Boiron Homeoplasmine: The Ultimate Multi-purpose Balm For Your Skin

Get to know this Vaseline-but-better balm, which hails from the beauty mecca of the standard French pharmacy (sigh...between croissants and their amazing skincare, the French have it made, oui?). We'll explain its myriad of uses, and why it's *even* better than paw paw ointments.

Along with A313 and Ialuset, Homeoplasmine was one of the first products stocked on Kanvas Beauty. We were long familiar with it, having first tried it back in the day when Gwyneth Paltrow raved about it on a since-deleted article on her Goop blog (along with half the population). It was described a a versatile balm that was already being used by makeup artists behind the scenes at Paris and Milan's Fashion Weeks. It would get whipped out to heal chapping in quick time or to use an excellent lipstick primer that wouldn't melt under hot lights. Our interest was immediately piqued. We loved our paw paw ointments and lip balms, but they would always bleed lipstick after some time, particularly under the hot Aussie sun. If we could find something that moisturized but still kept the ~*lewk*~ in place, then that would be a win. And find it we did, with Homeoplasmine.

What is Homeoplasmine Ointment?

• According to its manufacturer Boiron, Homeoplasmine is a homeopathic treatment for skin irritations. It is sold over-the-counter in France, meaning a prescription isn't required to purchase it.
• The texture is thiccy thic thick. It's thicker than Vasline and thicker than paw paw ointments.This often takes people by surprise - and it's not melty either. The trick is to use only a teeny amount - a quarter of a pea is enough. One tube will last you forever if you're using it just for your lips. Take your time in applying it thinly and evenly. It's worth it!
• The finish is matte. This is one of our favourite things about Homeoplamine: it's not shiny, and it doesn't flake easily. Lipstick adheres closely to your lips and doesn't bleed in the heat. When we apply Homeoplasmine, we find we dont need to reapply it, even after eating. Unless you're constantly licking your lips, it can last all day!
• Homeoplasmine's full ingredients:Active ingredients: Boric Acid (4%), Phytolacca Officinalis (0.3%), Calendula Officinalis (0.1%), Bryonia (0.1%), Benzoin (0.1%). Inactive ingredients: Vaselinum Album.
• Yes, it also contains Vaseline, but with additional plant extracts and antiseptic ingredients.Ever wondered what Vaseline is exactly? Also known as Petroleum Jelly, it is quite simply a by-product of refining crude oil (i.e. petroleum). As INCI DECODER puts it, "[t]he unique thing about petrolatum is that it is the most effective occlusive agent known today...It sits on top of the skin and hinders so-called transepidermal water loss like nothing else." This means it is the ultimate ingredient for "slugging". But, the added staying power of Homeoplasmine means less pillow transfer, and less greasiness.

What are the uses of Homeoplasmine, according to the manufacturer?

• For skin irritations, the recommended application is 1-3x per day. Store under 25°C, and discard any unused product a year after breaking the seal.
• It's intended as a wound healing "adjuvant'. This simply means it's meant as a supporting treatment for skin irritations, to enhance the efficacy and recovery time of your existing treatments. For instance, if you have a rash and have a prescribed cortisone cream for it, using Homeoplasmine as well may speed up the healing.
• Here's where Homeoplasmine should NOT be used: Never apply this on infected or oozing lesions (if anything is infected, see a doctor ASAP!), or obviously, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. It should also not be applied on infants under 30 months, or under closed dressings (like a bandaid or a daiper).

What are the other ways Homeoplasmine is popularly used?

Like other French pharmacy goodies like Ialuset and A313, Homeoplasmine was snatched up by beauty fanatics for purposes other than that for which it was originally formulated. French women soon realized it did a stellar job on chapped lips, by magically filling in the creases and providing a smooth canvas for lip colours.

• A chapping treatment: This stuff is the best going around when it comes to treating chapped lips and preventing chapping, even in freezing Kiwi / Melbourne winters. Best thing to do is to start with a little lip scrub to take off any dry flakes. Try the Honey Sugar Lip Scrub from COSRX, or the scrub half of Kocostar's Peach Duo Duo. When your lips are clean and exfoliated, apply a small mount of Homeoplasmine with your pinky finger and rub evenly over your lips. 
• A lip primer: Homeoplasmine finishes matte and isn't oily. This means lip colour won't bleed or smudge the way it would with standard vaseline or lip balm. Just apply your favourite lip stick and you're ready to go! Try it with Axiology's Vegan Crayons for matte perfection. 
• Dry patches: Homeoplasmine will help prevent moisture loss and can be super effective in places that are exposed to constant friction or rubbing (e.g. elbows and knees). Simply apply a lick over your usual body moisturizer. This will help seal the moisture in and stop it from rubbing off on your clothes.
• Eyebrow pommade: Instead of brow gel, use a small amount with a brow brush to work unruly hairs into the perfect shape. 
• Mild eczema patches: Tiny patches of mild eczema that doesn't need cortisone treatment may improve with Homeoplasmine.
• Insect bites and mild rashes: Because Homeoplasmine is intended for mild skin irritations, this can extend to insect bites and itchy patches - so long as they aren't severe or infected.
• Damaged cuticles: Wash hands with gentle soap, moisturize, and apply a little Homeoplasmine around the cuticles. You can aso do this post-manicure. Plus, it helps heal split skin and dry cuticles in winter.

FAQs on Homeoplasmine

Can I use Ialuset with vitamin C, acid exfoliants and other active products? You can use Ialuset with active skincare ingredients without issue. Hyaluronc acid is a very compatible ingredient. Ialuset can even help your skin heal after exfoliation faster, while restoring some of the hydration that exfoliation can sometimes takeaway. Apply your acid exfoliant first, wash-off if required, and then follow through with your usual toner - Ialuset - toner/mist layers.

What are the side effects of Homeoplasmine? Like any skincare, Homeoplasmine may not suit everyone and may spark a reaction if you're allergic to one or more of its ingredients. Always patch test first! 

How to store Homeoplasmine correctly? Store it in a dry, cool place. The product should last for 12 months after opening, after which the remaining contents should be discarded.

Where does Homeoplasmine come from?Homeoplasmine is shipped directly from our supplier in France. For a full list of ingredients and instructions in English, refer to this blog post or the product page.

Is Homeoplasmine a moisturizer? Homeoplasmine is not intended as a moisturizer. While it can help prevent moisture loss, it doesn't hydrate on its own. We recommend using it as a spot repair treatment in line with the manufacturer's advice, and not for moisturizing large areas of skin.

Where can I find Homeoplasmine online in Australia and New Zealand? You can shop Homeoplasmine right here on Kanvas Beauty. We ship Australia-wide, including all the major cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide and Canberra). Enjoy free standard shipping with any purchase over $49, and free express shipping with any order over $99. If you’re new to Kanvas Beauty, take an additional $20 off your first order with us (use code WELCOME20 at checkout). 

Happy shopping! If you have further questions on Homeoplasmine, drop us a line on chat or on email: hello@kanvasbeauty.com.au.