I have a problem, I’m addicted to lip balm. I can’t leave the house without it, and I find myself applying it multiple times throughout the day. It’s been like this for years, but until recently I never knew why. I thought it was just a habit I acquired over the years, or maybe my lips were just a little greedy when it came to moisturizer. However, the real reason my lips obsessively crave lip balm is due to the ingredients found in many store bought balms.
Many lip care products contain drying ingredients such as camphor, phenol, menthol, alcohol, and salicylic acid, all of which can cause discomfort and the need to reapply throughout the day.
They also usually contain allergens and irritants, like artificial fragrances, that can make chapped lips even worse by causing lip sensitivity, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. If you suffer from the same addiction, or just want to avoid the unnecessary chemicals found in certain balms, you can make this nourishing eucalyptus salve, that will soothe your dry lips and leave them looking soft and smooth. Also, since it’s made with natural decongestants (eucalyptus + tea tree oil), you’ll breathe a little better every time you apply it! All the ingredients are organic and are listed below with their natural health benefits:
Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oils – antibacterial, antiseptic, and powerful decongestants
Vitamin E – antioxidant (may reduce signs of aging), protects skin from sun damage caused by ultraviolet rays, a natural preservative, and moisturizer
Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Beeswax – highly moisturizing, without drying out the lips
What You’ll Need
- 2 Tbsp beeswax
- 2 Tbsp raw Shea butter, virgin unrefined
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp coconut oil, refined
- 15 drops tea tree essential oil
- 20 drops vitamin E liquid
- 45 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions
- Melt beeswax, Shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler, you can see how to make one here. Stir constantly until fully melted.
- Remove from heat, let mixture cool 2-3 minutes. Add tea tree oil, vitamin E, and eucalyptus oil, stir.
- Pour into measuring cup (for easy pouring), then pour mixture into the container(s) or tubes you want to store the lip balm in. Let containers sit at room temperature for a few hours until completely hardened, or for expedited cooling, place in refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Tips
- Before applying to lips, first rub a small amount on the back of your hand, to make sure your skin isn’t sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients used.
- To avoid applying unwanted harmful chemicals to your skin, buy only organic & cosmetic grade ingredients.
- Buy beeswax that is certified 100% organic by the USDA. If it doesn’t have this certification, it may contain harmful pesticides that are toxic to you, and responsible for killing bee populations across North America. I use beeswax pastilles (pellets) for easier measuring.
- I made five 5mL containers worth of balm, then poured the rest into a mason jar for at home use.
- For easy cleanup, clean bowl and measuring cup with a paper towel while waiting for balm to set. It’s easier to wipe off when melted.
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