Lip Balm Recipes
Chapped who? Not on this lunch break. 👄 Our natural lip balms are packed with nourishing oils and butters, available in three best-selling flavours of Vanilla Bean, Cocoa Butter and Avocado Mint.
Soft, smooth lips, ready when you are! ✨
Ultimate Protection
Cacao-Tallow Lip Balm
Combine:
Tallow's biomimetic healing (absorbs, repairs tissue)
Cacao's barrier protection (shields, prevents moisture loss)
Balanced texture (not too firm, not too soft)
Formula for 30 Tubes (10ml / 0.32 oz each)
Healing Base (40% Tallow): Grassfed tallow: 68g (2.4 oz) - 40%
Protective Barrier (30% Cacao): Cocoa butter: 51g (1.8 oz) - 30%
Structure (Beeswax): 17g (0.6 oz) - 10%
Nourishing Oils (18%):
Vanilla-infused jojoba: 20g (0.7 oz) - 12%
Squalane: 10g (0.35 oz) - 6%
Boosters (2%): Vitamin E oil: 3g (½ tsp)
Total: 169g makes ~30 tubes
Ingredients
Solid Fats (melt together):
Grassfed tallow: 68g (2.4 oz) = 4½ Tablespoons
Cocoa butter: 51g (1.8 oz) = 3½ Tablespoons
Beeswax (grated): 17g (0.6 oz) = 3½ teaspoons
Liquid Oils (add after cooling slightly):
Vanilla-infused jojoba oil: 20g (0.7 oz) = 4 teaspoons (or 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon)
Squalane: 10g (0.35 oz) = 2 teaspoons
Booster (add last):
Vitamin E oil: 3g = ½ teaspoon
Total: 169g
Prep the containers- you have to work quickly once the balm is heated, so have the funnel ready and everything measured out.
Line up all 30 lip balm tubes with caps off, standing upright in a holder or box
Step 2: Melt the Solid Fats
Fill bottom pot of double boiler with 1-2 inches of water
Bring water to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat
Place top pot/bowl on double boiler
Add in this order:
Beeswax first (3½ tsp) - takes longest to melt
Cocoa butter (3½ Tbsp) - once beeswax starts melting
Tallow (4½ Tbsp) - last, melts quickly
Stir occasionally until everything is completely melted and smooth
Temperature should reach 160-170°F (or until fully liquid and clear)
Should take about 5-10 minutes
No chunks or graininess should remain
Step 3: Add Liquid Oils
Remove from heat once solid fats are fully melted
Let cool for 1-2 minutes to about 140-150°F
Still liquid but not scorching hot
You should be able to hold the container comfortably for a few seconds
Add liquid oils:
Vanilla-infused jojoba: 4 tsp
Squalane: 2 tsp
Stir thoroughly for 30-60 seconds to fully incorporate
Make sure oils are completely blended, not separated
Step 4: Add Vitamin E
Add vitamin E oil: ½ tsp
Stir well for another 15-30 seconds
Mixture should be smooth, uniform, and honey-colored
Step 5: Fill the Tubes
WORK QUICKLY - mixture will start to thicken!
Method 1: Using a Funnel
Place funnel in first tube
Pour slowly - fill to just below the rim (about 90% full)
Move to next tube immediately
If mixture starts to thicken, briefly place bowl back over warm water to re-melt
Method 2: Using a Squeeze Bottle (easier for beginners!)
Carefully pour mixture into squeeze bottle while still hot
Squeeze into each tube, filling to just below rim
Work methodically down the line
Method 3: Using a Dropper or Syringe (most precise but slowest)
Use a glass dropper or plastic syringe
Fill each tube carefully
Best for small batches
Pro tip: It's okay if some tubes have slight dips or aren't perfectly level. This is handmade!
Step 6: Cool and Set
Let tubes cool undisturbed at room temperature
Don't move them for at least 30 minutes
Should be firm to the touch
Cooling time: 45 minutes to 1 hour total
In cool room: faster
In warm room: up to 2 hours
Check for firmness:
Gently press top of balm with finger
Should be solid, not mushy
May still be slightly soft when warm - this is normal
Step 7: Cap and Label
Once completely cool and firm, push caps onto tubes
Twist up slightly to make sure mechanism works smoothly
Apply labels
Mark with batch date (so you know when it was made)
Storage
Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Avoid leaving in hot car or direct sun (will melt)
Shelf life: 12-18 months from date of manufacture
Mark "best by" date on label (12 months from production)
RECIPE 1: Tallow-Cacao Hybrid - Temperature Protocol
Target Temperature: 160-170°F (71-77°C)
Why this temperature:
Beeswax needs 144°F minimum to melt
Tallow and cacao need to fully melt and combine
Higher temp ensures everything integrates smoothly
Prevents grainy texture from incomplete melting
Step-by-Step with Temps:
1. Melt Phase 1 (Highest melting points first):
Combine: Beeswax (4g) + Cacao Butter (13g) + Tallow (17g)
Heat to 165°F using double boiler
Stir gently until completely melted and clear
Time: ~8-12 minutes
2. Add Phase 2 (Oils):
Remove from heat
Add: Jojoba (4g) + Squalane (3.5g)
Stir well
Temp will drop to ~155-160°F
This is perfect - you want it to cool slightly
3. Add Phase 3 (Vitamin E):
Let cool to 145-150°F
Add: Vitamin E (1g)
Stir thoroughly
Why wait: Vitamin E degrades above 150°F
4. Pour:
Pour at 140-145°F
Too hot = separation
Too cool = lumpy pour
RECIPE 2: Triple Butter (No Tallow) - Temperature Protocol
Target Temperature: 155-165°F (68-74°C)
Why this temperature:
Beeswax still needs 144°F minimum
Butters melt lower than tallow
Slightly lower temp preserves butter nutrients
Prevents over-heating delicate ingredients
Step-by-Step with Temps:
1. Melt Phase 1 (Highest melting points):
Combine: Beeswax (5g) + Cacao Butter (15g)
Heat to 160°F using double boiler
Stir until melted
Time: ~6-8 minutes
2. Add Phase 2 (Other butters):
Add: Shea Butter (11g) + Mango Butter (6.5g)
Keep at 155-160°F
Stir until all butters fully melted and clear
Time: ~3-5 more minutes
Check: Should be completely smooth, no grains
3. Add Phase 3 (Coconut oil):
Remove from heat
Add: Coconut Oil (4g)
Stir well
Temp drops to ~145-150°F
4. Add Phase 4 (Vanilla & Vitamin E):
Let cool to 140-145°F
Add: Vanilla Extract (1g) + Vitamin E (0.5g)
Stir thoroughly
Why wait: Vanilla flavor preserved at lower temp, Vitamin E preserved
5. Pour:
Pour at 135-140°F
Should be liquid but not too hot
All butters = smooth, creamy pour
Filling Tips:
To ensure the disk does not leak, fill with lip balm about 10% of the way at the lowest temperature possible (140°F/60°C or below). Let it semi-set before pouring the rest of the way at a hotter temperature.
To avoid an indent in the middle, fill up in stages.
Make sure your hands/gloves are clean while removing the tubes from the filling tray to avoid staining the outside of the tubes.
If lids are ill-fitting, switch the lids with other tubes.
Takes 3-5 min to get to 140F, or cool measuring cup in an ice bath.
Make your lip balm at proper temp (160-170°F)
Pour mixture into a heat-safe measuring cup with spout
Set timer and check temperature every 30 seconds
When it reaches 140-145°F, do first pour
Time to cool from 165°F to 140°F: ~3-5 minutes
Pour #2: "Fill the Tube"
Temperature: 155-165°F (hotter for smooth pour) Amount: Fill to top (leave ~1/8" headspace)
After first pour sets (takes ~5-10 minutes), reheat remaining mixture to 70% (to avoid air bubble when cooling)
Multi-stage filling (for large batches)
Pour #1: 10% (seal disk) - cool 10 min
Pour #2: 70% (most of tube) - cool 15 min
Pour #3: 20% (top off, slightly overfill) - cool completely
Troubleshooting
Problem: Mixture is too thick to pour
Solution:
Place bowl back over warm water for 30-60 seconds
Stir gently to re-melt
Work more quickly next time
Problem: Tubes have air holes or sunken tops
Solution:
This happens when mixture cools too quickly
For next batch: fill tubes while mixture is hotter
Cosmetic issue only - doesn't affect function
Can fill dips with a small amount of re-melted mixture if desired
Vanilla Bean (or Vanilla Cocoa) Lip Butter
Winter Lip Balm Recipe
Yields: About 10-12 lip balm tubes or small tins
Ingredients:
Cocoa butter: 0.5 oz (14g)= 1 Tablespoon
Shea butter: 0.5 oz (14g)= 1 Tablespoon
Mango butter: 0.3 oz (8.5g)= 2 teaspoons
Jojoba oil (vanilla-infused): 0.4 oz (11g)= 2½ teaspoons
Squalane: 0.2 oz (6g)= 1¼ teaspoons
Vitamin E oil: 0.1 oz (3g)= ½ teaspoon
Sweet orange essential oil: 15-20 drops (removed, totally optional)
Total: About 2 oz (56.5g)
Instructions:
Melt the butters (cocoa, shea, mango) together in a double boiler over low heat
Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the jojoba oil and squalane
Let cool slightly (about 1-2 minutes), then add vitamin E and sweet orange EO
Pour into containers while still liquid
Let cool completely before capping (about 30 minutes)
1 tablespoon twice strained coffee infused coconut oil
You can also infuse the coconut oil with a vanilla bean while you are infusing the coffee.
For a 25 balm tray, make enough for about 30.
Bulk Recipe for 30 Tubes:
Ingredients:
Cocoa butter: 2.3 oz (66g) = 4½ Tablespoons
Shea butter: 2.3 oz (66g) = 4½ Tablespoons
Mango butter: 1.4 oz (40g) = 2¾ Tablespoons
Jojoba oil (vanilla-infused): 1.9 oz (54g) = 3½ Tablespoons (or 11 teaspoons)
Squalane: 1 oz (27g) = 2 Tablespoons
Vitamin E oil: 0.5 oz (15g) = 1 Tablespoon
Sweet orange essential oil: 75-90 drops (optional, omit for kids)
Total: 9.4 oz (268g) or 0.59 lb
Instructions with Temperatures:
Melt the butters (cocoa, shea, mango) together in a double boiler over low-medium heat
Heat to 160-170°F (71-77°C) until fully melted
Stir occasionally to ensure even melting
Remove from heat once butters are completely melted and clear
Stir in jojoba oil and squalane
The residual heat will warm these oils
Let cool to 140-150°F (60-65°C) - about 2-3 minutes
This prevents the heat-sensitive ingredients from degrading
You can test with a thermometer or wait until you can comfortably hold the bottom of the container
Add vitamin E and sweet orange essential oil
Stir thoroughly to distribute evenly
Pour into containers while still liquid (around 130-140°F/54-60°C is ideal)
Work fairly quickly as it will start to solidify
If it thickens too much, gently rewarm
Let cool completely before capping - about 45-60 minutes for this batch size
Don't move or disturb while cooling to prevent uneven texture
Temperature Quick Reference:
Melting point: 160-170°F (71-77°C)
Add heat-sensitive ingredients: 140-150°F (60-65°C)
Pour into tubes: 130-140°F (54-60°C)
Fully set: Room temperature after 45-60 minutes
Pro Tips for Bulk Batching:
Use a candy/oil thermometer for accuracy
Have all your tubes/containers lined up and ready before you start pouring
Consider using a small funnel or squeeze bottle for neater filling
The mixture thickens quickly, so pour steadily once you start
Kraft Lip Balm Tubes (10ml, per comments)
Our Kraft Lip Balm Tubes and Caps are not just an essential tool, but also a sustainable choice. Crafted with care, these tubes feature a food grade inner wax lining that ensures your lip balm stays intact while being oh-so-gentle on the environment. Say goodbye to single-use plastic
Dimensions:
2 ¾" x ¾" - with lid
2 ½" x ¾" - without lid
7.5-8ml capacity
Filling Tips:
Using a chopstick or similar utensil, make sure the disk at the bottom of each tube is pushed down with the white, wax side up.
Make sure the tubes are fully inserted into the filling tray to avoid leaking and staining the outside of the tubes.
To ensure the disk does not leak, fill with lip balm base about 10% of the way at the lowest temperature possible (140°F/60°C or below). Let it semi-set before pouring the rest of the way at a hotter temperature.
To avoid an indent in the middle, fill up in stages.
Make sure your hands/gloves are clean while removing the tubes from the filling tray to avoid staining the outside of the tubes.
If lids are ill-fitting, switch the lids with other tubes.
Details:
3 butters (cocoa, shea, mango) = plenty of hardness
That's 1.3 oz of butters to 0.6 oz of liquids
This ratio will give you a firm, stable balm
This recipe is vegan-friendly
If you find it's too soft (especially in summer or warm climates), you could add:
0.2-0.3 oz (6-8g) beeswax
Weight Per 10ml Container:
Total weight per tube: approximately 8-9g (let's use 9g for calculations)
Using the proportions from the original recipe, each 10ml tube contains:
Cocoa butter: 2.2g
Shea butter: 2.2g
Mango butter: 1.4g
Jojoba oil (vanilla-infused): 1.8g
Squalane: 1g
Vitamin E oil: 0.5g
Total per tube: ~9g (0.32 oz)
To make 10 tubes, plan for 12, and this is the weights:
For 12 tubes (10ml each):
Cocoa butter: 0.95 oz (27g)
Shea butter: 0.95 oz (27g)
Mango butter: 0.57 oz (16g)
Jojoba oil (vanilla-infused): 0.74 oz (21g)
Squalane: 0.39 oz (11g)
Vitamin E oil: 0.21 oz (6g)
Sweet orange EO: 30-35 drops
Total: 3.81 oz (108g) or 0.24 lb
Lip Balm
Optional Items
4 oz almond oil, olive oil or shea butter
1/2 oz grated beeswax
alkanet root infused oil for color
Calndula Infused oil
Coconut oil
Essential oils, 10-30 drops per oz (little to no EO for eye balm)
Notes
Double boiler to melt (glass over water)
Used in class:
2 oz+ coconut oil
2 oz+ alkanet
1 oz shea
1/2 oz (1 Tbs) jojoba oil
3/4 oz beeswax
vanilla EO
cardamom EO (6 drops)
Options: Argonne, almond oil, calendula oil
Add rose hip oil after heat (for facial serum)
Ginger Cookie DIY Lip Balm Recipe
2 Tbsp. organic hazelnut oil
1 Tbsp. organic unrefined coconut oil
1 Tbsp. organic cocoa butter which is roughly 5 wafers.
1 Tbsp. organic marshmallow root
1 drop organic nutmeg essential oil
Few drops of Non-GMO Project verified vitamin E oil
Directions
Add both carrier oils, cocoa butter, and beeswax to your double boiler. Leave over medium heat until all ingredients are completely melted.
Lower the heat to the lowest setting and add marshmallow root and cardamom pods. Infuse for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Strain the oil using fine mesh strainer or cotton tea net.
Add essential oils and vitamin E oil, and stir well.
Carefully pour the warm mixture into lip balm tubes.
Let completely cool before capping.
Pro Tips:
For more aromatic cardamom notes, be sure to break open the pods.
If your lip balm is too soft, re-melt it and add more beeswax. If it is too hard, re-melt and add more oil.
Be sure to pour the mixture into the tubes slowly and carefully. If you go too fast, you will cause air pockets to form in the lip balm.
If your tubes develop air pockets, you can still fix it! Wave a hair dryer around the tube to melt the lip balm and fill the pocket. Be sure to keep your heat source moving so that you don’t melt the tube!
Vanilla Cardamom blend:
Ingredients
3 Tbsp. organic jojoba oil
A few drops of non-GMO vitamin E oil
1 Tbsp. organic cocoa butter
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. grated beeswax
10 drops organic cardamom essential oil
Directions
Vanilla-Infused Oil
Split two vanilla pods lengthwise and coarsely chop pods so that seeds will be released into the oil.
Add chopped vanilla pod pieces, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil to a glass jar and allow to sit and infuse for up to three weeks in a cool, dark place.
Strain if you’d like, or carefully spoon the oil you need off the top, avoiding the vanilla pod pieces and seeds.
Lip Balm
Gently heat cocoa butter, beeswax, and vanilla-infused oil in the top of a double boiler until the beeswax melts.
Remove from the stove top and stir in the essential oils.
Pour into lip balm containers and allow to cool.
Use a hairdryer or heat gun to smooth the tops after they have hardened for a polished finish.
Apply to lips and enjoy! Makes 10 tubes or three ½ oz. tins.
Need containers? Find what you need on our website or reuse an old lipstick or lip balm container. As always, substitute your own favorite essential oil blend to select from what’s on hand or to pick a fragrance that better suits your preferences.
Let's Make Lip Balm!
It’s fun to concoct recipes using your favorite organic botanicals and essential oils!
BASIC RECIPE
As a general rule, blend 3 parts carrier oil to 1 part beeswax, and add 1 part plant-based butter if using. Coarsely chop the beeswax or use beeswax pastilles. Place beeswax, butter, and oils in a small pot or glass measuring cup and gently heat in the top of a double-boiler until the beeswax and butters have melted. Once melted, remove from the stovetop and add essential oils and vitamin E oil (a natural preservative). Immediately pour the mixture into clear or white tubes. You can also purchase tins or glass jars for a more manual application. Allow to cool completely before placing caps onto the lip balm containers.
One of the great things about making lip balm is that it's almost impossible to mess up! You can always remelt it and add more ingredients until you are satisfied with the final product. I often do this when creating a new lip balm recipe, since it doesn't always come out perfectly the first time.
I've also included three of my favorite recipes below.
A VEGAN ALTERNATIVE
I've found that organic carnuaba wax can be used in place of the beeswax, though it hardens much quicker than beeswax. You will likely want to use about half as much carnuaba as you would beeswax.
PRO TIPS
If your lip balm is too soft, re-melt it and add more beeswax. If it is too hard, re-melt and add more oil. You can also adjust your recipes with the seasons: harder lip balms are better for warm summer weather and softer lip balms are great during colder times of year. Add essential oils at your discretion. A general amount is 2 drops per container, but this varies depending upon the essential oil used. Less is better when it comes to essential oils, as you don’t want to end up with lip balm that will sting or irritate your lips!
Citrus essential oils can be phototoxic. In 14 years of making and using citrus lip balms, I have never experienced any problems with this, but I also live in Oregon where it is overcast for much of the year! If you live in a sunny climate, you may choose to be more cautious with the amount of citrus essential oils added, omit them completely, or swap with another essential oil of your choosing.
Mandarin Nutmeg Lip Balm Recipe
This sweet, citrusy, and warming lip balm has just a hint of spice. Made with organic mandarin and nutmeg essential oils and other botanical ingredients.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. beeswax
2 Tbsp. organic sunflower oil
1 Tbsp. organic olive oil
1 Tbsp. organic mango butter
15 drops organic mandarin essential oil
5 drops organic nutmeg essential oil
A few drops of Non-GMO vitamin E oil (optional, but recommended)
Directions
Coarsely chop the beeswax or use beeswax pastilles.
Place beeswax, butter, and carrier oils in a small pot or glass measuring cup and gently heat in the top of a double-boiler until the beeswax and butters have melted.
Once melted, remove from stovetop and add essential oils and vitamin E oil.
Immediately pour the mixture into clear or white lip balm containers. You can also purchase tins or glass jars. Allow to cool completely before placing caps onto the lip balm containers.
Your lip balm is finished!
You can now add labels, ribbons, twine, or any other decorative elements. Makes approximately 1.5 oz. of lip balm, enough to fill 10 lip balm tubes, 6 of our 1/4-oz. plastic jars, or 3 1/2-oz. tins or plastic jars.
Lime Coconut Lip Balm Recipe
Reminiscent of tropical beaches, this blend is perfect for warmer weather or for those who prefer a lightweight and glossy lip balm.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. beeswax
2 Tbsp. organic sunflower oil
1 Tbsp. organic unrefined coconut oil
15 drops organic lime peel essential oil
A few drops of Non-GMO vitamin E oil (optional, but recommended)
Directions
Coarsely chop the beeswax or use beeswax pastilles.
Place beeswax and carrier oils in a small pot or glass measuring cup and gently heat in the top of a double-boiler until the beeswax and butters have melted.
Once melted, remove from stovetop and add essential oils and vitamin E oil.
Immediately pour the mixture into clear or white lip balm containers. You can also purchase tins or glass jars. Allow to cool completely before placing caps onto the lip balm containers.
Your lip balm is finished!
You can now add labels, ribbons, twine, or any other decorative elements. Makes approximately 1.5 oz. of lip balm, enough to fill 10 lip balm tubes, 6 of our 1/4-oz. plastic jars, or 3 1/2-oz. tins or plastic jars.
Peppermint Cocoa Lip Balm Recipe
A refreshing, cooling, and nourishing lip balm with cocoa butter and peppermint. Like mint chocolate ice cream ... for your lips!
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. beeswax
2 Tbsp. organic sweet almond oil
1 Tbsp. organic avocado oil
1 Tbsp. organic cocoa butter
12-15 drops organic peppermint essential oil
A few drops of Non-GMO vitamin E oil (optional, but recommended)
Directions
Coarsely chop the beeswax or use beeswax pastilles.
Place beeswax, butter, and carrier oils in a small pot or glass measuring cup and gently heat in the top of a double-boiler until the beeswax and butters have melted.
Once melted, remove from stovetop and add essential oils and vitamin E oil.
Immediately pour the mixture into clear or white lip balm containers. You can also purchase tins or glass jars. Allow to cool completely before placing caps onto the lip balm containers.
Your lip balm is finished!
You can now add labels, ribbons, twine, or any other decorative elements. Makes approximately 1.5 oz. of lip balm, enough to fill 10 lip balm tubes, 6 of our 1/4-oz. plastic jars, or 3 1/2-oz. tins or plastic jars.
DIY Exfoliation: Sweet Lime Lip Scrub
makes your lips feel sooo soft, while also moustrizing and exfoliating. (thanks to pure botanical oils and butter). Such a sweet treat for your skin, your lips
Sweet Lime Lip Scrub Recipe Recipe
Ingredients
1 Tbsp organic Shea Butter
1 Tbsp organic Apricot Kernel Oil
4 Tbsp organic sugar
12 drops organic Lime Peel Essential Oil
1 drop of Non-GMO Vitamin E Oil
4 x 1/2 oz plastic containers or 2 x 1 oz glass containers
Directions
Using blender or food processor, grind sugar until the granules are fine, but not as fine as powdered sugar. You want a little texture to remain for the exfoliation process.
Next, pour apricot kernel oil and essential oil into bowl
Add the sugar and butter.
Mix together with fork or spoon until you have a well-combined paste consistency.
Scoop into desired containers.