Soothe dry, chapped, and even cracked lips with a DIY Lip balm. Make this lip balm recipe with all-natural ingredients for a long-lasting, hydrating lip balm.
I hope you love saving money and using natural, eco-friendly ingredients in all your DIYs; I know I do! So every winter, I make a batch of this lip balm, usually after my lips start to dry out and crack from the cooler weather.
Thankfully, this protective recipe doesn’t take long to restore the lips. In addition, this DIY lip balm provides a protective covering over the lips from the elements such as wind and cold weather.
And the best part of all, it is simple to make and extremely cost-efficient. For example, the recipe will make about 12 lip balm tubes, lasting you all winter long!
A tube of lip balm can cost upwards of 4 dollars, which I guess is not a big deal but can certainly be made for so much less. For me, with kids, it’s tough to justify when most likely, it’s going to get lost, or a kid is going to bite the top off ruining it!
So, like most things in my home, ok, all things in my house, I decided to DIY it. Using many of the same ingredients as my lip gloss and lipstick recipes, I put together this lip balm that is perfect for chapped lips!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure HERE.
Lip balm ingredients
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 10 drops of essential oil (I’ll share my favorites below)
- Lip balm tubes (this recipe will fill about 12 tubes)
Lip balm recipe
Place all the ingredients (except essential oils) in a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, don’t go out and buy one! Fill a pot with water, then set a glass bowl over the top to where it will be partially submerged.
Melt all the ingredients together, stirring often.
Once all the ingredients are melted, remove from the heat, add essential oils if used, and mix well. Work fast as the mixture will harden quickly after being removed from the heat.
Fill the lip balm containers using a small funnel, pipette, or old medicine dropper.
Let tubes sit at room temperature for a few hours until cooled and completely hardened before capping them—store extras in a cool, dry place.
In the case of extremely chapped or dry, flaky lips, exfoliate first with a lip exfoliating scrub.
After making this simple recipe, don’t let it get lost in the array of storage tins, containers and tubes. Print off a free lip balm label in my online resource library.
Substitutions
Each of the ingredients can be easily substituted to satisfy your specific wants.
Beeswax can be substituted equally for soy wax with minimal change to the texture.
Cocoa butter shares many similar properties with shea butter and mango butter. As a result, substitute or mix and match any of these three butters.
Essential oils, as long as they are pure, with no added fillers, essential oils make a great addition to this lip balm recipe. You’ll find a list of gentle oils to add below.
Lip balm storage options
Use old lip balm or chapstick tubes when possible. If those are unavailable, empty tubes are pretty cheap and are reusable.
I bought a set of chapstick tubes years ago, and I am still reusing them. However, if you prefer, a small tin or container works well for storing your natural lip balm. Plus, it is easier to fill a large container than the smaller tubes.
How long does lip balm last
This lip balm recipe will last up to several years, which, using up before then, should not be a problem. Both beeswax and the essential oils essentially have no expiration.
The two ingredients that do have a shelf-life are cocoa butter and coconut oil. Both of which will last at least two years if stored in a cool, dry place.
Adding flavor to lip balm
Depending on your preferred flavor and scent, you can use several essential oils in your lip balm. For example, use mint essential oils to cool and soothe chapped lips.
WARNING: If you use any citrus essential oils in your lip balm, do not apply to the lips if you’re going to be in direct sunlight. Citrus essential oils can cause a phototoxic reaction, typically resulting in an exaggerated sunburn.
Lavender: Great for the skin and smells fantastic.
Peppermint: The cooling effect of peppermint feels really good on chapped lips.
Spearmint: Same cooling effect as peppermint with a milder, sweeter scent.
Roman Chamomile: I love this delicate floral oil’s scent, and it has many benefits for the skin.
*Wild Orange: Orange and chocolate…need I say more?
*Lemon: This oil is very uplifting, refreshing, and cleansing, making it perfect for your lip balm.
Rose: Rose oil is amazing for any skin imperfection, and of course, it smells lovely.
Frankincense: Known for its extensive benefits, frankincense has been used in cosmetics for millenniums.
Rosemary: Pairs beautifully with lavender and the other ingredients in the lip balm.
A little on the ingredients
Beeswax: This ingredient is essential in fighting against chapped lips or skin with its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. In addition, it forms a protective wall by sealing moisture in the skin without clogging up the pores.
You can make a lip balm without beeswax, but the balm will not provide the same protection or texture that it would otherwise have with beeswax.
Cocoa Butter: Cocoa butter is the fat that comes from cocoa beans, and it smells absolutely delicious, in my opinion. This might be why my kids like to eat their lip balm!
Don’t worry; cocoa butter is edible! Cocoa butter naturally moisturizes the skin and heals dry, chapped skin.
Coconut Oil: The hype around coconut oil these days is for a good reason. You can use it in the kitchen, on your skin, in your hair, and the list goes on. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal, and an excellent moisturizer for your skin and lips.
Essential Oils: Several essential oils can do wonders for skin imperfections. I like using peppermint in my chapstick because of the cooling effect it has.
Peppermint is very soothing for dry, chapped lips. Lavender is another one of my personal favorites, partly because it is very gentle on sensitive skin such as the lips, but also because it smells incredible with cocoa butter.
Why homemade lip balm
Making your own beauty products ensures the products going onto your body are natural, pure and free of any artificial or synthetic ingredients.
In addition to the above, making your own lip balm, beauty products, etc., allows you the opportunity to customize each recipe to suit your specific wants and needs.
Ingredients found in many lip balms
Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly can make your skin or lips feel moisturized and hydrated. However, studies have shown it to be a carcinogen, a toxic ingredient and not recommended for use on the lips.
Parabens: Parabens are a group of compounds used as a preservative in most cosmetic and personal products. They mimic estrogen and cause hormone imbalances. Parabens are found in 99% of breast cancer tumors!
Fragrance: Fragrances can cause allergic reactions, contain hormone disturbers, carcinogens, and have been linked to damage sperm.
Lanolin: Lanolin is a waxy substance that coats a sheep’s fur, keeping it moist and protecting its skin. If you aren’t buying organic, this ingredient may be loaded with pesticides and chemicals that are sprayed on the sheep’s fur to protect them against bugs.
Artificial Dyes: Artificial dyes are known to cause allergic reactions. They have been linked to cancer tumors and hyperactivity in children.
Lip balm vs chapstick
Both lip balm and chapstick are interchangeable, with chapstick being a form of lip balm. Many may associate lip balm with providing protection for the lips while using chapstick more as a moisturizer.
With a number of different lip balm variations, you are sure to find one to fit your specific needs.
Homemade lip balms
This homemade lip balm recipe is easy to whip up, very cheap, and made with all-natural ingredients. As much as I try to keep toxic products out of my home, I try to make homemade products as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.
When making products, especially skincare products, it is so important to use all-natural ingredients. Take this all-natural lip balm, for example; it is being applied to one of the most sensitive parts of the body!
It’s almost a guarantee some of it is making its way into the mouth, not to mention the fact that the skin is already naturally absorbent.
OTHER DIY HOME PRODUCT RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Have fun making your own lip balm, and be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comment section below!
DIY Lip Balm with Essential Oils
Homemade lip balm made with beeswax forms a protective barrier for the lips to naturally hydrate and seal in moisture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt all ingredients (except the essential oils) in a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler, you can make one by putting a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water.
- Stir often until melted. Then, remove from heat and stir in the peppermint.
- Work quickly for this step since the mixture will begin to harden. Fill lip balm containers using a small funnel, pipette, or old medicine dropper.
- Allow lip balm to cool and completely harden for several hours before capping off.
Notes
Store extra tubes in a cool, dry place.
Charlene says
I tried repeatedly following instructions to get free printable labels for lip balms without success. Please help. Thanks
Laura says
I just tested it on my end and it seemed to work just fine. Sorry for the inconvenience. Here is the direct link: https://ouroilyhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Lip-Balm-Labels.pdf
Michele Bloom says
What size label sticker is this made for. There are hundreds of different sized labels.
Laura says
I have labels that fit the containers. You can print them!
Shari Rogers says
You will need approximately 1 1/2″ by 1/2″ labels.
Shannon Cansler says
Could you substitute shea butter for the cocoa butter?
Laura says
Yes!
Michelle says
Just made these and love them!!! Question though: do you have any recommendations on how to get the oils/fats to come out of the double boiler? I’ve tried scrubbing with soap and hot water and it just seems to get more oily as I do it! Help! Thanks so much!
Laura says
Boil water and pour it over the bowl and wipe out with a paper towel. That is the only way to get beeswax out! Glad you like them!
Praj says
I made these today and Wow! they are Amazing ❤️ came out 8 for half the recipe.
I played with other scents I had and ended up mixing some flavours with
each other due to the wax hardening soon don’t mind that at all. Though have to test how they do in other weathers but Winter is sorted!
Thanks Laura for a very thought after recipe Keep up the good work 👍
Laura says
I am so glad you like them!!
Glenyce England says
The first lip balm recipe I found and made was Honey Lavender, which called for Shea butter. Two days later I found this recipe, and I also made this one using spearmint essential oil. Boy what a difference! The cocoa butter didn’t go on near as greasy. I am in love with this recipe! This is the only recipe for lip balm that I will use from now on. I know a good thing when I find it. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Another thing I do is use a temperature gun, and when the temperature goes down to 150°, I pour the oil in the tubes, then grab my already plugged in hair dryer, turn it on high and blow it on the wax till it melts down a little in the tubes, then top all the tubes off with the remainder of the oil. I have my makeshift double boiler still on high in case I need to reheat wax that is trying to harden. This will keep sinkholes from forming. Thanks again for such a great recipe!
April says
Thank you for this!
Lorraine Charlotte says
Do you have a template where I can type out the ingredients for the on the labels
Thank you?
Laura says
That is a great idea! I do have labels for them in my online resource library, but not to add the ingredients in: https://ouroilyhouse.ck.page/member-resource-library
Kristin says
How much do you think you’d be spending on each individual tube in the end?
Laura says
The recipe makes 12 tubes. I would only cents per tube!
Debbie says
Can’t wait to make these! I know you said you use the batch all year, so would you say it’s good for a year? Thanks! Trying to keep track of expiration dates on all the things I’m making.
Laura says
Yes it is good for a year! I actually just made a new batch today, we love this stuff!
Rachel says
What kind of coconut oil do you recommend I use? I am very eager to try making this.
Thank you.
Laura says
I have everything linked in the post!
Rachel B says
Can I substitute Fractionated Coconut Oil to the coconut oil on your recipe? Or will it make a huge difference?
Laura says
No, it will not solidify with fractioned coconut oil.
Philemon.Amanda says
123
Lori says
Do you need to use a culinary grade essential oil for lip balm or can you use therapeutic grade?
Thank you!!
Laura says
I use therapeutic grade. 🙂
DavetteB says
Orange family citrus oils are not phototoxic (orange – sweet, blood, wild; tangerine, mandarin, clementine; bitter orange is the exception). Other citrus oils can be used if diluted properly – see this downloadable chart: https://www.planttherapy.com/pdfs/phototoxicity_chart.pdf
There are also oils that aren’t citrus that are NOT sun safe, check the labels.
HTH
Karon says
I would like to make this recipe; however, I only have beeswax that I purchased from a local beekeeper. Will that work in this case, or does it have to be cosmetic grade?
Thanks,
Karon
Laura says
Yes that will work!
Jennifer says
My skin does not love coconut oil, is there another oil that I could substitute? Thanks!
Laura says
Yes! Any carrier oil will work! I have a post all about carrier oils if you need any suggestions. 🙂
Jennifer says
Awesome! Thank you! I am looking forward to trying this out. 🙂
Donna Porter says
I’m wanting to print out your lip balm labels to put on the tubes and I am unable to find it to download it can you tell me where to find it please?
Laura says
Yes here is a direct link: https://ouroilyhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Lip-Balm-Labels.pdf
sarah murphy says
Is there anyway to change the cocoa butter for shea butter on these labels please and thank you
Lisa says
Is there any substitute for the beeswax? I want to make some for a relative who can’t use beeswax lip balms.
Anna says
I will never buy lip balm again!! This recipe was so fun and easy!! Thank you for the recipe!
Laura says
I am so glad you like it!
Karen says
Do you have a good resource for the tubes? I don’t think I saw that here, sorry if I missed it.
Laura says
I got them on amazon, they are linked in the post. 🙂
Jan says
Those are currently out of stock, but there is another option of some made in the USA. Can the tubes be re-used?
Celestte says
Hi there, if I was going to make this for my son (5 years old) how many drops of oil would you suggest? Do I need to dilute further? Thank you.
Laura says
I use these on my kids!
Erika says
I am super excited to try this recipe! My son wants to use the oils Lavender, Peppermint and Vanilla so we will give that a try. I just wanted to share that I downloaded your lip balm labels (thank you so much for making those available!) but the pdf is very pixelated. Any chance you can fix that?
Thanks again so very much for the recipe!
Laura says
I am so glad you guys are excited to make it! Possibly the printer? I haven’t had that issue, but I will look into it again!
Hillary says
Hi, could you make this recipe and put it into little jars or pots, or is there something specific about it that makes it better for tubes, like consistency?
Thank you.
Laura says
It would work in either one, we have done both!
Nicola Buckley says
Hi once again looking forward to making this I can’t seem to get the beeswax your using over here I can get organic Bienenbiya beads instead of pellets would that be ok?
Laura says
Yes!
Justine says
Hello,
I just made these with 17 drops of Rosemary essential oil. They look great but I feel nervous of using essential oils. Would it be ok to not add any essential oils? Would it have a limited shelf life as a result? Thanks for sharing.
Justine
Laura says
You can make them without essential oils.
Joy says
Hello! Can I add color? And how to do it?
Laura says
Yes, you can! I have a post that tells you how: https://www.ouroilyhouse.com/homemade-strawberry-chapstick/
Diana says
I made the lip balm and it was great as I keep losing my lip balm so having extra helps.
Do you see any issue if I want to add vitamin E to the recipe?
Laura says
You can add vitamin E!
Leanne says
Dear Laura,
Thank you for sharing your multitude of safe and awesome recipes!
Can Shea Butter substitute Cocoa Butter in this Lip Balm recipe?
Thank you!
Leanne
Laura says
Yes!
Nathan says
Hi, thank you for sharing this!
Do you think that microvawe instead of double boiler can work as well?
Thanks!
Laura says
Yes
Yesenia says
Hi laura can i use mango butter instead with mango fragrance?
Allyson says
Can you use non-nano zinc oxide and give it a SPF boost? If so much would you add to your lip balm recipe recipe?
Jaymee says
My 2 year old has really bad chapped lips right now with his cold weather. Is this safe for children?
Laura says
Yes!