How to Make Natural Lip Balm

A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about making lip balm with natural ingredients. Since then, I’ve made a few tweaks to the recipe. Pretty much everything about this blog is better than it was then, and it’s time for an updated post.

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Natural Lip Balm – Basic Recipe

The basic recipe includes only four ingredients, and it fills approximately ten tubes with a bit left over.

• 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets (16 oz)
• 2 teaspoons of emulsifying wax (8 oz or 16 oz)
• 1 tablespoon of shea butter
• 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil – I prefer peppermint.

Note: 16 oz of beeswax pellets and emulsifying wax yields about 80 tubes of lip balm. One 8 oz container of shea butter yields approximately 40 tubes. These supplies can be used to make other beauty products. Store all the ingredients in a cool, dry place.

You will need some lip balm tubes or small containers. I prefer to reuse tubes and small cosmetic containers, but if you want to give this lip balm away as a gift, new ones might be preferable. (Lip balm containers are also available in black, which would look gorgeous in a gift basket.)

I run used, empty lip balm tubes or cosmetic containers through the dishwasher, or hand wash and dip them in boiling water for about thirty seconds to remove any old product or oils.

There is nothing in the natural lip balm recipe that grows mold, but it is always a good idea to start with the cleanest container possible, especially for a facial product.

The Process

Melt all of the ingredients, except the essential oil, in a heat-safe container inside a small pan of hot water. You may also use a double boiler if you have one. I use a liquid measuring cup inside a pot. The measuring cup spout makes it easier to fill the containers.

Note: You can also melt the ingredients in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container and start with 20-second intervals, stirring between each.

Once the ingredients are melted completely, remove the measuring cup from the heat and stir in 10-15 drops of essential oil.

Turn the wheels on the tubes to their lowest position. Pack them tightly in a container so they won’t tip over as you fill them.

Fill each tube carefully, all the way to the top.

Use leftover portions for a partially filled tube or pour it into a small, lidded container.

I use the container of leftovers as regular lip balm or eczema salve, and I apply it with my finger.

Once the melted ingredients cool and harden, place the caps or lids on your containers.

Seasonal Tweaks

Since I posted the original recipe, I received some feedback that this formula hardens too much during cold weather. However, it is perfect for the summer heat, or if you like to keep a tube in the pocket of your jeans.

Based on that feedback, I created a winter recipe with two possible modifications using household ingredients. Of course, you can use this formula in the summer too, but it will soften much faster in the heat, and it might make a mess in your pocket, bag, or car.

Natural Lip Balm – Winter Recipe

• 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets
• 1 teaspoon of emulsifying wax + 1 teaspoon coconut oil OR 1-1/2 teaspoons emulsifying was + 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of shea butter
• 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil – I prefer peppermint.

To make the winter recipe, follow the same process outlined above.

Other Uses

Both recipes work well as a general balm for dry skin or eczema. I also tuck a tube in my daughter’s gymnastics bag. It’s very soothing for nasty bar blisters called rips. Gymnasts are so hardcore.

Peppermint essential oil will sting on broken skin, so I suggest pouring some of the unscented liquid in a tube or container for general use before adding the peppermint oil. Adjust the number of oil drops as necessary.

Lip balm is one of the easiest skincare products to DIY. The ingredients are forgiving, the process is simple, and it does not rely on a specific temperature to solidify. I don’t know enough about essential oils to suggest different combinations, but if you do, feel free to experiment.

Enjoy!