Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Peppermint Lip Balm was my introduction to natural living. I used to be all about conventional makeup, with a drawer full of the latest glittery, scented lip glosses. But my lips were always dry, probably because of the chemical mix I was applying multiple times a day. One winter, fed up with Carmex and other lip treatments, I impulsively picked up a tube of Burt’s Bees at the checkout.
I loved its light peppermint scent and how it nourished my lips, and I stuck with Burt’s Bees for years. But then, as often happens with big companies, Burt’s Bees was bought by Clorox, and their formula changed to include canola and soybean oils—ingredients I avoid both in my diet and on my lips.
So, in true DIY spirit, I decided to make my own version without those industrial seed oils. This is what I came up with. It’s an easy lip balm recipe and a great introduction to making your own deodorant and toothpaste. Be warned, once you start making natural products, you might find yourself trying out detoxing your armpits or using mud shampoo—not that those are bad things!
I’ve shared my shimmer lip gloss and homemade lip balm recipes before, but this one is specifically designed to mimic Burt’s Bees in look, feel, and scent. Plus, it’s cheaper than buying pre-made options like Burt’s Bees, and you can reuse the tubes to save even more. I left out lanolin because it irritates my skin and isn’t necessary, but you can add a little if you have it.
Kids love helping with projects like this, and they’re fun for adults too! This DIY lip balm locket is another fun way to carry your lip balm with you. Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment ready.
If you’re switching from regular lipstick and want some natural color and shimmer, try adding a tiny bit (1 tsp) of mica powder. It blends perfectly and adds a nice touch. You can see an example in this post.
Notes: Use an extra teaspoon or two of beeswax if you want a thicker, longer-lasting lip balm, or a little less for a smoother, softer balm. Since there are no water-based ingredients, you can re-melt and adjust the ingredients during the melting process until you get the texture you want. I’ve tested by putting a few drops of the melted mix on parchment paper and letting it harden in the fridge before filling the tubes. Have fun with it! This recipe makes 12-14 tubes.
Another DIY I love is my Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub for smooth lips. Have you ever made an imitation product? What was your gateway into natural living?
