Skincare

The A Thousand Roses baby skincare collection centres on the Everything Balm, a multipurpose natural balm for nappy area, dry skin, mild eczema, cradle cap and lip dryness. Made in Melbourne from beeswax, shea butter, calendula-infused jojoba oil and vitamin E. Free from synthetic fragrance, parabens, PEGs, mineral oil and zinc oxide. Suitable from newborn upward.

What the Everything Balm does

The Everything Balm is formulated for five distinct use cases: nappy area protection (as a barrier balm/repair support), dry skin patches (as a moisturiser), mild eczema flares (calming and protective), cradle cap (softens crust for gentle removal), sunburn and lip dryness in older babies and toddlers. It replaces the typical baby cabinet of nappy cream, body lotion, eczema cream and lip balm with one tin. And can be used by the whole family.

The balm works because the base ingredients (beeswax, shea butter, calendula-infused olive oil, jojoba and vitamin E) are individually excellent and combine without competing. Beeswax provides a breathable barrier. Shea butter delivers fatty acids that support the skin barrier. Calendula has documented anti-inflammatory and wound-supporting effects. Jojoba mimics the skin's own sebum. Vitamin E stabilises the blend and supports skin repair. There is no synthetic fragrance, no preservative, and nothing that should not be on a baby's skin.

Why we do not use zinc oxide

Most mainstream nappy creams use zinc oxide as a barrier ingredient. Zinc oxide is effective but has two drawbacks for baby skin: it creates a heavy, sticky film that is hard to wipe clean and can trap moisture against the skin, and the standard particle sizes used in nappy creams have been associated with skin penetration concerns at extended exposure. The Everything Balm uses beeswax instead, which forms a breathable protective layer without these issues.

For severe nappy rash where zinc oxide is genuinely recommended (typically by a GP or maternal health nurse for fungal or bacterial-complicated rash), the Everything Balm is not the right product and we will say so. For ordinary nappy area protection and the prevention of mild rash, the balm performs as well as or better than zinc-based alternatives in our community's reported experience, with cleaner wiping and less skin film.

Managing infant eczema with natural products

Infant eczema is a common skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, sometimes inflamed patches typically appearing on the face, behind the knees, in elbow creases and on the scalp. Mild to moderate eczema often responds well to natural management: a gentle bath routine (with Bedtime Relax Bath Tea), regular application of the Everything Balm to affected areas, and identification of any environmental triggers (detergents, synthetic fabrics, dust mites). Moderate to severe eczema requires GP guidance and may need prescribed treatment.

The Everything Balm supports eczema (mild and severe) through three mechanisms: the beeswax barrier reduces moisture loss from already-dry skin, calendula provides documented anti-inflammatory support and skin healing benefits, and the absence of synthetic fragrance and harsh preservatives removes a common trigger for flare-up. Many families report the balm becomes their go-to during eczema episodes. Always follow your GP's guidance for diagnosed eczema.

Can I use the Everything Balm on a newborn?

Yes. The Everything Balm is suitable from newborn and is one of the safest products in our range. The ingredient list is short, the preservation system relies on the natural antimicrobial properties of beeswax rather than synthetic preservatives, and there is no synthetic fragrance. Patch test on the inner wrist before first use, and observe for 24 hours. The balm is a popular choice for newborn dry skin, particularly in the first weeks of life when the skin barrier is still developing.

How is the Everything Balm different from petroleum-based balms?

Petroleum-based balms (paraffin, mineral oil) form a barrier on the skin but do not provide any active ingredients. They lock in existing moisture but contribute nothing to skin repair. The Everything Balm forms a beeswax barrier and additionally delivers calendula (anti-inflammatory), shea butter (skin barrier support), jojoba (sebum mimic) and vitamin E (skin repair). It does the same job as a petroleum balm and more, without the environmental and ingredient concerns associated with mineral oils.

Will the Everything Balm clear nappy rash?

For mild nappy rash and as preventive protection, the Everything Balm typically resolves the irritation within two to four days of regular application at every nappy change. For moderate to severe nappy rash, persistent rash beyond a week, or any rash with signs of bacterial or fungal infection (spreading, weeping, white patches), consult your GP or maternal health nurse.

Can the Everything Balm be used for cradle cap?

Yes. Apply a thin layer of Everything Balm to the cradle cap area twenty to thirty minutes before bath time. The balm softens the crust, making gentle removal during the bath easier and less irritating to the underlying scalp. Use a soft baby brush during the bath to gently lift the softened crust. Repeat every few days until the cradle cap clears. For severe or persistent cradle cap, consult your GP.

Is the Everything Balm vegan?

No. The Everything Balm contains beeswax sustainably sourced from small Australian apiaries, which makes it vegetarian rather than vegan. We have considered vegan alternatives (candelilla wax, carnauba wax) but find beeswax provides a better combination of barrier function, skin compatibility and antibacterial properties for paediatric application. Vegan customers may prefer to use jojoba oil alone for skincare needs.

How often can I apply the Everything Balm?

The Everything Balm can be applied multiple times daily as needed. For nappy area protection, apply at every nappy change. For dry skin or eczema patches, apply two to three times daily. For cradle cap, apply twenty to thirty minutes before bath time every two to three days. For lip dryness, apply as needed. There is no concern with frequent use; the ingredient profile is mild enough for unrestricted application frequency.

How long does a tin last?

A 60g tin typically lasts two to four months depending on application frequency. Families using it primarily for nappy area protection (at every change) tend toward the lower end. Families using it as a multipurpose balm (occasional dry skin, cradle cap, lip dryness) tend toward the longer end. The balm has a 24-month shelf life from manufacture and a 12-month period of optimal potency once opened.

Can adults use the Everything Balm?

Yes. Many parents discover the Everything Balm is excellent for their own dry skin, hand cracks, lip dryness, minor skin irritations, eczema and dermatitis and sunburn. The ingredient profile is gentle enough for paediatric application and effective enough for adult skin concerns. Several adults in our community use it as a postpartum perineal recovery balm and as a moisturiser for dry hands in winter. It is one of the products most likely to migrate from the baby cabinet to the parent's bedside table.