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How can I Make my Own Lip Balm?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

It seems like the world is filled with little tubes and small pots of lip balm. You can find lip balm in specialty stores, spas, beauty bars, drug stores, and even farmers markets. With flavors ranging from sour apple to lavender and tints from sheer bronze to purple passion, the lip balm options are endless. However, with the right tools and a little bit of creative will, you can make lip balm right in your very own home. Not only is it fun to make your own lip balm, but tubes of your own special recipes make great gifts.

If you decide that you would like your own lip balm, you will need to have the following equipment at your disposal:

  • A stove top
  • A double boiler
  • Glass or plastic droppers
  • Measuring spoons
Honey can be used to sweeten homemade lip balm.
Honey can be used to sweeten homemade lip balm.

Furthermore, you will need packaging materials for your lip balm once it has been created. When you make your own lip balm, be sure to choose the containers that you like the best so that the finished product is just as you like it. You can choose from plastic tubs or tubes. Metal tubs are also available. If you want to personalize or brand your lip balm, you will also need labels that fit your containers.

Olive oil is one of the best oils to use in a lip balm.
Olive oil is one of the best oils to use in a lip balm.

Lip balm is made up of a solid base mixed with oils. The most common base to use is beeswax. Some of the best oils to use are olive oil, almond oil, and Castor oil. Generally, when you make your own lip balm, you will use 2 parts wax and 4 parts oil. However, you can work with this ratio to get a consistency that suits your liking. Furthermore, each kind of oil creates a slightly different effect, so try a few different kinds to see what you like the best.

A lip balm with added lavender can soothe chapped lips.
A lip balm with added lavender can soothe chapped lips.

In addition to the base of the lip balm, you can add a number of different ingredients when you make your own lip balm. For aroma and some flavor, consider adding a few drops of essential oil to your lip balm. For a bit of sweetness, add a dollop of honey when you make your own lip balm. A bit of Vitamin E oil is great for the skin. If you would like a bit of color when you make your own lip balm, simply add some prefabricated lipstick to the mix.

Lemon essential oil can give a lip balm a nice scent.
Lemon essential oil can give a lip balm a nice scent.

If you decide to make your own lip balm, you will likely want to include some essential oil. Some of the most common and best oils for lip balm are peppermint, spearmint, vanilla, lavender, cinnamon, tea tree, and rosemary. You can also try combinations of these oils to find a recipe that suits you best.

Once you have decided which ingredients you are going to use to make your own lip balm, you simply have to cook it up and ration it into your containers. The first step is to melt your base and oil in the double boiler. Make sure to keep mixing as the ingredients melt. Once the base is a good consistency, add a few drops of the essential oil or oils of your choice. Then carefully transfer the mixture into your containers. As soon as the mixture has set, you will have your very own lip balm!

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for HomeQuestionsAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for HomeQuestionsAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

panda2006

@Denha, if you like using all natural products, you should also look into making other products like bath soap and milk soap. They are all fairly easy to make at home if you have the interest.

Denha

I like the idea of making your own lip balm because it means that you can use all natural ingredients. Many store bought lip balms have various preservatives or flavoring ingredients that, even if they're not toxic, are not necessary and I would prefer to avoid.

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    • Honey can be used to sweeten homemade lip balm.
      By: Jaimie Duplass
      Honey can be used to sweeten homemade lip balm.
    • Olive oil is one of the best oils to use in a lip balm.
      By: volff
      Olive oil is one of the best oils to use in a lip balm.
    • A lip balm with added lavender can soothe chapped lips.
      By: dusk
      A lip balm with added lavender can soothe chapped lips.
    • Lemon essential oil can give a lip balm a nice scent.
      By: viperagp
      Lemon essential oil can give a lip balm a nice scent.
    • Lip balm may double as a lip tint.
      By: Johanna Goodyear
      Lip balm may double as a lip tint.