TikTok says Bag Balm is the missing member of your makeup bag – here's why

The beauty gurus have spoken

With many claiming Bag Balm has ‘transformed’ their skin, we asked an expert to break down the product’s online hype. Her honest review may surprise you. 

It’s not often that the must-have beauty or skincare product of the moment can be purchased for under $20. But, as the all-knowing skincare gurus on TikTok have made clear, the latest wonder product is as humble a brand as they come.  

Bag Balm, a multipurpose occlusive ointment manufactured by the same company since 1899, has been praised all over social media for its tireless ability to relieve an endless list of skin concerns – from head to toe. 

So, how did this affordable agricultural ointment once used to moisturise cows’ udders make its way into the recommendations of some of the world’s most high-end beauty platforms? From the paddock to the pages of Vogue, here’s why Bag Balm is on everyone’s mind, skin and hands right now.

Vermont’s Original Bag Balm, $19.90, amazon.com.au

Vermont’s Original Bag Balm

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What are people using Bag Balm for?

Though the balm itself has been touted as a miracle worker for dry skin concerns, such as eczema and chapped lips, people all over the internet are now using the product all over their faces. The practice is known as slugging and has been around for a few years. 

In short, slugging involves slathering a highly occlusive product – such as Vaseline – all over the face at the end of any skin routine, literally sealing in any applied and natural moisture on the skin. 

“You don’t need a lot when you slug it on your face,” beauty influencer Madison Bailey tells The New York Times. “I have turned so many friends on to it.”

Appearing in the purses and makeup bags of some of the world’s biggest names, Bag Balm’s sales have been hitting an all-time high after being on the market for 125 years. “When I’ve been flying a lot and my skin is really dry, I’ll rub it over my face and on my hair and leave it there all day,” Shania Twain shared in an interview in 1999 – a point in her career where every brand on earth would kill to be mentioned by the star. 

@therealfaithallison

Reply to @dayzzz98 it has also decreased my redness GREATLY #slugging #bagbalm #skincareroutine #skincare

♬ original sound - faith allison | skin/beauty

Is Bag Balm safe to use on your skin?

While we wouldn’t dare argue with Shania Twain, the salt-of-the-earth origins of the product do bring into question its efficacy and safety as a skincare staple. Because truthfully, in an industry led by some of the most scientifically advanced products, it’s hard to believe a little green tub developed to soothe the udders of dairy cows is what we should be reaching for. 

But, according to Dr Shreya Andric, Principal Dermatologist at Northern Sydney Dermatology and Laser, the online resurgence of this decades-old product may be entirely deserved- especially when it comes to slugging.  

“Slugging is a safe way of restoring the skin barrier and preventing surface water loss, and is often performed using greasy occlusive products such as vaseline, pawpaw ointment, Dermeze treatment ointment,” she explains. “Bag Balm is made using petrolatum (petroleum jelly) and lanolin. It does not contain any harmful ingredients so it could be used as an alternative for these.”

@originalbagbalm

We’ve been called an overachiever 😅 #bagbalm #lifehacks #beautyhacks #skincarehack #beautyessentials

♬ In the Bosom - Sweet After Tears

But with people on the internet claiming the simple balm can cure almost any ailment, Dr Adric says it’s important to exercise caution and common sense before turning to the rural ointment, “I definitely would not use this product for treatment of acne as it will likely clog the pores, making acne and breakouts much worse,” she says. 

As we settle into another Aussie winter, most people will find their skin concerns centre around dryness. Even though Dr Andric can see the benefits of using the viral balm for slugging, tackling face and body dryness requires a multifaceted approach. 

“For treatment of dry skin, you want to look for humectants (products that draw moisture from the air and help to retain that moisturiser in your skin, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lactic acid, urea) and emollients that create a protective barrier to prevent water loss, such as ceramides, lanolin, petrolatum, shea butter and oils,” she explains.

“Avoid potentially irritating ingredients like fragrances, alcohols, beta-hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide.”

Originally published as TikTok says Bag Balm is the missing member of your makeup bag – here's why