Dry, chapped lips are a common annoyance that can be painful and uncomfortable. While store-bought lip balms provide relief, homemade varieties are quick, inexpensive, and easy to customize with natural ingredients that nourish lips.
Whipping up your own lip balm only requires a few base ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils. Not only is homemade lip balm cost-effective, but you can also control the formula to avoid harmful chemicals found in commercial brands.
Read on to learn the complete process for making simple, all-natural lip balm at home.
What Is Lip Balm? What Is It Used For?
Lip balm, also known as a lip salve, is a waxy, emulsified product used to moisturize, protect, and soothe dry, cracked lips. The occlusive barrier created by ingredients like beeswax and butter seals in moisture and prevents evaporation.
Lip balm counters chapping, irritation, and pain caused by dryness while softening and smoothing flaky skin. It adds a layer of protection against environmental factors like sun, wind, cold weather, and allergens. Regular use of lip balm alleviates discomfort and treats sore, peeling lips.
Different Types Of Lip Balms
The lip balm comes in many varieties to suit different needs and preferences. While basic lip balms provide core hydration, there are also specialized formulas that offer additional benefits. The most common types of lip balm include:
? Standard Lip Balm: This is the simplest lip balm that contains ingredients like beeswax, petroleum jelly, and oils to seal moisture into the lips. Standard balms provide basic protection against dryness and chapping.
? Medicated Lip Balm: These balms contain medicinal ingredients like camphor, phenol, menthol, and benzocaine that provide a cooling, numbing sensation on sore lips. The analgesics reduce pain and discomfort from extreme chapping and cold sores.
? Tinted Lip Balm: Tinted lip balms deposit sheer color on the lips through pigments like mica or iron oxides. They add a hint of color while moisturizing which makes them a popular cosmetic product. The tint helps brighten dull lips.
? Sunscreen Lip Balm: Formulas with SPF provide protection against UV damage from sun exposure. They shield the thin lip skin from sunburn and the aging effects of UV rays. Key ingredients are chemical sunscreens like avobenzone or mineral blockers like zinc oxide.
? Flavor Lip Balm: Flavored balms contain essential oils, fruity extracts, or spices that provide scent and taste. Popular flavors include honey, mango, cherry, vanilla, coconut, cinnamon, and mint. The flavors make the application more enjoyable.
? Organic/Natural Lip Balm: These balms focus on safer, natural ingredients like beeswax, shea/cocoa butter, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and honey. They avoid artificial chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives common in commercial lip care products.
With so many options, you can find the perfect lip balm type and flavor to suit your needs whether it’s cold sore treatment, sun protection, a moisture-boosting shine. Pick a balm that matches your desired benefits.
Ingredients Used In Making Lip Balm
The basic ingredients in lip balm provide moisturization and protection to heal dry, chapped lips. Common ingredients include:
? Beeswax or Candelilla Wax – These thickening agents give lip balm its solid structure. The wax forms an occlusive barrier to lock in moisture. Beeswax also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritation.
? Butters – Shea, cocoa, or mango seed butters are rich in fatty acids that hydrate and smooth lips. Butters moisturize while adding lubrication to prevent cracking.
? Oils – Light, absorbent oils like coconut, almond, jojoba, or olive oil work as the base of lip balms. Oils provide deep hydration and conditioning for supple lips.
? Essential Oils – Oils from peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, or tea tree add natural fragrance and flavor. Some also have antimicrobial properties.
? Vitamin E Oil – This antioxidant vitamin nourishes lips, reduces inflammation, and enhances healing of chapped skin. It improves moisture retention.
? Lanolin – Derived from sheep’s wool, lanolin mimics skin’s natural oils for lasting emollient effects. It makes lip balm adhere better to the lips.
? Honey – Honey is a natural humectant that helps draw in and bind moisture to dry lips while also coating them. It has antibacterial effects.
? Aloe Vera – Aloe vera gel contains enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins that soothe and heal cracked lips. It stimulates collagen production.
With the right blend of waxes, butters, oils, and healing ingredients, homemade lip balms can restore moisture, softness, and suppleness to parched lips. The ingredients work together to protect and revitalize the delicate lip skin.
How To Make Homemade Lip Balm? Is It Useful To Stay Healthy?
Homemade lip balm is very easy to make:
? Use a double boiler to melt beeswax pellets, coconut oil, shea or cocoa butter over simmering water.
? Once melted and combined, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
? Next, stir in any essential oils for scent like peppermint, vanilla, or lemon.
? Finally, spoon the lip balm into small jars or tubes and let fully set at room temperature.
DIY lip balm allows you to control the quality of ingredients. It saves money over store-bought options while letting you create fun, tailored formulas.
Symptoms of Using Lip Balm
If an allergy or irritation occurs, potential symptoms when using lip balm include:
? Redness, swelling, itching of lips and area around the mouth
? Bumps, vesicles, or peeling around lips
? Burning or stinging sensation
? Chapped, flaky lips if balm causes dryness
? Canker sores inside the mouth
What Are The Causes Of Using Lip Balm?
Causes for lip balm use include:
? Dryness from sun, wind exposure
? Chronic dry mouth
? Environmental allergies
? Seasonal dryness in winter
? Accutane acne medication side effects
? Vitamin deficiencies
? Dehydration
? Habitual lip-licking/biting
? Cosmetic use for moisturized, plump lips
Benefits Of Using Lip Balm
Benefits of lip balm include:
? Instantly moisturizes dry, chapped lips
? Soothes cracked, irritated lips
? Forms a protective layer to seal in moisture
? Shields lips from environmental damage
? Treats cold sores and canker sores
? Softens flaky dead skin cells
? Adds sun protection with SPF formulas
? Prevents peeling and discomfort
? Hydrates lips for a supple, smooth look
Precautions & Tips While Using Lip Balm
? Do a patch test before applying any new lip product to check for allergies.
? Avoid licking lips as saliva evaporates moisture – use balm generously instead.
? Exfoliate flaky skin with a soft toothbrush before applying balm.
? Opt for natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil.
? Choose fragrance-free formulas if you have sensitive skin.
? Use lip balm with SPF 30+ if outdoors for extended periods.
? Apply balm anytime lips feel dry – not just when severely chapped.
? Keep balm with you to reapply after eating, drinking, or lipstick wear-off.
Related:- Finding the Best Matte Liquid Lipstick
Conclusion
Whipping up homemade lip balm is an easy, affordable way to keep lips healthy and hydrated.
Balms made from natural ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and vitamin E provide soothing moisture without chemicals.
Following a simple recipe, you can create customized balms to relieve your chapped, cracked lips.
Read More:- 5 Tips for Healthy Winter Lips
FAQs
Q: Does DIY lip balm expire?
A: Homemade lip balm lasts 4-6 months when stored properly before ingredients start to oxidize. Keep in cool place.
Q: Can you use olive oil to make lip balm?
A: Yes, extra virgin olive oil works as a hydrating base for DIY lip balm. Opt for a light, odorless variety.
Q: What can I substitute for beeswax in lip balm?
A: Alternatives to beeswax include candelilla wax, carnauba wax, or coconut oil. Reduce other oils if swapping the wax.
Q: Why does my homemade lip balm separate?
A: Separation happens if you don’t reach the right emulsification point. Re-melt while mixing thoroughly and pour at proper consistency.
Q: Is petroleum jelly good for lip balm?
A: Petroleum jelly is occlusive but offers no moisturizing benefits. Natural waxes and butters are better DIY lip balm choices.
