1. What is Purita Wood Balm made from?
Purita Wood Balm is made with just two ingredients: MCT oil and beeswax. That’s it.
2. What is MCT oil?
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides. The MCT oil we use is derived from coconut oil and remains liquid at room temperature, making it easy to spread and absorb into wood.
3. Why do you use MCT oil instead of mineral oil?
We wanted a simple, coconut-derived oil rather than petroleum-derived mineral oil. MCT oil is highly stable and well suited for conditioning wooden kitchenware.
4. What does the beeswax do?
Beeswax complements the conditioning oil by leaving a protective wax layer on the wood's surface and helping repel moisture.
5. Is Purita Wood Balm food-contact safe?
Yes. Purita Wood Balm is formulated for wooden surfaces that come into contact with food, including cutting boards, butcher blocks and wooden utensils.
6. What can I use Purita Wood Balm on?
It can be used on unfinished or oil-finished wooden cutting boards, butcher blocks, serving boards, wooden utensils and similar wooden kitchenware.
7. Can I use it on bamboo?
Yes. Purita Wood Balm can be used to condition bamboo cutting boards and kitchenware.
8. How often should I apply Wood Balm?
There isn't one schedule that works for every piece. Reapply when the wood begins to look dry, feel rough, or absorb water more readily than usual. Frequently washed cutting boards may need conditioning more often.
9. How much should I use?
A little goes a long way. Apply a thin, even coat across the wood. You want enough to cover the surface without leaving a thick layer of balm sitting on top.
10. How do I apply it?
Start with clean, completely dry wood. Apply a thin, even layer of balm, allow it time to condition the wood, then buff away any excess with a clean cloth or applicator.
11. Do I need to treat both sides of my cutting board?
Yes. For cutting boards, we recommend conditioning the top, bottom and edges rather than treating only one surface.
12. Can I apply it to a brand-new cutting board?
Yes. As long as the board is unfinished or has a compatible oil/wax finish, Wood Balm can be used as part of its regular care.
13. Can I use it on painted, stained, or sealed wood?
Purita Wood Balm is intended primarily for bare or oil-finished wood. Film-forming finishes such as polyurethane prevent the balm from penetrating the wood as intended.
14. Will it make my cutting board waterproof?
No. Wood Balm helps the surface resist moisture, but it does not make wood waterproof. Wooden kitchenware should still never be soaked or put in the dishwasher.
15. Will the balm go rancid?
MCT oil is highly resistant to oxidation compared with many common cooking oils, making it a much better choice for long-term wood care.
16. Why shouldn't I just use olive or vegetable oil?
Many common cooking oils can oxidize and develop unpleasant odors or flavors over time. That's why we use a much more oxidation-stable oil.
17. Does it contain mineral oil?
No. Purita Wood Balm contains no mineral oil or petroleum-derived oils.
18. Does it contain preservatives or fragrances?
No. There are no added fragrances or synthetic preservatives—just MCT oil and beeswax.
19. What's the difference between the 4 oz and 8 oz jars?
They're the exact same formula. The 4 oz jar is a great choice for cutting boards and everyday wooden kitchenware, while the 8 oz jar gives you more balm for large boards, butcher blocks, or frequent maintenance.
20. How should I store my Wood Balm?
Keep the jar tightly closed and store it in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.