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Easy DIY Lip Balm: Recipe + Overview

Ever wondered what it takes to make lip balm at home? Maybe you thought it wasn’t possible or worth the time? 

Well, not only is making lip balm easy – you can have a batch ready in as little as 10 minutes! – but you’ll also be able to create a lip balm that’s perfectly suited for you with the right ingredients and flavoring. Not to mention, making your own is tons of fun!

OK, so now that you know it’s possible, you probably have tons of questions: What types of ingredients do I need? What’s the process for making lip balm like? What types of supplies will I need, e.g. lip balm tubes and jars? And where can I find a recipe for an easy beginner DIY lip balm? 

We’ve got all that and more in this handy guide (with a simple do-it-yourself lip balm recipe) at the end. Ready to get started? Here’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about making your own lip balm at home!     

Ingredients for Homemade Lip Balm 

DIY cosmetics not only save you time, but you get to design them to fit your exact needs. That starts with choosing ingredients. 

Fortunately, lip balm ingredients can all be found at your local health food store and you don’t need that many. In fact, you can make lip balm with as little as two ingredients (like a base and an essential oil)! Here are some of the most common ingredients used in do-it-yourself lip balms: 

  • Beeswax pellets or carnauba wax 
  • Honey
  • Shea butter, coconut oil or cocoa butter 
  • Herbs and essential oils like peppermint oil or tea tree oil 
  • Sweet oils like argan oil, avocado oil or almond oil 
  • Natural coloring 

RECIPE NOTE: You won’t need all of these ingredients for our 10-minute Lip Balm recipe. The four ingredients you will need are: Beeswax pellets, shea butter, sweet almond oil and peppermint oil (or another essential oil that you prefer like lemon or citrus). 

What If I Don’t Have Beeswax? 

Making lip balm without wax is absolutely possible – beeswax or carnauba wax aren’t necessary ingredients! In fact, you might prefer to use an oil- and shea-butter base for a softer lip balm, which would be similar in texture to a lip gloss. Many choose to use shea butter, castor oil or coconut oil, or a combination of all three, as a base. 

If you don’t have beeswax, a lip balm jar is probably your best bet for a container. Tubes or jars are great for stiffer lip balms made with wax.  

Can I Make Lip Balm with Just Coconut Oil? 

Absolutely! In fact, coconut oil is the perfect base for a two-ingredient lip balm. Just use coconut oil as the base and use your favorite essential oil to add a hint of natural flavoring (orange or peppermint are favorites!). 

Coconut oil lip balms are great for moisturizing, and they have a smooth, creamy texture. Plus, you can make them in minutes! 

What Essential Oils Are Good for Lip Balm? 

Essential oils are the perfect natural ingredient for homemade lip balms. Many of these oils are rich in micronutrients, are effective moisturizers and also add a dash of flavor. Some of the best essential oils for lip balms are: Lemon, tea tree, cinnamon, acai berry, peppermint, lavender and chamomile.

DIY TIP: A little essential oil goes a long way! Avoid overloading your lip balms with these powerful oils – adding too much can ruin a batch!  

What Supplies Do I Need for Homemade Lip Balm? 

There are really just two tools you’ll need in the kitchen: A double boiler and a whisk or spoon. One other helpful tool might be a stainless-steel funnel, but this is optional. (If you’ve got a steady hand, you probably don’t need a funnel!) 

The double boiler is necessary for melting the wax and ingredients with indirect heat. This prevents prevent the natural fats from overheating. (It’s similar to how chocolate is melted!) Don’t have a double boiler? Not a problem. You can sub in a heat-proof glass mixing bowl over a regular pot. 

Containers. Finally, you’ll need containers for your DIY lip balms. Empty tubes and cosmetics jars are your best bet. Our recipe fills 8-12 empty lip balm tubes or 6-8 lip balm jars. 

Supplies List: 

  • Double Boiler 
  • Whisk 
  • Empty lip balm jars or tubes  
  • Small stainless-steel funnel (optional)

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Super Simple DIY Lip Balm Recipe 

Make your own refreshingly minty lip balm in less than 20 minutes with this DIY peppermint lip balm recipe. Requires just four ingredients and two kitchen tools!  

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
Makes: 8-12 lip balm tubes / 6-8 lip balm jars

Ingredients: 

  • 3 tbs shea butter 
  • 2 tbs beeswax pellets (or carnauba wax) 
  • 1 tbs sweet almond oil (or canola or argon oils)
  • 10-15 drops peppermint essential oil 
  • STEP 1
    Prep your lip balm containers. Remove lids from tubes or jars and stand upright. If using lip balm tubes, use a rubber band to hold the tubes together. This will make it easier to pour in the melted ingredients. 

    STEP 2
    Add 1-2 inches of water to the bottom pan of a double boiler. Heat slowly over LOW heat. 

    STEP 3
    Add shea butter, beeswax pellets and sweet almond oil to the top of the double boiler. Melt slowly over LOW heat. This process takes about 5-10 minutes. 

    STEP 4
    Once ingredients are completely melted, remove the pan from heat and mix in the peppermint oil. Use 5-10 drops for a subtle minty flavor, or 15-20 for a bolder mint profile. 

    STEP 5
    Fill the containers with the melted ingredients. Pour slowly to avoid spills. Once complete, wipe any excess away from the outside of the containers. This recipe fills 8-12 tubes or 6-10 jars. 

    STEP 6
    Let the containers sit until cool. You can put the lids back on when the tubes have cooled.  

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    More Lip Balm Recipes 

    Looking for more DIY cosmetics inspiration? Follow MHO Container’s blog for more health and beauty recipes and holiday gift and party favor ideas.