HayMax Allergen Barrier Balm Triple Tin Pure - Pack of 3 - Organic, Natural & Non-Drowsy Hay Fever & Allergy Relief Balm - Traps Pollen, Dust & Other Allergen Particles - Apply Around The Nose & Eyes

Bit of a mixed review. I bought the multi-fragrance pack to try them all. They all smelled of rancid oil - like when cosmetics go bad. I wonder if this was just old stock? The lavender had no discernible lavender scent at all, just the old waxy smell. I thought I’d try to push through and see if they work, despite the smell. As others have noted, it is a tiny pot - the size of a lip balm, and the pot isn’t full. However, a little goes a long way. The balm is quite firm and sticky - at room temperature it is definitely firmer than Vaseline or chapstick. When you dab your finger on it, you pick up a tiny amount (sort of like tapping a glue stick), so if just using it on your nostrils two or three times a day I can see it lasting for months. The stickiness isn’t uncomfortable. Once it’s applied you don’t notice it. It’s actually reassuring - that’s what most likely traps the allergens. Vaseline by comparison is softer, oilier and feels wetter - like you’d need to use more for a similar effect (I also read there was a risk of breathing the oils from Vaseline into your lungs, which would be much harder to do with this denser product). In terms of effectiveness, I’d say it does have a positive impact. I have allergies and asthma and even taking all my meds correctly (plus daily antihistamines, nasal sprays and steroid nasal sprays) can still have asthma attacks, particularly if exposed to allergens whilst exercising (even just walking). I wouldn’t say I’m able to give all of those up and just use this, but I feel like it does help reduce the severity of symptoms. For example, I don’t wake up with as bad sinus pain and I feel I can breathe a bit better outdoors. For me, if it slightly reduces the risk of asthma attacks it’s worth it. If your allergies are mild it may be enough on its own. It’s helpful to have a low risk, low cost, simple option even if you need to supplement with antihistamines at times. Apart from the smell, I’d recommend the balm as a decent way to reduce the intensity of allergy symptoms. In fact, although the smell is unpleasant at first, you do become ’nose blind’ to it after a few minutes. It’s hard to say if I just got a bad/old batch, or if it just normally doesn’t smell great. I’ll pick up some next time I’m in the UK and see if it smells different/fresher. Re it ‘looking weird’, I can’t say I’ve had that problem. I just put a small amount on the inner rims of my nostrils. I don’t think anyone could see it even if they were looking for it (like looking for someone’s moisturizer). Perhaps if you used LOADS it would be visible. I use quite a thin layer and it seems to work and last a decent amount of time (doesn’t absorb/wear off too quickly) as long as you’re not rubbing/blowing your nose a lot or sweating profusely.

Product works well hence the 4 stars. I originally bought it in the UK while visiting but wanted a 3 pack in the US. The three pack came with two in great condition but one a bit sticky and crusty on the lid.