Part of my night time ritual is to slather on a layer of lip balm before I go to bed. It can't be just any lip balm, however. I like my bedtime application to fresh and cooling, yet deeply moisturizing. In addition, I always want the ingredients used to be cruelty-fee, organic and sans harmful chemicals. Did you know many common lip balms contain hormone disruptors, cancer causing ingredients and ingredients that actually dry your lips out rather than provide moisture, in efforts to make you use more? Kinda gross and not anything I want a part of.
Making your own lip balm is not only easy, but it also allows you to control what is used. I use cocoa butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil and shea butter for their deeply nourishing qualities. I also add a little peppermint essential oil to create the fresh and cooling elements that I require. Because I created this recipe with items I already had on hand, and I did not want to use bee's wax or purchase another type of wax, this lip balm will not be quit solid enough to use in a stick form. It works best when poured and stored in a small tub or container. Give it a try!
Nourishing Peppermint Lip Balm
- 2 teaspoons cocoa butter, finely chopped or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon shea butter
- 1/4 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil
- 10 drops therapeutic grade peppermint essential oil
To make, you can either place the cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil and coconut oil in a mason jar and put the jar in a small sauce pan of water, or you can add all ingredients to a double boiler. If using the jar, bring the water in the sauce pan to a simmer, just before boiling. For either option, be sure to stir frequently to help everything melt and blend together. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in your peppermint oil. Carefully pour the mixture into your container. Place the container into the refrigerator to allow it to solidify. Once it sets up, apply and enjoy!
**Note: I like to use old lip balm containers to re-purpose them and reduce waste.