After seasons of skimpy serums and lightweight lotions, melting balm is back. If 2018 was the year of the skintellectual, hyper-focused on single-ingredient, low-viscosity serums, 2020 is the year of the maximalist. Where we once wanted gels, gelées, and essences, we're finding our way back to a heartier, more substantial texture: the balm.

The appeal of the balm is multi-faceted. As our predilection for natural ingredients grows, a balm is the ideal carrier for oils and botanical extracts, which can be hard to work into formulas otherwise, thanks to their tendency to solidify. This is especially true for cold-pressed oils, or thicker hydrators like jojoba and shea.