Drawing salves have been around for centuries, used as a natural remedy to help with everything from splinters and boils to insect bites and minor infections. 

You’ve probably heard of them—or maybe even had a family member swear by their effectiveness—but do they really work? 

And just as importantly, are they safe?

At Legend’s Creek Farm, we take ingredients seriously. We believe in the power of traditional remedies, but we also know there’s a lot of misinformation out there. 

Not all drawing salves are created equal, and some—like the infamous black salve—can be downright dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to understand how these salves work, what they’re actually useful for, and when to be cautious.

In this article, we’ll break down the science behind drawing salves, clear up common misconceptions, and explain why not all drawing salves should be trusted—but why the right one can be an essential addition to your skincare and first aid routine.

 

What Are Drawing Salves?

 

Drawing salves are a type of topical ointment designed to help "draw out" foreign objects, impurities, or infections from the skin. People have used them for generations to treat everything from splinters and boils to minor infections and insect bites. 

But despite their long history, many people still don’t fully understand how they work—or what makes one drawing salve safer and more effective than another.

 

What’s Inside a Drawing Salve?

 

The effectiveness of a drawing salve comes down to its ingredients, which are carefully selected for their ability to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and aid in the natural removal of irritants. 

While formulations can vary, some of the most common and effective ingredients include:

• Ichthammol – A dark, tar-like substance derived from shale oil, known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s a key ingredient in high-quality drawing salves (like ours at Legend’s Creek Farm) and is especially useful for boils, splinters, and infected wounds.

• Bentonite Clay – This natural clay has powerful absorbent properties, making it great for drawing out toxins, irritants, and excess oil from the skin.

• Activated Charcoal – A well-known detoxifying agent that binds to impurities and pulls them out of pores.

• Herbal Infusions – Ingredients like plantain, calendula, or yarrow are often included for their soothing and skin-healing benefits.

How Are Drawing Salves Different from Other Topical Treatments?

 

Unlike antibiotic ointments, which work to kill bacteria on the skin’s surface, or steroids, which reduce inflammation, drawing salves work through a combination of absorption and osmosis. They help bring trapped irritants, pus, or foreign objects to the skin’s surface so the body can naturally expel them.

However, not all products marketed as "drawing salves" are safe. Some, like black salve, contain corrosive ingredients like bloodroot and zinc chloride, which can destroy both healthy and unhealthy tissue indiscriminately. 

These products are not the same as traditional drawing salves and should be avoided due to serious risks, including permanent scarring.

The key takeaway? 

A high-quality drawing salve is made with safe, effective ingredients that support your body’s natural healing process—not damage your skin. 

That’s why at Legend’s Creek Farm, we use only the best ingredients to create a salve that works without harsh or dangerous chemicals.

 

How Do Drawing Salves Work?

 

If you’ve ever had a stubborn splinter or an irritating insect bite, you might have heard someone say,

“Just put some drawing salve on it.” 

But what does that actually mean? How can a topical ointment "draw out" something from beneath the skin? Let’s break down the science—and the limitations—of how drawing salves really work.

 

The "Drawing" Mechanism: Absorption & Osmosis

 

Despite the name, drawing salves don’t literally “suck” foreign objects or infections out of your skin like a vacuum. Instead, they work through a combination of absorption, osmosis, and anti-inflammatory properties:

1. Absorption – Ingredients like activated charcoal and bentonite clay have natural absorbent properties, meaning they can bind to toxins, bacteria, and impurities on the skin’s surface and help remove them.

2. Osmosis – Some ingredients, particularly ichthammol, create a moist environment that helps soften the skin, which may encourage foreign objects (like splinters) or trapped fluid (like pus from a boil) to surface more easily.

3. Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial Effects – Many drawing salves contain natural antiseptics and soothing agents (such as plantain, yarrow, or ichthammol), which can reduce swelling and discomfort, making it easier for the body to heal itself.

The Scientific Basis: Do They Really Work?

 

While drawing salves have been used for centuries, modern scientific research on their effectiveness is limited. That doesn’t mean they don’t work—it just means there’s not a lot of formal clinical testing. What we do know is:

• Ichthammol has proven antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s still used in veterinary medicine and by some dermatologists for conditions like boils or cystic acne.

• Bentonite clay and activated charcoal are well-documented for their absorbent properties, commonly used in everything from skincare to toxin removal.

• Anecdotal and historical evidence strongly supports the use of drawing salves for splinters, boils, and minor skin irritations.

That said, it’s important to separate fact from myth. While high-quality drawing salves can help expel minor irritants from the skin, they cannot "cure" infections, remove deep-seated cysts, or replace proper medical care.

 

The Limitations of Drawing Salves

 

Like any topical remedy, drawing salves have their limits:

• They work best on surface-level irritations (splinters, minor boils, insect bites).

• They should not be used on deep wounds or serious infections, as they won’t replace proper medical treatment.

• Not all drawing salves are safe—some, like black salve, can be corrosive and harmful, causing severe tissue damage. Others claim to be ichthammol, but are actually counterfeits from China that consist of soy. If it doesn't smell like tar, it is not ichthammol.

• Results vary from person to person—some people swear by them, while others may not see the same effects, depending on the condition being treated.

At Legend’s Creek Farm, we take the science and safety of skincare seriously. Our Ichthammol Pine Tar Drawing Salve is formulated to be effective yet gentle, using time-tested ingredients that support your skin’s natural healing process without unnecessary risks.

Common Uses for Drawing Salves

 

Drawing salves have stood the test of time as a natural remedy for stubborn skin issues, from deep-seated splinters to painful boils. While their effectiveness varies depending on the individual and the condition, they remain a go-to solution for many seeking relief without resorting to harsher treatments. Here’s a look at some of the most common uses and how drawing salves may help.

 

1. Treating Boils and Abscesses

Boils form when bacteria infect a hair follicle or oil gland, leading to a painful, pus-filled bump beneath the skin. While most boils eventually drain on their own, applying a high-quality drawing salve can help speed up the process.

• Ichthammol, a key ingredient in Legend’s Creek Farm’s Ichthammol Pine Tar Drawing Salve, works by softening the skin and reducing inflammation, encouraging the boil to come to a head naturally.

• Unlike popping a boil (which can increase the risk of infection), a drawing salve provides a gentler approach to encouraging drainage while minimizing pain and swelling.

Pro Tip: Always clean the area before and after applying the salve to prevent the spread of bacteria.

 

2. Removing Splinters and Foreign Objects

 

Splinters, thorns, and tiny glass shards can be frustrating to remove, especially when they’re too deep to grab with tweezers. A good drawing salve helps by softening the skin and creating a moist environment, which may make it easier for the object to work its way out.

• Activated charcoal and bentonite clay help bind to irritants and encourage their removal.

• Unlike digging at the skin with needles or tweezers (which can introduce bacteria), a drawing salve is a safer, less invasive option.

How to Use: Apply a thick layer of salve over the affected area, cover it with a bandage, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Many users find that the splinter naturally surfaces, making it easy to remove.

 

3. Addressing Ingrown Hairs

 

Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows back into the skin instead of outward, leading to inflammation, redness, and sometimes infection. Instead of picking at them—which can cause scarring or infection—applying a drawing salve can help bring the hair to the surface more naturally.

• The anti-inflammatory properties of ichthammol help reduce swelling, allowing the hair to work its way out.

• Bentonite clay and activated charcoal absorb excess oil and impurities, which can prevent further irritation.

Best Practice: Gently exfoliate the area before applying the salve to help free trapped hairs.

 

4. Managing Cystic Acne

 

Cystic acne is one of the most painful and persistent types of breakouts, forming deep under the skin with no clear head. Some acne sufferers swear by drawing salves.

• Ichthammol is known for its ability to reduce swelling and encourage drainage, which can sometimes help cystic acne resolve faster.

• It may also work as an alternative to spot treatments, especially for those who find traditional acne creams too harsh.

Caution: While drawing salves may provide relief for some, they are not a substitute for dermatologist-recommended acne treatments, especially for chronic or severe cases.

 

5. Alleviating Insect Bites and Stings

 

Bug bites and stings often come with itching, swelling, and irritation. A drawing salve may help by:

• Pulling out venom or irritants left behind by insects like bees, mosquitoes, or even spiders.

• Soothing inflammation and discomfort through ichthammol’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Relief Tip: If you’re dealing with a fresh bite or sting, apply a cold compress first to reduce swelling, then follow up with a thin layer of drawing salve to help relieve irritation.

Legend's Creek Farm Salves: A Premium Alternative

 

Drawing salves have been trusted for generations to help with everything from stubborn splinters to painful boils, but not all salves are created equal. 

While some products on the market contain harsh, questionable ingredients, others—like Legend’s Creek Farm’s Ichthammol Pine Tar Drawing Salve—are thoughtfully formulated with natural, time-tested ingredients that prioritize safety and effectiveness.

 

Why Choose Legend’s Creek Farm?

 

At Legend’s Creek Farm, we take pride in creating high-quality, small-batch skincare solutions that actually work. Unlike mass-produced, low-quality alternatives, our salves are made with premium, responsibly sourced ingredients that are as gentle as they are effective.

• Natural and Organic Ingredients – We use ichthammol, bentonite clay, and activated charcoal—all known for their ability to soothe, absorb impurities, and support skin health.

• No Harsh Chemicals – Unlike questionable products on the market, our salves contain no parabens, no petroleum, and no artificial additives—just clean, effective ingredients.

• Ethically Made, Cruelty-Free – We are Leaping Bunny certified, meaning our products are never tested on animals and are crafted with integrity and care.

• Small-Batch, High-Quality Production – We don’t believe in mass production that sacrifices quality. Every jar of Legend’s Creek Farm Drawing Salve is made with precision, care, and a deep respect for natural remedies.

Ready to Experience the Legend’s Creek Farm Difference?

 

At Legend’s Creek Farm, we believe that nature provides the best solutions for skin health. That’s why we’ve crafted a full line of premium salves to address a variety of skin concerns—from soothing irritation and dryness to drawing out impurities and supporting natural healing.

Whether you need the deep cleansing power of our Ichthammol Pine Tar Drawing Salve, the soothing relief of our Arnica Salve for sore muscles, or the intensive hydration of our Lanolin Salve for dry, cracked skin, we have a natural, high-quality solution for every need.

Our salves are crafted in small batches, using only the finest natural and organic ingredients, ensuring that your skin gets safe, effective care—without the harsh chemicals found in mass-produced alternatives.

👉 Shop now and find the perfect salve for your skincare needs! Browse Our Salves