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DIY Herbal Infused Lip Balm Recipe (Without Beeswax)

A DIY lip balm recipe without using beeswax.

Looking for a DIY lip balm that’s nourishing, hydrating, and vegan-friendly? Look no further than this super cheery and easy-to-make calendula, chamomile, and lavender lip balm without beeswax! This recipe combines the nourishing power of herb-infused oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter to create a lip balm that’s ultra-hydrating, soothing, and oh-so-easy to make. Did I mention it is a vegan lip balm?! Plus, it’s totally customizable, so you can add your favorite herbs and oils to suit your needs.

background: Spanish tile with six black tins of homemade lip balm

I wanted to develop my own recipe without using any wax at all (even vegan waxes like soy wax or candelilla wax!), using simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local health food or grocery store. Sure, you can easily substitute beeswax for a vegan wax, but where’s the fun in that (and those waxes are hard to find in person!)? Enter, a cocoa and shea butter lip balm!

Without the use of wax, the final consistency is definitely less hard than a traditional balm. Think of it more like a petroleum jelly (but obviously way better). I would keep this stored at home, not in a purse, as it may liquify in hot temperatures.

I hope you enjoy this truly homemade lip balm recipe! Making your own lip balm is so much better than store-bought lip balms and actually heals the lips (so you don’t have to reapply every 30 minutes!) without the use of animal products!

Herbal Infused Lip Balm Recipe (Without Beeswax)

Yield: About 7 ounces of lip balm | Shelf Life: 6 months

My favorite place to purchase herbs online is Starwest Botanicals! The links below are affiliate links, where I may make a small commission on your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my privacy + disclosure page for more details.

Ingredients:

To Make the Infused Oil:

To Make the Lip Balm:

lip balm without beeswax ingredients

Optional: A few drops of your favorite essential oil (if you use them). I’d recommend peppermint oil for a little added zing to the scent).

Other carrier oils if you don’t want to use olive oil: sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, hemp seed oil, or even avocado oil will all work with a 1:1 ratio instead of olive oil.

As always on the Homestead Challenge, I am learning just like you (you might notice that I also messed up while making both bath bombs and lotion bars in the past). My first batch did not turn out perfect (I used about half of the cocoa butter, so they just didn’t harden enough. However, if you would rather put these in lip gloss tubes, you can use 1/4 cup cocoa butter and they will be perfect for squeezin’!

Supplies:

In place of tins, use any small jars or lip balm containers (this recipe would not work well in the twist up Chapstick tubes).

Instructions:

Step 1: Infusing the Chamomile, Calendula, Lavender in Olive Oil

You can infuse herbs in oil two ways: a heat infusion or by letting the herbs sit in oil for about 6 weeks.

chamomile, calendula, and lavender infused olive oil in mason jar
Method 1: The “I need my herbal infusion today” method

Heat infusion is a great fast way to infuse your herbs. Some herbalists don’t like it as it can kill off some of the good properties in the herbs. Be sure to take your time and not over-heat the oil.

  1. In a double boiler, gently heat oil and dried herbs.
  2. Simmer (just barely) for about 30 minutes to an hour (until the herbs are fragrant).
  3. Strain the herbs with a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth.
  4. Pour into a clean, dark glass container with airtight lid.

Double Boiler Tips: The bowl should not touch the boiling water to assure that the oil doesn’t get too hot too quickly. Pick a bowl that fits fairly snug in your pot.

Download this Free Guide on How to Make Herbal Infusions!

free printable example
    Method 2: The lazy and slow herbal infusion method

    This is actually my preferred method when I have extra time. Simply combine and store! This is the method I used for this lip balm recipe without beeswax.

    1. Combine all ingredients into an airtight jar.
    2. Store in a cool, dark space for 6 weeks, gently shaking regularly.
    3. Strain herbs with a fine mesh strainer into a fresh container.

    Step 2: Make the Lip Balm

    1. Prepare a double boiler by filling a pot with a few inches of water and bringing it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pot, making sure it’s not touching the water.
    double boiler

    2. In the heatproof bowl, combine calendula-infused oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin e oil (all of the ingredients).

    3. Heat the mixture on the stove top in a double boiler over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted and well combined.

    4. Once everything is melted, carefully remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

    5. Pour the mixture into small jars or lip balm tins, filling them about 3/4 full. To make this process easier, I pour the mixture into a measuring cup with a spout first.

    pouring liquid lip balm

    6. Allow the lip balm to cool completely and solidify at room temperature before using. This can take a few hours. I recommend letting them sit overnight to fully harden.

    To use your lip balm:

    Exfoliate First! Check out this DIY Brown Sugar Lip Scrub to prepare your lips in advance!

    1. Use your finger to scoop out a small amount of the balm.
    2. Apply the balm to your lips using your finger, starting from the center of your lips and working your way outwards.
    3. Gently press your lips together to spread the balm evenly.
    4. Reapply the balm as needed throughout the day to keep your lips hydrated and nourished. Say goodbye to dry lips!
    sticking finger in lip balm tin

    Note: Always do an allergy test on a small patch of skin when using herbs you haven’t worked with before, especially if you have sensitive skin!

    Storage: Store the remaining lip balm in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

    Benefits of Ingredients

    1. Olive oil: Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the lips from environmental damage. It is also an effective moisturizer and can help to soothe dry or chapped lips.
    2. Calendula: Calendula is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help to soothe irritated or inflamed lips. It is also a gentle moisturizer and can help boost the lips own natural healing process.
    3. Cocoa butter: Cocoa butter is a rich emollient that helps to hydrate and protect the lips. It contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the lips from environmental damage.
    4. Shea butter: Shea butter is a natural moisturizer that is rich in vitamins A and E. It helps to nourish and protect the lips, and can help to improve their overall health and appearance.

    FAQs

    There are several other vegan alternatives to beeswax that can be used in a DIY lip balm recipe, including:

    1. Candelilla wax: This wax is derived from the leaves of the candelilla shrub and is a vegan-friendly option. It has a similar consistency to beeswax and can be used in similar proportions in most recipes.
    2. Carnauba wax: This wax is obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree and is also vegan-friendly. It is harder than beeswax, so it may require a smaller amount in the recipe.
    3. Soy wax: This wax is made from soybean oil and is another vegan option. It has a lower melting point than beeswax, so it may require more wax to achieve the desired consistency.
    4. Coconut oil: This oil is solid at room temperature and can be used as a natural emollient in a lip balm recipe. However, it may not provide the same level of firmness as beeswax or other waxes.

    There are a few reasons why someone might choose not to use beeswax in a recipe:

    1. Vegan or plant-based lifestyle: Beeswax is an animal product, so those who follow a vegan or plant-based lifestyle may choose to avoid it.
    2. Allergies: Some people may have an allergy or sensitivity to beeswax, which can cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions.
    3. Ethical concerns: There are some ethical concerns surrounding the use of beeswax, particularly in relation to the impact on bee populations and the sustainability of beekeeping practices.
    4. Availability: Beeswax can sometimes be difficult to source or may be more expensive than other alternatives.

    A balm with ingredients like olive oil, almond oil, calendula, cocoa butter, and shea butter can have many uses beyond just the lips. Here are some other ways you can use such a balm:

    1. Moisturizer: This balm can be used as a daily moisturizer or body butter for dry or rough skin on the elbows, knees, or feet. The emollient properties of the oils and butters can help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
    2. Cuticle care: The balm can be applied to the cuticles to help soften and moisturize them. The calendula can also help to soothe any irritation or inflammation.
    3. Minor wound care: Calendula is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help to soothe minor wounds, such as cuts or scrapes. The balm can be applied to the affected area to help promote healing.
    4. Massage oil: The balm can be used as a massage oil to help soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation. The cocoa butter and shea butter can help to provide a smooth glide, while the oils can help to hydrate and nourish the skin.

    stacked lip balm tins

    Overall, the rich and nourishing properties of these ingredients can make a vegan alternative, versatile balm for soft and healthy lips!

    Have you ever made your own homemade lip balm? It’s surprisingly easy and fun to play around with! I have fallen in love with making my own beauty products with only simple and natural ingredients right at home. I’d love for you to share your version of this lip balm recipe without beeswax with me over on Instagram!

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    About the Author:

    I’m Brittany, totally modern and mainstream turned crunchy mama!

    Read more here about how I went from a totally incompetent cook and hyper-consumer to striving to live a more meaningful life from scratch.

    I can’t wait to share my modern homesteading journey with you and I hope I inspire you to join along!

    Looking for more herbal infused bath and body products?

    solid lip balm in tins

    Herbal Infused Lip Balm Recipe Without Beeswax

    Yield: 7oz

    Materials

    • 1 cup olive oil
    • 1/8 cup calendula flowers
    • 1/8 cup chamomile flowers
    • 1/8 cup lavender flowers
    • 1/4 cup of herbal infused oil
    • 1 TBSP vitamin e oil
    • 1/2 cup of cocoa butter
    • 2 tablespoons of shea butter

    Tools

    • Jar
    • Strainer
    • Funnel
    • 1oz Tins
    • Double Boiler
    • Measuring Cups and Spoons

    Instructions

    1. Combine oil and herbs into an airtight jar.
    2. Store in a cool, dark space for 6 weeks, gently shaking regularly.
    3. Strain herbs with a fine mesh strainer into a fresh container.
    4. To make the lip balm: Prepare a double boiler by filling a pot with a few inches of water and bringing it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pot, making sure it's not touching the water.
    5. In the heatproof bowl, combine calendula infused oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin e oil (all of the ingredients).
    6. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted and well combined.
    7. Once everything is melted, carefully remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
    8. Pour the mixture into small jars or lip balm tins, filling them about 3/4 full. To make this process easier, I pour the mixture into a measuring cup with a spout first.
    9. Allow the lip balm to cool completely and solidify before using. This can take a few hours. I recommend letting them sit overnight to fully harden.

    Notes

    You can use sweet almond oil as a substitute for olive oil.

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