Review Murmeltier-Salbe 100 ml

What is the use of Murmeltier-Salbe

This Austrian marmot oil cream has a long history in folk medicine for the treatment of muscle or joint pain. In 1980 I had purchased the same cream in Austria and this was the package insert:

In my last purchase in 2023, the leaflet is limited to a generic description:

ingredients

Let us examine the most significant ingredients in order of quantity as indicated on the label. I provide a brief summary for reasons of space. For the full text, studies and bibliography, I highly recommend clicking on the ingredient and, if you want to go deeper, it is perhaps a little complex reading because these are scientific studies, but it clarifies the ingredient/health relationship.

Coco-caprylate is a synthetic emollient derived from natural coconut fatty acids and caprylic alcohol. Coconut fatty acids come from coconut oil, while caprylic alcohol is generally derived from plant sources or synthesized.

Cera alba is the technical name for purified and bleached beeswax.

Marmota oil is obtained from the fat of the groundhog, a rodent living in mountainous regions. The fat is collected mainly from the animal's skin and subcutaneous tissue. Traditionally used in some cultures for its therapeutic properties, such as relief of muscle pain and improvement of blood circulation. It is also used in some cosmetic products and conditioners for skin and hair.

Polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate  is a synthetic emulsifier and stabilizer derived from the combination of polyhydroxy fatty acids (such as stearic acid) and polyethoxylated glycerin. In cosmetics it functions as a Skin Conditioning Agent.

Glycerin  or glycerol. Trivalent alcohol, hygroscopic. Glycerol is the trade name when the percentage of glycerol exceeds 95 percent, but the names are mostly used to identify the same product. In cosmetic products it is included in formulas for the purpose of moisturizing and softening the skin, preserving it from aging or roughness.

Undecane is an aliphatic hydrocarbon used as an emollient.

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate is an ester derived from glycerin and isostearic acid. Emulsifier.

Magnesium Sulfate is an inorganic compound containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen, belongs to the class of sulfates, Regulates water content, dilutes other solids, can increase the volume of a product for better flow. It controls and adapts, by increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the level required for optimum chemical and physical stability of the product.

Hydrogenated Castor Oil, a castor oil that has undergone a hydrogenation process. Hydrogenation increases oxidative stability and raises the melting point, making the oil solid and more versatile for some applications, particularly cosmetics. Emollient, emulsifier, viscosity control.

Benzyl alcohol has a number of important functions: solvent, preservative, viscosity reducing agent, fragrance fixative, deodorizer.

Phenoxyethanol, a broad-spectrum preservative used in cosmetics against Gram-negative bacteria, moulds and yeasts. It occurs naturally in green tea but is produced chemically using phenol and ethylene oxide. As with many other preservatives included in the formula of cosmetic products, the scientific literature warns of general and specific contraindications concerning the application of this preservative. In particular, with regard to the eyes, this 2020 study by Jingyi Wang and others at Harvard University warns of the toxicity of Phenoxyethanol to the epithelial cells of the Meibomian gland, which secretes the human tear film, the main source of lipids, through its ducts. You can read an extract HERE. 

However, since the use of this cream does not affect the face, you only need to wash your hands well after use.

These are the main ingredients of this cream. For the others, whose amount included is rather low, you can refer to and read their description on the previous page.

Conclusions

Good cream with good ingredients, but be careful not to let it get on your face.