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 are: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 and evidence of absorption of titanium dioxide by the human gastrointestinal tract.
Parabens
As synthetic preservatives, parabens elongate the shelf life of lip balm. However, research has established a connection between parabens and hormone disruption and links them to increased rates of breast cancer, infertility, lower birth weight, shorter body length, and more.
Phthalates
Phthalates, which function as stabilizers and solvents, 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, and reproductive and endocrine disorders.
Artificial Fragrances
As discussed in earlier articles, synthetic fragrances such as those in lip balms can trigger allergic reactions, dermatitis, and neurotoxic effects. Fragrances can consist of dozens of chemicals that aren’t required to be disclosed on the product label. 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.
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.
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 reduced packaging waste and cost savings.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 15 times less expensive than comparable store-bought organic products and eight times less expensive than many store-bought conventional products.
You can also tailor your lip balm to fit your unique needs and preferences by altering the ingredients.
And unlike the harmful ingredients in commercial products, you benefit from ingredients such as beeswax and coconut oil, which lock in moisture and keep your lips soft and hydrated.
DIY Natural Lip Balm Recipe
Below is a simple recipe that promotes soft and healthy lips by harnessing natural ingredients, including:Coconut Oil
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine concluded that in addition to moisturizing and soothing the skin, coconut oil protects the skin by enhancing skin barrier function through its ability to suppress inflammation.
Coconut oil also has natural antimicrobial properties that may help rebalance the skin microbiome and has significant antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria and a number of fungi.
Shea Butter
Because of 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 skin tumor promotion in vivo in one study, and another study found that they had 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 B.C., 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. Beeswax also creates a protective shield on the skin’s surface, sealing in moisture and guarding against environmental irritants and harsh weather conditions.
*Essential 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 wasn’t genetically modified and wasn’t sprayed with most synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.Also select products that are 100 percent 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 2023, ConsumersAdvocate.org tested 11 peppermint essential oil samples, and four were reportedly adulterated.
DIY Personal Care Products
Part 1
Crafting Your Own Natural Body Lotion: An Affordable Yet Luxurious Treat for Your Skin
Part 2
Crafting Your Own Natural Shampoo
Part 3
Crafting Your Own Premium Natural Toothpaste
Par 4
Crafting Your Own Age-Defying Eye Cream
Part 5
Crafting Your Own Natural Body Soap
Part 6
Crafting Your Own Face Cream
Part 7
Crafting Your Own Natural Deodorant
Part 8
Crafting Your Own Natural Lip Balm
Part 9
Crafting Your Own Whipped Body Butter
More from this series
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)
- In a glass bowl, add beeswax pellets, coconut oil, and shea butter.
- 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. The glass bowl should fit comfortably over the top of the pot but with 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.
- Once all ingredients are melted, remove from heat and allow to cool to the touch.
- Add the essential oil of your choice. Mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into glass lip balm containers or empty lip balm tubes.
- Allow the lip balm to cool and solidify before use.
Contraindications and Precautions:
*Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under the age of 2, and anyone consuming prescription medications should consult their health care providers 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.Craft natural, luxurious, whipped body butter.