This easy DIY lip balm blends nourishing shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil into a silky, moisturizing balm scented with lavender and peppermint essential oils. It’s simple to make, customizable, and perfect for daily use or small handmade gifts. Follow the tips and step-by-step instructions below to create your own batch of natural lip balm.
This post was updated in January 2019
My favorite scent combination right now is lavender and peppermint. Each is lovely on its own, but together they create a calming, refreshing aroma. A quick inhale of these two scents can help you relax when you’re feeling stressed.
Making homemade lip balm is easier than it looks. The most time-consuming part is collecting containers (lip balm tubes, tins, or small jars). Once you have supplies, the recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and a short cooling period. Because you control every ingredient, you can avoid synthetic fragrances and unnecessary additives—just simple, skin-friendly oils and butters.
Tips For Making DIY Lip Balm
- Use a medicine syringe or small pouring pitcher to transfer the melted mixture into lip balm tubes or tins for clean, accurate filling.
- The easiest ways to melt the ingredients are a small slow cooker on low or a double boiler. To make a double boiler, place ingredients in a heat-safe jar and set it in a saucepan with an inch or two of water over medium-low heat.
- Keep an eye on temperature—heat gently to avoid overheating the oils and burning the beeswax.
- Choose high-quality essential oils. Lavender and peppermint are a calming, invigorating pair, but you can substitute any skin-safe essential oils you enjoy.
- For sensitive skin, perform a small patch test before regular use. Reduce essential oil drops if you notice any irritation.
How To Make DIY Lip Balm
Ingredients (yields about 15 lip balm tubes)
- 15 lip balm tubes, tins, or small travel containers
- 2 tablespoons beeswax (grated or pellets)
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 10–15 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Step-by-Step Directions
- Set up a double boiler or use a very small slow cooker. Combine the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil and heat gently until fully melted, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the vitamin E oil and then add the essential oils, mixing thoroughly to distribute the scent evenly.
- Carefully pour the melted mixture into prepared lip balm tubes or tins. A medicine syringe or small funnel makes filling easier and neater.
- Place the filled containers on a flat surface and allow them to cool completely before capping. Cooling can take 20–30 minutes depending on room temperature; do not disturb the containers while cooling so the surface sets evenly.
- Label your containers if desired and store them in a cool, dry place. Use within several months for best freshness.
Want more DIY products and natural living tips? Check these out!
- Beginners can learn basic essential oil safety and dilution practices before making scented products.
- Homemade dry shampoo and simple natural deodorants are easy next projects.
- Natural first-aid balms and soothing creams can be made with similar methods and ingredients.
- Wool dryer balls are another low-waste, handmade household item to try.
DIY Lip Balm Recipe
DIY Lip Balm Recipe With Lavender and Peppermint
Basic lip balm made from moisturizing oils and shea butter with a calming lavender and refreshing peppermint scent.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: about 15 lip balm tubes
Ingredients
- 15 lip balm tubes or small tins
- 2 tbsp beeswax, grated or pellets
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 1 tbsp + 2 tsp extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- 10–15 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions
- Melt beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil together in a double boiler or small slow cooker. Stir until liquid and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vitamin E oil and essential oils until combined.
- Pour the mixture into prepared tubes or tins and allow to cool completely before capping. Enjoy!
Wasn’t that easy? These lip balms make thoughtful, useful gifts and are a satisfying first project for anyone interested in natural homemade body care. Experiment with different butters and oils or try other essential oil blends to make a signature scent that’s all your own.