Another option is to put this in a small microwave-safe bowl to heat in the microwave. Shea butter is a better general moisturizer, since it has vitamin E in it. However, coconut oil is also hydrating.
If you’re heating it in the microwave, start with 10 seconds and check on it. Stir it and heat it in 5-second increments after that.
Try peppermint, rose, or a citrus essential oil. If you don’t want to use honey, you can substitute castor oil, which is a vegan ingredient. Use castor oil in the same proportions as the honey. Honey draws moisture to your lips and helps exfoliate them, while castor oil is good for hydration and dealing with chapped lips. Instead of essential oil, try adding in a few dashes of ground cinnamon.
You can store this lip balm at room temperature for several months.
You may need to stir it a bit to make sure it’s evenly melted. [7] X Research source Coconut oil is hydrating, while petroleum jelly helps seal in moisture. [8] X Expert Source Nini Efia YangMakeup Artist Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.
You can use any flavor you like, but keep in mind it will also tint the lip balm. Try raspberry, cherry, or strawberry for a pink-red color. You can also go a little crazy with grape for a purple lip balm or blue raspberry for a bright blue color. For a colorless balm, try unflavored gelatin. You can use sugar-free gelatin, too, but you may need to use a little less powder. Experiment to see what works! Gelatin mainly helps set the lip balm, though the protein in gelatin may be beneficial.
Most citrus essential oils have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
If you want to use multiple lip balm tubes, use a rubber band to tie them together. That will make it easier to pour the lip balm into the tubes. This should keep several months at room temperature since it doesn’t have water in it. However, if it smells off or has mold, throw it out.
If you want, you can substitute petroleum jelly for the castor oil in the same proportion. Petroleum jelly seals in moisture. [13] X Expert Source Nini Efia YangMakeup Artist Expert Interview. 27 August 2019. Castor oil soothes chapped lips and hydrates. Both shea butter and coconut oil hydrate, but shea butter has vitamin E, too, which is good for your skin. You can also leave out the shea butter if you’d like. Try adding more coconut oil. You can also heat these in the microwave; if you’d like to, use a small microwave-safe bowl.
If you heat it in the microwave, start with 15-20 seconds and check on it. Heat it up in 5-second increments until the oils are melted and mixed together.
Citrus essential oils have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Clove or cinnamon are also good options, but you should start with just a few drops. They can get overpowering very quickly. They have a warming effect on your lips. If you don’t have any essential oils, try sprinkling in 1/4 a packet of a drink powder mix, such as Kool-Aid or Crystal Light, which will add color and flavor. For a natural tint, add 1/4 teaspoon (1. 5 grams) of beet root powder.
It’s ready when the lip balm has cooled and solidified. This should last several months at room temperature.
