Some of these products are balms, which means that they contain natural ingredients that are mostly plant-based. Balms are usually gel-like and clear, where creams are mostly white and creamy. They act the same for effectiveness, but balms tend to be stickier to the skin and leave a slight filmy residue on the skin. Creams, in general, can be rubbed in more and will not show as much. Balms are known to be old-time remedies from long ago made of all-natural substances that could be produced at home.