In recent years, natural cosmetics have gained a lot of popularity. More and more of us are opting for healthier and more environmentally friendly alternatives. And some even go so far as to make their own cosmetic products. For example, do you want to make your own natural lip balm yourself? Say no more, here are some tips and ideas in this article!
The Benefits of Natural Lip Balm
Natural ingredients and their benefits
Like many beauty and care products, there are now a variety of industrial lip balms that can be easily found in supermarkets, for example. However, these are generally composed of chemical substances, which can be irritating or drying in the long term. This is why it is highly recommended to choose natural ingredients for a gentler and more beneficial approach for the lips. Among them, there are in particular:
- Vegetable oils (coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil): in essential fatty acids, they nourish and deeply hydrate the delicate skin of the lips.
- Vegetable butters (shea butter, cocoa butter): known for their restorative and protective properties, they penetrate the skin deeply and help combat chapping.
- Beeswax : in addition to giving a solid consistency to the balm, it protects against external aggressions (wind, cold). The wax creates a waterproof barrier while allowing the skin to breathe.
By using natural ingredients, you provide precise and quality care to your lips, without exposing them to potentially harmful products found in many commercial lip balms.
Savings compared to commercial products
While making your own lip balm may initially seem quite expensive due to the quality products that must be purchased for this, you will see that you will actually save money . Indeed, making your own product means making an initial investment in ingredients that are completely reusable in other preparations (cosmetics in particular). And if you opt for bulk purchasing, there too, you can considerably reduce the cost per unit produced of your lip balm. And this is better than buying a lip balm, which can be expensive only because it is produced by a reputable brand or contains specific ingredients.
Total control of ingredients
In addition, making your own lip balm allows you to know exactly what is being applied to your skin. And so, you have all the time you need to adapt the ingredients to your personal needs. For example, for sensitive skin , essential oils or dyes are not recommended, in order to limit the risk of irritation. While for very dry lips , it is generally recommended to increase the proportion of butters or rich oils.
And if you want to personalize the aroma of your homemade natural lip balm, you can use essential oils or natural extracts (vanilla for example). Enough to bring even more of your personal touch to your lip balm!
A reduction in the ecological footprint
Finally, if you are here, you are probably aware that making your own lip balm is part of an ecological approach . Indeed, the cosmetics industry is often criticized for its plastic packaging, the pollution associated with production and ingredients of synthetic origin. Whereas by creating your own products, you choose organic ingredients or those from sustainable sources . You also potentially support local or ethical producers . And finally, you limit your waste , especially if you opt for reusable containers.
The basic recipe for a natural lip balm
The necessary ingredients
To make this basic recipe for a simple, but effective natural lip balm, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons beeswax (or vegan wax)
- 2 tablespoons of shea or cocoa butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- A few drops of vitamin E (optional)
- 5 to 10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Preparation steps
- Melt the wax and butters in a bain-marie very gently, to avoid overheating.
- Once the wax and butter are melted, add the coconut oil or other vegetable oils of your choice. Then, mix until you get a smooth texture.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and add, if desired, the optional ingredients previously decided (vitamin, essential oils). Then mix everything well to ensure even distribution.
- All you have to do is transfer the still liquid mixture into small jars or lip balm tubes . Let it cool completely at room temperature before closing the containers. Your lip balm will keep for several months in a cool, dry place.
A recipe for lip balm with honey and olive oil
The necessary ingredients
For this honey and olive oil lip balm recipe you will need:
- 1 tablespoon beeswax (or candelilla wax for a vegan version)
- 1 tablespoon of shea or cocoa butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- A few drops of vitamin E (optional, to extend shelf life)
- 3 to 5 drops of essential oil of your choice (e.g. lavender, lemon or peppermint)
Preparation steps
- Start by melting the wax and shea or cocoa butter in a double boiler until completely melted.
- Add the olive oil to the mixture and stir all the ingredients together well.
- Off the heat, stir in the honey until it dissolves well. Also add the vitamin E and essential oils if desired.
- Transfer the mixture into lip balm jars or tubes using a teaspoon or pipette. Let cool and close the containers. The balm will keep for up to 3 months in a cool, dry place.
Some tips and tricks to personalize your balm
Adjust the texture
As with other cosmetic products, the texture of homemade lip balm can be adjusted according to the desires of each user. For example, for a softer balm , you should reduce the amount of wax used or add a little more oil. Conversely, for a firmer balm , you should increase the amount of wax.
Choosing Fragrances and Aromas
Everyone has their own tastes, so don't hesitate to customize the scents of your lip balms yourself. For example, choose citrus essential oils for a refreshing fragrance, or natural extracts (like vanilla) for a more gourmand note.
Conclusion
Finally, making your own natural lip balm is not that complicated! And it’s a great way to take care of your lips while having control over what is applied to them. No need to look too far, use simple and natural ingredients to create a product that is tailored to your needs, while reducing your ecological footprint and saving money. So, why not give it a try? Your lips will thank you!
