Here’s a three ingredient formula for a versatile zero waste lip balm that I use on my lips, cuticles, and as the base for my DIY zero waste deodorant.
3 ingredients, no packaging
This basic balm recipe uses only three ingredients, all of which can be found unpackaged here in Sydney:
- cacao butter
- coconut oil
- beeswax
It’s inspired by a lip balm I had long ago from Lush (Honey Trap, I think) that was great for cuticles and lips alike. I began making my own once I found out how simple this kind of thing is, and when The Soap Dispensary opened and started offering refills of these ingredients in only the amounts I needed. My recipe is a bit simpler than Lush’s, but works just as well.
Melt and pour method for making the balm
Melt all three ingredients in a 1:1:1 ratio in a mason jar set into simmering water. Stir to combine, then pour into silicone moulds or small reused lip balm tins. The mixture will harden as it cools to room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, put the moulds in the fridge.
You can usually find silicone ice cube trays at the op shop – that’s where I got these heart shaped moulds.
Variations on the lip balm recipe
For meltier bars, reduce the relative amount of beeswax. For harder bars (or in summer) increase the beeswax. You can also mix and match oils, butters and waxes if you don’t have cacao or coconut or beeswax – the trick is to start with the roughly 1:1:1 mixture of oil, butter and wax, and then adapt to your climate and preference. The more liquid your ingredients are, the softer the balm will be. I use this combo of cacao, coconut and beeswax because I can find it all packaging free, and cacao butter smells like chocolate!
Uses for the everything balm
I usually make a couple at a time since extras are great as gifts, or stored for later in an upcycled candle jar. The little bars can be remelted and mixed to make DIY paste deodorant.
What a great post thank you! I get through so much lip balm and spend a fortune on natural versions. I would be so much more comfortable making my own. I’m off to try this.
I am allergic to coconut oil what can l use instead
Hi Marjorie, you could upping the cacao butter to replace the coconut oil, or try shea butter, which would result in a harder mixture. Or you could use an oil like grapeseed or jojoba, but reduce the amount relative to the other ingredients. I haven’t tried these so I can’t tell you what to expect, but many these ingredients are interchangeable. The main thing is to balance the ingredients that are more solid at room temp with softer ingredients (like oils) so you have a nice spreadable balm.
What is the purpose of jojoba oil in the bees wax wraps? Thank you for your instructions!
Hi Nancy, it’s to add pliability.