to keep the dryness at bay and be able to wear concealer without it looking flaky.
I was really hoping this product could be a better alternative to using Vaseline/Aquaphor, but sadly it didn’t work for me and made my skin react. I’ll have to keep searching for something more suitable for severely dry and sensitive skin.
Thank you for your review. As someone who also deals with extremely sensitive & dry skin with very little natural oil production (due to complex autoimmune issues), I wholeheartedly understand how difficult it can be to find the right products. Each of us is so unique - what works well for one person may not work for another. From specific conditions, biome variations to natural oil production can give different experiences. We're always happy to help if you ever have questions. I'm grateful you gave our products a try and wish you the best on your skincare journey.
Kindly, Carolyn (Owner)
I love the combination of using the Sanctuary Barrier Balm over the Ambient Moisture Liquid.
The Sanctuary Barrier Balm has a wonderful texture, and I’m thrilled it has no essential oils in it. It is very soothing and nourishing to my skin.
This balm is awesome, very good at moisturizing. I’m really enjoying the products from this brand and Carolyn the owner has great customer service.