Enjoy soft lips with this simple lanolin lip balm recipe. It’s perfect for the harsh winter when dry lips need extra moisture. And bonus: it’s easy to make, better than commercial lip balms, and 100% natural!
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I’ve been making lip balm for over 11 years. I love this homemade lip balm recipe, honey lip balm, and shea butter lip balm. But when I want something extra moisturizing for chapped lips, lanolin is a great way to do that and always provides immediate relief.
Today, I’ll show you how to use lanolin to make a beautiful balm.
Key Takeaways
- Best Ingredients – To make this recipe, you’ll need beeswax, shea butter (or mango butter or cocoa butter), oil of choice (like olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil), and lanolin.
- Minimal Equipment – You’ll need lip balm tubes or metal tins, a small saucepan, a heat-safe bowl, and a stovetop.
- How Much This Recipe Makes – This recipe makes 4 ounces of lip balm. You can divide this between four 1-ounce lip balm containers or make one 4-ounce jar.
- Flavor Options – Personalize this natural lip balm recipe by adding your favorite essential oils, like peppermint or lavender essential oil.
- Shelf Life – Homemade lip balm lasts for up to 12 months!
- Great Gift – Like my other lip balm recipes, the finished product is a great gift.
Before You Get Started: What You’ll Need
You’ll also find the full recipe, instructions, and links for my favorite ingredient brands in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons shea butter – provides the critical moisturizing relief my lips crave in the drier months. Rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and ultra-moisturizing properties. Alternatively, cocoa butter (hydrating and rich in vitamin E, chocolatey scent) or mango butter (rich in fatty acids, ultra-moisturizing) are great substitutes.
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil – nourishes and provides extra moisture for the skin. My favorite oil options are sweet almond, olive, sunflower, avocado, jojoba, and coconut oil.
- 2-3 teaspoons beeswax pellets – the glue that holds the oil and body butter together and creates a solid product. The wax also provides a protective barrier to the skin and may also help to soothe the skin.
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid lanolin – This natural ingredient is extracted from sheep’s wool. It protects the skin’s natural barrier and locks in moisture. Lanolin may also be substituted with vitamin E oil.
- 5-10 drops of essential oils (optional) – peppermint or lavender are great choices for lip balm. The essential oil adds a lovely scent and flavor.
Equipment
- Small saucepan – creates a double boiler by adding water to the saucepan and placing a heat-safe bowl on top to protect the oil and butter from burning.
- Small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup (glass or metal)- to create a double boiler and melt the ingredients. I’ve found that a glass measuring cup that can sit in the small saucepan (above) works best as it has a spout for pouring the melted wax into lip balm tubes. Other options include a glass bowl or metal mixing bowl; however, they are more challenging to use if you’re making lip balm tubes, as they need a spout for pouring.
- Lip balm containers – This recipe will make four 1-ounce tubes or tins or one 4-ounce jar. You’re welcome to use tins, tubes, or cosmetic jars for this recipe.
How to Make Lanolin Lip Balm: Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1 Combine Shea Butter & Beeswax – Combine the shea butter and beeswax in a glass bowl.
- Step 2 Melt Ingredients – Place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3 Add Oil, Lanolin, and Essential Oil – Turn off the heat and remove the bowl from the pot. Add the carrier oil, lanolin, and essential oil.
- Step 4 Pour – Place a towel on a surface, then place the lip balm container on the towel (this will protect your surface). Pour the mixture into lip balm containers and sit for a few minutes until formed. The lip balm will set as the mixture cools, so working quickly during this step is essential.
Application Tip: Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.
How Long Will This Lip Balm Last?
Homemade lip balm will last about 12 months—store at temperature.
How Much Lip Balm Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe makes 4 ounces of the final product. Divide the lip balm between four 1-oz small jars or tubes, two 2-oz tins or small jars, or one larger 4-ounce tin.
How to Make Moisturizing Vegan Lip Balm
To make this basic lip balm vegan, you must substitute two animal-based ingredients: beeswax and lanolin.
- Beeswax Substitute: Instead, use a plant-based wax, like soy wax, carnauba wax, or candelilla.
- Lanolin Substitute: Instead, vitamin E oil.
What to Avoid Doing
- Don’t Use “Hot” Essential Oils – Some essential oils can irritate the skin and cause the skin to feel an uncomfortable burning sensation. Avoid “hot oils” such as cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, and lemongrass.
- Citrus Oils – Citrus oils, like sweet orange or lemon essential oil, are photosensitive and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Skip these oils if you’ll be in the sun a lot.
- Don’t Add the Essential Oils When Melting The Ingredients – Essential oils quickly evaporate when exposed to high temperatures. Wait until the ingredients have melted and are away from the heat source before adding the essential oil.
How to Prevent Grainy Lip Balm
Lip balm made with shea butter can (on some occasions) turn gritty or grainy. While the lip balm is still usable, the final product can feel funny on your lips when applied. Here’s how to prevent a grainy final product, which is particularly of concern during the warmer months (since your home isn’t as cold):
- Cool in Fridge – Place the lip balm in the fridge after pouring it into your tins or tubes.
- Slow Melt – If you find this issue still occurs, next time, melt the shea butter first over low heat in the glass bowl (double boiler set up) before adding the other ingredients for 15-20 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and proceed with the steps. This slower, longer melt can also help reduce the grainy texture issue.
FAQs
- How can I add a pop of color to this recipe? I’ve experimented with different natural colorings, like beetroot powder, hibiscus powder, and even cocoa powder, but I have yet to succeed with any of these ingredients. The best way to color organic lip balm is to use colored mica powder (about 3/4 teaspoon). Here’s a tutorial on how to do that.
- Can I add honey to this recipe? You can add honey to lip balm, but this recipe is different. Instead, follow this honey lip balm recipe for the exact measurements and steps.
- Will the lip balm melt when it’s hot outside? The lip balm shouldn’t melt when hot outside, even if kept in your car. It will soften in high temperatures (like the car in the summer), but it shouldn’t melt.
- How can I make this recipe harder or softer? If you add too much wax, you’ll end up with a very hard lip balm; too little wax and you’ll get a very soft lip balm. If this issue occurs, next time, add more wax if the lip balm is too soft for your liking. Add more oil if the lip balm is too hard for your liking.
Extra Ingredients? Ideas for Your Next DIY Project
- Extra wax? Make homemade candles.
- Extra body butter? Make body butter or shea butter lip balm.
- Extra oil? Make homemade face wash or solid perfume.
- Extra essential oils? Make homemade cleaning products or scented body butter.
Lanolin Lip Balm
Enjoy soft lips with this simple lanolin lip balm recipe. It's perfect for the harsh winter when dry lips need extra moisture. Makes 4 ounces.
Cost: $3 for 4 ounces
Equipment
- 1 Small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup (glass or metal) I like this option for easy pouring
- lip balm containers lip balm tubes or metal tins (1-ounce size is ideal)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons shea butter or mango butter or cocoa butter
- 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil such as: olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid lanolin or vitamin E oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil or your favorite essential oil
Instructions
- Combine Shea Butter & Beeswax – Combine the shea butter and beeswax in a glass bowl.
- Melt Ingredients – Place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3 Add Oil, Lanolin, and Essential Oil – Turn off the heat and remove the bowl from the pot. Add the carrier oil, lanolin, and essential oil.
- Step 4 Pour – Place a towel on a surface, then place the lip balm container on the towel (this will protect your surface). Pour the mixture into lip balm containers and sit for a few minutes until formed. The lip balm will set as the mixture cools, so working quickly during this step is essential.
How to Use:
- Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.
Video
Notes
How Much Lip Balm Does This Recipe Make? This recipe makes 4 ounces of the final product. Divide the lip balm between four 1-oz small jars or tubes, two 2-oz tins or small jars, or one larger 4-ounce tin.
How Long Does This Recipe Make? Store at room temperature for up to 12 months.
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
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Do you have an alternate source of shea butter? I bought some from the link in the recipe and it was not very nice. Of course, the recipe is from a few years ago and things change. I’m really looking forward to making the lip balm. Thanks for any help!
Hey Laura, I still recommend Better Shea Butter (the linked to produce) unless they just recently (as in the last month) changed their source/product. I’ll have to purchase another batch and see if it’s different than the last one I ordered. It’s usually a great product, so I would definitely contact the company and ask for an exchange/return–they generally stand by their products so I bet they’ll make things right for you. My other source for shea butter is Plant Therapy (available from their website).
Thanks for the cool recipe, we have considered making them in house and not buying them this helps allot. at least an idea of how to get started
Thanks, David.
Kristin i made a batch of lip balm yesterday. Had to order peppermint oil so in the meantime i substitutes spearmint although a few less drops. Awesomecresult !
Wonderful, Lindybh!
Hi Kristin! I’m really enjoying all these DIY ideas an i plan on making this lip balm. Was wondering if there are any other essential oils other than peppermint that i could use?
Hey Tina, You could try sweet orange, lavender, or just a drop of clove (this is a warm oil, so it’s important not to overuse it).
I love your recipes for DIYs, real food, and cleaning. Basically your whole livesimply web site. I was just wondering when you make this lip balm is it sticky with the lanolin in it.
Hey Nicole, Thank you so much. The lanolin shouldn’t feel sticky when it’s mixed with the other ingredients. By itself, the lanolin is very thick and “greasy.”
Thank you!
This is so silky and lovely. I’ll never buy chapstick again! Yay!
Hey, first I’d like to say I love your site and am working more DIY products into my everyday life so your blog is a godsend! Second, I love lip balm but I usually buy the more glossy/gelly types like Carmex and so I was wondering if this recipe would be fine in containers like this: http://www.amazon.com/Empty-Tubes-Gloss-Cosmetic-Containers/dp/B00N73MGEK/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1448248498&sr=8-7&keywords=empty+lip+gloss+containers and if not, do you have any suggestions to make the recipe more gel-like?
Thanks!
Hey Alexa, I’m not 100% sure the recipe will work in those containers, but it’s worth a shot! You could try using castor oil for a nice shine, too.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Live Simply, thank you!
Do you have a good recipe for dry/athletes feet. I have athletic boys and a husband that has to wear work shoes everyday. Looking for something to help with that. Thanks
Hey Cheryl, I don’t have a recipe on Live Simply, but EveryDay Roots shared great tips: http://everydayroots.com/athletes-foot-remedies.
Hi, i was wondering where you got your lip balm tubes (the square looking one) in the photo? i noticed that you didn’t link it.
Hey Mia, The square-looking tube came from a local herbal store in my area.
Hii
Kristin
Really love ur diys n adore ur hard work for sharing it to all of us
I made n m using face serum , like it.
Made ur san Coconut oil, body butter
But using cocoa butter.
Absolutely love it.
I have one request, can u do a diy on hair conditioner n mask that helps stopping hair fall.
Xoxo
Hey Veronicadg, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the DIYs. I’ll work on a hair conditioner and mask :).
I made this and loved it at first. It was creamy and beautiful. Only a couple of days later though, I found it started to go really grainy. Is there any adjustments I can make to stop this from happening?
Hey Linda, Another person just commented that the same thing happened to her lip balm. I believe the answer is to heat the shea butter for a bit longer- 10 minutes or so. Then proceed on with the directions :).
About two weeks after I made this lip balm, it developed a gritty texture. Any clues as to why this may have happened? Thanks!!
Hey Crystal, I think the shea butter is probably the culprit for the gritty texture. There are times when a “butter” can result in a gritty texture if it was quickly heated and cooled. One way to prevent this in the future with a shea butter product is to heat the butter for a bit longer (10-15 minutes) over low heat (before adding heat sensitive ingredients) to avoid crystallization later on.
Fabulous, thank you!! I also wanted to mention that I have made a few DIY beauty products and loved them all. Many blessings!
You’re very welcome, Cece :). I love that you’ve been making homemade beauty products and loving them…great job!
Hi Kristin: Would using cocoa butter instead of shea butter produce the same result in the balm? Or do I have to adjust the measurement?
Thank you, CC
Hey Cece, You can substitute the cocoa butter 1:1 in this recipe. Cooca butter will be a wonderful replacement for the shea butter!!
Kristin,
I am always admiring & wondering where you find all the wooden items you use in your photographs. Such as this oval wooden tray. The wooden scoops, little wooden spoons. I also like the small brush you used in your foundation post. You always have such cute little bowls & measuring cups. May I ask where you find all these items from?
Thank you,
Lisa
Hey Lisa,
Thank you very much. I love unique bowls, jars, and spoons. I find most of my collection at HomeGoods, Target, or Pier 1 Imports. The HomeGoods selection changes frequently, so it’s best to check once a month for new items and most of the time they are very inexpensive.
*sunscreen:)
Hey…
I’d suggest a post on natural sumscreen…if that makes sense:)
Hey Cate, You can find my sunscreen recipe here: https://livesimply.me/2014/06/05/homemade-sunscreen-recipe/.
Hello! I love the simplicity of your recipes! Thank ypu for making them easy! I was wondering if you would know this: i saw a honey milk chapstick that looked great but when i can’t read half the ingredients in it i want to make it myself, what would i sub out for honey and non fat milk powder? I would not put in the peppermint oil…would that be the honey part? Hope this makes sense, thank you!
Hey Denise, It’s been on my list to try a honey lip balm! I would add 1 teaspoon of honey, melting it down with the shea and other ingredients. I’m not sure about the milk. I would tend to use coconut milk, but I’d be afraid of the milk going bad.
Thank you! The ingredients on the chap stick say non fat powered milk, so i think thats how it doesn’t go bad as it’s in powered form. Thank you for your response 🙂
Hi Kristin!!
I would like to make this recipe without animal ingredients. Do you know what I can replace the beeswax pellets with & the lanolin? If so, do you happen to know what the amounts would be of the alternative ingredients for these 2 items?
Thank you!
Ashley
Hey Ashley, The beeswax really can’t be replaced. Beeswax is what causes the recipe to harden, creating a firm lip balm. I’m sorry :(. The lanolin could be replaced with vitamin E, it won’t be as nourishing on harsh winter days, but will still provide moisture.
Thank you!
You can substitute candelilla wax or carnauba wax for the beeswax. I’m not sure about candelilla, but I know carnauba wax is twice as hard as beeswax so you’d use about half as much when substituting 🙂
Wow! I didn’t know that, Olivia. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Olivia!
Just wrapped up a batch! I used 20 drops of peppermint and it has the perfect tingle. I’m excited to see how they are! This was enough for me to fill eight white circular Chapstick containers. I also had a bit left over that I used to top off some chapsticks around my house. Do you happen to know if this recipe sets up harder or softer? My husband keeps Chapstick in his pocket and I don’t want it to melt. 😉 Thanks for yet another great DIY recipe that works!
Hey Emma, That’s awesome! Congrats!!
This recipe tends to be softer, more “spreadable”, but not meltable ;). If that makes sense. I live in Florida and have left this lip-balm in my car many days. It definitely gets soft, but won’t melt (unless the temp is super super super hot) and firms back up inside. You can add more beeswax to the recipe (about 1 tsp to make it harder).
Dear Madam as I live in the UK and i have been looking at your website about making lip balm, it mentions TB is that Table Spoon? I would be very grateful if you could answer this for me!
Terry
Hey Terry, TB = Tablespoons :).