Oh my! Do your lips get as chapped as mine when the cold weather hits? It can be downright painful.
I used to buy every lip balm I could find each winter (I’m only half joking), but after making my own homemade baby lotion, I wanted to try a natural DIY lip balm. This winter I finally did—and it beats any commercial balm I’ve tried. It’s simple, natural, and customizable, so you can achieve the exact texture and scent you like.
No more scanning labels for hidden ingredients, no more searching for a balm that’s not too waxy or too greasy. Making your own lets you control the ingredients and consistency. Many of the components—like shea butter and beeswax—are easy to order online or find at local craft stores if you prefer shopping in person.
And yes, you can flavor it. My current favorite is spearmint essential oil; it gives a sweet, gentle mint flavor without the sharpness of peppermint. Other lovely options for lip balm include orange, lemon, vanilla, or tea tree essential oil—each brings a different scent and subtle benefit.
You’ll notice the process for making lip balm closely resembles recipes for other skin-care items, such as tummy butter. The same basic ingredients in slightly different ratios make creams, balms, and bars, so once you learn one recipe, it’s easy to adapt.
Homemade Natural Lip Balm Recipe
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Beeswax
- Essential oil (optional)
Makes about three standard lip balm tubes.
Measure 1 ½ teaspoons total of your combined oil, butter, and wax—adjusting the proportions to reach your preferred consistency. For example, increase wax for a firmer balm or add more oil for a softer finish.
Melt the ingredients together in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until fully liquefied. Remove from heat as soon as everything is melted to avoid overheating.
Stir well, then add several drops of your chosen essential oil if desired. Start with a small amount and increase to taste—essential oils are concentrated, and a little goes a long way.
If this is your first batch, consider letting the mixture harden in the pan to test the consistency. If it’s too soft or too firm, remelt and adjust by adding a little more oil or wax.
When the mixture is warm but not hot, carefully pour it into clean twist tubes or small containers. A teaspoon can work for filling tubes; holding the tube over the pan catches drips. A small syringe or dropper (available at feed stores or craft shops) makes filling neater and easier.
Allow the tubes to cool and harden completely before capping. Label them if you like—handmade balms make thoughtful gifts. I shared a tube with my mother-in-law and she loved it. (A 3-year-old tester insisted on one too—but then promptly lost it—so maybe keep an eye on little ones!)
This basic recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt. Experiment with different oil-to-wax ratios and scents until you find your perfect balm. Enjoy making your own natural lip balm—your lips will thank you.