Bag Balm is a skin moisturizer that is known for its effectiveness in moisturizing and softening severely dry skin that can crack, split, or get calloused from hard work and harsh weather. The product has been in production since 1899 and has been used by farmers, soldiers, and even cadaver-sniffing dogs. The active ingredients of Bag Balm are petrolatum, lanolin, paraffin wax, and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate.
Positive aspects of Bag Balm:
- Highly effective in moisturizing and softening severely dry skin
- Hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, gluten, coconut, and nickel
Negative aspects of Bag Balm:
- Some customers find the smell of the product to be a bit odd
- Bag Balm contains 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, which is a metal chelating agent extracted from coal tar and has been given a danger rating by the National Institutes of Health. Although the concentration of this ingredient in Bag Balm is low (0.3%), some people may prefer to avoid it.
Ingredients of Bag Balm:
- Petrolatum: an emollient that moisturizes and renews the skin
- Lanolin: an emollient, emulsifying agent, and surfactant that cleanses the skin
- Paraffin wax: a viscosity-controlling agent and perfuming agent that helps bind the ingredients together
- 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate: a metal chelating agent extracted from coal tar that has antiseptic properties and is used as a preservative in Bag Balm
Overall, Bag Balm is a simple and effective skin moisturizer that has been used for over a century. While it contains some ingredients that some people may prefer to avoid, it is generally considered safe and hypoallergenic.
