Balmsense
founder: Wanda Zijlstra
course: International Organic Skincare Entrepreneur Program
Graduation year: 2018
location: The Netherlands
Hero product: Full Care Face Balm
Brand overview
Balmsense® was founded by Wanda Zijlstra, a skin therapist and cosmetic formulator from the Netherlands. After many years of working closely with clients and analysing their skin using professional measurements, she saw how challenging it could be for people with sensitive, dry or reactive skin to navigate complex skincare routines. This inspired her to explore a more minimalist approach to formulation, ultimately developing concentrated, waterless products with carefully selected ingredients.
Rooted in Wanda’s hands-on skin expertise and passion for natural formulation, Balmsense® takes a simple and considered approach to skincare: fewer products, thoughtful formulations and a focus on skin comfort. Its waterless formulas are designed with a soft texture, while endlessly refillable stainless steel packaging reflects the brand’s commitment to reducing packaging and waste.
For Wanda, the philosophy behind Balmsense® is simple: fewer products, more understanding, and skincare that makes sense for both skin and planet.
“Formula Botanica played an important role in helping me turn my ideas into a real skincare brand. The courses gave me a much deeper understanding of natural formulation, ingredient functionality and product development. I already had many years of hands-on experience as a skin therapist, but Formula Botanica helped me connect that practical skin knowledge with structured formulation skills. It gave me the confidence to develop my own formulas from scratch, test them critically and keep improving them until they truly made sense for the skin. This was especially important for Balmsense®, because my products are waterless, concentrated and designed without added preservatives, while still being pleasant and practical to use.
Formula Botanica also helped me think more clearly about sustainability, formulation choices, brand values and how to communicate natural skincare in an honest and responsible way.”
Wanda shares that her experience with the Formula Botanica community took different forms throughout her studies. She particularly valued the personal guidance she received through email exchanges with the tutors, while attending the Formula Botanica conference in London was a highlight of her journey, where she had the opportunity to connect with and be inspired by the wider community in person.
