Frequently Asked Questions
Hello Badger Fans! We've compiled a list of FAQs and fun facts about our company and products to provide you with quick answers to common questions. If you can’t find an answer to your question below, please feel free to email us at custserv@badgerbalm.com and a friendly Badger will respond as soon as possible.
General Questions:
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An unopened tin of balm stored at a moderate temperature should be good for two to three years, depending on the product. If you open it and it smells good, then it’s good. Badger doesn’t use synthetic chemical stabilizers. Extremes in temperature (such as freezing, thawing, and humidity) can affect a balm’s shelf life by changing its consistency and aroma.
Expiration dates can be found on the top, bottom, or side of the product itself or the outer packaging, depending on the product. Click here to find the expiration date on your product as well as a key to the expiration date codes.
You can expect your opened tin of balm to remain good for at least twelve months. Beyond that, the general rule of thumb is if it looks and smells good, then it’s still good! However, keep in mind that as soon as you open any tin of balm and use it, the life span countdown begins. Factors such as temperature, humidity and even the cleanliness of fingers removing the balm can affect an open tin’s life span. What more, essential oils, which give a balm its pleasant aroma, will slowly but surely begin to lose potency from an open tin.
Keep the lid on when not in use. Keep it out of direct sunlight, when possible. And avoid repeated freezing and thawing (like forgetting it in your car on a cold day or hot day). Keeping your balm in a cool place is not necessary, but it will certainly help prolong the life of your balm.
Badger uses natural ingredients, and because of this, variations in color from one batch to another can be expected. Factors such as the amount of sunshine and rain in a given year or fluctuations in temperature can all subtly affect natural ingredients. One season's pressing of organic extra virgin olive oil may be greener in color than the season prior, or you may experience a stronger or more subtle scent with an essential oil. All of this is normal and expected when working with natural ingredients and Mother Nature.
Absolutely! However, you may find its consistency has changed just a bit. Sometimes, a product can become much softer and creamier after it freezes and then thaws, but it is still perfectly good and safe to use.
Our products are so natural that they’re safe to use pretty much anywhere on your body. We don't recommend, however, using our Muscle and Joint Rubs near your eyes, nose, mouth, and other sensitive areas. And if a product is new to you and you’re not sure how your skin will react, we recommend testing on a small area of skin before full use. For your face, we recommend our cleansing oils and face oils, which have been tested and approved non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and are specially formulated for use on the face. Our sunscreens are great for use on both your body and face.
Badger products are made using the highest quality natural and certified organic ingredients. However, we recommend that pregnant or nursing moms always check with their doctors if there are any specific concerns. You'll find no artificial fragrances, dyes, or synthetic preservatives in any of our products. Essential oils are included in low percentages and are safe if used as directed. As always, if a product is new to you and you’re not sure how your skin will react, we recommend testing on a small area of skin before full use.
Absolutely! Our products are safe to use on children and babies six months or older. We receive feedback from moms, dads, and grandparents that they love using our baby care products because they soothe minor skin irritations, cradle cap, and diaper rash. Many people also use our Anti-Bug products, Sleep Balm, After Sun Balm, and Night-Night Balm as natural alternatives for their children. If a product is new to you or a member of your family, we recommend testing on a small area of skin before full use, and if you have any questions please check with your doctor.
Gluten refers to certain proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. People with gluten-related disorders or sensitivity don’t tolerate the proteins found in foods containing these grains.
We’ve always been committed to making simple and healthy products that are safe from unnecessary ingredients and allergens. Our products are gluten-free, and we ensure this by using our own machinery to regulate any potential contamination as well as avoiding ingredients that contain gluten. We do in-house testing to make sure that our products contain less than 10 ppm (parts per million) gluten, the same standard used by the GFCO, and half of what is recommended by the FDA for gluten-free claims on food products.
Badger's Shave Soap, Shampoo Bar, and Aloe Vera Gel are produced offsite by subcontract manufacturers and therefore cannot be guaranteed to be gluten-free by our in-house regulations and testing, but they do not have any gluten-containing ingredients.
The Chamomile and Lavender Baby Washes are produced offsite by subcontract manufacturers and do not have any gluten-containing ingredients. They are tested per batch following our gluten-free in-house regulations and testing and are therefore considered gluten-free.
Click here to view all our gluten free products.
Badger products do not contain peanuts or peanut products. However, because we are not peanut-free certified, we cannot claim that our products are peanut-free. Products manufactured at our subcontractors' facilities (Lip Tints, After-Bug Balm, Shave Soap, Shampoo Bar, and all Canadian Sunscreens) do not contain peanuts but may be produced on equipment that also produces products containing peanuts. While our subcontract manufacturers carefully clean between product runs to greatly reduce the possibility of cross-contamination, follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and periodically test batches to be sure that the cleaning processes are sufficient to reduce cross contamination of any allergens, they cannot claim to have a peanut free facility, nor do they hold any peanut-free certifications.
If a product is new to you or a member of your family, we recommend reading our full-disclosure labels carefully and testing on a small area of skin before full use.
The following Badger ingredients are derived from tree nuts:
• Sunflower Oil
• Baobab
• Cocoa Butter
• Jojoba
• Babassu
• Tamanu
• Shea Butter
• Coconut Oil
Please check any product ingredient list for these ingredients.
While we (and our subcontract manufacturers) follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards to eliminate cross contamination of any allergens, we cannot guarantee that other Badger products not appearing on this list are one hundred percent nut-free, nor do we currently hold any certification stating so.
If a product is new to you or a member of your family, we recommend reading our full-disclosure labels carefully and testing on a small area of skin before full use.
The following Badger ingredients are derived from soy:
• Glycerin
• Soybean Oil
Please check any product ingredient list for these ingredients.
While we and our subcontract manufacturers carefully clean between product runs to greatly reduce the possibility of cross-contamination, follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and periodically test batches to be sure that the cleaning processes are sufficient to reduce cross-contamination of any allergens, we/they cannot claim to have a facility free of soy allergens, nor do we/they hold any soy-free certifications.
If a product is new to you or a member of your family, we recommend reading our full-disclosure labels carefully and testing on a small area of skin before full use.
The following Badger ingredients are derived from corn:
• Xanthan gum
• Sodium gluconate
• Citric acid
• Alcohol
• Coco-glucoside
Please check any product ingredient list for these ingredients.
While we and our subcontract manufacturers carefully clean between product runs to greatly reduce the possibility of cross-contamination, follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and periodically test batches to be sure that the cleaning processes are sufficient to reduce cross-contamination of any allergens, we/they cannot claim to have a facility free of corn allergens, nor do we/they hold any corn-free certifications.
If a product is new to you or a member of your family, we recommend reading our full-disclosure labels carefully and testing on a small area of skin before full use.
In most cases, if a product is consumed by an animal (with the exception of a cat), there should be no harmful effects. Cats cannot process essential oils, so if the product has a high essential oil content it may make your cat sick. Check with your veterinarian to be sure, since different animals have different sensitivities to essential oils, and though we are “Badgers,” we are definitely not animal experts.
No! It is definitely not okay to use any product containing essential oils on a cat. Cats don’t process essential oils in the same way as dogs or humans and it may make them sick.
No way, no how! We love animals and will never ever test on them. We test all in-development products on family friends, volunteers, and ourselves, which is fun. If a new product does not pass our high standards, it does not make it into the marketplace. We are also certified by Leaping Bunny which means we never test our products on animals and our suppliers never test their ingredients on animals.
Many of our products contain beeswax and our SPF 25 Sunscreen Lotions contain a whey derivative from dairy so those products are not vegan. We do have a number of vegan products including our pregnant belly oil, massage oils, body oils (including our baby oil), face oils, face cleansing oils, hair oils, pre-shave oil, after-shave face oil, men’s hair oil, and beard oil. See all our Vegan Skin Care products.
No. Our products do not contain any badger oil or oil from other animals. We use primarily plant-based ingredients as well as beeswax that is produced by honeybees.
Our products labeled with an SPF value are the only products registered with the FDA as sunscreens. Check out our Sunscreens.
Yes. Badger products are rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which naturally occur in the oils, butters, waxes and extracts we use to formulate our powerfully pure products. Our sunscreen creams use a naturally-derived sunflower vitamin E. We believe that nature is the best source for ingredients that benefit both people and the planet.
No, they are BPA and Phthalate-free.
White Stain: Zinc Oxide
Unfortunately, zinc oxide can sometimes stain darker fabrics. To help remove zinc oxide stains, we recommend soaking the garment overnight in regular white vinegar and then laundering it in the hottest water the fabric can handle. Air dry. If the stain is still visible after the garment has dried, repeat the soaking process and then launder again. It’s best to do this process before drying the garment in an electric dryer, which can set the stain. Note: If you are concerned about using vinegar and the colorfastness of your garment, try looking for an enzyme-based commercial stain remover made specifically for color fabrics.
Grease Stain: Olive Oil
Grease stains can be treated just like a stain from salad dressing! If the stain is mostly oil-based (rather than the white of zinc oxide), place baking soda on it and then let it sit for up to an hour before laundering. In addition to laundry soap, be sure to add a little dish soap as this will help to break up the oil, something that regular laundry detergents don’t always do. Wash your garment in the hottest water it can safely handle and then air dry. An electric dryer can set a stain, so be sure it’s no longer visible before using one.
Important! Using white vinegar and baking soda together can cause a bleaching reaction. We do not recommend using these stain removal techniques together unless the garment you’re treating is completely white
Yes, as of 2021 all 'Over the Counter' (OTC) drug products can be paid for with funds from your HSA or FSA. These include all Badger Sunscreens, Badger Diaper Cream and Badger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick.
Product-Specific Questions:
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The FDA tests sunscreen SPF using 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter (2mg/cm) of skin. This is about 1ounce for a full adult body (about a shot glass full) or about a third of a teaspoon to cover your face. It's nearly impossible to actually measure and evenly apply sunscreen according to these guidelines, so we suggest applying a visibly whitening coat of sunscreen to all exposed skin and then rubbing it in to reduce the whitening effect. To ensure that you have achieved full and even coverage, let the first coat dry for 15-30 minutes and then reapply. Think of it as putting on a base coat and then a finish coat.
To maintain maximum effectiveness, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and more often after extended swimming or sweating. If a product is new to you or a member of your family, we recommend testing on a small area of skin before full use. Keep sunscreens out of eyes and away from broken or damaged skin. Adult supervision is recommended when using this product on children. If separation in product occurs, knead tube to remix product before using.
Unopened Badger sunscreens generally have a shelf life of two to three years from the date of manufacture (depending on the product). Expiration dates are printed on the crimp (top edge) of tubes. Opened sunscreens should remain good for one year after being used or until the date of expiration is reached. We cannot guarantee that an expired sunscreen will adequately protect you from the sun, so you should replace it. Note: Extreme temperature fluctuations may cause the natural ingredients in our sunscreens to expire early. We recommend that you store your Badger sunscreen in temperatures below 90 degrees. Extreme temperature fluctuations may negatively affect the efficacy.
We don’t recommend it. While many moms and dads here at Badger use our diaper cream with cloth diapers, they generally use a liner to make sure the cloth is protected. To determine whether or not you can use our diaper cream with your brand of cloth diapers, we recommend checking with your diaper service or cloth diaper manufacturer.
Badger Anti-Bug Balm and Anti-Bug Spray are formulated with all natural and certified organic ingredients, including essential oils that have insect repelling properties. Essential oils in high concentrations could irritate the skin. However, the percentages found in our products should not cause irritation when used according to the direction, unless your child has an allergy or specific sensitivity. Consult with a doctor before using this product on an infant or toddler. If a product is new to you or a member of your family, we recommend testing on a small area of skin before full use and if you have any questions, check with your doctor.
Badger Anti-Bug products have not been tested to repel ticks.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates all bug repellents. They allow only one federal agency to be represented on labels due to concerns that consumers wouldn’t know who to contact if they had a problem with a product. So although our Anti-Bug Balms and Shake & Sprays are certified organic, for the reason just stated we cannot reference the USDA on our labels.
They are not intended to control or mitigate specific species of insects that may transmit diseases to humans, such as mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus.
Badger Anti-Bug Balm has been tested to repel mosquitoes and stables flies for 3.5 hours. The Anti-Bug Spray provided a narrow range of 3 to 4 hours of protection, with an average of 3.4 hours.
Our products are neither medicines nor drugs (except for our sunscreens, which are considered over-the-counter drugs by the FDA). Instead, they are natural products that help soothe discomfort associated with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, but we cannot say definitively that they help to heal these skin ailments.
Badger products are made using natural oils, butters and waxes, and are designed to moisturize the skin. Even our sunscreens are great moisturizers!
Badger Mind Balms are made from all natural and certified organic ingredients and can be applied anywhere on your body to experience the aromatherapy benefits. Of course you should avoid the eyes, damaged skin, and other sensitive areas. If a product is new to you or a member of your family, we recommend testing on a small area of skin before full use.
It really comes down to you and your personal preferences. However, we do caution you not to use any products, especially Muscle and Joint Rubs, Headache Soother, and our Bug Repellents near eyes, broken skin or other sensitive areas.
Neither Badger Sore Muscle Rub nor Sore Joint Rub are medicines or drugs. They gently warm and soothe muscles and joints once rubbed in; making them perfect for use before and after exercise, after a long day, or anytime you’re feeling a little stiff. Cayenne is rich in vitamins C, E, and other powerful antioxidants.
Our Sleep Balm is all-natural and certified organic. It does not contain any chemicals or drugs. This dreamy, night balm will not make you sleepy (again, it’s not a drug); rather it’s a calming, soothing blend of essential oils to help ease you into a relaxed state of mind so sleep can come naturally.
No. Aromatic Chest Rub works wonders when applied to the chest area, but for a more concentrated smell, it can also be applied to nose and lips (dp not use on the faces of children). In addition to promoting deeper breathing and relaxation, it will soothe and smooth any chapped or parched skin. For a steam inhalant, put a 1/2 teaspoon in a humidifier or pot of hot water.
If this product is new to you and you’re not sure how your skin will react, we recommend testing on a small area of skin before full use.
Those lumps are concentrated beads of nourishing shea butter, which will occasionally separate. However, this does not affect how the product works and those little lumps will melt as soon you rub the balm into your skin.
Ingredient Questions:
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Castor oil is a soothing emollient, cold pressed from castor beans. The castor plant is a semi-tropical shrub whose common name is Palma Christi or Palm of Christ. Castor beans are poisonous, but castor oil is not. The toxic part of the bean is water-soluble and is not present in the oil.
Extra virgin means the "first cold pressed" oil of olive pressed while the olive fruit is still fresh, resulting in a low acidity, high-quality oil that qualifies as extra virgin. Extra virgin olive oil has a lovely color that ranges from greenish to golden and it retains all of its naturally occurring vitamins and antioxidants making it very nutritious and soothing for your skin.