DIY lip balm is a simple and effective way to keep your lips soft, nourished, and protected. While store-bought options are convenient, making your own lip balm allows you to choose natural ingredients that directly address your specific lip concerns. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, chapping, or sun exposure, a personalized balm can provide lasting hydration and faster healing. Moreover, lip care is just as important as skincare when it comes to overall beauty and wellness. The best part? You can easily create a DIY lip balm at home using ingredients from your kitchen. Plus, these customized balms also make thoughtful, handmade gifts for friends and loved ones. Keep reading to learn how to craft your own nourishing lip balm from scratch.
DIY Lip Balm: Natural Recipes to Nourish and Protect Your Lips
Looking for a chemical-free way to care for your lips? DIY lip balm is a safe, cost-effective, and deeply moisturizing alternative to store-bought products. Free from synthetic additives, these homemade lip balms are crafted with natural oils, butters, and waxes that soothe and nourish even the driest lips. Plus, they’re fun to make and fully customizable to suit your needs and preferences.
Why Choose DIY Lip Balm?
Store-bought lip balms often contain potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, artificial fragrances, and petroleum derivatives. In contrast, DIY lip balm recipes use plant-based and non-toxic ingredients such as:
- Beeswax – seals in moisture and forms a protective barrier
- Shea or cocoa butter – rich in vitamins and fatty acids that hydrate and heal
- Coconut oil – softens and nourishes dry lips
- Essential oils – add fragrance and soothing benefits
- Vitamin E oil – acts as a natural antioxidant and skin healer
These balms are not only safer but also more effective in the long run. You get full control over the ingredients, making it easy to avoid allergens or irritating substances.
Popular Ingredients in DIY Lip Balms
Here are some core and optional ingredients to include in your recipes:
Core Ingredients:
- Beeswax
- Shea or cocoa butter
- Coconut oil
- Vitamin E oil
Optional Add-ins:
- Honey
- Almond oil
- Calendula oil
- Lanolin
- Essential oils (like peppermint or lavender)
- Zinc oxide for natural SPF
- Beetroot powder for natural tint
Top 5 Easy DIY Lip Balm Recipes
These beginner-friendly recipes are quick to make and require minimal equipment.
1. Beeswax & Coconut Oil Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp grated beeswax
- 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 2 capsules of vitamin E
Instructions:
Melt the beeswax using a double boiler. Add coconut oil and honey once the wax is halfway melted. Mix thoroughly and stir in the vitamin E oil. Pour into clean containers and let it set.
2. Mint Chocolate Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp white beeswax pellets
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp sweet almond oil
- A few drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
Melt the beeswax, then stir in cocoa powder. Add almond and peppermint oils and blend well. Pour into small jars or tins and allow to cool.
3. Raspberry Lemon Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp raspberry gelatin
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 3-4 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions:
Warm coconut oil until melted. Add raspberry gelatin and microwave again until fully combined. Stir in lemon oil and pour into containers. Chill until firm.
4. Essential Oil Tinted Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup mango or cocoa butter
- 1 tbsp soy or beeswax
- Several drops of essential oil
- 1 tsp beetroot powder
Instructions:
Melt the butter and wax together. Stir in essential oil and beetroot powder. Pour into tins and let cool before use.
5. Rose Vanilla Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp beeswax
- ½ tbsp castor oil
- 3 tbsp rose-infused oil
- 1 tbsp cocoa butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp powdered alkanet root (for color)
Instructions:
Melt all the oils and butters together. Mix in the powdered color and vanilla extract. Stir well, pour into tins, and allow to set.
6. Hemp and Honey Lip Balm
What You Need:
- 1 teaspoon hemp oil
- 4 teaspoons almond oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 10g cocoa butter
- 10g beeswax
- 15g shea butter
Steps:
Melt the beeswax, cocoa butter, and shea butter using a double boiler. Once melted, stir in the hemp oil, almond oil, and honey. Blend the mixture using a frother or whisk until it reaches a semi-thick consistency. Pour into jars and let it set completely. This nourishing blend works well for chapped, dry lips.
7. DIY Peppermint Oil Lip Balm
What You Need:
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon white beeswax pellets
- 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
- 2–3 drops peppermint essential oil
Steps:
Melt the beeswax, then add coconut oil and almond oil. Stir using a chopstick or wooden skewer. Once blended, add peppermint essential oil. Pour into lip balm containers and allow to set. This recipe delivers a refreshing, minty cooling sensation.
8. DIY Shea Butter Lip Balm
What You Need:
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tablespoon raw coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 4–5 drops lemon essential oil
Steps:
Use a double boiler to melt the shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil. Remove from heat, stir in honey and lemon oil, then pour into tubes or tins. Once solid, this balm can soothe cracked lips and even calm cold sores.
9. DIY Kool-Aid Lip Balm
What You Need:
- 1 sachet of Kool-Aid (any flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Steps:
Combine Kool-Aid and sugar, then dissolve in water. Mix in softened coconut oil until fully blended. Transfer to a small jar and chill until firm. This fun, tinted balm is great for kids and teens.
10. Homemade Lime Lip Balm
What You Need:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cocoa butter
- 1 teaspoon almond oil
- 1 teaspoon beeswax
- 5–10 drops lime essential oil
Steps:
Melt all base ingredients over medium heat. Once liquified, add lime oil and stir. Pour into tins and allow to cool before sealing. This citrusy balm brings a refreshing burst of hydration.
11. Grapefruit Lip Balm
What You Need:
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¼–½ teaspoon grapefruit essential oil
- Beetroot powder (optional for color)
Steps:
Heat oils and butter until melted, then remove from heat. Add grapefruit oil and beetroot powder (if using), mix well, and pour into containers. This fruity blend adds shine and a gentle tint.
12. DIY Maple Syrup Lip Balm
What You Need:
- 5g beeswax
- 3g coconut oil
- 4g sweet almond oil
- 4g cocoa butter
- 2g soy lecithin
- 4g dark maple syrup
Steps:
Melt all ingredients together using a double boiler. Whisk as it cools to create an even texture. Pour into jars when it begins to thicken. This sweet and rich formula is ideal for winter lip care.
13. DIY Vanilla Orange Lip Balm
What You Need:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons grated beeswax
- 2 teaspoons shea butter
- 6–8 drops sweet orange essential oil
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps:
Melt the oils, butter, and beeswax. Once fully liquid, add the essential oil and vanilla extract. Pour into jars or tubes and let it set. The result is a citrus-vanilla fusion that’s perfect year-round.
14. Homemade Lavender Mint Lip Balm
What You Need:
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 6 drops peppermint essential oil
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
Steps:
Melt the base ingredients over low heat. After removing from heat, stir in the essential oils. Pour into containers and allow to solidify. This aromatic blend soothes and refreshes lips while promoting relaxation.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own DIY lip balm is not just about healthier lips—it’s a creative and rewarding self-care practice. Whether you want a basic balm or something flavorful and tinted, these homemade options give you full control over the ingredients. With natural oils, butters, and essential oils, your lips will stay soft, smooth, and well-protected without synthetic chemicals.
Stay consistent with your application, store your balm in a cool place, and always label your homemade blends. If you’re gifting them, these make beautiful, thoughtful additions to care packages too.