The best examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to the fun part: real examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips that people actually use and love. Then we’ll break down why they work and how to customize them.

Here are a few types you’ll meet as we go:

• A basic 3-ingredient balm for beginners
• An ultra-rich night repair balm
• A vegan, beeswax-free option
• A tinted lip balm with buildable color
• A soothing balm for sensitive or eczema-prone lips
• A cooling, minty balm (with safety notes)
• A glossy oil-balm hybrid for daytime shine

Each example of a recipe is designed to be simple, repeatable, and adjustable, so you’re not stuck hunting down exotic ingredients.

1. The classic 3-ingredient balm: the best starter example

If you’re new to DIY, this is one of the best examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips because it’s forgiving, easy to tweak, and hard to mess up.

You’ll need (for about 4–5 standard tubes):

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets (provides structure and a protective barrier)
• 1 tablespoon shea butter or cocoa butter (adds richness and softens flakes)
• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil (locks in moisture)

How to make it:
Melt the beeswax, butter, and oil together using a heat-safe glass jar set in a small pan of gently simmering water (a simple double boiler). Stir until everything is liquid and uniform, then pour into tubes or small tins. Let cool completely.

Why it works:

• Beeswax forms a breathable, protective film that helps prevent moisture loss.
• Butters like shea contain fatty acids that support the skin barrier.
• Oils soften and condition the lips so they feel smoother.

Dermatology research continues to highlight the importance of occlusive and emollient ingredients for dry, chapped skin, including the lips. You can read more about dry skin care principles from the American Academy of Dermatology and apply the same logic to your lip balm.

2. Night repair balm: an example of a richer, healing formula

If your lips crack overnight or peel in the morning, you might need one of the thicker, more intensive examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips.

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter (for a firmer, long-lasting balm)
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon thick oil like castor oil or avocado oil
• Optional: 3–4 drops vitamin E oil (antioxidant, may help protect oils from going rancid)

Method:
Use the same double boiler method. Melt beeswax, butters, and oils together, remove from heat, then stir in vitamin E at the end. Pour into small tins or a shallow jar. This one is best applied at night in a thicker layer.

Why this example is good for severe chapping:

• Castor and avocado oils are heavier and stay on the lips longer.
• Cocoa butter is more solid than shea, so it creates a more protective coating.
• The thicker texture helps prevent licking or rubbing the balm off too quickly.

For very damaged lips, it’s also smart to think about hydration from the inside. Mayo Clinic notes that dry, chapped lips can be aggravated by dehydration and environmental factors like wind and cold air. You can read more about dry skin and lip care on Mayo Clinic.

3. Vegan balm: an example of a beeswax-free recipe

If you’re avoiding animal products, you still have plenty of great examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips. You just need to swap beeswax for a plant-based wax.

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon candelilla wax or carnauba wax (plant-based wax; harder than beeswax)
• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter or mango butter
• 3 tablespoons jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil

Method:
Because candelilla and carnauba waxes are firmer than beeswax, you’ll use slightly less wax or more oil than in a standard recipe. Melt everything together gently, stir well, then pour into tins or tubes.

Tips for this example:

• If the balm feels too hard, re-melt and add a bit more oil.
• If it’s too soft, re-melt and add a pinch more wax.

This example of a vegan lip balm is perfect if you want a smooth glide without a heavy waxy feel.

4. Tinted balm: examples include rosy, berry, and nude shades

Sometimes you want your balm to do double duty: comfort your lips and add a little color. Some of the best examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips in 2024–2025 combine skincare-style ingredients with subtle pigments.

Basic tinted balm formula:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
• 1 teaspoon castor oil (for shine)
• 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cosmetic-grade mica powder or iron oxide pigment (rosy, berry, or nude tone)

How to do it:
Melt all ingredients except the color. Once melted, remove from heat, then gradually whisk in your pigment until smooth. Test a small amount on your wrist before pouring into tubes.

Real-world shade examples:

• A soft pink mica for a “your lips but better” look
• A warm terracotta or nude for medium to deep skin tones
• A berry plum for a sheer, stained-lip effect

Make sure you’re using pigments labeled as lip-safe from reputable suppliers. Avoid crushed eyeshadows or products not intended for lip use—they can contain ingredients that irritate the delicate lip area.

5. Sensitive-skin balm: an example of a minimalist, fragrance-free recipe

If your lips burn, itch, or sting with most products, you’ll want the simplest examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips. That means no flavor oils, no fragrance, and ideally no strong essential oils.

Ultra-gentle balm example:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 1 tablespoon shea butter (unrefined if tolerated, or refined if very sensitive)
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (very similar to skin’s natural sebum)

That’s it. No added scent, no color, no tingle.

Why this example works for sensitive lips:

• Fewer ingredients = fewer potential irritants.
• Jojoba oil is well-tolerated by many skin types.
• No mint, citrus, cinnamon, or flavor oils, which are common triggers.

If you have persistent or severe lip irritation, it’s worth checking resources like the American Academy of Dermatology and speaking with a dermatologist, especially if you suspect allergic contact dermatitis or eczema.

6. Minty balm: an example of a refreshing recipe (with safety notes)

A lot of store-bought balms use peppermint or spearmint because that cooling feel is addictive. But here’s the honest truth: for some people, mint is irritating or drying over time. So when you’re looking at examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips that include mint, it’s better to use a very light hand.

Cooling mint balm example:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 1 teaspoon castor oil (for shine)
• 1–2 drops peppermint essential oil (no more than that for a small batch)

Method:
Melt everything except the peppermint oil. Remove from heat, let cool for 1–2 minutes, then add 1–2 drops of peppermint, stir, and pour.

Safety notes:

• Patch test on the inner wrist or a small area of the lip line.
• Skip mint entirely if you have a history of lip eczema, allergies, or very reactive skin.
• Never use undiluted essential oils directly on the lips.

If you want that “fresh” feel without mint, you might prefer a tiny bit of vanilla extract (oil-based, not water-based) or a lip-safe flavor oil instead.

7. Glossy oil-balm hybrid: an example for daytime shine

If you like the look of lip gloss but hate how drying some glosses can be, this is one of the best examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips that also gives you shine.

You’ll need:

• 1 teaspoon beeswax
• 1 teaspoon shea butter
• 3 tablespoons jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon castor oil (for extra gloss)
• Optional: a pinch of shimmer mica (lip-safe) for a subtle glow

Method:
Melt beeswax, shea, and oils together, then pour into a squeeze tube or small pot. The higher oil ratio makes it more fluid and glossy.

Why people love this example:

• It layers beautifully over lipstick.
• It’s less sticky than many commercial glosses.
• It still provides a protective layer for mildly chapped lips.

Ingredient tips: how to customize these examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips

Once you’ve tried a basic example of a recipe, you can start adjusting:

To make your balm harder (more like a stick):

• Add a bit more beeswax or plant wax.

To make it softer (more like a salve):

• Add more liquid oil.

To boost hydration for very dry climates:

• Lean into richer oils like avocado or castor oil.
• Use butters like shea or mango butter for extra cushioning.

To simplify for reactive skin:

• Stick to 2–3 ingredients.
• Avoid flavors, fragrances, and intense essential oils.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other medical sources emphasize the importance of barrier repair and gentle care for dry, damaged skin. Balms that combine occlusives (like waxes) and emollients (like plant oils and butters) fit that principle nicely. You can explore more about skin barrier support through resources like NIH’s MedlinePlus.

Safety, storage, and when DIY isn’t enough

Even the best examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips have limits. A few things to keep in mind:

Shelf life:

• Most homemade balms last about 6–12 months if stored in a cool, dry place.
• If it smells “off,” rancid, or looks moldy, toss it.
• Using clean tools and containers helps reduce contamination.

Allergies and sensitivities:

• Nut oils (like almond) can trigger reactions in people with nut allergies.
• Shea butter is generally well-tolerated, but if you’re allergic to latex or tree nuts, patch test first.

When to see a doctor:

• If your lips are persistently cracked, bleeding, or painful.
• If you notice yellow crusts, swelling, or oozing (possible infection).
• If DIY balms and over-the-counter products don’t improve your lips after a couple of weeks.

WebMD has a helpful overview on chapped lips and causes, including when it might be linked to allergies, infections, or vitamin deficiencies.

FAQ: examples of DIY lip balm questions people actually ask

What are some easy examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips for beginners?
The easiest examples include a basic 3-ingredient balm (beeswax, shea butter, and a light oil like almond or jojoba) or a very simple sensitive-skin balm with just beeswax, shea butter, and jojoba oil. Both melt together quickly and set up nicely without complicated measuring.

Can you give an example of a DIY lip balm that’s safe for kids?
A good example of a kid-friendly balm is the sensitive-skin version: beeswax, shea butter, and jojoba or olive oil, with no mint, citrus, or strong flavors. Pour it into a small tin or tube and label it clearly. Always supervise young children so they don’t eat large amounts or smear it into their eyes.

Are there examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips that don’t use beeswax?
Yes. Vegan examples include swapping beeswax for candelilla or carnauba wax and pairing it with cocoa or mango butter plus a liquid oil like sunflower or jojoba. You may need to adjust the wax-to-oil ratio slightly because plant waxes are firmer.

What’s an example of a DIY lip balm that adds color without drying my lips?
A tinted balm that uses beeswax, shea butter, almond oil, castor oil for shine, and a small amount of lip-safe mica or iron oxide is a great example. You get sheer color plus conditioning ingredients, instead of the dryness that can come with some long-wear lipsticks.

Do I need preservatives in these DIY lip balm recipes?
If your recipe is purely oil-, wax-, and butter-based (no water, aloe juice, or hydrosols), you generally don’t need a traditional water-phase preservative. However, vitamin E can help slow oil oxidation. If you ever add water-based ingredients, you’ll need a proper preservative system, or the balm can grow bacteria or mold quickly.

How often should I use DIY lip balm on very chapped lips?
Most people do well applying a thin layer throughout the day and a thicker layer at night. If you’re reapplying every few minutes and your lips still feel tight or painful, it may be time to look at possible irritants in your products or talk to a dermatologist about underlying causes.

If you treat these examples of DIY lip balm recipes for chapped lips as starting points rather than rigid formulas, you’ll quickly figure out what your lips love. Start simple, patch test new ingredients, and adjust texture and richness until your lips feel soft, comfortable, and calm.