Easy, fun and vegan-friendly, this vegan lip balm recipe is a must-have for your makeup bag. It makes three one-ounce tins—perfect as gifts or to keep for yourself.
We don’t always consider what’s in the products we put on our lips, but everything applied there can end up in the mouth and, ultimately, the body. That’s why knowing the ingredients in lip care matters—especially if you follow a vegan lifestyle and want to avoid beeswax or other animal-derived ingredients.
Many commercial and DIY lip balms contain beeswax or even tallow, which rules them out for vegans. This simple recipe swaps those ingredients for plant-based alternatives so you can enjoy a nourishing balm made from natural, vegan-friendly components.
Even if you aren’t vegan, you’ll appreciate this lip balm’s moisturizing power and soft sheen. It’s easy to make, uses only a few ingredients, and produces three convenient tins per batch.
What is lip balm?
Lip balm is a lightweight lip moisturizer designed to protect and hydrate the lips. Some balms are tinted, but most are clear and focused on conditioning rather than appearance. Unlike lip gloss, which is primarily cosmetic, lip balm repairs and prevents dryness and chapping.
Apply lip balm whenever lips feel dry—morning and evening, and after eating or drinking—to maintain moisture and keep lips soft and flake-free. It’s especially useful in harsh outdoor conditions like wind, sun or cold weather.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Vegan-friendly: No animal ingredients—only plant-based butters and wax.
- Simple to make: Melt, mix, pour, and let cool. Minimal time and equipment required.
- Cost-effective: Once you have the basic ingredients, you can make many batches for a fraction of store-bought prices.
How to make vegan lip balm
Follow these instructions and allow the balm to cool and harden completely before use.
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 starting. Place cocoa butter, shea butter and candelilla wax in a small saucepan or wax melter.
2. Melt the ingredients over low heat, stirring gently until fully liquefied.
3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to about 110°F (around skin temperature) before adding the geranium essential oil, if using. Stir briefly to combine.
4. Pour the melted mixture into one-ounce tins or containers for storage.
5. Allow the lip balm to cool and harden completely before placing the lids on the tins.
FAQs & tips
How long does this lip balm last?
Stored properly with the lid secured between uses, this vegan lip balm should keep for up to one year.
How do you harden lip balm without beeswax?
Candelilla wax is an excellent vegan alternative to beeswax. It has a relatively high melting point, so balms made with it hold up well in purses or pockets and are less likely to melt in warm conditions.
Why make your own lip balm?
Making your own ensures you know every ingredient used, allows customization, saves money over time, and uses natural components rather than synthetic fillers. It’s also a satisfying and creative DIY project.
This recipe yields three one-ounce tins and should resist summer heat reasonably well. You can easily double or triple the quantities to make more at once.
Notes: Swipe two fingers across the surface of the balm, apply a thin layer to both lips, then rub lips together to distribute evenly. Store with lids on and keep in a cool, dry place.
If you have questions or try the recipe, feel free to leave feedback or share your experience. Enjoy making and using your vegan lip balm!