How to Make Your Own Natural Lip Balm (+ Clean Store-Bought Options We Love)

Your lips are one of the most absorbent areas of your body — and most people apply lip balm dozens of times a day. So what's actually in that little tube? Research shows that many conventional lip balms contain ingredients that may disrupt hormones, irritate skin, or accumulate in the body over time. The good news? Making your own is surprisingly easy, and there are a handful of clean store-bought options that pass the test too.

In this post, we'll walk you through a simple 4-ingredient DIY lip balm recipe, break down what the research says about common lip balm chemicals, and share our favorite clean store-bought picks — all with clickable links so you can shop directly.

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🔬 What Research Says About Chemicals in Store-Bought Lip Balms

Most people don't think twice about what's in their lip balm — but they probably should. Here's what the science and safety research actually shows:

1. Oxybenzone & Chemical Sunscreen Filters

Many SPF lip balms use chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate. The FDA has flagged these as needing more safety data, and studies have found oxybenzone in blood, urine, and breast milk after topical application. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates oxybenzone as a high-concern ingredient due to its potential hormone-disrupting effects.

2. Parabens

Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) are preservatives found in many lip products. Research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology detected intact parabens in human breast tissue, raising concerns about their estrogenic activity. The EU has restricted certain parabens in cosmetics, though the US has not.

3. Synthetic Fragrance

"Fragrance" on a label can represent a blend of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. The American Academy of Dermatology identifies fragrance as one of the top causes of allergic contact dermatitis. On a product you're applying to your lips — and inevitably ingesting — this is worth paying attention to.

4. Petrolatum & Mineral Oil

Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) is a byproduct of oil refining. While refined petrolatum is considered safe, the EU restricts its use in cosmetics unless the full refining history is known — because impure petrolatum can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are classified as possible carcinogens. Many conventional lip balms use petrolatum as their base.

5. Phenol & Menthol (The "Addictive" Ingredients)

Some dermatologists have noted that ingredients like phenol, menthol, and camphor — common in medicated lip balms — can actually irritate the lips and create a cycle of dependency. They provide a cooling sensation that feels soothing, but may strip the lip's natural moisture barrier over time, making you reach for the balm more often.

Bottom line: The lips are a mucous membrane — they absorb more than skin does, and we inevitably ingest some of what we apply. Choosing clean ingredients matters more here than almost anywhere else in your beauty routine.

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🌿 How to Make Your Own Natural Lip Balm (4 Ingredients)

This recipe makes approximately 10–12 standard lip balm tubes. It takes about 15 minutes and uses ingredients you can find at most health food stores or online.

What You'll Need

• 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets — gives the balm its solid structure (we love Sky Organics Organic White Beeswax)
• 2 tablespoons shea butter — deeply moisturizing, rich in vitamins A and E (we love Sky Organics Organic Shea Butter)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil — antibacterial, softening, and nourishing (we love Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil)
• 10–15 drops essential oil (optional) — peppermint, lavender, or vanilla for scent
• Lip balm container kit with fill tray & spatula — BPA-free, Made in USA, 50 clear containers (0.15 oz each) by Mary Tylor Naturals. Includes everything you need to fill and pour cleanly — no mess!
• A small glass measuring cup or double boiler

Instructions

1. Melt: Combine beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in a glass measuring cup. Microwave in 30-second intervals (stirring between each) until fully melted — about 60–90 seconds total. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stovetop.
2. Add scent: Remove from heat and let cool for 1–2 minutes. Stir in your essential oil drops.
3. Pour: Carefully pour the liquid into lip balm tubes or tins. Work quickly — it sets fast!
4. Set: Let cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until fully solid. Do not refrigerate (it can cause condensation).
5. Label & enjoy: Cap your tubes and label them. They'll keep for up to 12 months stored in a cool, dry place.

💡 Pro tip: Want a tinted version? Add a tiny pinch of organic beetroot powder or a small piece of a clean lipstick to the melted mixture before pouring. Start with less than you think you need — a little goes a long way!

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🛍️ Clean Store-Bought Lip Balms We Love

Not always in the mood to DIY? We get it. Here are our top clean picks — all free of the concerning ingredients above, all tested and trusted.

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The Bottom Line

Whether you go the DIY route or reach for one of our clean store-bought picks, your lips deserve better than petroleum and synthetic fragrance. The research is clear: what goes on your lips goes in your body. Making the switch to clean lip care is one of the easiest, most impactful swaps you can make in your daily routine.

Tried the DIY recipe? We'd love to hear how it turned out — drop a comment below! And if you found this helpful, share it with a friend who's been reaching for the same old lip balm for years. 💛

This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in.

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