Autumn and winter can wreak havoc on your lips, leaving them dry, cracked, and uncomfortable. Combat the chill with this pocket sized DIY Winter Lip Balm recipe—a simple, thrifty, and nourishing solution you can make at home.
This easy-to-make balm is packed with natural ingredients that hydrate, protect, and repair your lips, keeping them soft and smooth all season long.
And it makes the cutest gift to hand out to friends and loved ones.
Ingredients To Make The DIY Winter Lip Balm
- 1/3 Sweet Almond Oil (UK, USA)
- 1/3 Beeswax Pellets (UK, USA)
- 1/3 Coconut Oil (use unrefined solid UK, USA for scent or fractionated UK, USA, for a neutral option) (UK, USA)
- Small Aluminum Lip Balm Tins (mine are 10ml) (UK, USA)
Pro Tip: You can measure your ingredients in any unit—a cup, tablespoons, grams, or milliliters—just ensure they’re in equal parts. For example: 30ml sweet almond oil, 30g beeswax pellets, and 30g solid coconut oil (equivalent to 30ml when melted).
Benefits of the Ingredients in DIY Winter Lip Balm
Sweet Almond Oil
Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, sweet almond oil deeply moisturises and soothes chapped lips. Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for locking in moisture without feeling greasy.
Alternative Oils: If you don’t have sweet almond oil, you can use jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, Castor oil, or avocado oil for similar hydrating benefits.Apricot kernel oil
Beeswax Pellets
Beeswax acts as a natural barrier to protect your lips from harsh weather. It seals in moisture, adds structure (solidity) to the balm, and helps it last longer on your lips.
Vegan Alternative: For a plant-based option, substitute beeswax with candelilla wax or carnauba wax.
Coconut Oil
Unrefined coconut oil is a powerhouse ingredient with antimicrobial properties and deep conditioning benefits. Its natural coconut scent adds a touch of luxury to the balm. Fractionated (liquid) coconut oil is a great alternative if you prefer an unscented balm.
Alternative Oils: If coconut oil isn’t for you, consider using shea butter or cocoa butter for a similar nourishing effect.
How To Make Your DIY Winter Lip Balm
- Melt the Beeswax:
Place your beeswax pellets in a microwave-safe container and heat in 1-minute intervals on high, stirring between bursts. - Add the Oils:
Once the beeswax is fully melted, add the coconut oil and sweet almond oil and gently stir until the coconut oil melts. If necessary heat gently in 15-20 second hurts until all the coconut oil is melted. If you’re using liquid coconut oil you won’t need to reheat. - Mix and Pour:
Combine thoroughly and pour the mixture into your lip balm tins. Use a syringe for precision or carefully pour with a spoon. - Cool and Set:
Allow the lip balm to cool and set completely before sealing the tins.
Important: Always melt beeswax first, as it takes longer than the oils. Heating everything together can cause uneven melting.
Decorating Your Lip Balm Pots
Personalise your lip balm tins to make them extra special. I used my Cricut Explore to cut white vinyl snowflakes for a winter-themed look. Measure the lid diameter and adjust the snowflake size accordingly.
You could also use acrylic markers, acrylic paint or make your own stickers using printable sticker paper.
Why Make Your Own DIY Winter Lip Balm?
Homemade lip balms aren’t just cost-effective—they also let you control the ingredients. No hidden chemicals or artificial fragrances, just natural, skin-loving goodness.
Whether for personal use or as a heartfelt gift, this DIY winter lip balm is a perfect way to keep your lips protected and nourished all winter long.
Pin this recipe and share it with your friends—because everyone deserves soft, happy lips this season!
Is there a substitution for almond oil that would work just as well? Our school doesn’t allow any products with nuts but I love this idea for classmate gifts.
Hi, yes you could use any oil as a substitute. The beeswax is the hardener and the oil the nourisher. Olive oil is easy to source, along with sunflower oil and avocado oil.
Can you make this without the almond oil? What purposes do the three ingredients serve?
That’s a good question. I’ve added some alternatives and expanded on the ingredients in the blog post.