Make Beeswax Lip Balm
Lip products can be very expensive, and mass-produced balms may not be right for every individual. Make beeswax lip balm for a natural and economical treat for your lips. You can personalize homemade lip balm to suit your taste, and even make such balms as gifts for your family and friends.
Contents
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz/15g cosmetic grade beeswax beads or grated beeswax (can be purchased at hobby, craft or health food stores)
- 1 tsp honey or sweet almond oil
- 1 drop vitamin E oil
- 2 drops essential oil
Steps
Melting the beeswax
- Melt the grated beeswax or beads. Melt on very low heat in a double boiler or in a heat-proof container in the microwave in 20-second intervals. Stir frequently until melted.
Adding the oils
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey or sweet almond oil. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Add 1 drop of vitamin E and 1- 2 drops of the essential oil of your choice. Stir thoroughly.
- Try different essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, tea tree, lemon, tangerine and others, for scented beeswax lip balm. See below for a list of oils considered safe to add to lip balm.
- Mix together combinations of different essential oils that you like for a tailored scent.
- Add a bit more beeswax if the balm looks too soft. Place a few more drops of vitamin E oil in the mixture if it looks too hard. Stir again.
Placing in containers
- Place clean, dry containers in a plate or baking dish to catch any accidental spills. Pour the melted lip balm into containers. Work quickly so that the balm does not begin to set up.
- Do not overfill.
- Use a turkey baster or large medicine dropper to squirt the mixture carefully into lip balm tubes if desired.
- Let the homemade lip balm cool completely until firm. Place lids on the containers.
- Store in tightly sealed containers for approximately 3 months. Do not expose to bright sunlight or high temperatures as the beeswax lip balm will melt. Discard if your lip balm ever changes its smell, consistency, or color.
Tips
- Find a recipe that you like and then buy your favorite items, like beeswax and essential oils, in bulk to save money.
- Essential oils safe for adding to lip balm (in small amounts only) include: lavender, rosemary, rose, ginger, lemon, cocoa absolute, vanilla absolute, basil, sage, lemongrass, tangerine, lime, tea tree, wintergreen, and others. Note that some essential oils, such as citrus-based oils, may increase your sensitivity to light.
- Experiment with lip balm recipes by adding different ingredients to melted beeswax; since beeswax is the binder, just add an emollient like honey or nut oils and an essential oil carrier.
- Try stirring in 1 tablespoon of cocoa or shea butter to your melted lip balm for extra conditioning.
- Use natural pigments, such as a few drops of beet or pure grape juices for color, or add a small amount of quality grated chocolate or 1/2 teaspoon of pure cocoa powder to melted lip balm for a chocolate scent. Watch the shelf life of your lip balm when adding food ingredients, since they may not last as long.
Warnings
- Always check the contra-indications of essential oils before using; some are unsuitable for using on skin, some are unsuitable for using when pregnant, ill or for children, etc. If unsure, ask a reputable retailer of such oils for advice. Also make sure you can tolerate Vitamin E on your skin. Remember, more is not better when it comes to essential oils. Some are very hard on your skin, so start with drops, and do a patch test on the inside of your arm before adding more. Citrus essential oils are photo toxic, so avoid using them in anything you put on your skin.
Things You'll Need
- Double boiler or microwavable container
- Spoon
- Small holders with lids such as glass jars, tins, plastic containers or lip balm tubes
- Plate or baking dish
- Turkey baster or large medicine dropper (if using lip balm tubes)
Related Articles
- Add Color to Beeswax
- Make Sugar Lip Gloss
- Make Your Own Fruit Lip Balm
- Make Shimmering Lip Balm
- Make Chocolate Lip Balm
- Make Lavender Lip Balm
Sources and Citations
- Videos provided by SoCraftastic
- http://www.cosmeticsdiary.com/beeswax-lip-balm.htm – research source
- http://www.allfreecrafts.com/bath-and-body/beeswax-lip-balm.shtml – research source
- http://www.marthastewart.com/article/natural-beauties-lip-balms – research source
- http://www.marthastewart.com/article/diy-lip-balm – research source
