Making your own natural lip balm
is easier than you might think. It's also better for your budget
than buying commercial products - and you get the benefit of
knowing exactly what you're putting on your mouth. Add the
healing powers of aromatherapy essential oils and you have a
winner!Many commercial
lip balms are made with petroleum derivatives. Petroleum
products have been banned from cosmetic use in many countries
because they contain impurities that can cause cancer and other
health problems.
Additionally, commercial lip
balms and lotions are often designed so that once the initial
moisturizing effect has worn off, they actually dry out your
skin (or lips) so you have to keep applying the product (which
makes you buy more - good for sales.)
On the other hand, all-natural
vegetable-based skin and lip products provide real, healthy
hydration which won't poison you or dry out your skin. You can
use a variety of oils and butters to make your own lip balm, and
you can even scent them with essential oils for a little extra
pizzaz (not to mention strengthening their healing powers!)
Here's a very basic three
ingredient lip balm recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or
sweet almond oil
- 1 tablespoon grated
beeswax (you can use a pure beeswax candle for this)
- 1 Vitamin E capsule (400
IU)
Instructions:
- Place the oil and wax in a
heatproof cup (such as a heavy glass measuring cup.) Poke a
hole in the Vitamin E capsule and squeeze its liquid into
the oil and wax mixture.
- Place the heatproof cup in
a pot of water on the stove and heat on low just until the
wax melts. Remove immediately from heat.
- Pour the liquid into a
small screw-cap jar or lip balm jar or tube. Allow to cool
(it will solidify) before using.
Easy!
Next, try these variations to
jazz it up a little...
Lip Balm Base:
- Substitute 1 tablespoon
shea butter for 1 tablespoon of the beeswax.
- Use unrefined coconut oil
instead of olive oil.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon vegetable
glycerin for extra moisture.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils:
- Add 2 drops Lavender
essential oil to soothe irritation.
- Try 2 drops Peppermint
essential oil for a natural tingly freshness.
- Add 2 drops of Vanilla
essential oil for a yummy, sweet scent.
A note about essential oils: Be
careful which oils you use in lip balms and aromatherapy
skincare products - some of them can irritate the skin (such as
cinnamon and thyme.) Do your research before experimenting!
See how easy it is? With just a
few ingredients and few minutes time, you can make your own
fabulous natural lip balms. Make them as stocking stuffers or
for loot bags at kids' parties. Make them for your friends and
family. Make them to sell... The possibilities are endless.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This information is
for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat,
prevent, diagnose, or cure any condition.
