Description
The ravintsara chest balm that does not burn the skin
Massage our ravintsara balm gently onto the chest. The classic clear-breathing feel of a chest rub, without the harsh heat of camphor-based products from the shop shelf. Why? Because our Malagasy ravintsara is low in camphor — that is the whole point of the 1,8-cineole chemotype.
The result: a balm suitable for sensitive skin and for children over 6, with a natural scent (no added fragrance), and a winter essential.
The balm at a glance
- Volume: 30 ml jar
- Texture: rich and smooth, melts at skin temperature
- Certification: Nature & Progrès certified (a demanding charter that goes beyond organic)
- For: adults and children over 6
- Packaging: glass jar, plastic-free, recyclable
Ingredients: 100% fine, traceable raw materials
No paraffin, no synthetic fragrance, no chemical preservatives. Five ingredients, each traced to its origin:
- Organic shea butter — a fair-trade, organic association in Diongoma, Senegal
- Beeswax — local French beekeepers
- Organic sunflower oil — La Goutte d’Or du Plateau oil mill (Jura), seeds grown in Franche-Comté
- True lavender — Les Essentielles distillery (Ardèche)
- Ravintsara essential oil — our own plantation in Sahambavy, Madagascar (the same ravintsara as in our essential oil bottles)
The balm is formulated by our partner Ibbeo Cosmétique, a French cosmetics maker specialising in clean, natural formulas.
When and how to use it
- Through the cold season: 1 application to the chest and upper back in the morning, with a gentle massage to work it in
- When breathing feels temporarily heavy: 2 to 3 applications a day for 5 to 7 days
- At bedtime: on the soles of the feet and the chest for a restful night
- As a personal inhaler: a small amount on the wrists, to breathe in regularly
For details on every way to use ravintsara (dosages, blends, precautions), see our complete user guide (in French).
Why not a classic camphor balm?
Industrial chest rubs (camphor, synthetic menthol, paraffin) create a strong heating sensation that can irritate sensitive skin, is not suited to young children, and sometimes masks the scent of the essential oils they contain.
Our balm starts from the other end: a gentle, nourishing base (shea + sunflower + beeswax), low-camphor ravintsara (1,8-cineole chemotype), and soothing lavender alongside. The effect is subtler, longer-lasting, and suits everyone.
A genuine direct supply chain from Madagascar
The ravintsara in this balm comes entirely from our own plantation in Sahambavy, on the Highlands of Madagascar. Same leaves, same chromatography analyses, same traceability as our essential oil bottles. The oil was named Best Organic Product 2019.
Behind the scenes: From leaf to bottle — our direct supply chain in Madagascar (in French).
Precautions
- For external use on the skin only
- Not recommended for pregnant women in the first trimester, children under 6, or people with epilepsy
- Avoid the eye area and mucous membranes
- Patch test in the crook of the elbow recommended before first use
- Store away from light and heat (otherwise the balm may turn liquid)
Go further
Read our complete guide to ravintsara and winter immunity or our comparison Ravintsara vs ravensara (both in French).
Christine (verified owner) –