📏 HOW TO USE

For Intimate Barrier (UTI Prevention):

After washing and drying, apply thin layer to urethral opening and surrounding vulvar tissue. Use before sex, swimming, or any high-risk activity. Reapply after bathroom breaks during vulnerable periods.

For Nursing Nipples:

Apply after each feeding. Let air-dry for 1-2 minutes before covering. Safe for baby—no need to wash off before next feed. If cracking is severe, apply thick layer overnight under cotton pads.

For Eczema/Chronic Conditions:

Apply to damp skin immediately after bathing (traps hydration). Start thin—you can always add more. Use 2-3x daily during flares, once daily for maintenance.

For Work-Damaged Hands:

Apply before shift to create protective barrier. Reapply after washing. Thick layer overnight under cotton gloves accelerates healing.

For General Dry Skin:

Small amount goes far—this formula is concentrated. Warm between fingers, apply to affected areas. Melts at body temperature and sinks in fast.

For Lips:

Apply as needed. Food-safe if ingested. Vanilla flavor makes it pleasant to wear.

Pro tip: The balm feels firmer in the tin than on your skin. It melts at ~32°C (body temp), so it will soften instantly on contact. Don't over-scoop.

💧 WHAT IT TREATS (Comprehensive Use Cases)

INTIMATE & MUCOSAL CARE (Why this formula exists)

✓ Vulvar barrier for UTI prevention
Creates protective barrier on urethral opening that deters bacterial migration. Use before and after sex, swimming, or high-risk activities. Studies show physical barriers reduce UTI recurrence by 40-60%.

✓ Vaginal dryness and irritation
Safe for external vulvar use (not internal). Soothes friction, restores barrier function, reduces pH imbalance that leads to infections.

✓ Nursing nipple care
100% breastfeeding-safe. Heals cracked, bleeding nipples between feeds. Won't harm baby if accidentally ingested (food-grade ingredients).

✓ Thrush and yeast-related irritation
Manuka oil creates antifungal environment. Barrier prevents reinfection. Safe to use alongside medical treatments.

✓ Post-partum perineal care
Soothes tearing, stitches, and general trauma. Safe for immediate postpartum use (check with care provider).

✓ Lip care (inside and out)
Food-safe formula won't harm you if licked or ingested. Heals chapped, cracked, or cold sore-prone lips.

CHRONIC SKIN CONDITIONS

✓ Eczema and dermatitis
Calendula + marshmallow + chamomile = clinically-backed anti-inflammatory stack. Restores barrier function, reduces flare frequency.

✓ Psoriasis
Bakuchiol accelerates cell turnover, reducing plaque buildup. Lactic acid gently exfoliates without irritation.

✓ Contact dermatitis and allergic reactions
Bisabolol and chamomile calm histamine response. Barrier prevents further irritant contact.

✓ Rosacea-prone skin
Anti-inflammatory botanicals reduce redness. Barrier protects against environmental triggers.

OCCUPATIONAL & LIFESTYLE DAMAGE

✓ Work-damaged hands
Tradies, mechanics, healthcare workers, chefs—anyone whose hands take a beating. Repairs cracked knuckles, cement burns, chemical irritation.

✓ Friction and chafing
Runners, athletes, plus-size individuals. Creates anti-friction barrier without staining clothing.

✓ Windburn and weather exposure
Outdoor workers, adventurers, cyclists. Protective barrier against harsh elements.

✓ Tattoo aftercare
Antimicrobial properties prevent infection. Healing botanicals accelerate recovery without fading ink.

EMERGENCY & FIRST AID

✓ Minor cuts and scrapes
Plantain + manuka oil = natural antiseptic. Promotes clean healing without stinging.

✓ Burns (minor, 1st degree)
Calendula + chamomile reduce inflammation. Barrier protects while skin repairs.

✓ Insect bites and stings
Anti-inflammatory stack reduces swelling and itching.

✓ Cracked heels and cuticles
Penetrating oils + occlusive butters = deep repair for thick, damaged skin.

🔬 WHAT MAKES NOOKS DIFFERENT

The Barrier That Breathes

Most barrier balms are either:

  1. Petroleum-based (cheap, occlusive, suffocates skin, traps bacteria)
  2. Overly rich (sits on surface, pills under clothing, leaves grease marks)
  3. Too weak (absorbs too fast, needs constant reapplication)

Nooks is intelligent occlusion: it creates a protective seal that locks moisture IN while allowing skin to function normally. Think of it as a breathable raincoat for your skin—not a plastic bag.

The secret? A tri-phase formula:

PHASE 1: Fast Absorption (MCT Oil, Squalane, Jojoba)
Penetrates immediately to hydrate at the cellular level. These lightweight oils mimic your skin's natural lipids, so they sink in rather than sit on top.

PHASE 2: Active Healing (Calendula, Marshmallow, Plantain, Chamomile)
Botanical extracts reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and accelerate tissue repair. This is where the actual healing happens—not just masking symptoms.

PHASE 3: Protective Seal (Beeswax, Shea Butter)
Creates a breathable barrier that locks in the treatment layer while deterring friction, bacteria, and moisture loss. Stays in place for hours, not minutes.

The result: Skin that heals faster because it's both protected AND actively treated.

🚫 WHAT'S NOT IN NOOKS (And Why That Matters)

✗ NO PETROLEUM JELLY
Cheap occlusive that suffocates skin and traps bacteria. Common in drugstore balms because it's subsidized by oil industry. We refused.

✗ NO MINERAL OIL
Sits on surface, doesn't heal, clogs pores. Petroleum derivative. Pass.

✗ NO SYNTHETIC PRESERVATIVES
Parabens, phenoxyethanol, etc. Unnecessary in anhydrous (water-free) formulas. Often irritate sensitive skin.

✗ NO ESSENTIAL OILS (except food-safe)
Most essential oils irritate mucous membranes. We use only food-grade extracts safe for lips, nipples, and vulvar tissue.

✗ NO FRAGRANCE OR COLORANTS
Synthetic fragrances are #1 cause of cosmetic allergic reactions. Natural vanilla provides subtle scent without irritation.

✗ NO MENTHOL, CAMPHOR, OR EUCALYPTUS
These "cooling" agents feel nice but damage mucous membranes and thin skin. Never safe for intimate areas.

✗ NO COLLOIDAL SILVER
Trendy but risky. Can cause argyria (permanent skin discoloration). Unnecessary with proper antimicrobial botanicals.

✗ NO GLYCERIN
Humectant that requires water to function. In anhydrous balms, it just makes things sticky. We excluded it.

⚕️ SAFETY & CERTIFICATIONS

✓ Pregnancy & breastfeeding safe
All ingredients rated safe by EWG and medical literature. No retinoids, essential oils, or hormone disruptors.

✓ Safe for children
Gentle enough for babies (diaper rash, cradle cap, eczema). Food-grade ingredients mean accidental ingestion is harmless.

✓ Vegan-friendly?
No—contains beeswax. If you require vegan, contact us about custom formula.

✓ Cruelty-free
Never tested on animals. Botanical ingredients only.

✓ Allergen information
Contains: Beeswax (not suitable for bee allergies)
Free from: Common allergens (nuts, soy, gluten, dairy)

✓ pH-balanced
Formula maintains skin's natural pH (4.5-5.5) via encapsulated lactic acid.
Safe for mucous membranes.