DIY Vegan Lip Balm (Beeswax – Free Recipe)

Originally published 03/05/2020, last updated 09/08/2021

I was quite happy with my basic beeswax-based lip balms, until my friend asked me whether I could make her a vegan lip balm. I realised that other people might find it useful, since vegan eating has been on the up recently and most commercially produced lip balms are not suitable for the vegan lifestyle. 

Plus, it was actually nice to be able to work with different ingredients and achieve a slightly different end product. 

My homemade vegan lip balm has only two ingredients, and the recipe couldn’t be easier!

Note on ingredients

Candelilla Wax

This is a plant based wax, which is used instead of the beeswax. It’s similarly thick and solid like beeswax, but it’s actually a little harder.

This means that we will be using slightly less of candelila wax than we would if we used beeswax. This makes it quite budget-friendly lip balm!

It’s easy to buy candelilla wax online or you can source it locally if you have a health shop nearby. Apart from this lip balm lotion, you can also use it for other homemade cosmetics.

Carnauba Wax

If you don’t have a candelilla wax, you can swap it for carnauba wax, but it can be slightly difficult to work with than candelilla wax.

Working with candelilla wax

This wax has a melting point of about 70°C and melts a lot faster than for example, beeswax, which means you need to watch your double boiler very closely. Unlike beeswax, candelilla wax isn’t that sticky, which is great for cleaning out all utensils and equipment. It also blends really nicely with the coconut oil and creates naturally glossy lip balm.

You can see from my recipe I used 1 part of candelilla wax to 4 parts of coconut oil. I found that this gives me the right consistency, but if you prefer a glossier lip balm, you can try 1 part of candelilla wax to 5 parts of coconut oil.

Don’t be tempted to use much less than 4 parts of coconut oil to 1 part of candelilla wax as the waxes won’t blend in and the candelilla stays way too thick. 

Other waxes to use instead of coconut oil

You can also try soy, cacao, shea, avocado or mango butter.

Coconut oil

You can use any kind of coconut oil, including raw or virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil is a natural ingredient, so even the type that’s sold in supermarkets in the baking or cooking section is fine to use for cosmetics.

This coconut oil is particularly good as it’s virgin coconut oil and it it has a lovely coconut aroma.

You can also make your own cold pressed coconut oil at home and use it for other homemade cosmetics recipes and diy candles.

Extra ingredients

Essential Oils

My basic recipe includes just two ingredients, but you can certainly add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to create a luxury lip balm.

Any essential oils for cosmetics use are fine to use, but for most of my homemade cosmetics I use pure essential oils, that are specifically made for contact with skin and are also food safe.

I find that since you only need a few drops of these essential oils, it’s better to get a whole set of 8-12 bottles and that way you always have a choice. This essential oils kit comes with 8 different fragrances, such as rosemary, lemon, orange, eucalyptus or tea tree.

Colouring

If you want to add a natural colouring to your lip balm, you can simply use a crushed beetroot powder or frezze dried raspberry powder. Just add a tiny pinch to the mixed waxes just before you pour it into your containers. Make sure that any powder is very fine, or sieve the warm wax through a fine sieve (or cotton fabric) before you pour it into your containers.

Equipment

Lip balm containers

These could be be tubes or containers or other smaller jars of your choice. These tin lip balm jars are inexpensive and they will last a long time. If you want to, you can always re-use them by re-filling them when you finish with one lip balm. Just clean them up with a hot water and dry with clean tea towel.

Plastic lip balm tubes are also suitable for this recipe. The size is quite handy and you can carry them anywhere with you in your purse or a handbag.

They are a little bit trickier to re-use, but since they are very inexpensive you can easily afford to buy new ones. You can make your own printed labels to make these lip balms even more special.

DIY Vegan Lip Balm Recipe

Makes 12 small lip balm tubes

Ingredients you will need (buy online)

• Candelilla Wax >>
• Coconut Oil >>
• Essential Oils >>
• Beet Root Powder >>

Equipment you will need (buy online)

• Lip balm tin jars >> or
• Lip balm tubes >>

Instructions

1. Place the candelilla wax in a small bowl and melt slowly in a microwave or on a double boiler. Make sure the wax has melted fully, but don’t overheat.
2. Stir in the coconut oil. 
3. Blend the two waxes together carefully.
4. If they don’t completely emulsify, heat the bowl gently for 5 seconds in a microwave.
5. Add a few drops of essential oils, if using.
6. Slowly pour your lip balm into your containers or lip balm tubes.
7. Allow to fully set in room temperature before closing the containers with lids and using.
8. Use within 6 months

My other homemade cosmetics you might like to try

• Lip Balm with Essential Oils >>
• Strawberry Lip Scrub >>
• Natural Deodorant Recipe >>
• Glitter Bath Bombs >>
• Hazelnut & Coffee Soap Bar >>
• Foot Scrub Lotion >>

PIN THIS FOR LATER