Making your own beeswax lip balm at home is easy, fun, and incredibly rewarding.
If you’ve ever suffered from dry lips in the winter or wished for a more natural alternative to store-bought lip balm, good news. We have a simple, soothing DIY lip balm recipe using simple ingredients.
With just a little time, you can create a small batch of homemade beeswax lip balm that rivals the best beauty products on the market (yes, even Burt’s Bees). Plus, it makes a great gift and is a wonderful DIY project for all ages.
It’s amazing how easy it is to make this and other home remedies right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into this easy lip balm recipe and explore how to craft your own natural lip balm using healthy ingredients you can trust.
Why Make Your Own Lip Balm?
Most store-bought lip balms contain petroleum jelly, artificial fragrances, or preservatives that can irritate dry skin. When you make your own, you control the ingredient list — choosing natural products like pure beeswax, shea butter, and organic coconut oil. These ingredients not only soothe dry lips, but also nourish and protect them over time.
How to Make Homemade Beeswax Lip Balm
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Materials
- 2 Tablespoons Beeswax Pellets or grated from a larger block of white beeswax
- 2 Tablespoons Organic Coconut Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Shea Butter or cocoa butter for a firmer balm
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet Almond Oil can substitute olive oil, jojoba oil, or vegetable oil
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vitamin E Oil or 1 vitamin E capsule, pierced and squeezed
- 5–10 Drops Essential Oil like peppermint oil or orange essential oil – optional but highly recommended
Instructions
- How to Make the Lip Balm. Set up your double boiler by placing water in a small saucepan and rest a glass bowl or stainless steel bowl over the top without touching the water. Heat over low to medium heat.
- Add the solid ingredients. Combine beeswax pellets, shea butter, and coconut oil in the top bowl. Stir occasionally as they melt. Avoid high temperatures to protect the natural ingredients.2 Tablespoons Beeswax Pellets, 1 Tablespoon Shea Butter, 2 Tablespoons Organic Coconut Oil
- Add the liquid oils. Once melted, stir in the sweet almond oil, vitamin E oil, and any drops of essential oil you like. Popular choices include peppermint oil for a cool tingle or orange essential oil for a bright, citrus scent.1 Tablespoon Sweet Almond Oil, 1/2 Teaspoon Vitamin E Oil, 5–10 Drops Essential Oil
- Pour into containers. Carefully pour the oil mixture into your chosen lip balm tubes or small containers. A paper towel underneath will help catch any spills.
- Let it cool. Allow the mixture to set at room temperature until it reaches a creamy consistency. About 30 minutes at room temperature.
- You can also place them on the bottom of the tray in your fridge to speed up cooling if needed.
Notes
Tools You’ll Need
• Double boiler (or a small saucepan with a glass bowl or stainless steel bowl on top)• Measuring spoons or a kitchen scale for accuracy
• Paper towel (to catch drips and clean spills)
• Lip balm containers, such as a traditional lip balm tube, plastic tube, or small container
• A small pot or sauce pan for melting the ingredients
Homemade Beeswax Lip Balm Tips and Variations
• Try different flavors using your favorite essential oils like lavender and vanilla.• Use raw honey for added moisture (just a small amount — and be sure to stir well).
• Want a tinted balm? Add a pinch of mica powder or beetroot powder.
• Experiment with canola oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil to adjust the firmness and finish.
• Try using castor oil for extra shine, or sunflower oil for a lighter texture.
Best Essential Oils for Lip Balm
While essential oils can enhance scent and provide benefits like cooling or calming effects, some can irritate sensitive skin, especially on the lips. Here’s a breakdown of safe options, how much to use, and which ones to avoid:
🌿 Best Essential Oils for Lip Balm (Safe & Soothing)
These essential oils are generally well-tolerated in low concentrations and commonly used in natural lip products:
✅ Recommended Essential Oils
- Peppermint Oil – cooling and refreshing, use sparingly
- Sweet Orange Oil – sweet and citrusy, gentle on skin
- Lavender Oil – calming and soothing
- Vanilla Oleoresin – warm, sweet scent (not a true essential oil, but safe for lips)
- Roman Chamomile Oil – gentle and anti-inflammatory
- Spearmint Oil – milder than peppermint, still refreshing
- Frankincense Oil – soothing and healing for dry or chapped lips
⚠️Essential Oils to Avoid in Lip Balm
These oils may cause irritation, phototoxic reactions, or have strong chemical components unsafe for lips:
- ❌ Cinnamon Oil – irritating and sensitizing
- ❌ Clove Oil – very strong and can cause numbness or irritation
- ❌ Lemongrass Oil – too harsh for lip use
- ❌ Bergamot Oil – phototoxic unless labeled “bergapten-free”
- ❌ Tea Tree Oil – antiseptic but too harsh for delicate lip skin
- ❌ Eucalyptus Oil – can cause a burning sensation
- ❌ Lemon/Lime Oil (cold-pressed) – phototoxic
🧪 How Much Essential Oil Is Safe to Use?
For lip balm, it’s very important to keep the dilution low, since lips are more sensitive than other areas of skin.
💧 Safe Dilution Guidelines:
- 0.5% to 1% dilution is the maximum recommended.
- For a batch using 4 tablespoons (about 60 mL) of oils and waxes, this means:
- 6–12 drops of essential oil total.
This gives you a subtle scent and flavor without risking irritation. Stick to the lower end (5–6 drops) if you’re using stronger oils like peppermint or frankincense.
✅ Tip: Always label the balm clearly if it contains essential oils, especially when gifting.
Where to Find Ingredients
Most of these simple ingredients can be found at grocery stores, health food shops, or online. Buying in bulk can lower the additional cost, especially if you plan to make more batches or share this fun project with others.
Storing Your Homemade Lip Balm
Once cooled, cap your lip balm containers and store them in a cool, dry place. They’ll last a long time — often up to a year — thanks to the natural preservatives in vitamin E oil and beeswax.
🎁 A Great Gift Idea
These make a great addition to holiday baskets, birthday gifts, or just a thoughtful surprise for a friend. Include a a few oz tubes in a glass jar or tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
Natural Beauty Products at Home
Creating your own homemade beeswax lip balm is not only a great way to reduce your reliance on store-bought lip balm, but it’s also incredibly satisfying. Using natural ingredients and skipping synthetic fillers gives you a good lip balm you can feel great about applying daily.
Whether you’re combating dry skin, looking to create natural beauty products, or just want to try a fun project, this beeswax lip balm recipe is the best way to get started.
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