Is this a balm or a gel, and what's the difference in feeling when massaging?

The product is formulated as a gel, not a thick balm. This is a practical choice for massage because the texture spreads easily with less drag, which is particularly useful when you're covering a larger area like your lower back, neck, shoulders, or calves. A gel allows for smoother hand movement during self-massage or when applying to others.

In contrast, a traditional balm or ointment is denser and more targeted, often requiring more effort to warm and spread on a small, specific spot. For the use case described—like after exercise, gardening, or a long day at a desk—the gel format is often preferred as it absorbs well and doesn't leave an overly heavy, sticky residue, letting you focus on the warming and refreshing sensation from ingredients like camphor and menthol.