Tired of dry, chapped lips? Looking for a natural and affordable solution? Look no further than DIY lip balm! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up your very own nourishing lip balm that will leave your lips feeling soft, smooth, and kissable. In this post, we’ll guide you through a simple DIY lip balm recipe that you can customize to your liking. So, let’s get started!
WHY IS IT THE ONLY LIP BALM RECIPE YOU’LL NEED?
The initial version I tried many years ago only combined beeswax and olive oil, but over time, I’ve refined and adjusted it to achieve the perfect texture.
I can’t recall the original source—probably a DIY beauty website. At first, the consistency felt somewhat watery, so I experimented with the ratios and added varying amounts of cocoa butter. No matter how many lip balms I try, whether homemade or store-bought, this recipe remains my absolute favorite!
It feels just right on the lips: moisturizing without being watery, protective yet not overly waxy. I can’t stand the sensation of a dry, heavy layer on my lips or the need to reapply every few minutes.
Over the years, I’ve shared this recipe with friends, and everyone has loved the results. One friend even mentioned that her herpes sores healed much faster while using it.
Personally, I enjoy the warmth and increased circulation I feel on my lips when I wear it. While I typically don’t add essential oils, the mixture still seems to create a warming effect. I’m not sure if it’s the vitamin E naturally found in the olive oil that enhances circulation, or if the fatty barrier helps retain my body’s natural warmth. It could be a combination of both.
Whatever the reason, it works wonders for me! My lips feel plump and smooth.
A FEW NOTES ON THE INGREDIENTS
This lip balm recipe features just three essential ingredients: olive oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter.
Whenever possible, opt for organic, unrefined, cold-pressed, and pure ingredients. I prioritize this choice for all my DIY recipes because I want to benefit from the full medicinal and beauty properties each ingredient offers. However, I understand that sometimes budget constraints or availability may necessitate compromises.
In DIY beauty products like this, using high-quality ingredients is especially crucial. While other products might only penetrate the skin to varying degrees, lip balm is applied directly to your lips, which means you’ll be licking or “eating” it throughout the day. If you’re like me and wear lip balm 24/7, it’s essential to choose the best ingredients!
Moreover, since you’ll be making this recipe in small batches that last a long time, it’s worth it to invest in quality. I use it all day and night, and a small one-ounce jar typically lasts me over a month!
All the ingredients in this lip balm are naturally long-lasting and resistant to rancidity. Beeswax, for example, does not go rancid at all, unlike other waxes. In my lifetime of consuming extra virgin olive oil, I’ve never encountered it going bad—it can happen, but it’s rare.
What Makes These Ingredients Great?
- Beeswax: Acts as an occlusive agent that locks in moisture and provides a protective barrier. It’s also an emollient (skin softener) rich in vitamin A, with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olive Oil: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins K and E, this stable oil serves as an emollient, softening and protecting the skin.
- Cocoa Butter: High in antioxidants and stearic acid, cocoa butter is an emollient that offers a robust protective barrier for the skin.
You can typically find all the ingredients for this lip balm recipe at a good health food store or easily purchase them online.
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR LIP BALM RECIPE
Essential Oils: You can enhance your lip balm with essential oils if you wish. However, keep in mind that these oils are quite potent and may be too strong for the sensitive skin on your lips. Additionally, some essential oils, particularly citrus-based ones, can trigger photosensitivity, leading to rashes when exposed to sunlight.
Before applying any essential oil to your lips, it’s a good idea to perform a patch test on another sensitive area, such as the inside of your elbow. Be sure to limit yourself to just a couple of drops per ounce to avoid overwhelming your lips.
Peppermint and cinnamon are popular choices for lip balms, as they provide a plumping effect by boosting circulation. Peppermint is cooling and very high in menthol, which might be a bit intense during colder weather—I’ve found it can be too much for me. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is warming and spicy. Both oils have antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Lavender is another commonly used essential oil for lip balms. It has similar beneficial properties and is generally milder and safer for sensitive skin.
Honey: I’ve experimented with adding a bit of honey to this recipe a few times. However, honey can be tricky to incorporate because it doesn’t blend well in an oil base. Sometimes it mixes perfectly, while other times it simply sinks to the bottom of the jar.
To increase your chances of achieving a well-mixed batch, stir frequently as the mixture cools down, and avoid adding too much honey. Raw honey is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, making it a great addition when used correctly.
THE LIP BALM RECIPE!
Ingredients (1 oz / 30 ml):
- 1 teaspoon cocoa butter (grated or in pellets)
- 2 teaspoons beeswax (grated or in pellets)
- 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- (Optional) ¼ teaspoon honey
- (Optional) A couple of drops of essential oil (peppermint, cinnamon, or lavender)
Preparation:
- Melt Ingredients: In a water bath, melt the beeswax, cocoa butter, and olive oil together. Ensure the water bath stays just below the boiling point.
- Mix Well: Once everything is melted, stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Pour and Cool: Pour the mixture into your chosen container and let it cool with the lid off until it hardens completely.
- If you’re using a small jar as your container, you can melt all the ingredients directly in that jar to simplify the process and minimize waste.
- Add Honey (if using): If you choose to include honey, stir the mixture frequently as it cools to help incorporate it evenly.
- Add Essential Oils (if using): Allow the mixture to cool until it’s slightly warmer than room temperature, so it remains fluid but not too hot to touch. Once it reaches this stage, add a couple of drops of your selected essential oil(s) and mix well.
- Let it Set: Allow the lip balm to cool and harden completely before sealing the container. Enjoy your homemade lip balm!
CONCLUSION
And there you have it! A simple and effective DIY lip balm recipe that you can easily make at home. By customizing the ingredients and essential oils, you can create a lip balm that not only moisturizes your lips but also smells amazing. Remember, the key to a great lip balm is using high-quality ingredients. So, choose natural waxes, oils, and butters that are gentle on your skin. Now, get creative and experiment with different flavors and scents. Happy crafting!
