Easy, fun, and vegan-friendly, this vegan lip balm recipe is sure to become a favorite in your makeup bag. Best of all, this batch makes three one-ounce tins—perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself.
We don’t often consider what’s in our lip balm, but it’s worth thinking about. Lip products sit on the lips and inevitably make their way into the mouth, so the ingredients matter.
If you follow a vegan lifestyle, you’ll likely want a balm without beeswax or other animal-derived ingredients. Many commercial and DIY balms contain beeswax or tallow, so a plant-based alternative is useful.
This recipe replaces beeswax with candelilla wax and uses only plant-based butters and oils. It’s 100% natural, moisturizing, leaves a soft sheen, and is simple to make. Scroll down for the complete recipe and step-by-step instructions for making lip balm without beeswax.
What is lip balm?
Lip balm is a light moisturizer designed to protect and hydrate the lips. Some balms include tints, but most are clear and focused on conditioning rather than appearance. Lip balm helps heal and prevent cracked, dry lips and provides a protective layer against wind, cold, and sun.
There’s no strict limit on how often you can apply lip balm; many people use it in the morning, evening, and after eating or drinking to maintain lip moisture. Regular use helps keep lips healthy and flake-free, especially in harsh weather.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Vegan-friendly: No animal-derived ingredients—only plant-based butters and wax.
- Easy to make: Melt, stir, pour into tins, and allow to cool. That’s it.
- Cost-effective: Once you buy the ingredients, you can make multiple batches without extra expense.
This recipe yields three one-ounce tins and uses simple, natural ingredients. The result is a smooth, nourishing balm with a subtle sheen that should withstand typical summer heat without melting easily.
How to make vegan lip balm
Follow the steps below and only use the balm after it has completely cooled and hardened.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (0.25 oz) cocoa butter
- 1 tablespoon (0.25 oz) shea butter
- 1 tablespoon (0.25 oz) candelilla wax
- 5 drops geranium essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Measure all ingredients before heating.
2. Melt the cocoa butter, shea butter, and candelilla wax together in a small saucepan or wax melter over low heat. Stir gently until fully combined.
3. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to about 110°F (around warm to the touch). At that temperature, stir in the geranium essential oil if using.
4. Carefully pour the mixture into one-ounce tins or containers.
5. Let the tins sit until the balm hardens completely, then secure the lids.
FAQs and tips
How long does this lip balm last?
Stored properly with lids on, this balm should last up to one year. Keep containers clean and replace lids after each use to prevent contamination and drying.
How do you harden lip balm without beeswax?
Candelilla wax replaces beeswax in this formula. It has a relatively high melting point, making it ideal for lip balms that may be carried in pockets or bags without melting easily.
Why make your own lip balm?
Making your own balm ensures you know every ingredient and can avoid animal products, synthetic additives, and preservatives. It also saves money over time and is a fun, rewarding DIY project.
Usage tip: Swipe two fingers across the balm, apply a thin layer to top and bottom lips, then rub lips together to spread evenly. One batch will make three one-ounce tins. You can double or triple the recipe if you want to make more at once.
If you have questions about the process or want to share how your batch turned out, feel free to comment. Enjoy your homemade vegan lip balm!
Vegan Lip Balm Recipe
Equipment
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3 storage tins one ounce each
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Saucepan
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Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (0.25 oz) cocoa butter
- 1 tablespoon (0.25 oz) shea butter
- 1 tablespoon (0.25 oz) candelilla wax
- 5 drops Geranium essential oil, optional
Instructions
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Melt cocoa butter, shea butter, and candelilla wax on low heat until fully combined.
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Allow the mixture to cool to about 110°F, then stir in geranium essential oil if using.
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Pour into one-ounce tins for storage.
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Let the balm harden completely before replacing the lids.
Notes
This makes three one-ounce tins that should last up to one year when stored properly.
This recipe is for your viewing pleasure and is not intended as medical advice. Perform your own tests and research before making any product.