Plus 3 Easy DIY Recipes for Soft, Naturally Scented Lips
If you’re making your own natural lip balm—or just thinking about it—you may be wondering:
“Can I use essential oils in lip balm?”
The answer is yes—but only certain oils and in very small amounts.
Let’s explore which essential oils are safe for lips, how to use them, and share three easy DIY recipes using beautiful ingredients from Holistic Emporium.
Are Essential Oils Safe to Use in Lip Balm?
🌿 Yes—but only specific essential oils in low concentrations.
Your lips are delicate and sensitive, so it’s important to use: Mild, skin-safe essential oils
Very low dilution levels (generally 0.5–1% or less)
Food-grade or cosmetic-safe ingredients
Some essential oils can cause irritation or dryness if overused, so less is more!
Best Essential Oils for Lip Balm (Safe & Soothing)
- ✅ Lavender – calming, gentle, and healing
- ✅ Peppermint – cooling and plumping (use very sparingly!)
- ✅ Sweet Orange – uplifting and citrusy (in small amounts)
- ✅ Rose Geranium – floral and balancing for dry lips
- ✅ Chamomile – soothing, great for sensitive skin
- ✅ Frankincense – protective and nourishing
⚠️ Avoid essential oils like cinnamon, clove, lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus, which can irritate or burn delicate lip skin.
How Much Essential Oil Should You Use in Lip Balm?
For lip-safe use, aim for 0.5% to 1% dilution.
That’s about:
- 1–2 drops of essential oil per 10ml of carrier base
- 4–6 drops per 100g batch of lip balm base
- Use a digital scale or dropper for accuracy, especially when making larger batches.
What’s the Best Base for DIY Lip Balm?
At Holistic Emporium, we recommend:
- Vegan Beeswax pellets – provides structure and locks in moisture
- Shea butter – ultra-hydrating and softening
- Coconut oil or Sweet Almond oil – nourishing, light, and smoothing
3 Easy DIY Lip Balm Recipes 🌸
🌿 1. Calming Lavender & Chamomile Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp beeswax pellets
- 2 tsp shea butter
- 2 tsp sweet almond oil
- 1 drop Lavender essential oil
- 1 drop Chamomile essential oil
Method:
- Melt beeswax, shea butter, and almond oil in a double boiler.
- Remove from heat and add essential oils.
- Pour into small tins or tubes and let cool completely.
🍊 2. Citrus Kiss Lip Balm (Sweet Orange)
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 2 tsp beeswax
- 2 tsp shea butter
- 2 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
Method:
Same as above. Use caution with citrus oils—stick to sweet orange and avoid phototoxic citrus oils like lemon or bergamot on the lips.
💋 3. Peppermint Plump Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp beeswax
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp cocoa butter
- 1 drop Peppermint essential oil
Method:
Melt ingredients, stir in the peppermint oil, pour into your chosen container, and allow to set.
🔥 Only 1 drop of Peppermint oil is needed—it’s strong!
Pro Tips for DIY Lip Balm
✨ Use lip-safe colourants like beetroot powder or mica for a tinted balm
✨ Add Vitamin E oil for extra nourishment and longer shelf life
✨ Store in sterilised tins or tubes in a cool, dry place
✨ Label your blends and jot down your recipes for future batches!
So—can you use essential oils in lip balm?
Absolutely, as long as you choose the right oils and keep your dilution gentle.
DIY lip balm is a fun, affordable way to create personalised, chemical-free products that nourish your lips and smell divine.
🛒 Shop premium-quality essential oils, butters, and oils at www.holisticemporium.co.za
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