Indulge in our 1772 Sultana Pomatum ~ A Restorative Complexion Balm from the 18th Century. Luxurious, botanical, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
The Story of Our Sultana Pomatum
This balm has been a labor of love, inspired by a 1772 Toilet de Flora recipe that promised to “clear and preserve the complexion.” Its gentle touch was said to calm redness and banish the blemishes that troubled even powdered faces.
Our research reveals that by the mid-19th century, Sultana Pomatum had evolved into two distinct identities. The original formulation—lovingly reproduced here—was for the skin. Ingredients like Balsam of Mecca, spermaceti, and almond oil were said to reduce redness, remove freckles and pimples, soothe chilblains, and preserve the complexion. Variations of this recipe appear in texts from 1826 to 1900, attesting to its enduring legacy.
Later, another version emerged, inspired by Pomade Divine. Initially promoted in gentlemen’s manuals for sore muscles, it grew popular as a hair treatment—made with suet, bear grease, cloves, cinnamon, and musk. Though it shared a name, it diverged entirely in purpose.
But the deeper story lives in its ingredients.
The original formula called for Balsam of Mecca, or opobalsamum—a resin once worth more than silver, harvested from Commiphora gileadensis, a tree native to the Arabian Peninsula. Overharvesting led to near extinction. Healers then turned to the Balm of Gilead, made from buds of the Balsam Poplar tree—abundant in the New World and treasured by Indigenous healers.
Our version uses this trusted substitution: Balm of Gilead, blended with almond oil and beeswax. It remains faithful to its 18th-century roots—soothing, versatile, indulgent. It calms sun-flushed skin, softens rough spots, and comforts those everyday moments when your skin needs kindness.
What we love is this pomatum’s evolution. Despite its transformations, one version endured: the simple, skin-loving balm rooted in 18th-century care.
That’s the one we honor.
A Tale of Two Balsams: The Journey from Mecca to the New World
In ancient groves near Mecca, a small tree yielded the prized Balsam of Mecca. Its fragrant sap was gifted by queens, paraded by Roman emperors, and blessed in sacred texts. Harvested through secretive rituals, it was revered for both scent and medicinal power. Yet unsustainable harvesting brought near extinction to those groves.
In an effort to preserve the trees that were left, apothecaries began using leaves instead of sap, blending them with other ingredients to stretch supply. Even with the lesser quality substitutions, the balm retained mystique, commanding high prices and weaving through trade routes alongside frankincense and myrrh.
As the original balsam faded, a new chapter opened in the dense forests of the New World. There, Balsam Poplars unfurled buds rich with amber-hued resin. Indigenous healers had long valued them for soothing wounds and calming skin. European settlers, seeking familiar remedies, recognized its worth and renamed it Balm of Gilead—echoing the legacy of its Arabian counterpart.
By the 17th century, this substitution became common. Recipes evolved, names overlapped, and apothecaries labeled the two interchangeably. The balm’s use remained the same: to soothe, scent, and preserve the skin.
Although Commiphora gileadensis isn't officially endangered today, its habitats face growing threats. Sustainable practices and respect for nature are key to preserving its legacy.
Our Sultana Pomatum honors this lineage.
Why Choose Our Sultana Pomatum?
Because it’s more than a balm—it’s a revival.
Rooted in Tradition
Crafted in the spirit of Toilet de Flora, this pomatum honors centuries of herbal wisdom with ingredients that have soothed and softened across generations.
Thoughtfully Adapted
We follow historical substitutions made by Indigenous healers and colonial herbalists—favoring preservation over scarcity.
Gentle, Versatile, Effective
Calms redness, softens rough patches and blemishes, soothes bug bites, and comforts sensitive skin with just a touch.
Ethically and Simply Made
Just three purposeful ingredients—Balm of Gilead, almond oil, and beeswax.
A Little Goes a Long Way
Rich and concentrated, each jar offers weeks of care in just a fingertip’s worth.
To choose our Sultana Pomatum is to join hands with generations past, savor the beauty of simple ingredients, and bring a touch of history into your daily ritual.
1772 Sultana Pomatum ~ A Restorative Complexion Balm from the 18th Century
Each ingredient in this balm was chosen with purpose, drawing on both historical knowledge and modern understanding. Here’s a look at their traditional uses and why they were included in this soothing formula.
Ingredient Botanical Origin Key Properties Historical & Sensory Notes Organic Beeswax Apis mellifera (Honeybee secretion) Emollient, protective, water-repellent, stabilizing Used since antiquity in balms and salves; imparts a subtle honeyed aroma and firm texture Jojoba Oil Simmondsia chinensis Moisturizing, sebum-balancing, antioxidant-rich, non-comedogenic Technically a liquid wax; mimics human sebum and offers exceptional shelf stability Almond Oil Prunus amygdalus dulcis Rich in oleic acid, vitamin E, soothing, nourishing A staple in apothecary traditions; sweet and nutty aroma with a softening touch Gum of Benjamin Styrax benzoin resin Antiseptic, aromatic, fixative, anti-inflammatory Known as Benzoin; prized for its warm vanilla-like scent and used in incense and tinctures Organic Poplar Bud Tincture Populus spp. (e.g. P. trichocarpa) Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, resin-rich, soothing Traditionally called Balm of Gilead; revered by Indigenous healers for wound and skin care