Chapped, flaky lips are no fun — and a lot of store-bought lip balms are full of waxes, fragrances, and fillers that don’t really help. The fix? Make your own. This coconut oil lip balm is soft, nourishing, and takes just 10 minutes with three simple ingredients. It soothes dry lips, tastes lightly of coconut, and costs pennies per tube. Follow along and you’ll never buy drugstore balm again.
A smooth, all-natural coconut oil lip balm from just coconut oil + beeswax + a carrier oil. The beeswax gives it structure so it holds up in a tube or tin, coconut oil deeply moisturizes, and it melts onto your lips to soothe dryness. Naturally flavored, easy to customize, and perfect as a little handmade gift.
Why Make Your Own Lip Balm?
Your lips have some of the thinnest, most delicate skin on your body — and they have no oil glands of their own, which is exactly why they dry out and crack so easily. A good balm seals in moisture and protects them. The trouble with many store-bought balms is that they rely on petroleum or drying additives that can leave you reaching for more every few minutes.
A homemade coconut oil lip balm is different. Coconut oil is deeply moisturizing and naturally a little antibacterial, beeswax creates a protective seal that locks moisture in, and a splash of carrier oil keeps it soft and glide-y. You control every ingredient — no mystery chemicals, no synthetic fragrance. It’s gentle enough for sensitive lips and even kid-friendly (skip essential oils for little ones). For more, see our coconut oil for lips guide.
Three ingredients, ten minutes, and you’ve got a balm that actually heals dry lips instead of just coating them. Once you make your own, the drugstore tubes feel like a waste of money.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp coconut oil — the moisturizing base
- 1 tbsp beeswax pellets — sets the balm so it holds shape
- 1 tbsp carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, or olive oil) — keeps it soft & smooth
- Optional: 1 tsp honey — extra soothing and a hint of sweetness
- Optional: 3–5 drops food-grade essential oil (peppermint, sweet orange) — for flavor (skip for kids)
Equipment
- A small heatproof bowl or jar + a small saucepan (for a double boiler)
- A spoon for stirring
- Empty lip balm tubes or small tins (about 6)
- A dropper or small pourer (a squeeze bottle helps)
How to Make Coconut Oil Lip Balm
- Set up a double boiler. Add a couple inches of water to a saucepan and set a heatproof bowl on top (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Warm over low heat.
- Melt the beeswax. Add the beeswax pellets to the bowl and stir until fully melted — it takes a couple of minutes since beeswax has a higher melting point.
- Add the oils. Stir in the coconut oil and carrier oil. Mix until everything is melted and smooth and combined.
- Add honey & flavor. If using, stir in the honey and your essential oil drops. Mix well (honey can be a little stubborn — keep stirring).
- Test the texture. Dip a spoon in and let it cool for a few seconds. Too hard? Add a touch more coconut oil. Too soft? Add a little more beeswax. Adjust while it’s still warm.
- Pour quickly. Working fast (it sets as it cools), carefully pour the warm liquid into your tubes or tins, filling to the top.
- Let it set. Leave the tubes to cool and firm up at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes (or pop them in the fridge to speed it up). Cap them, and they’re ready!
- Work quickly when pouring — beeswax sets fast. If it hardens in the bowl, just gently rewarm it.
- Remember the 3:1:1 ratio (coconut oil : beeswax : carrier oil) and you can scale the recipe up or down easily.
- For a firmer balm in summer heat, add a little extra beeswax so it doesn’t get too soft.
Flavor & Add-In Variations
| Variation | Add | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Minty Fresh | 4 drops peppermint oil | Cooling, tingly |
| 🍊 Sweet Orange | 4 drops orange oil | Bright, cheerful |
| 🍫 Chocolate | 1 tsp cocoa powder | Rich, tinted |
| 💋 Rosy Tint | Tiny bit of beetroot powder | Natural pink tint |
How to Use & Store It
- Apply anytime your lips feel dry — it’s especially nice before bed and before going out in cold or wind.
- Store in a cool, dry place. Because there’s no water in the recipe, it stays fresh a long time.
- Shelf life: about 6–12 months. If you added honey, use it within a few months for best freshness.
- Hot weather: coconut oil softens above about 76°F (24°C), so keep tubes out of hot cars; add more beeswax for a firmer summer batch.
Since this goes on your lips (and you’ll swallow a little), use food-grade ingredients and only skin-safe, food-grade essential oils — and just a few drops. Skip essential oils and honey for babies and toddlers. Do a small patch test if you have sensitive skin or allergies (including a bee/beeswax allergy).
The Best Coconut Oil for Lip Balm
Use a pure, organic, food-grade coconut oil since it’s going on your lips. Here’s our pick.
Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
TOP PICK
Why we picked it: This 100% pure, organic, cold-pressed extra-virgin coconut oil is food-grade and unrefined with nothing added — perfect for a balm that touches your lips. It melts smoothly into the beeswax, adds deep moisture, and lends a light, pleasant coconut taste. One jar makes many batches of balm (plus body butter, scrubs, and more), so it’s fantastic value for any DIY skincare fan.
- Type: Organic extra-virgin
- Process: Cold-pressed
- Grade: Food-grade
- Taste: Light coconut
- Best for: Lip balm & DIY
- Additives: None
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Prefer to buy a ready-made coconut lip balm too? A tried-and-true option is Palmer’s Coconut Oil Lip Balm — handy to keep in your bag while your homemade batch sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lip balm without beeswax?
Yes, but you’ll need another firming ingredient or the balm will stay very soft (more like a lip butter in a tin). Candelilla wax (vegan) or a little cocoa butter can replace beeswax. Beeswax gives the firmest, most tube-friendly texture, so it’s the easiest choice for beginners.
Why is my lip balm too hard (or too soft)?
It’s all about the ratio. Too hard means too much beeswax — remelt and add a little more coconut oil. Too soft means too much oil — remelt and add a bit more beeswax. The 3:1:1 coconut oil to beeswax to carrier oil ratio is a reliable starting point.
How long does homemade lip balm last?
Around 6–12 months stored in a cool, dry place, since there’s no water to spoil. If you add honey or fresh ingredients, use it within a few months. If it ever smells off, make a fresh batch — it’s quick and cheap.
Is coconut oil good for chapped lips?
Yes. Coconut oil is deeply moisturizing and helps soothe and soften dry, chapped lips, and it forms a light protective layer. Combined with beeswax in a balm, it seals in moisture so lips heal rather than staying cracked.
Can kids use this lip balm?
Yes, if you keep it simple — coconut oil, beeswax, and carrier oil, with no essential oils or honey for little ones. It’s gentle and food-grade. Always supervise young children with any balm.
Your Quick Checklist
- Use the 3:1:1 ratio (coconut oil : beeswax : carrier oil)
- Melt beeswax first, then add the oils
- Test and adjust texture before pouring
- Pour quickly — it sets fast
- Use food-grade ingredients only
- Store somewhere cool and dry
And that’s a wrap — soft, healthy lips from a balm you made yourself, for a fraction of store prices. Make a batch, tuck tubes in your bag, and gift a few to friends. Ready to start? Grab a jar of pure organic virgin coconut oil and get melting.
