I started making my own DIY lip balm years ago after my favorite health stick brand added soybean and canola oil. Damn! This natural lip balm recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. Plus it's moisturizing and hydrating to help fight dry lips all year round.
DIY Lip Balm Recipe
Making lip balm at home is simple and much less expensive than buying organic brands at the store. Lip balm tubes make a great gift, stocking stuffer or safe play makeup for kids. I also keep these on hand when I want to give to working moms. Hospital air can really dry out your skin and lips.
The lip balm uses natural ingredients that you can also use to make dozens of other natural skin and body care recipes. You can find coconut oil, beeswax and cocoa butter in my other DIY projects as a lotion AND body butter.
Buying organic lip balm
Too short on time or don't feel like doing it yourself? Here's where you can get healthy and natural lip balm!
How to make lip balm
Since lip products are applied right next to the mouth and nose, it's important to me that they have safe, natural ingredients. Especially if my kids use them! While I used coconut oil, there are many different carrier oil options. Coconut oil is solid at colder temperatures, so it makes for a stronger lip balm. It also has some mild SPF properties.
If you want something a little smoother, you can use less beeswax, or half the coconut oil with another liquid oil. However, using liquid oil will make a smoother lip balm. Here are some options for lip nutrition:
Castor oil leaves a nice sheen on the lips and is a popular ingredient in homemade lip gloss recipes. It will not replace coconut oil 1-to-1 in this recipe. But you can substitute about 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a shinier look and smoother feel.
Essential oils for lip balm
Aromatherapy is big these days, but not all products on store shelves use real essential oils. While kids (and some adults) may love the smell, strawberry bubblegum-scented lip balm isn't exactly natural. But not every essential oil is safe to use on the lips as well.
Some oils, like cinnamon bark and lemongrass, can be really irritating. Especially in the most sensitive areas like the lips. Many essential oils can be safe on lips up to 5% dilution, which is about 60 drops of essential oil here. However, I prefer to use much less than that.
Here are some lip-safe options:
There are some that smell really delicious that didn't make the list. Lime, bergamot and some other oils may cause photosensitivity if used long before sun exposure. Translation: think swelling, redness and damage to the lips.
Something like lemon is safe to use at a maximum dilution of 1%, but going beyond safe levels can cause sun damage. You still might not want to use the lemon lip balm and then go sunbathe for an hour though.
However, for the most part, you can mix and match with any of your favorite lip-friendly essential oils.
Choosing a container
I usually use these lip balm tubes for easy application. Small repurposed jars or cans also work well. I once had a bunch of little sample size jam jars in our hotel room and they are perfect for this too.
Recipe for lip balm without beeswax
I usually use beeswax lozenges when I make lip balms. They help strengthen the lip balm and provide a protective layer on the lips. For various reasons, some people prefer to make a vegan lip balm and candelilla something works as sub. It is harder than beeswax although less is needed.
If you haven't made your own beauty products before, I would encourage you to give it a try! The basic recipe is below, but have fun experimenting with the oils and flavors to get the aroma and flavor you like. Mint is my favorite, especially in the winter!
Recipe for homemade lip balm
Easily prepare and customize your own homemade stick with all natural ingredients.
Yield: 18 lip balm tubes
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Add a few inches of water to the bottom of a small pan and heat over medium heat.
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Place a small heat-safe jar (size or smaller) in the water, being careful not to get water inside the jar. You can also use a double boiler or a glass bowl set over a small pot of water.
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Add the cocoa butter, coconut oil and a tablespoon of beeswax to the jar and melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Make sure not to put water in the jar.
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When all the ingredients have melted, mix them well and turn off the heat. Leave the jar in the water to keep warm.
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Mix in the essential oils.
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Use a glass dropper to quickly fill lip balm containers, such as lip balm tubes or molds.
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The mixture will settle down a bit as it cools, so I seal the dishes after about 2 minutes as they start to set.
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Let it sit undisturbed for a few hours or until it hardens completely.
- Shelf life and storage: Keep in a cool and dry place for about 2 years. The optional vitamin E oil helps extend the shelf life even further.
- This will make a moderately strong lip balm. If you prefer a stronger version, you can add more beeswax, up to twice the recommended amount. If you prefer a smoother and more oily lip balm, you can reduce the amount of beeswax.
More DIY lip recipes
Want to branch out and try more DIY skincare recipes? Here are some tutorials I've created over the years:
Do you make your own lip balm? What flavor or aroma would you like to try? Share below!
