This DIY lip balm recipe is a great starting point for almost any lip balm you feel like making. By adding less beeswax and more oil, the result will be a smoother, glossier balm.
If it is children you are making the balm for, try playing around with shimmery micas for a sparkly version. Or, check out this blog for tips on colouring your lip balm. The beauty is that you have the flexibility to create whatever you want, and you get full control of what exactly you let them put on their precious lips. And we all know whatever lands on their lips, ends up in their mouths!
Basic Firm Lip Balm
Makes: 130 g (approx. 10 small containers) Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
- 50 g shea butter
- 50 g carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil and sweet almond oil are popular choices)
- 30 g beeswax
- 20-30 drops of essential oils
My Choice of Essential Oils
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are spearmint (or peppermint) and lime, but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information on essential oils.
Method
1. Add shea butter, carrier oil and beeswax to a glass bowl and heat until completely melted, using either a microwave or the double boiler method. (Double boiler method– place bowl on a pot of gently simmering water and stir frequently; Microwave method– heat in short bursts on low, stopping and stirring frequently). Remove from heat.
2. Add essential oils and mix until combined.
3. Transfer into small glass jars, tins or lip balm tubes (with lids).
4. Place into the fridge or freezer to set (this will reduce the chance of graininess developing over time).
To Use
Apply to lips as needed.
Recipe Notes
If you want to pour your mixture into lip balm tubes go for it, but a steady pouring hand is necessary – pipettes and syringes clog quickly!
To work out how many pots/tubes this recipe will make, divide total grams by the capacity of your lip balm containers. If you don’t have enough tins, or too many, halve or double the recipe.
This DIY lip balm recipe is quite firm, so if you’re after a softer balm, reduce the beeswax by 10 g.
11 Comments
Fantastic recipe. Simple and easy to make. Works exceptionally well., also as a daily routine. This also makes a lovely gift. The ones I have given have been well received. I tube them in cardboard tubes. No plastic is also a winner for me.
Stores in the fridge perfectly.
Love this product so much.
Thank you Krissy. Xo
My lips are continually dry, love your Basic Firm Lip 👄 Balm.
Krissy, this is my absolute favourite recipe of yours. It’s so simple yet very effective. When I make it for family and friends they all absolutely love it too.
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
A good 12 months as a guide but read this info for more insight on preservatives and shelf life > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/preservatives-shelf-life-and-safety-information/
This looks so good! What a great gift to make for friends and family!
If I choose not to “flavor” the lip balm, should I add something else.
I only want a “firm unscented chapstick”. Any help you can give me, I would appreciate it.
No need to add anything else, ‘flavour-free’ works perfectly!
I love this as do my family and friends. Vanilla is a firm favourite followed by spearmint and lime.
This is my favourite of all the health and beauty recipes. So easy to make and so gorgeous on the lips. Sometimes I make it do double duty on my cuticles if they’re feeling dry, and it works wonderfully there as well.
My beautiful friend made me your lip balm for Christmas, I absolutely love the smell and texture, your book looks amazing ?