Natural Lip Balm Recipe: How to Make Homemade Lip Balm

In a world filled with beauty products chocker full of synthetic chemicals, the desire for a more natural and sustainable approach to skincare has never been more prominent. One simple yet effective way to embrace the holistic lifestyle is by creating your own products and an easy one to start with is a homemade natural lip balm.

Not only does it ensure that you know exactly what you're putting on your lips, but it also allows you to tailor the ingredients to your own preferences.

Follow along to learn exactly how to make your very own moisturising, homemade lip balm, using nearly the same recipe we use for our own organic lip balms, Refreshing Peppermint and Zesty Orange.

natural lip balm recipe

Supplies Needed to Make a Natural Lip Balm

A double boiler. A common double boiler alternative can be made with a heat-proof mixing bowl on top of a pot of simmering water. Or a smaller heat-proof pot inside a larger pot.

Small tins or jars to store your homemade natural lip balm in. We use 15ml aluminium tins.

Glass stirring rod or spoon.

Scales

A glass measuring cup or similar smaller bowl/pitcher with a pour spout.

Ingredients to Make A Natural Lip Balm

6 grams of Unfractionated Coconut Oil, mainly because we love the 'realness' of the product and of course, the wonderful coconut scent which you won't get with Fractionated Coconut Oil. We do however use Fractionated Coconut Oil in our natural body oils, Sundaze - Coconut and Orange, and Bloom - Coconut and Rose. Note: Fractionated Coconut Oil is the liquid version and will not become solid at room temperature.

6 milliliters of Apricot Kernel Oil. This versatile oil has been used for centuries for its moisturising and nourishing properties, making it the perfect ingredient when making a natural lip balm. Packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids, apricot oil helps to hydrate and protect your lips, leaving them looking and feeling soft and supple.

3 grams of Candelilla Wax. A vegan alternative to beeswax which is derived from the leaves of the Candelilla shrub, native to Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. This is to help the lip balm harden and stay that way.

Optional: Essential Oils

How to Make a Natural Lip Balm

Have all your supplies and ingredients out and ready before starting. A simple tip maybe, but most definitely a necessary one.

Measure your Lip Balm Ingredients

Measure and/or weigh the oil, wax, and unfractionated coconut oil and add these to the top portion of a double boiler. Be sure to put water in the lower portion of the double boiler, enough so the bottom of the top pan is resting in water.

Not using a double boiler? no problem, simply ensure your heatproof jug or bowl is resting on top of simmering water inside a larger pot/pan.

Heating Your Lip Balm Ingredients

Heat the ingredients over medium-high heat until all of the ingredients completely melt together. Stir occasionally, we like to use a glass stirring rod to do this. Do not cover the pot while heating; the introduction of condensation (water) can negatively impact your lip balm.

heating the lip balm ingredients together

Adding Scent to Your Homemade Lip Balm

Turn off and remove the pot from the heat before adding any essential oils. Essential oils are very volatile by nature, and therefore will quickly evaporate on high heat.
If you're looking to add essential oils, add 2-4 drops of your desired essential oil to the melted lip balm mixture and stir well.

Transferring Your Lip Balm Mixture

While the mixture is still hot, carefully pour the liquid into your lip balm containers. If you have one handy, we find it’s easiest to transfer the melted mixture from the double-boiler into a glass measuring cup first (in batches if need be) and then pour it into small lip balm containers from there.

Tip: Microwave the glass measuring cup for 30 seconds first to prevent the mixture from cooling too quickly or sticking when it comes in contact with the cool glass. If the mixture starts to harden before you’re finished pouring, simply return to the heat to re-melt.

If however you didn't use a double boiler, depending on what you used to melt your lip balm ingredients in, you may be able to simply pour from that.

Packing Your Homemade Lip Balm

Once your natural lip balm has completely cooled and hardened, add lids or caps and your very own labels.

Now enjoy your soft, supple and moisturised lips. You'll soon be making them for your friends and family and may even start your own business from this (hello Wild Rising Skincare).

lip balm recipe

Do I Need to Use Preservatives When Making a Natural Lip Balm?

Generally speaking, anhydrous (water-free) formulas do not need any preservatives, as the lip balm should last up to 24 months without, if unopened and stored in a cool, dark place. However, we must recommend it be used within 6 months of opening.

Voila, A Homemade Natural Lip Balm

By following these simple steps, you're not just making a natural lip balm; you're embarking on a journey towards more sustainable self-care. Your lips will thank you for the nourishment, and the planet will thank you for choosing a natural, eco-friendly alternative.

If you like this recipe, or you made your very own lip balm we would love to hear from you.