Emollient vs. Balm — What's the Difference?

Softening and soothing, especially to the skin.

A chiefly Mediterranean perennial herb (Melissa officinalis) in the mint family, grown for its lemon-scented foliage, which is used as a seasoning or for tea. Also called lemon balm.

Making less harsh or abrasive; mollifying

Any of several related plants in the mint family, such as the bee balm and the horse balm.

An agent that softens or soothes the skin.

Any of various aromatic resins exuded from several trees and shrubs, especially the balm of Gilead (Commiphora) and related plants in the family Burseraceae.

An agent that assuages or mollifies.

An aromatic salve or oil.

Something which softens or lubricates the skin; moisturizer.

A pleasing aromatic fragrance.

(figurative) Anything soothing the mind, or that makes something more acceptable.

A soothing, healing, or comforting agent or quality.

Moisturizing.

Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and Myroxylon of South America.

(figurative) Soothing or mollifying.

A plant or tree yielding such substance.

Softening; making supple; acting as an emollient.

Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.

An external something or soothing application to allay irritation, soreness, etc.

(figuratively) Something soothing.

Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin

The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis

Having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin

Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horse balm.

To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.

To soothe; to mitigate.

An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa.

The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or shrubs.

Any fragrant ointment.

Anything that heals or that mitigates pain.

To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.

Any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing

Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation