Create Your Own Moisturizing Lip Balm

This is part 8 of a 9-part “DIY Personal Care Products” series originally featured in Epoch Times.

In this series we explore how to save money and lower our toxic burden by harnessing the healing powers of nature through home-made personal care products. By making your own product line, you can avoid the side effects of chemical additives, artificial fragrances, and toxic preservatives commonly found in commercial products.

Article #8: Crafting Your Own Natural Lip Balm

We focused on deodorant last week in our journey to reduce chemical exposure and save money by exploring DIY personal care products.  Today, we turn our attention to lip balm - a simple yet essential part of our daily routine.

In this article, we explore the potential dangers of chemicals found in some store-bought lip balm and the advantages of formulating your own.  An all-natural recipe is provided.

Unveiling the Hazards of Conventional Lip Balms

Some of the potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in store-bought lip balms, include:

1. Titanium Dioxide: An insoluble mineral used to whiten products; titanium dioxide was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”  The classification was based partly on studies reporting lung tumors in rats after inhaling titanium dioxide, as well as evidence of absorption of titanium dioxide by the human gastrointestinal tract.

2. Parabens: As synthetic preservatives, parabens elongate the shelf life of lip balm. However, research has established a connection between parabens and hormone disruption, attributed to their ability to mimic estrogen within the human body. This connection has raised concerns regarding their potential links to breast cancer development and impaired fertility. In 2004, a study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology reported the presence of parabens in 90% of the breast tumors analyzed. Furthermore, a second study featured in Pharmacological Reports revealed parabens' capability to modify the expression of estrogen-responsive genes in human breast cancer cells. Additionally, maternal exposure to parabens has been linked to decreased gestational age, birth weight, and body length, as outlined in a 2017 review article in the Journal of Endocrinology.

3. Phthalates: While phthalates function as stabilizers and solvents, they are plasticizers associated with a range of health effects.  A 2022 review article published in Environmental Research highlighted a connection between phthalate exposure in personal care products and health issues, such as: obesity, hypertension, reproductive and endocrine disorders.

4. Artificial Fragrances: The scents in lip balm often come from synthetic fragrances that could trigger allergic reactions and dermatitis. Fragrances can consist of dozens of chemicals that are not required to be disclosed on the product label.  A 2021 review article in Current Treatment Options in Allergy noted that some fragrances have shown endocrine-disrupting or neurotoxic effects.  Fragrance ingredients, such as benzophenone and styrene, are listed as possible carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Toxicology Program.

5. Artificial Dye: Lip balm may contain artificial colors, such as FD&C dyes, which are commonly made from coal tar.  According to a 2012 review article in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, “all nine currently US-approved dyes raise health concerns of varying degrees” spanning from hypersensitivity reactions to carcinogenicity.

6. Petroleum Jelly: Often used as a moisturizing agent, petroleum jelly is derived from crude oil.

You can avoid these harmful chemicals and protect your health from potential risks associated with long-term exposure by making your own lip balm.

Benefits of Making Your Own Lip Balm

By embracing natural lip balm, you unlock a host of benefits beyond chemical-free assurance, such as:

1. Cost Savings in Inflationary Times:  Natural ingredients used in homemade lip balm are often more affordable when purchased in bulk, plus you lock into today’s prices.  Reusing containers further reduces costs. This article includes a lip balm recipe made from organic ingredients.  Using today’s bulk pricing, it costs 0.87¢ per ounce, which is fifteen times less expensive than comparable store-bought organic products and 8 times less expensive than many store-bought conventional products.

2. Customizable Formulas: By experimenting with natural ingredients, such as essential oils, you can tailor your lip balm  to fit your unique needs and preferences. 

3. Eco-Friendly Approach: Creating your own lip balm supports sustainability by reducing demand for single-use packaging.

4. Nourishing Moisture: Natural ingredients, including beeswax and coconut oil, lock in moisture, keeping your lips soft and hydrated.

DIY Natural Lip Balm Recipe

Below is a simple recipe that harnesses natural ingredients to promote soft and healthy lips, including:

Coconut oil: In addition to moisturizing and soothing the skin, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine concluded that coconut oil protects the skin by enhancing skin barrier function through its ability to suppress inflammation.  

Coconut oil contains natural antimicrobial properties that may help rebalance the skin microbiome.  Whether applied topically or ingested,  coconut oil is broken down to lauric acid and monolaurin, which have significant antimicrobial activity against gram positive bacteria, as well as a number of fungi, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society.  

Shea Butter: Due to its fatty acid content, including linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, shea butter is naturally moisturizing.  Shea butter also contains antioxidant and antifungal properties.  Shea butter is also a “significant source of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting compounds,” according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Oleo Science.  Components of shea butter inhibited tumor promoters and one compound, in particular, inhibited skin tumor promotion in vivo.  According to a 2014 study published in Phytochemistry, some constituents of shea butter also demonstrate potent inhibitory activity against melanoma cells (skin cancer).

Beeswax: One of the most ancient natural ingredients used in skincare, beeswax is produced by honeybees.  Historical records, such as the Ebers Papyrus  dating back to roughly 1550 BCE, documented the use of beeswax-based ointments for treatment of wounds and burns.  In Ayurvedic tradition, beeswax is also recognized for its effectiveness in addressing inflammation, cracked heels, and burns.  

A 2020 study featured in Molecules underscored the antibacterial properties of beeswax and its vitamin A content, which facilitates skin regeneration following damage. Furthermore, beeswax creates a protective shield on the skin's surface, sealing in moisture and guarding against environmental irritants and harsh weather conditions.

ǂEssential Oils: These natural oils add a pleasing aroma to lip balm while providing health benefits. 

Clary sage, for example, is effective at preventing damage caused by free radicals, which are partly responsible for skin damage.  Clary sage has astringent properties, affording it anti-aging benefits to skin, according to a 2021 review article in Journal of Plant Science.

Lavender essential oil contains antimicrobial properties and can reduce anxiety, according to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry.  

A Word on Ingredient Quality

Choose organic ingredients whenever possible.  Organic means the crop was not genetically modified and was not sprayed with most synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.     

In addition to organic, when choosing oils, select products that are 100% pure, cold-pressed, and unrefined. 

Essential oils are sometimes adulterated by adding a similar but cheaper oil or diluting the natural oil with various solvent oils in order to reduce costs.  In 2023, ConsumersAdvocate.org tested 11 peppermint essential oil samples and four were reportedly adulterated.  Therefore, choose essential oils that are 100% pure, do not contain additives or synthetic chemicals, and have been tested for heavy metals, microbes and glyphosate.   

Recipe: Moisturizing Lip Balm 

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons beeswax pellets

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 tablespoon shea butter

10-15 drops of your favorite essential oilǂ (e.g., clary sage, lavender, or citrus)

Instructions:

1. In a glass bowl, add beeswax pellets, coconut oil, and shea butter.

2. Melt the mixture over medium-low heat using a double boiler, stirring until well combined.  If you don’t have a double boiler, use the glass bowl and a large pot as a substitute.  When choosing the size of the pot, the glass bowl should fit comfortably over the top of the pot, almost like a lid, but leave enough space between the bottom of the glass bowl and the pot to ensure steam can flow between them. Place water in the bottom of the pot, place the glass bowl containing the ingredients on top of the pot, and simmer until the water steams.      

3. Once all ingredients are melted, remove from heat and allow to cool to the touch.

4. Add the essential oil of your choice.  Mix until combined. 

5. Pour the mixture into glass lip balm containers or empty lip balm tubes.

6. Allow the lip balm to cool and solidify before use.

Contraindications and Precautions:

ǂPregnant or breastfeeding women, children under the age of 2, and anyone consuming prescription medications should consult their healthcare provider before using essential oils.  Lavender essential oil can cause skin irritation.  Nausea, vomiting, headache and chills have been reported in some people after inhaling or absorbing lavender through the skin.  People with low blood pressure should avoid clary sage.  

Before using the recipes in this article, consult with your health care provider to ensure the ingredients are aligned with your specific health needs.  Always check for sensitivities or adverse reactions by applying a small amount of product.  Do not use these recipes if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.    

Final Thoughts

As we embark on our journey to create DIY personal care products, remember to research and experiment with ingredients that meet your unique needs.  Buy in bulk whenever possible and purchase organic ingredients.  Your mouth deserves the best – all natural ingredients that build health and wellness so you can thrive in your natural brilliance.

Stay tuned for our next article, where we explore crafting natural whipped body butter- a luxurious treat for your skin, unburdened by toxic additives!