Nature Meets Chemistry: Jewelweed, Plantain & Propolis for Skin Comfort After the Outdoors
Nothing interrupts a great hike or day in the garden like realizing your skin brushed up against something... unfriendly. While many turn to store-bought creams, others turn to tradition—plants that have long been used to care for skin after outdoor encounters.
At The Clean Chemist, we believe in clean chemistry: understanding the molecules behind the materials. Today, we’re digging into three plant-based ingredients often included in salves and sprays made to comfort skin after spending time in nature—jewelweed, plantain, and propolis in beeswax.
What Happens When You Brush Up Against the Wrong Plant?
Skin discomfort after spending time outdoors often comes down to one little molecule: urushiol, an oil found in plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Urushiol binds to skin and can trigger visible reactions hours later.
Because it’s oil-based, washing it off effectively can be tricky. That’s where traditional botanicals—combined with modern formulation techniques—may offer a helping hand.
Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis): A Time-Tested Plant Ally
Jewelweed has a long history in folk practices, especially in North America. It’s often found growing near poison ivy and has traditionally been applied topically after outdoor exposure.
Key Compounds:
Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) – A naturally occurring compound also found in henna, studied for its antioxidant properties.
Saponins – Natural plant compounds with surfactant-like behavior that can help emulsify oils. (source)
Tannins & Flavonoids – Astringent compounds often used in botanical skin care to help tone and balance. (
Why it’s interesting:
The saponins in jewelweed may help gently lift oily residues from skin.
Lawsone and other plant compounds are of growing interest in scientific research related to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Its long-standing traditional use as a “first response” botanical makes it a favorite in outdoor balms.
Plantain (Plantago major): The Unsung Star of Yard and Field
Often overlooked as a weed, broadleaf plantain has a long history of topical use for skin that feels irritated or dry after time in the elements.
Key Compounds:
Aucubin – A plant glycoside studied for its soothing and antimicrobial potential. (source)
Allantoin – A well-known skin-conditioning agent that promotes softness and surface renewal.
Tannins – Known for their toning and tightening effects.
Why it's used:
Plantain-infused oils and salves are often used to soothe and support skin after exposure to wind, brush, or bug bites.
The combination of allantoin and aucubin makes it a popular base for outdoor skincare formulas.
Propolis in Beeswax: The Natural Barrier That Bees Built
Propolis is a resinous substance made by bees using plant materials. When combined with beeswax, it forms a rich, stable base for skin-loving balms.
Key Compounds:
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) – A flavonoid with strong antioxidant activity.
Plant resins & flavonoids – Studied for their role in supporting the skin’s natural defenses.
Waxes – Help create a breathable barrier that seals in moisture.
Why we love it:
Propolis is known for its supportive, conditioning properties.
Beeswax adds body to balms while helping botanical extracts stay on the skin longer.
Together, they create a resilient, natural base ideal for protecting skin during or after time spent outdoors.
The Clean Chemist Approach: Science-Driven Skin-Centered
We don’t make exaggerated claims or overpromise results. What we do is combine scientific insight with traditional ingredients to create gentle, supportive products for skin that’s been out in the wild—whether you’ve been hiking the woods, tending a garden, or playing in the backyard.
We choose ingredients like jewelweed, plantain, and propolis because they have a long-standing role in outdoor skincare, and because we’re fascinated by what the chemistry tells us.
Final Thoughts: Supporting Skin After Time Outdoors in Central Indiana
Botanicals like jewelweed, plantain, and propolis have been used for generations to support skin comfort after spending time in nature. Whether you're hiking the trails around Indianapolis, gardening in your Avon backyard, or exploring one of Indiana’s beautiful parks, these ingredients offer gentle, plant-based care for skin that’s been exposed to the elements.
At The Clean Chemist, we handcraft our products right here in Avon, Indiana, just outside Indianapolis. We’re proud to be a woman-owned small business creating science-backed skincare inspired by both chemistry and nature. Our outdoor balms and skin-soothing formulations are designed with sensitive skin in mind—and made for everyday adventurers in our local Indiana community.
If you're looking for natural, locally made skincare near Indianapolis, we invite you to explore our line of clean, effective products—online or in person. Whether you’re on the Monon Trail, in a Hendricks County garden, or enjoying a day at Eagle Creek Park, we've got something to help your skin feel its best after your time outside.
