If you’ve ever wanted to make your own natural lip balm at home, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Using just a few simple ingredients—most of which you may already have—you’ll end up with a final product that’s nourishing, long-lasting, and easy to customize.
Table of Contents
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Using Tallow in Everyday Recipes, Skincare, and Crafts
Here at Idie’s Farm, I love finding ways to use natural fats like tallow in everyday recipes. If you’re new to working with it, you may want to start with my step-by-step guides: How to Render Fat to Make Homemade Beef Tallow, How to Make Homemade Whipped Tallow Balm (DIY Recipe), and even How to Make Natural Candles From Beef Tallow. These projects all show just how versatile this ingredient can be—not only in the kitchen, but in homestead skincare and home goods too.
Combined with beeswax pellets, natural cocoa butter (or shea/mango butter), and a touch of liquid oil, this balm glides on smoothly and keeps lips soft for a long time. Whether you’re filling lip balm tubes, lip balm tins, or small jars, you’ll have a set of great gifts for friends—or your own stash for special occasions.
Why Make Lip Balm With Tallow?
Tallow is packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, and works beautifully with natural ingredients like beeswax and cocoa butter to mimic the skin’s natural oils. It’s different from the old Lip Smackers or store-bought sticks because this homemade lip balm recipe actually nourishes lips instead of just coating them.
- Deeply hydrating: A true natural humectant and emollient.
- Customizable: Use your favorite essential oils to create seasonal blends.
- Affordable: With a few supplies you can make several tubes at no extra cost compared to buying one stick at the store.
Equipment You’ll Need
Small double boiler (or heatproof bowl set over a saucepan)
Measuring spoons
Stirring utensil (spoon, popsicle stick (what I used), or small spatula)
Lip balm tubes with silicone lip balm mold with lip balm tins, or small jars
Funnel, pipette, or small dropper (this helps fill tubes neatly, however, with the silicon mold I was able to just pour it in)
Paper towels (for easy cleanup)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (8g) beeswax pellets
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) shea butter (or cocoa butter or mango butter)
- 2 tablespoons (27g) tallow (unscented works best)
- 1 teaspoon (4.6g) jojoba oil (or olive oil / sweet almond oil — helps soften texture)
- 20 drops of essential oil (OPTIONAL — peppermint (perfect for the holidays), vanilla, or lavender are great)
- (OPTIONAL) vitamin E oil - 13 drops
Step-by-Step Guide
In a double boiler (or a glass bowl set over simmering water on medium heat), add beeswax pellets, shea butter, and tallow. Stir occasionally until you have a smooth, melted mixture.
Remove from heat and stir in your carrier oil (jojoba, olive, or sweet almond).
Add your drops of essential oil and optional vitamin E oil. Stir well to combine.
Carefully pour into lip balm containers, such as plastic tubes, small tins, or jars. A medicine syringe works well for precision filling. Secure with a rubber band if you’re holding several tubes upright.
Let the balm firm up at room temperature for 1–2 hours. Wipe spills with a paper towel.
Tips for the Best DIY Lip Balm Recipe
- Texture tweaks: More beeswax = firmer balm, more oil = softer balm.
- Avoid grainy texture: Use second intervals if melting in the microwave, but the double boiler method is safest.
- For extra nourishment & shelf life try adding 13 drops vitamin E oil.
- Shelf life: Stored at room temperature, this balm lasts several months, especially with vitamin E oil.
- Own labels: Add your own labels to tubes for fun, farmhouse-style homemade lip balm gifts.
- Vegan lip balm option: Swap tallow for extra cocoa butter, shea butter, or mango butter if you’d like to create a plant-based version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap oils like coconut oil?
Yes! Coconut oil is a popular choice for a softer balm, though it can get too soft in the summer months.
Can I make this without beeswax?
Yes, try candelilla wax for a vegan lip balm. Just use a small amount less since it firms faster.
How many tubes will this make?
This batch fills about 8-10 standard lip balm tubes or a few small tins—plenty for sharing or stocking up.
What if my balm feels too firm or soft?
Next time, adjust your beeswax or oil ratio slightly. That’s the best part about creating your own lip balm recipes—you can experiment until it’s perfect.
Final Thoughts
Making your own homemade lip balm is one of those simple farmhouse projects that feels incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients, a measuring cup or kitchen scale, and a little time, you can create the best lip balm you’ve ever used.
It’s an easy DIY recipe for dry lips, perfect for special occasions, everyday use, or even as gifts.
👉 If you loved this recipe, don’t miss:
Tallow Recipes for Cooking, Skincare, and DIY Projects
Tried this recipe?
I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @idiesfarm and #idiesfarm so I can share your beautiful creation!
Homemade Tallow Lip Balm Recipe (Nourishing & Long-Lasting)
Equipment
- Small double boiler (or heatproof bowl set over a saucepan)
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring utensil (spoon, popsicle stick (what I used), or small spatula)
- Lip balm tubes with silicone lip balm mold or lip balm tins, or small jars
- Funnel, pipette, or small dropper (this helps fill tubes neatly, however, with the silicon mold I was just able to just pour it in)
- Paper towels (for easy cleanup)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets 🐝 8g
- 2 tablespoons shea butter 28g (or cocoa butter or mango butter)
- 2 tablespoons tallow 27g (unscented works best)
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil 4.6g (or olive oil / sweet almond oil — helps soften texture)
- 20 drops of essential oil OPTIONAL — peppermint (perfect for the holidays, vanilla, or lavender are great)
- vitamin E oil - 13 drops OPTIONAL
Instructions
- In a double boiler (or a glass bowl set over simmering water on medium heat), add beeswax pellets, shea butter, and tallow. Stir occasionally until you have a smooth, melted mixture.
- Remove from heat and stir in your carrier oil (jojoba, olive, or sweet almond).
- Add in your drops of essential oil and optional vitamin E oil. Stir well to combine.
- Carefully pour into lip balm containers, such as plastic tubes, small tins, or jars. A medicine syringe works well for precision filling. Secure with a rubber band if you’re holding several tubes upright.
- Let the balm firm up at room temperature for 1–2 hours. Wipe spills with a paper towel.
Notes
Tips for the Best DIY Lip Balm Recipe
- Texture tweaks: More beeswax = firmer balm, more oil = softer balm.
- Avoid grainy texture: Use second intervals if melting in the microwave, but the double boiler method is safest.
- For extra nourishment & shelf life try adding 13 drops vitamin E oil.
- Shelf life: Stored at room temperature, this balm lasts several months, especially with vitamin E oil.
- Own labels: Add your own labels to tubes for fun, farmhouse-style own homemade lip balm gifts.
- Vegan lip balm option: Swap tallow for extra cocoa butter, shea butter, or mango butter if you’d like to create a plant-based version.
