The German Pharmacy: Glysolid Hautbalsam

Since I have been living in Berlin for the past 6 months, I thought that I'd begin this blog with a section on 'The German Pharmacy' and what it has to offer. I always feel a sense of excitement wandering around foreign shops investigating the shelves scrupulously. In fact studying all of the exotic products feels like more of an anthropological mission to unveil the beauty secrets of German housewives nationwide, the kind they pass on for generations. Anyhow, somewhat bored of flashy packaging and the fake promises they adorn, I've decided to start testing back to the basics products, in a bid to find hidden gems, and through examining the packaging, improving my German. 

So I was looking around my local pharmacy in Neukolln and was drawn to this bright red clinical looking 

GLYSOLID HAUTBALSAM

With little much of a clue as to what the plastic tub contained, I thought that at 2 Euros it was worth a risk. 

One quick google translate later and I admit I was hardly mind-blown at the revelation that it was 

an intensive skin balm for dry and cracked skin, however I was still intrigued. 

Consistency: I would describe this as a cross between German favorite Nivea, and the trusted Petroleum Jelly that Vaseline consists of. It is a balm, so it leaves a nice sheen after application. Before you go slathering it all over the face, it's very heavy and greasy, so I would recommend that it's used sparingly in targeted areas.

Uses: I would say this is more of a night time beauty product, not something you slap on and go outside with unless you want to go out with a shiny greasy face. Conventionally, the product is used to treat dry patches of skin and cuts. However, I think that it works nicely as a lip treatment.  After exfoliating my lips I smothered this on before bed and voila, woke up in the morning with fresh pillowy lips. Quite a versatile product, it also works well as a hand cream. 

Rating: It is a basic, says what it does on the tin (if you can read it!) product. Like I say I think it works perfectly as a night time lip treatment. At 2 euro a pop, it's purse friendly and a little goes along way, so this 100ml tub will last me a good few months! Obviously at this price, there is nothing Organic or Anti Aging with regards to it's ingredients, however it has no added dyes, ifragrances, or mineral oils and best of all it is free of silicones!

3.5/5