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Finished homemade tallow lip balm tubes on a marble countertop, with a basket and purple flowers in the background.

Homemade Tallow Lip Balm Recipe (Nourishing & Long-Lasting)

This homemade tallow lip balm is rich, nourishing, and incredibly long-lasting. Made with natural ingredients like rendered tallow, beeswax, and a touch of butter or oil, it glides on smoothly and locks in moisture—perfect for soothing dry lips any time of year.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 0
Author: Stephanie

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.