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Most lip balms feel great for about two minutes… and then your lips somehow end up drier than before, and I always didn’t like it. So, I decided to make DIY lip balm, and I started experimenting. 

Some batches turned out grainy, got too solid, melted in my bag, or felt like I’d smeared candle wax on my lips.

Eventually, I found a formula that actually works. It’s soft, nourishing, and made entirely from plant-based ingredients. 

No beeswax, no petroleum, and no plastic tubes. Just simple oils, a pinch of candelilla wax for structure, and whatever scent or tint you like.

Below, I’ll share my favorite 3 recipes and all the tips I’ve collected, so you can create your own easily.

Why make your own lip balm?

Store-bought balms often use beeswax or synthetic waxes that coat your lips instead of moisturising them. Making your own lets you:

• Use fully vegan, cruelty-free ingredients
• Customise the scent, colour, and texture
• Avoid petroleum, silicones, and preservatives
• Reuse tins or small jars
• Create a balm that hydrates instead of drying out

It’s simple, fast, and satisfying.

Why this vegan lip balm works

The secret is a good balance of:

• Castor oil → shine, moisture, staying power
• Almond oil → lightweight nourishment and glide
• Candelilla wax → structure without heaviness
• Vitamin E → keeps oils fresh longer
• Coconut oil (in variations) → a melty, glossy feel

With the right ratios, the balm melts on contact, hydrates deeply, and never leaves your lips feeling “addicted” to reapplying.

Fresh minty lip balm

Gentle, nourishing, and great for everyday use.

Makes: about 3-4 small tins (around 55ml total)
Shelf life: 6–12 months (store cool and dry)

Ingredients

• 4 g candelilla wax
• 20 ml castor oil
• 30 ml almond oil
• 10 drops of vitamin E
• 2 drops of mint essential oil (optional)
• 0.3 g mica powder (tiny pinch for shimmer, optional)

How to make it

1. Add the castor oil, almond oil, and candelilla wax to a heatproof bowl.
2. Melt everything slowly over a double boiler (low heat works best).
3. Once the wax is fully melted, remove the bowl from the heat.
4. Let the mixture cool for 30-60 seconds, so it isn’t piping hot.
5. In a tiny dish, mix mica powder with a few drops of almond oil to make a smooth paste, so there are no clumps. (I skipped this step and didn’t have problems with clumps)
6. Stir in the vitamin E, essential oil, and the mica paste.
7. Mix well for about 20-30 seconds so everything blends evenly.
8. Pour the mixture into clean tins.
9. Leave it to set at room temperature until fully solid.
10. Once cooled, close and store your balm in a dry, cool spot.

Choco lip balm 

This version uses cocoa butter for the chocolate scent and a small amount of candelilla wax for structure. The result is a soft balm that still holds its shape.

Ingredients

• 2 g candelilla wax 
• 4 g cocoa butter
• 20 ml castor oil
• 30 ml almond oil
• 10 drops of vitamin E oil
• 2-3 drops of vanilla fragrance oil (optional, deepens the chocolate smell)
• ½ pinch sparkly red, brown, or pink mica

How to make it

• Add castor oil, almond oil, cocoa butter, and candelilla wax to a heatproof bowl.
• Melt everything slowly over a double boiler on low heat.
• Once fully melted, remove the bowl from the heat.
• Let it cool for 30–60 seconds.
• Stir in the vitamin E and vanilla extract.
• Add your mica and mix well.
• Pour the balm into clean tins.
• Leave it to set at room temperature until fully solid.

Coconut lip balm

This soft lip butter melts instantly and feels super nourishing on the lips. The mix of coconut oil and castor oil gives it a smooth, glossy finish, while sweet orange essential oil adds a sunny, tropical scent. It’s perfect for tins and ideal for warmer days.

Ingredients

• 3 g candelilla wax
• 20 ml coconut oil
• 20 ml castor oil
• 10 drops of vitamin E
• 2-3 drops sweet orange essential oil (optional)
• A small pinch of mica powder (optional, for shimmer)

How to make it

• Add the castor oil, coconut oil, and candelilla wax to a heatproof bowl.
• Melt everything slowly over a double boiler.
• Once fully melted, remove from heat and let it cool for 30–60 seconds.
• If you’re using mica, mix it with a few drops of oil in a small dish until smooth.
• Stir in the vitamin E, sweet orange essential oil, and the mica paste (if using).
• Mix well for about 20–30 seconds so everything blends evenly.
• Pour into small tins and let it set at room temperature until fully solid.

 Ingredient swaps & alternatives

If you don’t have everything on hand, no worries, you can easily tweak this recipe:

• Oils: Replace almond with jojoba, apricot kernel, or olive oil =  all nourishing, just slightly different textures.
• Wax: If you can’t find candelilla wax, use carnauba wax (even harder; use a bit less) or soy wax (softer; use a bit more).
• Essential oils: Try lavender for calming, orange for uplifting, or go fragrance-free if your lips are sensitive.

Texture troubleshooting

• Too hard → Too much wax. Solution: Remelt and add a tiny splash of oil (10-20 drops).
• Too soft → Too little wax. Solution: Remelt and add a pea-sized amount of wax.
• Gritty texture → Overheated. Solution: Heat gently and cool slowly.
• Clumps → Mica powder not pre-mixed. Solution: → Pre-mix mica powder with oil before adding.

FAQs

How long does it last on the lips?

These balms absorb into the lips instead of forming a heavy layer, so expect around 1-2 hours of wear before reapplying. Hydration lasts longer than the shine.

Shelf life?

6-12 months if stored somewhere cool and dry.

Can I use soy wax instead of candelilla?

Yes. It’s softer, so increase the amount slightly, or mix 50/50 with candelilla.

Do I need essential oils?

Not at all. Every version works great unscented.

Tube or tin?

Tins are best for softer formulas. Use tubes only for firmer versions (higher wax).

Final thoughts

Once you make your own lip balm, it’s hard to go back.  

This formula is simple, reliable, and best of all, you can adjust everything: scent, color, shine, firmness, until it fits exactly what you like. All three recipes are simple, fully vegan, and easy to customise based on the ingredients you have.

If you try any of these versions, feel free to share! I’d love to see what you make. (: