It has been a while since I’ve made some DIY beauty recipes, and when my last lip balm disappeared (oh, toddlers…) I thought I better whip up another batch. Because – once you do it once and see how easy it is, it’s the type of thing that’s really fun to make again. :)
Inspiration from this recipe came from my friend Marilyn over at 4 You With Love. I loved her idea she posted earlier this year for a peppermint-vanilla flavor combination. Now, my basic lip balm recipe does differ from hers in what kind of oil and what kind of wax I like to use; I’ve found a winning combination that I like that is most economical with the most common of ingredients. I’m going to share it with you today, but if the ingredients you happen to keep on hand don’t match up with what I am using you may want to pop over and check out her recipe as well. When I first got started, I wasn’t sure how well I’d like making lip balm (or if it would even work) so I hesitated investing in beeswax. I substituted the much less expensive paraffin wax after researching a few recipes and reading it also worked well. And when you buy your wax, it will last a very, very long time because each batch takes such a small quantity.
My basic ratio for lip balm is 1 part paraffin wax : 4 parts coconut oil : 3 parts petroleum jelly. Colors, flavors, oils – all can be added to this basic recipe with minor adjustments. You can print this convenient recipe, and I’ll share a few additional tips at the bottom of the post!
- 1 Tbsp. Paraffin Wax - grated or chopped
- 4 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
- 3 Tbsp. Petroleum Jelly
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 3-4 drops peppermint essential oil
- Grate or chop your wax for easiest melting, and put it in a microwave-safe glass container. I use a Pyrex measuring cup and would definitely recommend something similar with an easy-pour spout.
- Measure in your coconut oil, petroleum jelly, and vanilla. A pinch of vanilla powder can be substituted for vanilla extract.
- Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, stirring every 20-30 seconds. You just need to get all the ingredients to their melting point which is approximately 135F degrees.
- When fully melted, add essential oils, stir again, and pour hot mixture into prepared tins or pots. Allow to cool and harden. Enjoy!
A note about melting – I LOVE microwaving my ingredients, but do watch them carefully and don’t allow them to overheat. Frequent checking and stirring is essential and as soon as it runs clear, it’s ready.
Prepare your pots or tins ahead of time. Homemade lip balms are a great re-use of old altoids tins (especially the minis!) Just wash and thoroughly dry them first. I found these fabulous sliding tins at Pick Your Plum (which is a daily deal site, if you’re not hooked on them already). When I saw them as the deal of the day, I knew they would be perfect for lip balms and I bought several. This recipe fills about 8 tins, but the number of containers you will need will vary based on the size container you use, of course.
Beyond that – just enjoy the process and the sky is the limit for flavor combinations! Many kitchen spices and essential oils make great additions, so feel free to get creative. Add oils after you have heated your base recipe for best results. If a recipe doesn’t turn out, scrape it out of your containers, wash them well, and start over.
If at any point your lip balm changes color or odor, be safe and throw it away. It’s impossible to predict the shelf life and it will also vary based on any other germs introduced to the pot after it’s been used, but once you have the supplies they will last for a LOT of batches and hardly cost anything – so don’t be shy about getting rid of old batches.
What combinations would you like to see, or try? I’m always on the hunt for ideas!
Thanks for posting this informative post.
I’ve been reading for a while however I’ve never posted a comment.
I’ve bookmarked your blog and shared this on Twitter.
Many thanks again for a great article!
Have you experienced separation of the extract?
Oh my goodness! The whole point of making homemade items is to make them safer and better than the store bought kind. If you put paraffin wax and petroleum jelly in this, what is the point?? You may as well buy Chapstick. Please, use organic beeswax instead of paraffin and absolutely leave out the petroleum jelly. In its place add in a tablespoon of sweet almond oil or jojoba. And I would also leave out the vanilla extract. Add in some Vanilla essential oil if you would still like that scent in your lip balm.
How confident are you that the finished product has a melting point of 135? I need to find a lipbalm that can survive, without melting, in heat up to 135. I’m having trouble finding any commercially available products. Maybe I could make it myself?
Does the coconut oil give it any sort of coconut flavor or smell? I loathe all things coconut but keep finding awesome recipes like this calling for it. I’d love to try this but am wary of the coconut. Thanks in advance!
Refined coconut oil has little or no smell or taste of coconut
I happen to love to cook with coconut oil smell and taste included (I am Jamaican) and accidentally purchased refined coconut oil and it was odorless and tasteless not what I wanted – there are all kinds of sites to purchase online
I bet melting a little lipstick with it would make a great tinted balm.
Can you use crystal light paks for flavor/color
The peppermint and vanilla together sounds divine! This would be a great DIY gift idea.
Such a great idea! My toddler and preschooler could have their own – thus saving mine from huge finger gouges and crumbs. ;)
Oooh … how fun!! I need to try this with my girls :)
I love making lip balms. They are super easy and the results are faboo! I’ve never tried using paraffin wax though. I’ve always used either beeswax or candelilla wax (vegan alternative.)
Adrianne,
I’m so happy you were inspired by my recipe! I’m pinning yours so I can be sure to give it a try sometime! :D
This looks like a fun project to do with my daughter over summer break. I’ve printed it out and am taking it with me to the store today to start collecting the ingredients. Thanks!
Like the tins, too!
You make it sound so easy! I always like the berry or fruity flavored ones :-)
Love this! The containers are so cute too! :)