Active Muscle Balm (Eucalyptus + Camphor)

A focused, melt-on-contact balm with a fresh camphor–eucalyptus profile for a cool–warm sensation that helps you feel ready before and after workouts.

Tags: DIY, Aromatherapy, Muscle Balm, Anhydrous
Feel: Cooling · Lightly Warming · Glide without Grease

🌿 What It Does

This no-water balm delivers a clean glide and a brisk, gym-bag-friendly aroma. The anhydrous base cushions skin while a micro-dose of eucalyptus and camphor provides that classic “active” feel. Apply pre- or post-routine as part of a self-care ritual.

🧴 Ingredients (30 g / 1 oz tin)

• Beeswax — 5–6 g (firmness)
• Shea butter (refined) — 8–10 g (cushion, spread)
• MCT / Fractionated coconut oil — 8–10 g (light slip)
• Jojoba or Squalane — 3–4 g (non-greasy finish)
• Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) — 0.3 g (~1%)
• Eucalyptus EO (radiata or globulus) — 6–10 drops (keep total EO low)
• White Camphor EO — 3–6 drops (very low; see safety)

Optional boosters (choose ≤2, keep totals low):

• Menthol crystals — 0.1–0.2 g (≈0.3–0.6%) for extra cooling (dissolve in warm oils)
• Ginger CO₂ or Black pepper EO — 1–2 drops total for gentle warmth
• Candelilla wax (vegan) — replace beeswax; start at 3–4 g and adjust

👉 Buy Complete Active Muscle Balm Bundle

🔥 How to Prepare

1. Sanitize a 30 g tin, beaker, and tools; let dry fully.
2. In a heat-safe beaker, gently melt beeswax, shea, MCT, and jojoba/squalane over a bain-marie until clear.
3. (If using menthol) add to the warm oil phase and stir until fully dissolved.
4. Remove from heat. When the blend cools to ~45 °C (warm, not hot), stir in Vitamin E, then add eucalyptus and camphor drop by drop. Mix until uniform.
5. Pour into the tin. Let set at room temperature (avoid fridge to reduce graininess). Cap once solid.

🌸 How to Use

• Warm a pea-size between fingertips and massage onto shoulders, back, calves, or forearms.
• Use pre-workout for a brisk feel or post-routine as part of wind-down care.
• Wash hands after use; avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and face.

🧭 How You Can Use This Recipe

• For Personal Use: Keep a tin in your gym bag for quick, portable muscle self-care.
• For R&D / Formulation: Tune hold/glide by adjusting wax ±0.5–1 g; compare eucalyptus radiata vs. globulus; trial 0.3–0.6% menthol for different cooling curves.
• For Small Business: Position as “Active Muscle Balm — Eucalyptus + Camphor.” Offer 15–30 g tins; clean, gender-neutral branding and clear usage card.
• For Gifting: Pair with a stretching strap or massage ball in a recovery kit.

🪶 Storage & Shelf Life

Anhydrous (no water), so no added preservative required; Vitamin E supports quality. Store cool and capped. Best within 8–10 months. Texture may soften in hot weather; allow to re-set at room temperature.

💡 Pro Tips

• More glide: raise MCT/squalane slightly and reduce beeswax by 0.5–1 g.
• Firmer stick: increase beeswax by 1 g or use part candelilla for a vegan option.
• Scent control: keep total EO dosage conservative for frequent, localized use.

🌿 Why This Works

Eucalyptus delivers a fresh, opening aroma; camphor contributes a classic active balm sensation; the beeswax–butter–light oil base creates slip for massage while absorbing cleanly.

⚠️ Safety Notes

• External use only. Patch-test before first use.
• Avoid eyes, face, broken/irritated skin, and mucous membranes. Wash hands after application.
• Not for infants/young children. Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding unless approved by a professional.
• Do not add wintergreen (methyl salicylate) to this blend. Keep total EO levels low (≤0.5–0.7%).
• Discontinue if redness or irritation occurs.

🪷 Related DIY Recipes

• Cooling Body Spray (Peppermint + Cucumber)
• After-Shave Soothing Gel (Aloe + Chamomile)
• Meditation Balm (Frankincense + Cedarwood)