Top 5 Drawing Ointments: Your Essential Guide

Have you ever dealt with a stubborn splinter that just won’t budge, or a small, irritated bump that feels like it’s mocking you? For centuries, people have turned to a special kind of salve to help draw out impurities and soothe the skin. This trusty remedy is known as drawing ointment.

But when you need it, finding the *right* drawing ointment can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands and types out there, and it’s tough to know which one will actually work for you. You want something effective and gentle, but figuring out the differences can be confusing and frustrating. You might be wondering what ingredients to look for, or how to use it properly to get the best results.

In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the world of drawing ointments. We’ll break down what they are, how they work, and most importantly, how to choose the best one for your needs. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently pick out a drawing ointment that can help tackle those pesky skin issues and bring you some much-needed relief.

Top Drawing Ointment Recommendations

No. 1
Globe Ichthammol Ointment 20% (Drawing Salve) 1 OZ - Soothing Skin Relief, Treatment of Eczema, Acne, Boils, Splinters, Bee Stings - Maximum Strength
  • SOOTHING SKIN RELIEF: Globe Ichthammol 20% Ointment is perfect for treating the following: plant irritations, such as nettles or poison ivy, insect bites, stings from mosquitoes, spider, and bees, removing slivers, minor skin infections such as ingrown toenail.
  • EXTRA STRENGTH: GLOBE Ichthammol has 20% of the active ingredient of Ichthammol. This is Twice the strength of other brands! More Bang for your Buck.
  • PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE INGREDIENTS: Ichthammol 20%, Petrolatum, and Lanolin. Ichthammol 20% is the most advance Ichthammol salve on the market and contains 20% of the active ingredient Ichthammol. Contains a NDC (National Drug Code) and is highly recommended by doctors and pharmacists.
  • REDUCE SKIN REDNESS: Along with soothing irritated skin, Globe Ichthammol 20% Ointment reduces redness associated with irritated skin. Use Globe ichthammol ointment for all your skin ailments. Soothing skin relief, apply to minor skin irritations and other skin elements. Helps skin heal quickly. Now with reduced Ichthammol Scent!
  • ICHTHAMMOL 20%: Globe Ichthammol 20% Ointment is used to reduce irritations from eczema, psoriasis, acne rosacea, and acne, and it reduces the irritation in the area around a skin condition.
No. 2
OWELL Naturals Drawing Salve Ointment for Boil & Cyst Removal, Deep Ingrown Hair, Splinter Remover, Bug Spider Bites, Bee Sting, Mosquito Itching, Poison Ivy
  • Fast-Acting Natural Rescue for Stubborn Breakouts: Meet Our Drawing Salve! with tea tree–infused balm that works fast to calm your skin’s toughest spots. Perfect for those cystic acne, boils, Sores and HS flare-ups.
  • Multi-Use Herbal Skin Balm: used for ingrown hairs, rashes, folliculitis, sunburn, and post-shaving irritation.
  • All-In-One Skin Rescue Balm: Designed for total flexibility — this ointment works beautifully on the face, bikini area, underarms, scalp, and body. Wherever your skin needs extra care, it delivers fast-absorbing moisture and visible smoothness without heaviness.
  • Natural and Effective Ingredients: Owell Naturals brings together the power of pure essential oils, plant-based formula — a gentle, natural alternative to harsh chemical products that keeps your skin feeling soft, fresh, and balanced.
  • Infused with Lavender and Eucalyptus; this balm helps calm and refresh skin after bug bites, mild stings, or contact with plants like poison ivy or oak. The blend of Camphor and Olive Oil adds soothing hydration to keep skin soft, cool, and comfortable.
No. 3
Hyland's PRID Drawing Salve, Topical Skin Irritation Relief, For Splinters, Thorns, Ingrown Hairs, Itch Relief for Bug Bites, Boils, Minor Cuts and Scrapes, 18 Grams
  • RELIEF OF BOILS, SKIN ERUPTIONS, REDNESS, SKIN IRRITATIONS AND MINOR SUPERFICIAL CUTS AND SCRATCHES SYMPTOMS
  • Temporary topical relief of pain and irritation associated with boils, minor skin eruptions and redness Also aids in relieving the discomfort of minor skin irritations, and superficial cuts and scratches
  • EASY TO USE: Topical application to affected area for natural relief
  • 18 GRAMS = APPLY AS NEEDED: of new Hyland's PRID Drawing Salve; Now Paraben Free
  • SAFE AND GENTLE: Hyland's formulas are made with natural active ingredients and have no known drug interactions.
No. 4
Quality Choice Ichthammol Ointment 20%, Advanced Drawing Salve, Soothing Skin Relief for Plant Irritations, Splinter, Slivers, Acne, Boils, Ingrown Hairs & Nails,Bug Bites & Stings, 1oz Tube
  • Quality Choice Ichthammol Ointment 20% Is perfect for treating Plant Irritations such as Nettles or Poison Ivy | Removing Splinters and Slivers | Insect Bites and Stings from Mosquitoes, Spiders, and Bees | Soothing Skin Relief of Minor Irritations
  • Quality Choice 20% Ichthammol Ointment Advanced Drawing Salve Is used to reduce irritation of the skin from eczema, psoriasis, acne rosacea, and acne and it reduces the irrritation in the area around the skin providing comfort
  • Quality Choice 20% Ichthammol Ointment Advanced Drawing Salve is considered extra strength as it has 20% of Ichthammol
  • Quality Choice Ichthammol Ointment Advanced Drawing Salve is Pharmacist Recommended for relief from pain and discomfort for both natural skin irritants and other plant or bug based pets
  • Quality Choice 20% Ichthammol Ointment is considered a Homeopathic treatment and is perfect for at home, on the go, or any first aid kit you keep
No. 5
Christopher's Original Formulas Black Drawing Ointment, Natural Herbal Drawing Salve Ointment, 2 oz
  • Natural Herbal Salve: Formulated to help soothe and comfort the skin with a traditional draw salve.
  • Key Ingredients: Includes Comfrey, Plantain, and Activated Charcoal, known for their beneficial properties in a black salve drawing ointment.
  • Multi-Purpose Ointment: Ideal for various skin needs, providing relief and support as a drawing salve ointment.
  • Convenient Size: 2 oz jar, perfect for home use and easy to carry, making it a handy black drawing salve.
  • Quality You Can Trust: Made with high-quality, natural ingredients, ensuring a reliable black ointment drawing salve for your skincare needs.
No. 6
Legend's Creek Farm Herbal Salve - Healing Ointment with 20% Ichthammol Drawing Salve - Natural Balm for Stings, & Splinters - 1 oz - Handmade in USA (Ichthammol Pine Tar)
  • NATURAL COMFORT FOR SKIN WOES: Our formula is meticulously crafted to provide relief for a variety of discomforts, including splinter, burn, boil, sore, bee sting, bug bite, poison oak and ivy, cut, and ingrown hair. Each ingredient in our natural salve is carefully chosen for its soothing properties.
  • FAST-ACTING SKIN PROTECTANT: Our skin protectant helps soothe dry, chapped, and rough areas, providing comfort for the skin. Specially formulated to nourish and care for sensitive skin, it promotes a smoother, healthier appearance, offering quick relief and hydration for various skin needs.
  • SOOTHING OINTMENT: Healing salves create a protective barrier over the skin, helping to lock in moisture and shield against environmental factors. Their slow absorption rate allows the skin to absorb the natural properties of the included herbs, providing a calming and nourishing experience for the skin.
  • GENTLE ON ALL SKIN TYPES: Our salve, made with gentle ingredients, is suitable for individuals of all ages, including babies, children, and adults with sensitive skin. It’s also a gentle option for pets’ skincare needs. Committed to ethical practices, all our products are certified cruelty-free, ensuring they are never tested on animals.
No. 7
Owell Naturals Drawing Salve, 2 Fl Oz Ointment Multipurpose for Boil Removal, Cyst, Bumps, HS, Deep ingrown Hair, Splinter Out, Itch from Insect Bites, Poison Ivy
  • Fast-Acting Support for Ingrown Hairs, Bumps & Boils: Designed to help draw out impurities and reduce swelling quickly, giving fast relief on stubborn ingrown hairs, bumps, skin flare-ups and more.
  • Goes on clear and smooth — with no harsh odor, no residue, and no staining on skin or clothing. Gentle enough for sensitive areas.
  • Multi-Purpose First-Aid Essential: A go-to salve also for splinters, bug bites, minor burns, dry patches, and irritated skin. Customers love keeping one in every home kit.
  • Natural, Skin-Friendly Ingredients: Made with purposeful ingredients that help soothe discomfort and support the skin’s natural recovery process. Safe for daily or targeted use.
  • A Little Goes a Long Way - Highly concentrated formula spreads easily and lasts for months. Powerful results — trusted by thousands of repeat customers.
No. 8
TRIMOL Ichthammol 20% Drawing Salve Grooming Aid, 14 oz, Soothing Skin Relief. for use on Hooves, Nails and Skin.
  • SOOTHING SKIN RELIEF: TRIMOL Ichthammol 20% Ointment is perfect for treating plant irritations, such as nettles or poison ivy, Treating insect bites and stings from mosquitoes, spider, and bees, Removing splinters and slivers, and ingrown toenails, Soothing skin relief.
  • EXTRA STRENGTH: TRIMOL Ichthammol has 20% of the active ingredient of Ichthammol. This is Twice the strength of other brands! More BANG for your Buck!!
  • REDUCE SKIN REDNESS: Along with soothing irritated skin, TRIMOL Ichthammol 20% Ointment reduces redness associated with irritated skin. Use TRIMOL ichthammol ointment for all your skin ailments. Soothing skin relief, apply to minor skin irritations and other skin elements. Helps skin heal quickly. Now with reduced Ichthammol Scent!
  • ICHTHAMMOL 20%: TRIMOL Ichthammol 20% Ointment is used to reduce skin irritations. TRIMOL Ichthammol 20% Ointment can be applied topically to bug bites and other skin irritations, and it is a wonderful addition to your kit of First-Aid supplies.
  • WHATS INSIDE?: Ichthammol 20%, anhydrous lanolin, petrolatum.

Drawing Salve: Your Guide to This Powerful Ointment

Drawing salve, also known as drawing ointment, is a time-tested remedy that many people turn to for various skin concerns. It’s a thick, dark ointment that works by drawing out impurities from the skin. Think of it like a magnet for things you don’t want under your skin. This guide will help you understand what to look for when buying drawing salve, so you can make the best choice for your needs.

What is Drawing Salve?

Drawing salve is a topical ointment. It helps to bring things like splinters, boils, or infected pus to the surface of the skin. Once these things are at the surface, they are easier to remove. It’s a natural helper for your skin.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for drawing salve, keep these important features in mind:

  • Consistency: A good drawing salve should be thick and sticky. This allows it to stay put on the skin and do its job. It shouldn’t be watery or too runny.
  • Odor: Many drawing salves have a strong, distinct smell. This is usually due to ingredients like ichthammol. While some might find it unpleasant, it’s often a sign of a potent product. Don’t let the smell scare you away if it’s a trusted brand.
  • Color: Expect a dark brown or black color. This is normal for drawing salves and comes from the natural ingredients.
  • Packaging: Look for products in tubes or jars that are easy to open and use. This helps you apply the salve without making a mess.

Important Materials in Drawing Salve

The power of drawing salve comes from its ingredients. Here are some common ones:

  • Ichthammol (Ammoniated Ichthyol): This is the most common and important ingredient. It’s made from shale oil. Ichthammol has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It helps to reduce swelling and fight infection.
  • Sulfur: Sulfur is another key ingredient. It helps to dry out the affected area and has antibacterial properties.
  • Other Natural Ingredients: You might also find ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or mineral oil. These help to create the ointment’s texture and keep the skin moisturized.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes a drawing salve great or not so great?

  • High-Quality Ingredients: Salves made with pure, high-grade ichthammol and other beneficial ingredients will work better.
  • Proper Formulation: The right balance of ingredients ensures the salve is effective and easy to use. If it’s too greasy or too dry, it won’t work as well.
  • Brand Reputation: Trustworthy brands that have been making drawing salves for a long time often have the best quality. They understand how to make a product that works.
  • Storage: Storing your drawing salve in a cool, dry place will keep it fresh and effective. Leaving it in heat can change its texture and reduce its potency.

User Experience and Use Cases

People use drawing salve for many reasons. It’s a go-to for:

  • Splinters: If a splinter is deep or broken, drawing salve can help pull it to the surface so you can remove it easily.
  • Boils and Pustules: It can help bring boils and other skin infections to a head, speeding up healing.
  • Minor Skin Irritations: Some people use it for minor cuts or scrapes to help keep them clean and prevent infection.
  • Ingrown Hairs: It can sometimes help draw out ingrown hairs.

Most users find drawing salve effective when used as directed. They often mention the strong smell but say the results are worth it. It’s important to remember that drawing salve is for external use only. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging.


Frequently Asked Questions about Drawing Salve

Q: What exactly does “drawing out” mean?

A: “Drawing out” means the ointment helps to pull things like splinters or pus from under the skin to the surface. This makes them easier to remove.

Q: Is drawing salve safe to use on all skin types?

A: Drawing salve is generally safe for most skin types. However, if you have very sensitive skin or a history of allergies, it’s a good idea to test a small area first.

Q: How often should I apply drawing salve?

A: Follow the instructions on the product label. Usually, you apply it once or twice a day, covering it with a bandage.

Q: Can I use drawing salve on an open wound?

A: It’s best to use drawing salve on closed or healing wounds. For deep or infected open wounds, consult a doctor.

Q: Will drawing salve leave a stain?

A: Yes, drawing salve can stain clothing and bedding because of its dark color. It’s a good idea to protect the area with a bandage and old coverings.

Q: How long does it take for drawing salve to work?

A: The time it takes varies. Some people see results in a day or two, while others might need several applications over a few days.

Q: Can children use drawing salve?

A: Yes, children can use drawing salve for minor issues like splinters. Always use it under adult supervision and follow product directions.

Q: Where can I buy drawing salve?

A: You can find drawing salve at most pharmacies, drugstores, and online retailers.

Q: What should I do if the condition gets worse?

A: If the area becomes more painful, red, swollen, or you develop a fever, stop using the salve and see a doctor right away.

Q: Is drawing salve a good alternative to seeing a doctor?

A: Drawing salve can help with minor skin issues. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice for serious infections or injuries.