Kawakawa Balm

Regular price
$39.00 NZD
Regular price
Sale price
$39.00 NZD
Tax included. Shipping from $6.50.
Size

    Simple returns, see below.

    DESCRIPTION

    Kawakawa Balm is Frankie Apothecary's award-winning hero product, trusted by thousands of NZ and AU families for eczema-prone, dry and sensitive skin. A water-free, oil-based balm made with kawakawa hand-picked during peak days of the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar), when the plant is at its most potent, in line with traditional rongoā Māori harvesting practices.

    Unlike water-based creams, our balm creates a longer-lasting protective barrier that locks moisture to the skin and delivers two potent kawakawa extracts directly without dilution.

    Free from steroids, synthetic fragrance and harsh preservatives. Safe for babies from birth.
    Winner: Best SOS/Healing Balm, Beauty Shortlist Awards 2026.

    Kind to eczema-prone, dry and sensitive skin, our Kawakawa Balm may help with eczema-prone skin by creating a gentle barrier, locking in moisture and supporting repair. It contains no water, and is free from the irritating preservatives and stabilisers found in water-based formulations.

    Popular uses for Kawakawa Balm:
    - Eczema-prone, dermatitis-prone and psoriasis-prone skin
    - Nappy balm and barrier cream
    - Cradle cap remedy
    - Intensive nighttime facial moisturiser
    - Lip balm
    - Hand cream and gardener's hand cream
    - Eyebrow shaper and brow treatment
    - Irritated nipples (natural for baby and you)
    - Cuts, bruises and dry skin
    - Bug bites and sunburn

    For generations, traditional rongoā Māori has drawn on kawakawa for a range of complaints, from digestive issues to skin conditions. At Frankie Apothecary, we hand-pick our wild-harvested kawakawa during peak days of the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) when the plant is at its most potent.

    Our Kawakawa Balm blends this beautiful native plant with rich oils, a blend of waxes, and our specialty research-backed ingredient to support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss. Kawakawa contains naturally occurring skin-supporting and protective properties*, and our formula uses two potent kawakawa extracts, kind to even the most sensitive skin.

    Each balm is made with slow-infused kawakawa, bringing together contemporary skincare science with traditional rongoā Māori methods to support even the most sensitive skin.

    *FAMILY 240ML SIZE: Ideal for repeat customers. If you are new to Frankie Apothecary's Kawakawa Balm, we recommend starting with a smaller jar.

    *Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties supported by independent research, University of Auckland. See full study at researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/items/51cce551-ca68-4d35-bdba-b45acf085c77

    DIRECTIONS FOR USE

    Apply Kawakawa Balm 2-3 times a day at regular intervals to irritated skin and then daily as skin begins to heal.

    Popular uses for our natural Kawakawa Balm are:
    Areas of Eczema, Dermatitis and Psoriasis
    Lip balm
    Eyebrow shaper & brow treatment
    Hand Cream and Gardener's Hand Cream
    Nappy Balm & Barrier Cream
    Intensive nightime facial moisturiser
    Cradle cap remedy
    Irritated nipples (natural for baby and you)
    Cuts and bruises and facilitating faster healing by preventing dryness
    Bug bites, repelling insects and easing sunburn

    SUITABLE FOR

    Popular uses for this multipurpose natural Kawakawa Balm are:

    Areas of Eczema, Dermatitis and Psoriasis
    Lip balm
    Eyebrow shaper & brow treatment
    Hand Cream and Gardener's Hand Cream
    Nappy Balm & Barrier Cream
    Intensive nightime facial moisturiser
    Cradle cap remedy
    Irritated nipples (natural for baby and you)
    Cuts and bruises and facilitating faster healing by preventing dryness
    Bug bites, repelling insects and easing sunburn

    INGREDIENTS

    Macropiper Excelsum (Kawakawa) Leaf (and) Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Coco Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Lecithin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Jojoba Esters (and) Helianthus Annuus Sunflower) Seed Wax (and) Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax (and) Polyglycerin-3, Macropiper Excelsum (Kawakawa) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, Tocopherol.

    BOTANICAL ACTIVES

    Kawakawa, Coconut, Sunflower, Shea, Jojoba, Acacia and Calendula.

    SHIPPING & SIMPLE RETURNS

    Free Shipping

    Orders over $85 delivered free in NZ (Saturday delivery is additional), standard shipping is $6.50.

    International orders

    You can use the Shipping Estimator on the cart page, or view the rate before you complete checkout.

    Refunds and returns

    If you change your mind, simply return unopened, unused product for a full refund. In the very unlikely event of a negative reaction, get in touch to share your experience and discuss returning the product to us for a refund. If you have been using steroid cream, skin can be more sensitive and you will need to wean into use gradually. Need help? Get in touch for a chat.

    Our Returns information is here.

    Kawakawa balm by Frankie Apothecary - natural eczema balm made in NZ
    Kawakawa balm vs steroid cream - Frankie Apothecary&
    Kawakawa balm by Frankie Apothecary - dramatic baby eczema before and after
    Kawakawa balm by Frankie Apothecary - visible improvement on newborn eczema before and after
    Kawakawa balm by Frankie Apothecary - significant psoriasis improvement before and after
    Kawakawa Balm
    • FOR PĒPI, TAMARIKI & ADULTS

    • STEROID FREE

    • ALL NATURAL

    • TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS

    Your Questions Answered

    Why does Kawakawa Balm help skin prone to eczema, psoriasis & dermatitis?

    The Kawakawa leaves and stems are packed full of natural botanical actives that have numerous medicinal and healing properties. Chemically, the Kawakawa leaves contain pain-blocker myrsticin, eugenol which is an antiseptic, and skin-rejuvenating antioxidant lignins. It is rich in iron, magnesium and vitamins. We preserve the effectiveness of all these natural botanical actives in our Kawakawa balm, and the smooth protective balm creates a physical layer that reduces skin irritation and allows the skin barrier to recover.

    Why is Frankie's Kawakawa Balm excellent for dry, eczema-prone skin?

    Great question! Frankie Apothecary's Kawakawa Balm is a rich, hydrating balm made with soothing native kawakawa that was crafted specifically to soothe itchy, eczema-prone skin. Our Kawakawa Balm is the most internationally-awarded Kawakawa Balm in New Zealand.

    Most balms use a simple combination of wax, oil and essential oils or plant extracts. Our Kawakawa Balm has all of these, plus three important ingredients that set it apart from the rest - high potency Kawakawa oil, water-attracting ingredients (more on that in a minute) and a research-backed blend of ingredients scientifically proven to reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) which is a feature of eczema-prone skin; basically it loses moisture faster.

    Our Kawakawa is harvested on high energy times of the Maramataka, carefully prepared with a unique process to retain all the goodness of the leaf and tended by our whānau as it infuses over many weeks.

    We include water-attracting ingredients that draw moisture to the outer layer of the skin, giving problem skin much-needed moisture, helping to reduce the itch.

    Our research-backed special ingredient, a combination of waxes has been proven to reduce water loss at the surface of the skin as effectively as lanolin, long touted as one of the most powerful emollients (ingredients that prevent moisture loss).

    Together, these ingredients support skin healing, moisture retention and itch reduction. While other balms may include kawakawa, no other provides the effective blend of ingredients in Frankie Apothecary's Kawakawa Repair.

    What properties does Kawakawa offer?

    Kawakawa is one of the most important and widely used plants
    in Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori herbal medicine) and has been used by Māori for centuries to treat various ailments. Kawakawa was chewed to manage toothache and drunk as a tea for digestive issues and to treat bladder and kidney issues.

    Scientists agree - Kawakawa has amazing medicinal properties. Laboratory testing has revealed that Kawakawa contains:

    Myristicin, a pain-blocking substance related to the antiseptic eugenol,

    Lignins which are useful in cosmetic and topical skin treatments,

    Antimicrobial and analgesic properties useful for reducing skin inflammation

    Diayangambin which has anti-inflammatory and immuno-suppressant effects, which means it can help with anti-immune disorders like rheumatism and psoriasis,

    Antidyspectic actives which can help control dyspepsia and indigestion, and

    Antispasmotic properties which can ease cramping and muscle spasms.

    This group of active ingredients assists with reducing the inflammation and irritation associated with dry/itchy skin conditions.

    How do I use your products with or instead of steroid creams?

    Remember, if you're concerned about your own or your child's skin, we recommend talking to your medical professional.

    Kawakawa Repair Balm is a completely natural nourishing moisturiser and many parents have used it with great effect, even after using over the counter creams and topicals.

    From what many parents have told us, if steroids have been used, progress may be slower and it's best to start using the Kawakawa Repair Balm gradually.

    We've talked to lots of families and here are some of the patterns they've observed when using Kawakawa Repair Balm:

    Some have noticed that topical steroids can sometimes leave the skin sensitive until the withdrawal period from the steroids is over. This seems to be different for different people depending on how long the steroid products were used and how severe the condition.

    However, generally if steroid products have been used they've told us it took a bit more time to to adjust to the new regime.

    We suggest you apply a little of the balm each day and over time gradually increase the amount and time. Remember it is best to always patch test on the skin first and stop in the very unlikely event of a reaction.

    Is Kawakawa Balm safe to use while pregnant?

    Kawakawa Repair balm is safe for use while pregnant and is also safe for use on babies. While Kawakawa products are safe to be used topically by pregnant women, be aware that it is not recommended that pregnant women ingest Kawakawa, for example not to take as a tea.

    Can I use Kawakawa Balm on my newborn?

    Kawakawa Repair Balm is suitable for the whole family, including your newborn.

    It is a natural product and the beeswax used is cosmetic grade and is sterile.

    Is the Kawakawa Balm safe for children with nut allergies?

    Olive oil, the base we use to infuse our kawakawa, is a fruit oil pressed from the flesh of the olive. It is not a nut oil and contains none of the allergenic proteins associated with tree nut allergies.

    Many families with nut-sensitive children choose our balm for exactly this reason. As with any new skincare product, we recommend a patch test first.

    Can I use Kawakawa Balm on broken skin?

    If you have open areas of skin, it is important to check for signs of infection. If you are at all concerned, we recommend checking with your medical professional.

    Classic signs of infection are pus or coloured discharge, heat, redness, strong odour or smell. If there is infection then consult your medical professional.

    If the area is fine, dab with a dressing and apply the balm. Use a clean spoon or implement to remove the balm from the jar (preferably not hands) and to apply.

    How to use Kawakawa Balm around the eyes?

    Yes, the Kawakawa Balm is safe for using on eyelids.

    We suggest to use just a little so that you don't get any in your eyes, not that it will harm them, but the oil-based balm may not be comfortable in the eyes.

    When can I expect to see improvement with itchy skin?

    The time to see improvement from using the Kawakawa Repair Balm will vary from person to person. Most people see improvement within a few days, and sometimes the skin starts to calm within minutes of applying.

    If steroid based products have been used recently (within the last 6-10 months) it may take longer to see the impact of using the Kawakawa Repair Balm. See the question on using steroid products for further information.

    How do I use the kawakawa balm, body oil and oat soak together?

    The combination of Kawakawa Balm, Body Oil and Colloidal Oats is a great combination to treat persistent dry/itchy skin issues - check out our Eczema Saviour Bundle for extra value.

    To use this combination:

    Bathe with the Colloidal Oats – add two tablespoons to a bath, less if bathing babies in a tub, and soak for ten minutes.

    Pat dry and apply the Kawakawa Balm within a three minutes to lock in the moisturising properties.

    3. Body Oil to add a moisturising layer to the skin - apply Kawakawa Body Oil body oil to add a moisturising layer to the skin.

    How soon can I expect my order?

    We pack orders within one business day of receiving them and ship orders from Frankie HQ in Auckland every Monday to Friday.

    Delivery estimates for New Zealand are:

    Auckland wide is usually next day or 1-2 days from courier collection.

    North & South Island - 1-2 days

    Australia:

    Standard postal service is 5-14 days provided there are no unexpected delays.

    FedEx service - usally within 4-5 days.

    For the rest of the world delivery can take 2-4 weeks.

    We do our best to dispatch orders as quickly as possible however final delivery times may vary due from those above.

    Keep in mind that covid 19 has caused severe disruption to courier networks and international postage. If your parcel is delayed please monitor the tracking for updates.

    Can I get a refund if the Kawakawa Balm does not improve my skin?

    We think the Kawakawa Repair Balm is a great product for treating dry/itchy skin issues, and so do many of our customers.

    Many of our customers have given feedback that the balm has helped calm irritated skin and helped them and their children sleep through the night. Often they have tried many other products on the market and did not get the same result as with the Kawakawa Balm.

    One situation when progress seems to be slower is if you've had to use steroid cream to manage eczema. Some customers have told us they've noticed steroid cream use seems to make the skin dependent on their use and more sensitive and irritable when new products are introduced, even gentle ones. In this case, we recommend a period of weaning into using the balm. e.g. start with one application a day and gradually increase, monitoring the skin for any reaction before increasing use. If you have concerns about your skin, remember to consult your medical professional.

    If you have not used steroid creams in the last 10 months and have applied the balm in the recommended way - 3 times a day at regular intervals for several days to a week - and see no improvement, please return the balm to us for a refund of the balm cost (shipping is excluded) - you can email us at info@frankieapothecary.co.nz to sort this out.

    Can I return my order if I change my mind?

    If you change your mind, simply return unopened, unused product for a full refund, excluding shipping cost.

    Where can I buy Kawakawa Balm in New Zealand?

    Frankie Apothecary's award-winning Kawakawa Balm can be purchased online and shipped within New Zealand, to Australia and around the world. We also have a network of stockists around New Zealand.

    How do I use Kawakawa Balm?

    Kawakawa Balm is an intensive balm for dry, itchy or troubled skin. Apply 3x a day during a flare-up and 1x a day as maintenance. Always patch test for 24hours before use.

    Customer Reviews

    Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 897 reviews.

    This balm has been magic for my babies eczema prone skin, cannot thank you enough! Also great for nappy rash 😊 Will be buying again and again!

    I have just had a knee replacement, Once the wound started to heal the whole knee would get unbearably itchy, This is where the Kawakawa Calm came into its own, with almost instant relief the itch was gone. It was a lovely base for massage as well for the intense pain in the first 3 weeks. Thanks for this amazing product that helped get me through this huge challenge.

    Frankie’s Kawakawa repair has been the only thing to calm Miss 2’s eczema. Pic 1 was the day i received my order, her eczema was at its worst, keeping her up at night scratching and uncomfortable. Pic 2… makes me teary, I was genuinely at my peak of “nothings working”. The fatty creams doctors prescribed did nothing, even applying 3-5 times a day & I wanted to avoid steroid cream as much as possible after reading of TSW. Away from home, I’d keep her from water play or anything too messy, knowing she’d be irritated and dried out before I could get her home for a wash. Now.. I have literally cried from happiness from the way her skin healed and continues to heal. We do 2 rub-downs a day, one in the morning and one at night after a quick lukewarm shower or weekly janola bath. Her joints are clear of hardened itchy skin & she’s not waking up dry or disturbed during the night from being itchy. Couldn’t recommend Frankie’s enough, it’s given my baby’s comfort back to her.

    The inflammation is going down, sorry I didn’t took before photo this is him today.. Thank you for your good work. I will order another one soon.

    I've been repeating this product so many times! Recommended for itchy and dry skin!! Everyone in my family use it! I love it!!

    We have been using this product for a year now and love it! It keeps my sons eczema at bay and is a much better alternative to steroid creams! I also use it on my face when I get dry patches and as a lip balm.

    My neck before was peeling, sore and very itchy. After using the kawakawa balm for just one week, applying whenever i felt it was dry, it completely cleared up and has stayed cleared up since.

    When I got Millie as a wee puppy she had a rash so I used Frankie Kawakawa Balm. She loved the care (and the taste!!) and it was good to know that when she licked some off it was not harmful and had no nasty chemicals in it. She still comes running whenever I open the jar and I use it if my dogs get cracked paw pads, and grass rash, or cuts.

    I'll never use anything else to treat eczema. I also use it as a lip balm :)

    My son’s Skin looks so much better!

    This balm is just brilliant. After 6 days of using it Millah-Ivy’s rash completely disappeared. She was 6 weeks old so it’s totally safe to use on newborns.

    Cleared my baby’s acne up so well!

    I just love this stuff. Every home should have some. I use it mainly as an aftershave balm and it leaves my skin feeling like it’s not even mine. Also handy to have around for scrapes and cuts. A pleasant faint scent too. I also want to thank Frankie Apothecary for their outstanding customer service and support in sorting out an issue after an unfortunate incident with the courier. Good delivery times, great customer service and a fantastic product. Well done guys. Thank you.

    We’ve noticed a huge difference since using this brand. Our baby’s skin barrier is a lot stronger compared to the other creams where we noticed it was thinning his skin barrier. So much relief more relief for our pēp thankyou!

    Hi I just wanted to say thanks for the balm! It has really helped with my babys skin and when she flares up I just put some on the flare ups 🙂 her skins looks so much better now thanks again!

    I broke my right wrist. I used Kawa Kawa Balm for the scar.,It is minimal now. Highly recommend for any scars or bruises as well.

    This eczema balm really works! I purchased this balm after having an eczema flare up on my hands. It is really difficult to treat since we use and wash our hands so often. I had tried every eczema cream under the sun. Nothing worked. But after using this balm the redness and inflammation went down. The balm also helps the skin to retain moisture and prevent dryness. I ordered the smaller size first because I wanted to test it out. I actually regret it a little. Will be purchasing the larger size from now on! The other great thing about this balm is, because it is natural, there are no side effects. It is important to keep applying daily or several times a day until the eczema gets better. It won't work overnight (because it is a natural product) but it will work!

    My almost 2 year old suffered from eczema last month, and covered her legs and arms. The doctors kept prescribing creams but they didn’t work. Made it worse. I was looking online for a better alternative and came across Frankie Apothecary on Instagram. I read the positive reviews, so I thought I’d give it a try. Her eczema started to clear away around the third day of using the Oat bath soak, Kawakawa balm & body oil! We’re going on to the 2nd week of using it, and we’ve already run out lol My oldest girl uses the balm too, she has dry skin. Thank you for these amazing products! My baby uses it every night before bed and she sleeps so peacefully. Her skin is much more clearer now and she doesn’t have to cover up anymore lol

    I broke my right wrist in July 2023. The scar of the surgery is tiny now. You won’t know I had surgery! Also use for scratches, scrapes and bruises. Heals and helps every time. Strongly recommend. 👏👏♥️♥️👏👏❤️❤️🥰⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Have brought my second jar of the product and it works wonders on my toddlers skin when there his eczema flares up. Love the fact it is all natural so I can use daily.

    Loved using it for the dryness on my leg's and face. Recommend this cream to all.

    Before using this I would have to use two different creams - mix them together and then apply to my face 4 times a day. My skin barrier since starting this has repaired drastically! I am able to wear make up and also swim in a pool. Not to mention I also have a boost in my confidence

    Our before & after photos are only 6 days apart! I’m in awe. I love the Kawakawa Repair, it works absolute wonders! My daughter hasn’t had an active flare up since we started using it, but if I feel she may be starting to flare up (eg after having a play outside where she heats up or slightly reacts from playing in bushes), I shower her & use the Kawakawa Cleansing Bar to clean her skin, then she soaks for a few minutes in the Colloidal Oat Soothing Bath Soak, I then apply the Kawakawa Repair to the really dry areas immediately after patting her skin dry, then use the Kawakawa Body Oil as an all over moisturiser. I also spot treat stubborn patches with DermAid 0.5% hydrocortisone every other day after her evening shower. If she doesn’t seem like she’s flaring up, we don’t do the soak & save our oats for when she needs it! She loves the feeling of the products, and now whenever she’s a little itchy, she asks for the ‘green’ cream lol you’ll never see us without this product.

    I was skeptical at first to try an all natural based product but the normal creams from the Dr were not longer effective and my sons eczema was getting out of control behind his knees. He was constantly scratching it until it bled. About 1 week using this product I already saw results. His skin started to heal even with him scratching. The angry skin has gone down and begin to look normal again. This definitely works for us and am very happy that his skin is getting better. Thank you and we have already purchased the oil and bathing oats as well now, hoping this will help aid in keeping his eczema in control.

    Im grateful for this healing balm and oil. My baby use cry from the flare ups of her eczema. Since i used the Frankie healing balm and oil, she is happy now and no more crying. Her face eczema clears up now. Thank you so much

    I absolutly love kawakawa balm! My baby developed eczema from 9-10 months and this is all i use on his face. I love that its all natural ingrediants, suitable for babies & actually works to clear his eczema on his face. At worst my baby had an eczema infection on his face where he had scabs from his nose to scalp, scabs behind & inside his ears, was swollen and was very itchy, where he didnt sleep well and neither did us as parents. Kawakawa balm cleared most of the scabs after 1 day of using it & by 2 weeks the scabs, redness and swelling was barely noticeable. I no longer use the creams prescibed from doctors (hydrocortisone or crystaderm) on his face as kawakawa balm has a much better result. Whilst he also has eczema on his back and needs stronger steroid cream there. I wouldnt hesitate at all to use this on his face.

    This balm as done wonders for my daughters skin, I even use it myself. It works for everyone in our family. Before and after photos shared

    Pleased with the effectiveness on my 18 month old’s eczema outbreak!!!

    Recently, my daughter Francesca, whom we fondly call Frankie, developed eczema. After trying your products, we were truly amazed by the results. The improvement in her skin was remarkable, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome.

    This winter my eczema on hands just wild and sore. I used it a lot, often and just rubbed all the time. It just soothes irritates parts and heals them without worrying about how much I used it or how long like steroids ointment. Felt safe. It looks a lot better and less painful. Definitely recommend.

    Great for helping my problem eczema areas under my eyes hydrated in the winter!

    Love this one ❤️keep the moisture for long time whole day

    The kawakawa balm has been my go to balm for my eczema for over a year now. With a little patience, it does work wonders and it smells good too.

    My 4 month old baby at the time broke out in an ugly eczema rash all over her body and I realised instantly after talking to Georgina & her husband it was actually her allergic reaction to the pea snacks I was eating 🤦🏽‍♀️ it was something new in my eating I had introduced (snacking due to my irregular sleep patterns & constant hunger) & split peas in our soups, which I didn’t think it was cause of this, but once I stopped eating these things what a difference to her skin but more importantly was the healing effects of the repair balm wowwww after one day application I couldn’t believe her irritated red skin the night before was literally almost healed by the next morning 😳! Never seen anything like it. This balm I slathered on her body on all the eczema covered areas & I was just so thankful at what it did in literally 1-2 days!! I kept it up for the next week or two to ensure it fully went away & her skin returned to its natural colour, no more blotchy patches. Seeing her skin now from back then you wouldn’t even know she had such a bad skin reaction to what I ate. Recently 21/6/2024 in the last 3-4 days I’ve applied the balm to my baby’s face cause she’s had another reaction to something I’ve eaten 🤦🏽‍♀️ I believe it’s gluten or wheat & can see the red spots are slowly going away from round her eyes, around her mouth & sides of her nose, her smooth clear skin is slowly coming through again thanks to this beautiful repair balm 🥰 :) looove this product & can’t recommend enough!! ☺️

    Thank you so much for this beautiful balm, it has definitely cleared my baby’s eczema with in 1 day. Will definitely be purchasing more in the future

    Love it! Such fast shipping, literally got here over night! Smells good, works good, instant visible results in redness and itch reduction. Thank you so much!

    I have ordered this product many times. Good for rough hands and itching. l love it ❤️ Thank you

    We love Frankie! My daughter had terrible eczema flare up last month and im so sick of using steroids. I was on a hunt for something natura, gentle, and one we could use on a daily basis as she has really sensitive skin. The before photo was not the worst she had. But we are so happy of the result. All the dry red patches on her skin went away after about 3 weeks of usage everyday.

    I buy the kawakawa repair balm for my partner who has an issue with eczema. He likes it because it is natural and works!

    Kawakawa Cream sooths my red inflamed itchy skin from poarisis.