Harmony Facial Balm for Sensitive, Oily, & Blemish-Prone Skin
Hi friends,
It’s Syd, former holistic esthetician and now co-owner of Meadowlark Made. After years of working with skin in all its seasons, I’ve learned something important: oily or blemish-prone skin isn’t automatically “over-moisturized” skin. In fact, it’s often under-nourished, with a compromised barrier crying out for balance.
That’s why we created Harmony Facial Balm: a concentrated yet breathable balm designed to support sensitive, oily, and breakout-prone skin without suffocating it. Infused with wild-harvested herbs and farm-sourced lipids, it nourishes, soothes, and restores balance where your skin needs it most.
A Smooth, Dense Balm That Works With Reactive Skin
Many people with oily or sensitive skin avoid balms because they’re afraid of heaviness or clogged pores. But the secret is in the formulation. Harmony Facial Balm is solid yet soft, it melts quickly on contact with your skin, spreading easily without dragging or leaving a thick film.
Melts effortlessly to a light, breathable layer.
Delivers herbs and lipids evenly without feeling greasy.
Supports barrier repair while calming irritation.
Hero Ingredients + Why They Matter for Oily or Blemish-Prone Skin
Each ingredient was chosen with intention: to soothe, balance, and protect skin that’s easily inflamed, reactive, or prone to congestion.
Wild-Harvested Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelions are more than just “weeds”, they’re nutrient powerhouses. Known as vitamin accumulators, they draw up minerals from deep in the soil, concentrating nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium, calcium, and potassium in their leaves and flowers.
When used in skincare, these compounds help support the skin’s ability to heal, calm inflammation, and protect itself from environmental stress.
In our balm, dandelion helps:
Calm reactive skin and visible redness
Defend against pollution and oxidative stress
Reduce pore congestion and support clearer texture
Deliver trace vitamins that help nourish depleted skin
It’s one of those humble herbs that does far more than meets the eye, which is why we wild-harvest it with care and intention.
Reduces inflammation in reactive skin — PMC study
Protects against environmental stressors — PubMed
Antimicrobial + Antibacterial Action — MDPI
Helps with pore congestion / oil oxidation — Because of its antioxidant compounds (flavonoids etc.), dandelion helps reduce oxidative stress that can turn sebum into sludge in pores and trigger blemishes. This contributes to skin looking less dull and more even.
Wild Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)
Bee balm is one of those plants that seems to glow with purpose: fiery in bloom, floral minty in scent, and gently medicinal in its core. Traditionally used by Indigenous communities for skin wounds and infections, it carries that same wisdom into skincare today.
Its essential oils are naturally antibacterial and antifungal, helping keep blemish-causing microbes in check. But it’s also incredibly soothing: rich in plant compounds that calm flare-ups, reduce redness, and help reactive skin feel less… well, reactive.
In Harmony, bee balm helps:
Clear up blemish-prone skin without harshness
Ease visible inflammation and redness
Gently support skin’s healing process
Add a subtle, fresh herbal scent that feels grounding
We forage our bee balm in small batches during peak bloom — when its oils are at their strongest and its energy is most vibrant.
Supports a clearer complexion — Monarda essential oil shows antibacterial action against strains tied to skin infections, which is valuable for blemish-prone or oily skin. PMC study
Eases sensitivity and redness — Polyphenols and volatile oils provide antioxidant + mild anti-inflammatory benefits, soothing skin that reacts easily. Learning Herbs
Soothes irritated skin & supports healing — Bee Balm is known traditionally (and backed by botanical studies) to reduce redness and calm inflamed or reactive zones. This is huge when blemishes “flare up.”
Antibacterial + antifungal protection — The herb contains compounds (like thymol in some species) that help inhibit bacteria and fungi on the skin—helpful for keeping acne and breakouts from worsening. Springer Nature
Organic Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow has this quiet strength to it; feathery leaves, delicate blooms, but a long history of use for wounds, inflammation, and skin imbalances.
What makes it so powerful for the skin is its natural ability to restore equilibrium. It’s gently astringent, helping tone and tighten without stripping. And it’s anti-inflammatory, supporting skin that’s irritated, red, or over-producing oil.
In Harmony, yarrow brings:
A pore-refining effect that doesn’t dry out the skin
Antibacterial support to help prevent breakouts
Gentle barrier-balancing properties (especially after irritation)
A soft, herbal note that complements the wild-crafted blend
Further reading on yarrow
Restores balance to upset skin — In a controlled study, topical yarrow oil normalized pH and moisture levels after irritation, indicating barrier support for stressed, combination skin. PubMed
Astringent & pore-refining — Yarrow is naturally astringent, which helps to tighten pores and manage oiliness without harsh drying. Great for combination skin or oily zones. MDPI
Antibacterial & anti-inflammatory — Yarrow has flavonoids, phenolic acids etc. that help reduce inflammation and inhibit bacteria associated with breakouts. And it supports healing of irritated or compromised skin. PubMed
Organic Hempseed Oil
Hempseed oil is the kind of ingredient that feels like it just knows what your skin needs.
Pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant (no THC here), it’s incredibly lightweight, non-comedogenic, and rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. For oily or blemish-prone skin, it offers balance; not by fighting oil, but by feeding the skin what it’s missing so it can regulate itself.
In Harmony, hempseed oil:
Moisturizes without clogging pores
Helps calm inflammation and redness over time
Supports a strong, resilient skin barrier
Brings a silky, quick-absorbing texture to the balm
It’s one of those rare oils that moisturizes deeply and heals without feeling heavy, which is why we reach for it again and again in our formulations. With a comedogenic rating of zero, hemp seed oil is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. It hydrates and helps regulate sebum without causing congestion.
Rich in Omega Fatty Acids for Skin Barrier Support — High levels of linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) support the skin’s natural barrier and reduce inflammation. MDPI
Naturally Anti-Inflammatory & Calming — Helps reduce redness, irritation, and blemish flare-ups with consistent use PMC
Organic Blue Tansy Essential Oil
Blue tansy is like a reset button for reactive skin: calming, clearing, and gently restoring balance with every use.
Its deep indigo color comes from chamazulene, a compound formed during distillation that’s known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. One drop brings calm, not just to the skin, but to the senses too.
It’s especially helpful for reactive skin that flares up easily or carries the memory of past breakouts in the form of lingering redness.
In Harmony, blue tansy:
Calms redness and irritation on contact
Helps reduce inflammation linked to breakouts
Supports healing in skin that’s been through a lot
Offers a soft, herbal-floral scent that soothes the nervous system
We use it sparingly but intentionally: enough to bring its magic, without overwhelming sensitive skin.
Aromatherapeutic grounding — Blue tansy’s scent has a tranquil, mood-balancing quality.
Skin tone harmonizer — Over time, it helps even out blotchiness from past breakouts.
Calms reactive skin — Chamazulene in blue tansy has strong anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce redness and flare-ups. Healthline
Antioxidant protection for breakout-prone skin — It helps neutralize oxidative stress that can trigger or worsen blemishes. EurekaSelect
The Base That Makes It Work: Pasture-Raised Pork Tallow & Local Beeswax
Pork tallow, when pasture-raised and rendered properly, is incredibly similar to the oils your skin naturally produces. It’s rich in fat-soluble vitamins, and delivers those nutrients in a way that your skin immediately recognizes. It doesn't just sit on the surface, it sinks in, giving the skin exactly what it needs.
Local beeswax creates a breathable barrier that locks in moisture while keeping out irritants. It also brings its own soft antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to the mix.
Together, they make the perfect foundation for:
Deep nourishment without heaviness
A breathable seal that protects and calms
A balm that actually feels good to use every day
This combination is old-school in the best way, a return to what’s always worked.
Pork Tallow: A Heritage Ingredient
How Beeswax Supports the Skin Barrier
How These Ingredients Work Together
Harmony Facial Balm isn’t just a collection of herbs and oils, it’s a system:
Barrier support and moisture retention (beeswax + tallow + hempseed oil) help sensitive skin heal, reduce irritation, reduce overproduction of sebum.
Anti‑inflammatory + antioxidant action (dandelion, yarrow, blue tansy, hempseed) reduce redness, calm active blemishes, reduce oxidative damage that can worsen acne / pigmentation.
Antimicrobial support (bee balm / wild bergamot, yarrow, hempseed extracts) help reduce bacterial / microbial triggers of blemishes.
Balancing of sebum production (hempseed) via linoleic acid, regulating oiliness without overwhelming.
This synergy means your skin is not just moisturized but actively supported to stay balanced, calm, and resilient.
How to Use Harmony in Your Routine
Because oily or sensitive skin benefits from consistency, Harmony Facial Balm is best used as a nightly (or twice-daily) ritual:
Begin with freshly cleansed skin.
Gently cleanse to remove buildup and excess oil without stripping. This creates the foundation for the balm to do its best work.Replenish hydration.
Mist generously with a hydrosol or alcohol-free toner to restore water to the skin. Follow with your water-based serums or treatments, especially if your skin is inflamed or healing.Seal in with intention.
With clean, dry fingers or a spatula, scoop a small amount (about a pea-sized or less). Melt it between your fingertips and press gently into damp skin, letting the balm create a breathable seal that locks in hydration and calms the skin barrier.When to Use:
Morning: A thin layer keeps skin balanced without clogging pores.
Evening: Use after your acne treatments or calming serums to buffer and soothe overnight.
As needed: Apply to areas of inflammation, post-extraction care, or dryness from exfoliants or active treatments.
Esthetician's Tips:
Harmony is especially helpful during skin flare-ups or seasonal transitions when your skin needs both simplicity and deep support.
Start with a small amount—this balm is highly concentrated and designed to work in harmony with your skin’s natural rhythms.
Always patch test first, especially if you're sensitive to herbs like yarrow or essential oils like blue tansy.
Avoid over-massaging into inflamed areas; instead, press gently into the skin for a calming effect.
Can be used as a spot treatment on areas of irritation, blemishes, or post-exfoliation redness.
What to Expect: From First Use to Long-Term Balance
First few uses: Skin feels softer and more comforted; redness begins to ease.
After 1–2 weeks: Oil production starts to balance out; fewer dry patches and fewer flare-ups at the same time.
Long term: More resilient skin barrier, calmer tone, and clearer-looking complexion with less reactive flare.
Foraged Grace (back left), Harmony (back right), and Meadow Glow (front) facial balms by Meadowlark Made
Why Herbal Skincare Is Different
In my years as a holistic esthetician, I saw countless products marketed to “oily” skin that stripped, dried, or irritated it. The result? More oil, more breakouts, more frustration.
By using botanicals like wild bee balm, dandelion, and yarrow alongside skin-compatible lipids, we’re working with the skin’s natural rhythm, not against it. This approach restores harmony over time, not just a quick fix.
Bring Harmony to Your Skin
If your skin has been asking for calm, clarity, and a balm that doesn’t feel like a mask, Harmony Facial Balm is for you. Smooth, concentrated, and full of wild botanicals, it helps restore the balance your skin has been craving.
