Buzz
If you prefer not to use beeswax or don’t have it available, you can still create wonderful lip balms! Coconut oil, shea butter, honey, and castor oil can be mixed in different proportions to make effective lip balms. You could start with a simple mix of honey and coconut oil or shea butter. You can also use gelatin powder to make a more solid balm or hydrate your lips by blending oils and butters.
Steps
Simple Honey Lip Balm Recipe
Place 1 tablespoon (15ml) of shea butter or coconut oil into a small pan. You can double the ingredients if you want to make a larger batch. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler, which has a steamer tray set above a pot of boiling water. Make sure the water doesn't touch the steamer tray. The steam will heat the oil or butter gently and prevent it from burning.
- You can also place the ingredients in a heatproof bowl and microwave them.
- Shea butter works best for moisturizing due to its vitamin E content, though coconut oil also has excellent hydrating properties.
Heat the shea butter at the lowest temperature possible. Since you only need a very small amount of shea butter, it is highly prone to burning. When heating it, monitor closely and set the flame to its lowest setting. Avoid letting the butter or coconut oil form bubbles; just melt them slowly.
- If using a microwave, start by heating for 10 seconds, then check, stir well, and heat for another 5 seconds if necessary.
Add 1 tablespoon (15ml) of pure honey and 4-5 drops of essential oil. Remove the pot of melted shea butter from the stove and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Add the honey and essential oil, stirring until well combined.
- You can use peppermint, rose, or citrus-based essential oils.
- If you prefer not to use honey, castor oil can be used as a substitute in equal amounts. Honey moisturizes and exfoliates lips, while castor oil provides excellent hydration and helps prevent dryness.
- Instead of essential oils, you can mix in some ground cinnamon.
Pour the lip balm into a container and let it cool. You can repurpose old lipstick tubes or small containers, such as old mint tins, baby food jars, or medicine bottles. Let it cool overnight to solidify.
- The lip balm can be stored at room temperature for several months.
Make fruit-flavored gelatin lip balm
Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) of coconut oil in the microwave. Start by heating for 15 seconds. If the oil is still solid, heat for an additional 5 seconds. The oil should be hot enough to melt and activate the gelatin. They won’t blend properly if the oil is still solid. You can also use equal amounts of coconut oil and beeswax.
- Stir gently to ensure the coconut oil melts evenly.
- Coconut oil moisturizes, while beeswax helps lock in moisture effectively.
Mix in 2 teaspoons (about 6g) of the gelatin powder of your choice. Add the powder while the oil is still warm and stir well. The heat will dissolve the gelatin and help the lip balm solidify properly.
- You can choose any flavor you like, but be aware that gelatin will cause the balm to have a subtle color. Raspberry, cherry, or strawberry will give a pinkish-red tint. For something unique, you can try grape flavor for a purple lip balm, or green raspberry for a vibrant turquoise. If you prefer a colorless balm, opt for flavorless gelatin.
- You can also use sugar-free gelatin, but you'll need a slightly smaller amount. Experiment to find the right ratio!
- The primary function of gelatin is to help the balm set, but its protein content also offers other benefits for the skin.
Add 6-8 drops of essential oil to enhance the fragrance of your lip balm. Though optional, this step adds a unique scent to your balm. For example, try blending lemon or peppermint oil with raspberry, grapefruit oil with cherry, or orange oil with grape-flavored gelatin.
- Most citrus essential oils are packed with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Pour the mixture into a small container to allow it to solidify. You can reuse an old lipstick tube or any small jar, such as a baby food jar. Place it in the fridge for 2-3 hours for quicker setting, or leave it at room temperature overnight. Once the balm cools and solidifies, it’s ready for use.
- If you want to fill multiple containers, you can tie them together with an elastic band to make pouring easier.
- The lip balm can be stored at room temperature for a few months since it contains no water. However, if it develops an odd smell or mold, it should be discarded.
Make a moisturizing lip balm blend
Add castor oil, shea butter, and coconut oil into a small saucepan. You’ll need 1 tablespoon (15ml) each of castor oil and shea butter, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of coconut oil, and combine everything in the saucepan.
- If you prefer, you can replace the castor oil with beeswax in equal amounts. Beeswax is great for locking in moisture, while castor oil works wonders for dry, cracked lips. Both shea butter and coconut oil are excellent moisturizers, with shea butter containing beneficial vitamin E for the skin.
- If you don't want to use shea butter, feel free to increase the amount of coconut oil.
- You can also microwave these oils; just place them in a microwave-safe bowl instead of a saucepan.
Heat the pot over low heat to melt the oils. As the oils begin to warm, stir gently occasionally to ensure even heat distribution. Remove the pot from the heat and turn off the stove once the coconut oil and shea butter have melted and blended together.
- If using a microwave, start by heating for 15-10 seconds and check. Heat for an additional 5 seconds if the oils haven't fully melted and combined yet.
After removing the pot from the heat, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Use about 10-15 drops of citrus oils like grapefruit, lemon, or orange for a refreshing summer lip balm. If you prefer floral scents, lavender or rose oils are great options.
- Citrus essential oils have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Clove and cinnamon oils also offer a great fragrance, but only use a few drops as they have a strong scent and can warm up your lips.
- If essential oils are unavailable, you can use 1/4 packet of fruit powder, such as Kool-Aid or Crystal Light, to add color and flavor to your balm.
- For a natural tint, you can add ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) of beetroot powder to your balm.
Pour the balm mixture into a small container and let it cool. You can repurpose an old lipstick tube, a small mint tin, or any other small jar. Let the mixture cool overnight or place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
- The balm will be ready to use once it has cooled and solidified.
- The balm can be stored at room temperature for several months.
Tips
- If you don't have coconut oil, you can use shea butter, cocoa butter, or beeswax instead.
- For flavoring, you can use extracts like vanilla, though they may not blend as smoothly as essential oils.
Warning
- Be cautious and always wear kitchen gloves when handling hot pots and bowls.
Things You Need
How to Make Simple Honey Lip Balm
- Shea Butter
- Pure Honey
- Essential Oils
- Small Pot or Microwave-safe Bowl
- Spoon
How to Make Fruit Gelatin Lip Balm
- Coconut Oil
- Gelatin Powder
- Essential Oils, Optional
- Microwave-safe Bowl
- Spoon
How to Make Moisturizing Lip Balm Mix
- Castor Oil
- Shea Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Essential Oils or Fruit Powder
- Small Pot or Microwave-safe Bowl
- Spoon
