When I make lip balm, I don’t make a tiny batch. I make enough to last, enough to share, and enough to tuck into bags, drawers, trucks, coat pockets, and gift baskets. This is the exact recipe I made today, and it’s the one I come back to again and again.
It’s simple. It works. And it doesn’t feel waxy or fussy — just good lip balm.
The Recipe (Makes About 50 Tubes)
3 cups sweet almond oil – https://amzn.to/4jckIdm
¼ cup red raspberry seed oil – https://amzn.to/4j3AUNH
12 ounces beeswax (by weight)
(about 12 one-ounce bars, grated or chopped) – https://amzn.to/4pRvcS0
120–150 drops sweet orange essential oil – https://amzn.to/4j2ljy1
This fills roughly 45–50 standard lip balm tubes, depending on how full you pour.
How I Make It
I add the sweet almond oil, red raspberry seed oil, and beeswax to my wax melter together and let everything melt slowly until it’s completely clear and smooth.
Once it’s fully melted, I turn off the heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes — warm, not hot. Then I stir in the sweet orange essential oil.
Before I pour the whole batch, I always do a quick texture check. I drop a little on a plate, give it a minute to set, and swipe it with my finger.
If it feels too soft, I add a little more beeswax and remelt.
If it feels too firm, I add a splash more oil and remelt.
When it feels right, I pour it straight into tubes using a 50-tube tray and let them cool completely before capping.
Tools I Use (These Make It Easy)
I can make lip balm in a double boiler, but when I’m doing a big batch, I reach for tools that make it calmer and cleaner.
Wax melter pot with temperature control and spigot
This keeps the balm at a steady temperature and makes pouring so much easier.
Lip balm mold + 50 tubes
One pour, no scrambling, no mess.
Easy Variations
You can keep this recipe exactly the same and just change the scent.
Some favorites:
- Lavender
- Peppermint (use lightly — a little goes a long way)
- Orange + vanilla
- Lavender + chamomile
- Lemon or lime
You can also skip essential oils altogether and use lip-safe flavor oils, or make your own infused oils if you enjoy experimenting. And unscented is always a great option, especially for sensitive skin.
The possibilities really are endless.
A Quick Note
If you end up with extra balm, don’t worry — it happens. This works just as well on cuticles, dry hands, elbows, heels, flyaways, and brows. Nothing goes to waste around here.
This is one of those practical, old-fashioned things that still makes sense to make by hand. It’s useful, giftable, and satisfying — and once you’ve made it once, you’ll always know how to make it again.
If you’re like me, you’ll probably end up making 50 every time too.