Can one apply balm whilst fasting?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

‘Balm’ can designate any of several semisolid preparations that are applied externally for therapeutic benefit. Depending on the formulation, balm can be used to moisturize dry skin, relieve muscle stiffness, or to treat skin irritation. Lip balm is specially used to sooth chapped lips. All balms will fall under the same ruling as oiling the skin which is permissible while fasting.[i] [ii] [iii] However, one should be mindful when using lip balm in particular. Due to its proximity to the mouth, it may accidentally be swallowed which will break the fast.[iv] [v]

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Nadeem Moulana

Student Darul Iftaa

Kentucky, USA

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.