Okay, let’s be honest—chapped lips are the absolute worst, right? They’re itchy, flaky, and make you sound like you’ve been surviving in the Sahara Desert for a week. Sure, you could buy lip balms at the store, but have you noticed how some are packed with ingredients you can’t even pronounce? Yeah… no thanks. That’s why I got into DIY lip balms—it’s cheap, fun, and honestly, way more satisfying than it probably should be.
So, if you’re ready to become your own lip balm guru (yes, that’s a thing), let’s chat about 8 DIY lip balm recipes you can whip up at home. I promise, no weird science experiments here—just simple, effective, and customizable balms that’ll leave your lips smoother than a baby’s bottom.
1. Classic Beeswax Lip Balm
Let’s start with the OG of lip balms. Beeswax is like the superhero of natural lip care—it locks in moisture without feeling greasy.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp beeswax pellets
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp shea butter
A few drops of essential oil (optional, I love peppermint!)
Instructions:
Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter together in a double boiler.
Remove from heat, add essential oils, and stir well.
Pour into small containers or old lip balm tubes.
Let it cool and solidify for about an hour.
Pro Tip: Ever wondered why store-bought balms feel sticky? That’s usually petroleum jelly. FYI, this DIY version is 100% natural and doesn’t leave your lips feeling like a waxed floor.
2. Cocoa Butter Chocolate Lip Balm
Who says lip balm can’t double as a snack? Okay, maybe don’t eat it, but this smells like chocolate heaven.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp cocoa butter
1 tbsp beeswax
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp honey (optional, adds moisture)
Instructions:
Melt cocoa butter, beeswax, and coconut oil in a double boiler.
Stir in honey and let it mix thoroughly.
Pour into containers and let it set.
The richness of cocoa butter makes this balm super hydrating. Bonus: I’ve had friends actually ask if they can taste it. Don’t do it… maybe just smell.
3. Minty Fresh Lip Balm
I mean, who doesn’t want a little minty zing on their lips? It’s like brushing your teeth and moisturizing at the same time.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp beeswax
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp shea butter
5–10 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter together.
Remove from heat and mix in peppermint oil.
Pour into containers, let cool, and voilà!
Fun fact: Peppermint oil gives your lips a plumping effect, so you’ll look like you just got a subtle boost—without needles. Win-win.
4. Tinted Lip Balm
Feeling fancy? Let’s add a touch of color. This one’s perfect if you want subtle, natural-looking lips without buying makeup.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp beeswax
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp crushed beetroot powder (for natural red/pink)
1 tbsp shea butter
Instructions:
Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Add beetroot powder until you reach your desired shade.
Pour into containers and let it set.
I personally love this for days when I want a bit of color but zero effort. IMO, nothing beats mixing your own shades—it’s like paint for your lips.
5. Vanilla Honey Lip Balm
Sometimes, simple is best. This one smells like cookies in a jar, and yes, it’s almost impossible not to smile when you apply it.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp beeswax
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Melt beeswax and coconut oil together.
Stir in honey and vanilla extract.
Pour into small tins and let it cool.
Tip: Honey is a natural humectant, which means it pulls moisture into your lips. So basically, your lips will feel soft all day—perfect for combating winter dryness.
6. Lavender Calm Lip Balm
If stress shows up on your lips (yep, that’s a thing), this lavender balm is basically a mini spa treatment.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp beeswax
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp shea butter
5–10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler.
Mix in lavender oil after removing from heat.
Pour into containers and let it cool.
Not only does lavender smell amazing, but it’s also calming, which makes applying this balm a little stress relief ritual. I swear, even just opening the jar feels zen.
7. SPF Lip Balm
Yes, your lips need sun protection too! This recipe gives you a natural SPF boost without greasy sunscreen residue.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp beeswax
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp shea butter
1 tsp zinc oxide (non-nano)
Optional: a few drops of essential oil for scent
Instructions:
Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Remove from heat and stir in zinc oxide.
Add essential oils if you want fragrance, pour into containers, and let it cool.
FYI: Zinc oxide is your SPF hero here—it blocks harmful UV rays naturally. Just don’t breathe it in while mixing; it’s safe for skin but messy as heck if it goes airborne.
8. Citrus Zing Lip Balm
Feeling a little fruity? This one’s bright, zesty, and guaranteed to wake you up faster than your morning coffee.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp beeswax
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp shea butter
5–10 drops orange or lemon essential oil
Instructions:
Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Mix in citrus essential oils.
Pour into containers, let it cool, and get ready to pucker up.
Pro Tip: Citrus oils aren’t just about smell—they also have antioxidant properties, which help keep lips healthy and plump. Bonus: You’ll smell amazing, and who doesn’t love smelling like fresh oranges?
Bonus Tips for DIY Lip Balm Success
Making lip balm is fun, but a few tweaks can make your creations even better:
Use a double boiler: Nothing ruins your day faster than scorched coconut oil. Trust me on this.
Keep it airtight: Lip balm loves moisture control. Always store in tightly sealed containers.
Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix peppermint with vanilla, or lavender with a hint of citrus. Sometimes weird combos turn out surprisingly awesome.
Label your creations: If you make a bunch, you’ll thank yourself later. Otherwise, good luck remembering which one is “minty plumper” vs. “citrus zing.”
Why DIY Lip Balm Rocks
Honestly, making your own lip balm is more than just saving money (though, yes, that’s a nice perk). Here’s why I’m obsessed:
You control the ingredients – no mystery chemicals.
Customization is endless – colors, scents, textures, SPF… you name it.
It’s super satisfying – nothing beats the moment you pop open your first homemade tube and swipe it on.
Gift potential – friends, family, coworkers… they all secretly want this. FYI, it makes a killer stocking stuffer.
Ever notice how store lip balms can feel waxy or weirdly slick? Making your own means you know exactly what’s going on your lips, and it usually works better. IMO, there’s no turning back once you go DIY.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—8 DIY lip balm recipes you can make at home, plus all the little tips that make them work like a charm. Whether you want classic, tinted, minty, or SPF-protected lips, there’s a recipe here for you.
Honestly, it’s kind of addictive. Once you start, you’ll probably end up making a little collection. Don’t worry, I won’t judge—my drawer is full too.
So grab your beeswax, oils, and essential oils, and start experimenting. Your lips (and wallet) will thank you. And remember, the best part about DIY? You get full credit for something that looks store-bought but is way cooler.

