How to Make Homemade Lip Balm with Natural Ingredients

How to Make Homemade Lip Balm with Natural Ingredients

It’s not hard to make your own lip balm! Once I started, I couldn’t stop because my homemade chapstick is the best lip balm base and just the way I want it. I can’t find anything like it anywhere else. 

Store-bought balms often contain petroleum or synthetic fragrances that can actually irritate your lips or make them drier over time. Making your own lip balm at home is simple, economical, and gives you complete control over what touches your skin.

I used to approach natural body care recipes with trepidation because I didn’t think I could do something that you only get from a store, made by a big company. But once I worked up the courage to try it, I realized just how easy, economical and satisfying it can be!

I make a big batch about once a year and stock all my bathrooms, bags and coat pockets. Now I’m never without a swipe of my soothing, homemade lip balm whenever I need it most!

And, if you haven’t tried my homemade lotion, check it out! And, turn any leftovers of this lip balm base into Healing Honey Handbalm, with just an added blend of honey!

Why Make Your Own Lip Balm?

Homemade lip balm is one of the easiest natural skincare projects to start with.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• You know exactly what’s in it — only safe, natural, edible oils and beeswax for natural lip care.
• This DIY lip balm recipe is deeply moisturizing and lasts longer than most commercial options.
• You can customize the scent, texture, and color with natural ingredients.
• One batch makes enough to share — perfect for gifts or whole family use.

This guide will show you how to make a natural, nourishing DIY lip balm using just a few ingredients — and answer the most common questions people ask about lip balm making.

Ingredients You’ll Need + Why They Work

• Each base ingredient serves a simple, nourishing purpose:
  • ¼ cup coconut oil — Deeply moisturizing; melts on contact with skin.
  • ¼ cup avocado oil — Rich in vitamins A, D, and E for healing chapped lips.
  • ¼ cup olive oil — Softens and protects; familiar pantry staple.
  • 3.5 oz beeswax — Gives structure and creates a natural protective barrier.
    
• Optional Add-Ins:
  • 5–10 drops essential oil (peppermint, orange, lavender)
  • 1 capsule vitamin E for added shelf life
  • Tiny pinch of mica or beetroot powder for tint

Supplies & Tools You’ll Need

• Double boiler or mason jar + saucepan
• Measuring cups 
• Small jars, tins, or empty lip balm tubes
• Pipette (I use one from an old medicine bottle) or tube filling tray (optional — can make filling individual tubes easier. I’ve heard great things about this silicone one but haven’t splurged on it yet.)

Step-by-Step Instructions For Homemade Lip Balm Recipe

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup avocado oil
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3.5 oz beeswax

Directions:

1. In a double boiler (or microwave-safe bowl), melt the beeswax, coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil together over low heat.
2. Stir gently until everything is melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in any optional add-ins (essential oils, vitamin E, or natural tint).
4. Pour carefully into tins, jars, or tubes.
5. Let cool and harden completely before capping or using.

💡 Tip: If you’re filling tubes, use a pipette (large eye dropper) or small funnel. If the dropper clogs, re-warm it briefly in the microwave. Rubber band several tubes together to help them stand up!

Customization & Variations for Your DIY Custom Lip Balm Recipe

Once you’ve made your base, you can create endless variations:

• Tinted Homemade Lip Balm: Add a small pinch of beetroot powder or mica for natural color.
• Cooling Peppermint Balm: Use a few drops peppermint essential oil for a refreshing tingle.
• Vegan DIY Lip Balm Option: Replace beeswax with candelilla wax (use about 2.5 oz instead).

Storage, Use & Gift Ideas

Keep lip balm containers tightly sealed and away from direct heat or sunlight.

Tins and tubes can be stored for up to a year. For easy use, keep one by the sink, one in your bathroom, one in your toiletry bag, one in your purse, one in each coat pocket, and one by the bed….you get where I’m going!

Gift idea: Homemade lip balm makes a lovely, practical gift. Add a simple kraft paper label or tie with twine for a handmade touch.

Why You Will Want to Make This Homemade Lip Balm

• Simple ingredients and completely customizable.
• Use ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Making your own bodycare products at home reduces chemicals
• An easy, nurturing homemade ritual for a weekend self-care/family craft
• An eco-conscious way to care for your lips naturally!

Making your own lip balm is one of those satisfying projects that brings instant reward — a soft, moisturizing balm made from ingredients you know.

While you’re at it, you’re halfway to another favorite recipe — my Honey Hand Balm, which starts with the same base. Try this first, and you’ll have the foundation ready for that next project! (hint: you just blend in honey!)

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