Homemade Red Grapefruit Lip Balm (vegan friendly)

One thing I have a secret obsession with is lip balms, especially when they not only smell good but have healing properties and offer loads of hydration to my lips. Having said that, I’m very particular about what’s in the products I’m using, and I will not compromise when it comes to it. I have my over the counter fav’s but after discovering I could do it myself, I haven’t looked back. Besides making my own is more fun, I know what’s in it and its cheaper for me in the long run making this a win win situation!

Honestly, balms are so easy to make and once you have the ingredients you can make countless variations. My balm consists of no more than 5 natural yet beneficial ingredients that will leave your lips quenched with moisture (with one optional element). Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Jojoba Oil are my top 3 favorite carrier oils because when it comes to hydration, softening the skin, healing, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties these pack a mighty punch. Their also easy to find online and or at your local health food store and their inexpensive. When it comes to essential oils, it is believed that grapefruit essential oil contains antibacterial and antimicrobial effects and I do include vitamin e oil in my recipe as it adds extra antioxidants, but this is just an option. In terms of waxes I’ve made balms using both beeswax and candelilla wax. Both have their own characteristics and assist in reducing dryness and are natural humectants with the candelilla wax being a great vegan friendly alternative. I will say this balm’s fragrance is not overpowering and has a simple subtle citrus aroma.

Now if you can spare less than 10 minutes then that’s penalty of time to make your very own balm and leave you stocked up for months, so let’s dive right in.

If you like this recipe, check out my Shea Butter Lavender Body Mousse and Homemade African Black Soap Shampoo recipes.

INGREDIENTS

· 2 tablespoon Shea Butter

· 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil

· 1 tablespoon Candelilla Wax

· ½ tablespoon Jojoba Oil

· ¼ teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional)

· 6-10 drops Red Grapefruit essential oil

· Empty lip balm containers (I used metal tins)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Using a double broiler, in a small stainless-steel bowl or a heat resistant bowl, melt over medium heat the shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and candelilla wax. Stir occasionally to help move the products along. Do not allow the mixture to boil.

2. Remove from heat, and gently stir in the vitamin e oil and red grapefruit essential oil.

3. Pour your mixture into each tin and let set before securing it with the lid.

NOTE: The metal tins I use are 1oz, and this recipe typically fills about 2 tins. While I chose to use red grapefruit essential oil for this recipe, feel free to use other essentials oils of your choice. Orange, lavender and peppermint essential oils are wonderful accents you can try. And do remember if you have allergies or are uncertain of how your skin may react to any of these products do a patch test or consult your physician first.

Enjoy

xoxoxo

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