Discover Ballou Essentials

Clean, non-toxic remedies to soothe, restore, and happify

Functional Magnesium

  • Ballou Family Apothecary Lavender Magnesium Butter on a dresser in a bedroom

    For Calm & Rest

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    Improve Sleep Quality 
  • Jar of Ballou Family Apothecary's Magnesium Butter on a gym bench with fitness equipment in the background

    For Hardworking Bodies

    Learn more about how our magnesium butter is a clean, effective way to ease tightness and support recovery.

    Support Athletic Recovery 
  • Jar of Balou Family Apothecary product and slippers on a bed in a bedroom setting

    For Restless Legs

    Tired of restless nights? Learn how our Whipped Magnesium Butter helps relax restless legs and supports deeper, more peaceful sleep.

    Ease Restless Legs 
The founders of Ballou Famil Apothecary

Rooted in Family, Crafted for You

Our founders, Dawn Lancaster, certified aromatherapist and herbalist, and Bob Phillips, brought Ballou Family Apothecary to life through shared family stories of illness and the search for truly non-toxic products. Rooted in the Ballou family’s Vermont heritage, dating back before the Civil War, our apothecary carries that legacy forward — crafting pure, time-tested remedies with care you can trust.

Our Story
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Wellness That Gives Back

Every Ballou purchase does more than nourish your body. Through the Ballou Family Apothecary Foundation, 10% of every sale goes directly to affordable childcare initiatives, because we believe that healthy families and thriving communities go hand in hand.

Ballou Family Apothecary Foundation

Loved by Customers

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 102 reviews.

I was pleasantly surprised how incredible your magnesium butter works! It calmed my pain and relaxed me and for me, it made me a bit sleepy, but that was no problem. I found because of how relaxed it made me feel, I had to use it in the evening. Which is also not a problem because our bodies do their healing at night. I would highly recommend your magnesium butter! Well worth it!!!

Classic Collection - Pair of Whipped Magnesium Butters - Lavender

Store owner replied: Thank you so much for taking the time to share this, it truly made our day! We love hearing that the Magnesium Butter has become part of your evening ritual. Thank you for being part of the Ballou family!

Love it!!

Whipped Magnesium Butter - Pine

Store owner replied: We are thrilled to hear you love your Whipped Magnesium Butter! We look forward to hearing how it works for you over the next few weeks.

I have extremely sensitive skin, and so far my skin is loving your products!!! Now we need a facial moisturizer 🤗

Cold Pressed Soap Bar - Lavender 3.3oz

Store owner replied: This absolutely made our day! 🥰 So glad your skin is loving the soap, sensitive skin can be tricky to please, so that means a lot. Thank you for being here and for the sweet review!

Definitely makes a difference at night applied to my inner wrists a little behind my calves . Sleeping much better and not waking up👍👍

Whipped Magnesium Butter - Lavender

Store owner replied: Thank you so much for sharing and we're happy you've been able to create such a lovely little ritual. We're so glad it's become part of your nightly routine. Wishing you many more restful nights ahead!

Smells nice, subtle scent and smooth feel. Helps me to sleep.

Whipped Magnesium Butter - Lavender

Store owner replied: Thank you so much for the kind words! We're delighted the scent and texture are working so well for you, that smooth, subtle feel is exactly what we hope people notice first. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.

I just started using this duo together and really love it. Makes my skin feel very soft and the red skin tone is starting to go away to a natural beige. Again, I have only been using for a week so I can't wait to see what my skin looks like in 6 weeks.

Glow & Let Go Ritual

Store owner replied: Thank you for such a thoughtful review, and welcome to the Glow & Let Go ritual! We love hearing how quickly it's become part of your routine, and we're so glad your skin is loving the combination. One week in is just the beginning, so we can't wait to hear how you're feeling in six weeks too.

The soap is a standard use for me. I have been using it for about 5 months now and love it.

Cold Pressed Soap Bar - Lavender 3.3oz

Store owner replied: Thank you so much for sharing this, and for five months of loyalty to our Lavender soap! There's something special about a product that earns its place in your everyday routine. We're so glad it's become one of your go-to's, and we're grateful you took the time to let us know. Wishing you continued moments of calm with every use.

Customer photo review of Serenity Aromatherapy Mist – Organic Room & Body Spray

I am an aromatherapy girl. I am very scent-sensitive, and scents are often tied to memories or experiences for me. My massage therapist's office, I used to go to, her office smelled just like Ballou’s Serenity Aromatherapy Mist! I like using this as a room freshener, or sometimes, if I am just a bit stressed, I spray it in the air and walk through it, inhaling deeply to let the scent soothe my mind.

Serenity Aromatherapy Mist – Organic Room & Body Spray

Store owner replied: This made our team smile. Scent and memory are so deeply tied together, and knowing Serenity carries you back to that calm, cared-for feeling from your massage therapy days means the world to us. Dawn formulates with exactly that kind of experience in mind. We love your ritual too. Spraying it into the air and walking through it, pausing to breathe it in, is exactly the moment Serenity is made for. Thank you for letting it become part of your days. Take good care.

I love this soap because I use it as a body & face soap, even using it on my scalp. It helps my skin feel better and not dry, rinses off well, and there is not a strong perfumy smell.

Cold Pressed Soap Bar - Lavender 3.3oz

Store owner replied: Cleansing without leaving skin tight or dry is the whole goal, and the soft, low-key scent is fully by design. We keep things gentle so it works for everyone, sensitive skin included. Thank you for the kind words and for putting it to such good use. Take good care.

I put this on my feet and knees every night. I love the ritual, but I love that it seems to put me to sleep! I need more!

Classic Collection - Whipped Magnesium Butters - Lavender & Pine

Store owner replied: What a lovely thing to read. Feet and knees before bed is a great way to use it, and we love hearing it's become part of how you wind down. Everything is made in small batches here in Vermont, so it'll be ready whenever you need to restock. Sleep well, and thank you for sharing this with us!

I've only had it for a week or so, but I love the feel. I apply it to my wrists at bedtime, for example, and it feels pleasant, soothing.

Whipped Magnesium Butter - Lavender

Store owner replied: Wrists at bedtime is a small ritual that does a lot, and we're so glad the feel of it is bringing you that soothing moment. A week in is really just the beginning, so enjoy settling into it. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Customer photo review of Whipped Magnesium Butter - Lavender

Absolutely LOVE and it works! I have neuropathy in my right arm. It is hard to sleep on the right side as I wake up in pain with pins and needles. I applied the whipped magnesium butter to my shoulder, and I slept like a baby on my right side that night! No waking up in the middle of the night to pins and needles!

Whipped Magnesium Butter - Lavender

Store owner replied: This made our day. Neuropathy pain is so disruptive to sleep -- the fact that you woke up without that pins and needles feeling means everything to us. Thank you for sharing this, and we're so glad the Whipped Magnesium Butter is giving you the rest you deserve.

This soap made my skin feel very soft and rinsed clean. We have very hard water so I was surprised that the soap worked, but I plan to continue to use it.

Cold Pressed Soap Bar - Lavender 3.3oz

Store owner replied: Amy, thank you for giving it a try -- especially with hard water, which is a real test for any bar soap. So glad it held up and left your skin feeling the way it should. We hope it continues to earn its place in your routine.

Very pleased to have found a US based manufacturer.

Whipped Magnesium Butter - Lavender

Store owner replied: Wishing you many more nights just like this one!

So far...this product seems to be helping - Thank you!

Remedy Balm

I've been using it every day and love how it actually absorbs into my skin (no greasy residue), leaving it feeling smooth and hydrated with a subtle glow.

Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

Store owner replied: This is the best kind of review to wake up to. Bakuchiol is such a gem for daily use and the fact that it layers so cleanly under everything else makes it so easy to stay consistent with. So glad it's working for you!

Customer video review of Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

I absolutely love Ballou Family Apothecary Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir! It gives my skin an immediate beautiful glow. A little bit goes a long way. It spreads evenly and it's gentle on my skin. My skin feels hydrated and looks radiant. It also looks soft and smooth. It has a pleasant herbal-like scent. I like that it's free from harmful ingredients. It's an elixir that I can use everyday and even mix with my moisturizer.

Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

I like this balm more than any other product I have used. It is so helpful with all the little skin irritations I have and it's so easy to use.

Remedy Balm

Store owner replied: Thank you so much for this! Remedy Balm is one of our most versatile products, and it makes us so happy to hear it has become your go-to for everyday skin irritations. Easy and effective is exactly what we were going for. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

I sleep very well. I place some lotion on my wrists. I think it is effective.

Whipped Magnesium Butter - Lavender

Store owner replied: We're happy to hear it's helping, Kim. Thanks for sharing!

Amazing for sleep. My husband and I both put a little on our feet, hands and neck at night and we’ve slept so well. He tracks his sleep data and has had the highest scores. Plus the soothing lavender makes it smell so good. I’ve already re-purchased.

Classic Collection - Pair of Whipped Magnesium Butters - Lavender

Store owner replied: This genuinely made our day! Using Magnesium Butter as part of a wind-down ritual is one of our favorite ways to incorporate it, and hearing that both you and your husband are feeling the difference is wonderful. Bonus points for the sleep tracking data. We are so glad the lavender is hitting the right notes too. Thank you for coming back for more, and for taking the time to share this.

Customer video review of Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

My skin loves this elixir!

Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

Store owner replied: Two weeks of consistent use is exactly how these plant based formulas start to show what they can do. With continued use, many people notice even more improvement in overall texture, tone, and that healthy glow. We are so glad it has become part of your routine and truly appreciate you sharing your experience. ✨

Customer video review of Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

This is an amazing alternative to retinol, that’s natural and doesn’t bring the added long term purging and irritation! My skin looks less red, more radiant and glowy! It hasn’t irritated my skin or broken me out. It absorbs into the skin very nice, with no pilling. I love that it has a mister/sprizter for an applicator- it makes application much simpler for quick on the go usage! 10/10!

Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

Store owner replied: Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review. We are so glad to hear your skin is responding well and that you are seeing that calmer, more radiant glow. Bakuchiol and the supporting botanicals in Renewal Elixir are designed to work with the skin gently over time, which is why many people notice improvements in tone, texture, and overall balance with consistent use. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.

Customer video review of Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

Such a good spray mist. Love that it’s a clean product and it’s such a gentle alternative to retinol. My skin loves it!

Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

Customer video review of Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

It’s a plant-based alternative to retinol, so it doesn’t burn or dry out my face like some strong products do. My skin feels smoother, and it looks more fresh and healthy instead of dull. I noticed a soft glow after a few days, not shiny, just natural. The spray is light, so I put it on my fingers and press it into my skin after washing my face. It absorbs fast and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. I can use it in the morning and at night without any problem, even under makeup.

Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

Store owner replied: So happy to hear this. That smooth, fresh glow without the irritation is exactly what we want for you. Thank you for sharing your experience.

I have been using the balm on some red, hot, and flaky skin patches on my face. I alternate it with Pure Apothecary's Eczema ointment. It hasn't been an immediate cure but most of the redness and flakiness has disappeared after about a week. I have used it on other irritated areas of my skin and it does seem to quiet down the irritation. Thanks for the sample of your magnesium cream. It is lovely and I think it is managing stress and helping me sleep better.

Remedy Balm

Store owner replied: Thank you so much for sharing this. We are really glad to hear the redness and flakiness have calmed down and that the balm is helping quiet irritation. That steady, supportive shift is exactly what it was crafted for. And we love that the magnesium butter sample is helping you unwind and sleep better. That makes our day.

Customer video review of Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

I loved the product. It left my dull dry skin radiant. I would buy it again and again.

Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

Store owner replied: Thank you for the kind words, Lauren. We love that you love our new packaging! And we're so happy that you're feeling the difference in your skin.

Customer photo review of Glow & Let Go Ritual

I am so in love with these products! I use them everyday, sleep better and feel relief in my legs at bed time! And the fragrance is perfect, not too over powering just right.

Glow & Let Go Ritual

Store owner replied: This makes us so happy to read. We appreciate you sharing your experience. We are so glad you are sleeping better and feeling that relief in your legs at bedtime. That gentle exhale at the end of the day matters. And hearing that the fragrance feels just right, soft and not overpowering, is exactly what we hope for when we craft each batch.

This is a phenomenal product. Very high quality, effective, smells amazing too. I can't recommend it enough! So worth it!

Remedy Balm

Store owner replied: We are so grateful you are loving Remedy Balm and trusting it in your care. Thank you for the recommendation and for being part of our community.

I really like the consistency of the magnesium. It’s not sticky like others I have tried.

Classic Collection - Whipped Magnesium Butters - Lavender & Pine

Store owner replied: Our magnesium butter is crafted to absorb comfortably into the skin without that sticky or greasy feel that many formulas leave behind. Consistency matters to us because daily care should feel nourishing and easy, not something you have to tolerate.

I have been using this product on my feet which are extremely dry with the cold weather. It has been helping a great deal. Looking forward to trying it for further issues.

Remedy Balm

Store owner replied: Thank you for sharing this with us. We are so glad it is bringing relief to your feet, especially during this dry, cold season. Our magnesium butter is crafted to nourish the skin while supporting comfort and restoration, making it a gentle option for areas that need extra care. We love hearing that it is already helping, and we hope it continues to support you as you explore other ways to use it. We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and trust our care in your daily routine.

So far amazing!

Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

Store owner replied: We're happy to hear that! Thank you for choosing Ballou!

I'm loving the elixir. I use it in the morning and have found over the course of a few weeks that my skin has a nice glow to it, and my makeup sits nicer on my skin.

Bakuchiol Renewal Elixir

This is amazing - the scent is soft so it's not overpowering and my kids and I all try to use it every evening before bed!

Whipped Magnesium Butter - Lavender

Store owner replied: Thank you so much for sharing this. Creating products that feel calming, safe, and easy to use for the whole family is exactly what we aim for. We are so glad it has found a place in your nights.

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    Made in Vermont

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    Non-Toxic

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    Plant Based

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    Small Batch

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    Giving Back

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