To make lip balm at home, you typically need a combination of beeswax, a butter like cocoa or shea butter, and an oil such as coconut oil. The basic method involves melting these ingredients together using a double boiler or a heat-safe jar in a pot of water, then adding optional ingredients like essential oils for scent and vitamin E oil for preservation. Once melted and mixed well, the mixture is poured into lip balm containers and allowed to cool and harden fully before use. Here is a simple recipe:
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
- 2 tablespoons cocoa butter (or shea/mango butter)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 20 drops essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
- 13 drops vitamin E oil (optional, for shelf life)
Instructions:
- Heat water in a small pan on medium heat.
- Place a heat-safe jar in the water without letting water get inside the jar.
- Add beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil to the jar and melt slowly, stirring occasionally.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in essential oils and vitamin E oil.
- Using a dropper, fill lip balm tubes or containers quickly.
- Let them cool and harden for several hours before use.
This mixture results in a medium-firm balm. Adjust the beeswax amount to make it firmer or softer according to preference. Keep the lip balm in a cool, dry place. The shelf life can be about 2 years or longer with vitamin E oil added.
