How to Make Honey Hand Balm – Heals Cracked Hands!

Learn how to make honey hand balm with simple natural ingredients. This DIY balm soothes, softens, and heals dry, cracked hands — perfect for hardworking skin!

Make Honey Hand Balm To Prevent And Heal Cracked Hands Naturally

If you have dry, cracked hands from gardening, dishwashing, or cold winter air, you are not alone. When store-bought lotions are too expensive or just don’t work, a homemade honey hand balm can be a true lifesaver. This simple, nourishing balm locks in moisture, heals rough skin, and is made entirely with natural ingredients you can trust.

Now that summer is turning into fall where I live, my skin is really feeling the effects of the dryer air. I love using this honey hand balm at night before I go to bed. It feels so nourishing and healing, my dry spots are moisturized all night long.

My husband actually requested a another batch this summer when he was working on a drywall and mudding project. That can dry out his hands so quickly, but by rubbing this homemade honey blend into his hands at night, he got through the project without cracks in his fingers! 

I first made this recipe years ago when he was getting painful splits in his hands from drywall mudding jobs. Our local food co-op sells something similar, and I knew I could make it at home for a fraction of the price.

Why Raw Honey is the Best Natural Remedy for Cracked Hands

Raw honey isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s been used for centuries as medicine, skincare, and nourishment. And it’s the key ingredient that makes this balm so effective.

Here’s why honey works wonders for dry, cracked skin:

• Deeply hydrating – Honey is a natural humectant, which means it pulls moisture from the air into your skin and helps it stay there.
• Healing properties – With natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, honey soothes irritated skin and speeds up the healing process.
• Softening effect – Regular use leaves your skin supple and smooth, even during harsh work or weather.

When combined with protective beeswax and nourishing oils, honey creates a balm that both heals and shields. Instead of simply coating your skin, this balm actually supports repair and locks in lasting moisture.

Ingredients In Homemade Honey Hand Balm

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3.5 oz beeswax (more for firmer balm, less for softer balm)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons raw honey
• Essential oils of choice (optional – lavender or tea tree are great)

Supplies:

• Small saucepan
• Wide-mouth pint jar
• Immersion blender

Directions:

Step-By-Step Tips for Success

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this recipe foolproof:

• Watch the cooling stage – Don’t add honey too soon. It may separate or not blend properly. Wait until the whole mixture begins to turn cloudy.
• Blend thoroughly – The immersion blender whips the oils, wax, and honey into a creamy texture. If you don’t blend enough, the honey can sink. This may happen if you try to blend the mixture by hand.
• Designate beeswax-only tools – I found my immersion blender at a thrift store and keep it tucked in a bag for all of my beeswax recipes. No stress about cleaning them perfectly each time.

How to Use Honey Hand Balm for Best Results

• Apply after washing hands or before bed.
• For deep repair, slather balm on hands and slip on cotton gloves overnight.
• A little goes a long way—start with rubbing a pea-sized amount into dry patches.
• Perfect to use as needed on cracked hands, elbows, knees, or any dry spots.

Honey Hand Balm Storage & Shelf Life

One jar of balm typically lasts me an entire year. Here’s how to store it:

• Keep in a cool, dry place with the lid on.
• Shelf life: 6–12 months.
• Honey acts as a natural preservative, but always scoop with clean, dry hands.

If giving as a gift, smaller tins keep it portable and practical for pockets, purses, or tool belts.

Homemade Honey Hand Balm Notes & Variations

This balm is flexible, and once you make it a few times, you may want to experiment:

• Lip Balm Connection – This recipe began as my homemade lip balm base (recipe coming soon!). The process is the same—just blend in honey at the end.
• Herbal Infusions – Infuse your oils with calendula or chamomile for extra healing benefits.
• Seasonal Scents – Peppermint feels refreshing in winter; citrus is bright for spring.
• Multi-Use – Works beautifully as a cuticle cream, lip balm, or soothing salve for dry patches.