Usnea — often known as “old man’s beard” — is a pale, lichen that grows on trees in clean, undisturbed woodlands. For centuries, it has been gathered and included in simple salves and balms made to care for skin exposed to the elements, valued for its association with cleanliness, protection, and preservation.
In traditional folk use, Usnea salves were applied to weathered hands, dry or cracked skin, minor grazes, and areas prone to irritation, particularly where skin needed calming and shielding rather than heavy treatment. It was also commonly used on skin after exposure to wind, cold, or heat — helping it feel more comfortable and looked after.
Our Usnea Salve is made with a straightforward, nourishing base of coconut oil and beeswax, creating a firm, breathable salve that helps form a protective layer on the skin. This barrier helps lock in moisture while shielding delicate areas from further dryness or friction.
The addition of lemongrass and geranium essential oils brings a fresh, clean scent and contributes to the salve’s traditional role in keeping skin feeling refreshed, balanced, and comfortable. Together, these ingredients create a versatile salve suited to everyday skin care needs.
This salve is commonly used on:
Dry, cracked, or chapped skin
Hands exposed to frequent washing or outdoor work
Elbows, heels, and other rough patches
Skin after minor knocks, scrapes, or heat exposure
Areas that need calming, protection, and extra care
It’s a practical, pocket-friendly staple — simple enough for daily use, rich enough to make a noticeable difference to dry or stressed skin.
Usnea extract, coconut oil, beeswax, geranium essential oil, lemongrass essential oil
• Handmade in small batches
• Helps soften, protect, and condition dry or irritated skin
• Creates a breathable barrier to support the skin’s natural balance
• Naturally scented with geranium & lemongrass
This product is a cosmetic salve for external use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions.
For a deeper look at usnea, including ethical harvesting and traditional external use, see our Forager’s Guide to Usnea.
Usnea — often known as “old man’s beard” — is a pale, lichen that grows on trees in clean, undisturbed woodlands. For centuries, it has been gathered and included in simple salves and balms made to care for skin exposed to the elements, valued for its association with cleanliness, protection, and preservation.
In traditional folk use, Usnea salves were applied to weathered hands, dry or cracked skin, minor grazes, and areas prone to irritation, particularly where skin needed calming and shielding rather than heavy treatment. It was also commonly used on skin after exposure to wind, cold, or heat — helping it feel more comfortable and looked after.
Our Usnea Salve is made with a straightforward, nourishing base of coconut oil and beeswax, creating a firm, breathable salve that helps form a protective layer on the skin. This barrier helps lock in moisture while shielding delicate areas from further dryness or friction.
The addition of lemongrass and geranium essential oils brings a fresh, clean scent and contributes to the salve’s traditional role in keeping skin feeling refreshed, balanced, and comfortable. Together, these ingredients create a versatile salve suited to everyday skin care needs.
This salve is commonly used on:
Dry, cracked, or chapped skin
Hands exposed to frequent washing or outdoor work
Elbows, heels, and other rough patches
Skin after minor knocks, scrapes, or heat exposure
Areas that need calming, protection, and extra care
It’s a practical, pocket-friendly staple — simple enough for daily use, rich enough to make a noticeable difference to dry or stressed skin.
Usnea extract, coconut oil, beeswax, geranium essential oil, lemongrass essential oil
• Handmade in small batches
• Helps soften, protect, and condition dry or irritated skin
• Creates a breathable barrier to support the skin’s natural balance
• Naturally scented with geranium & lemongrass
This product is a cosmetic salve for external use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions.
For a deeper look at usnea, including ethical harvesting and traditional external use, see our Forager’s Guide to Usnea.
