How to Make Herbal Peppermint Lip Balm

Jump to Project Card

Store-bought lip balm ingredients always made me wonder what half those chemicals actually were, especially when I was applying something to my lips multiple times a day. Then I realized how simple it is to make lip balm that actually works using ingredients I could pronounce. This DIY peppermint lip balm is soothing, refreshing, and completely customizable using ingredients you may already have in your apothecary or pantry. The natural cooling effect of peppermint makes this balm especially helpful in hot weather or dry climates, and you'll know exactly what's going on your lips every single time you use it.

Is This Project For Me?

If you're tired of constantly reapplying store-bought lip balm that never seems to solve the problem, this is perfect for you. You want something natural that works without a list of mysterious chemicals, and you'd love to have extras on hand for gifts or because you lose lip balm constantly. This works whether you're completely new to making personal care products or you've been wanting to try but felt intimidated. You'll need a few basic ingredients and small containers, but the process is simpler than you'd expect. If you love knowing exactly what's in the products you use every day, this belongs on your list. Check out the free printable Herbal Quick Guide below.

Download Labels

Get The Labels

Finally know what's in every jar without playing herbal roulette. These printable labels give you clear, readable information for your herbal collection - common names, uses, and simple recipes right where you can see them. No more mystery herbs or accidentally seasoning dinner with something meant for tea.

---

Disclosure

Some links on FiberMaiden are affiliate links. When you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I partner only with brands and tools I trust and use in my own kitchen, studio, and garden. Your support means a lot.

Disclaimer

I share what I use in my own home apothecary so you can learn and get inspired. This is education, not medical advice. Everyone’s body is different, especially with allergies, medications, children, and pregnancy. Patch test, start small, and talk with your doctor.

---

Pin

Herbal Peppermint Lip Balm

This simple project is great for beginners and makes a beautiful gift or seasonal stocking stuffer. You can use lip balm tubes for portability or tins for a more traditional balm. The recipe is easily doubled or adjusted depending on how much you’d like to make.

Time: 1 Hour Level: Beginner Category: Herbalism

Materials

• 1/4 cup olive oil or sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaf
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• Optional: a few drops of peppermint essential oil
• Lip balm tubes or tins
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Steps

1. In a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water, combine the oil and dried peppermint leaf. Gently warm the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes to infuse the oil.
2. Strain the herbs out of the oil using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Return the infused oil to the double boiler.
3. Add the beeswax pellets and stir continuously until fully melted and combined.
4. Remove from heat and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil, if desired, for extra cooling effect.
5. Carefully pour the warm mixture into lip balm tubes or tins. Let cool and set completely before sealing.

Shop These Products

Olive Oil, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed, Organi

Click to shop this item

Shop Now

Peppermint Leaves, Cut & Sifted, Organic

Click to shop this item

Shop Now

Beeswax Granules, Yellow, Organic

Click to shop this item

Shop Now

herbalismherbsnatural skin carediybeauty

Notes:
Tips
Store finished balm in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
For a firmer balm, add a bit more beeswax. For a softer balm, reduce beeswax slightly.
Always label and date your homemade products.

Made with www.diyprojectcard.com

Get 3 Free Recipe Sheets

Ready for recipes that don't require a culinary degree to follow? Get seasonal recipe sheets designed for real kitchens and busy lives, the kind that work even when your kids are asking for snacks mid-prep.

Join The Club

Troubleshooting and Safety

Lip balm too soft and won't stay in the tube: Your beeswax ratio was probably too low, or your kitchen was too warm when you poured it. Try adding a bit more beeswax next time, or pop the tubes in the refrigerator to firm up faster.

Too hard and impossible to apply smoothly: Too much beeswax or not enough carrier oil. You can remelt the whole batch and add more oil until it reaches that perfect glide-on consistency.

Peppermint oil too strong and burns instead of tingles: Less is more with essential oils. Start with just a drop or two and build up. You can always add more, but you can't take it back once it's mixed in.

Grainy texture instead of smooth: The mixture probably cooled too quickly or got too hot during mixing. Next time, let it cool more gradually and stir gently as it thickens.

Balm separating or looking streaky: Your ingredients weren't fully incorporated, or the temperature wasn't consistent while mixing. Make sure everything melts completely and stir thoroughly before pouring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade lip balm last? +

Properly made lip balm lasts 12–18 months when stored in a cool, dry place. The natural preservative properties of beeswax and the stability of carrier oils like coconut or jojoba help extend shelf life without synthetic preservatives.

Can I substitute the peppermint oil? +

Absolutely. Try lavender for calming, eucalyptus for clearing congestion, or sweet orange for a cheerful scent. You can also make it unscented. Essential oils are potent—start with 1–2 drops per batch.

What if I don't have beeswax? +

Candelilla wax or carnauba wax work as vegan alternatives, though you will need slightly different ratios since they are harder than beeswax. Start with less and add more if needed for the right consistency.

Can I add color to my lip balm? +

Yes. A tiny amount of mica powder gives subtle color, or add a small piece of lipstick while melting for a tinted balm. Natural options include beetroot powder for pink or cocoa powder for brown tones.

What containers work best? +

Standard lip balm tubes are convenient and familiar, but small tins or pots work well too. Make sure containers are clean and dry before filling. Tubes are easier for gifting, while tins let you see how much product is left.

Is it safe to use on children? +

The base recipe (beeswax and carrier oil) is safe for children, but peppermint essential oil can be too strong for little ones. Make an unscented version for kids, or use very mild oils like sweet orange in tiny amounts.

Print

Herbal Quick Guide

One page for common preparations, simple ratios, storage, and safety. Education only, not medical advice.

Safety basics
Patch test first. Avoid on broken skin unless a recipe specifically says otherwise. Check for allergies and medication interactions. If pregnant, nursing, or caring for children, talk with a qualified practitioner.

Common preparations

Method	What it is	Basic ratio	Time	Use notes
Hot infusion (tea)	Steeping delicate leaves or flowers in hot water	1 to 2 tsp dried herb per 8 oz water	5 to 15 minutes	Cover while steeping. Drink warm or cool. Refrigerate leftovers.
Cold infusion	Soaking delicate or mucilaginous herbs in cool water	1 to 2 tbsp dried herb per 16 oz water	4 to 12 hours in fridge	Great for marshmallow leaf or linden. Strain well.
Decoction	Simmering tougher roots, barks, or seeds	1 tbsp dried herb per 16 oz water	15 to 30 minutes gentle simmer	Keep lid on. Refrigerate after cooling.
Oil infusion	Extracting constituents into oil	Fill jar half with dried herb, cover fully with oil	2 to 3 weeks room temp or 1 to 2 hours warm bath	Use very dry herbs. Strain fine. Store cool and dark.
Herbal syrup	Sweetened decoction or strong tea	Equal parts strong tea and honey or sugar by volume	Stir warm until dissolved	Refrigerate. Good for kids. Label with date.
Oxymel	Vinegar and honey extraction	1 part herbs, 2 parts vinegar, 1 part honey	1 to 2 weeks, shake daily	Strain. Store cool and dark.
Compress	Cloth soaked in tea placed on skin	Strong tea as needed	Apply 10 to 20 minutes	Use warm or cool. Patch test first.
Poultice	Moist herb applied directly then covered	Freshly mashed or rehydrated dried herb	10 to 30 minutes	Use on unbroken skin. Remove if irritation occurs.

Simple ratios and textures

Preparation	Basic ratio	Notes
Salve or balm	Oil to beeswax: soft 1 cup to 0.7 oz, standard 1 cup to 1.0 oz, firm 1 cup to 1.2 oz	Adjust wax for texture and climate.
Body butter base	Butter to oil to wax: 2 to 1 to 0.2 by weight	Whip after cooling for fluffier texture.
Bath soak	Herbs to salts: 1 to 3 by volume	Bag loose herbs for easier cleanup.
Vinegar infusion	Jar half full dried herbs, fill with vinegar	Use glass and non-metal lid liner.

Storage guide

Preparation	Typical shelf life	Storage notes
Dried herbs	6 to 12 months	Cool, dark, airtight. Whole pieces keep longer than powders.
Infusions and decoctions	24 to 72 hours refrigerated	Label and date. Discard if off smell or cloudiness appears.
Herbal syrup	2 to 4 weeks refrigerated with honey, 4 to 6 weeks with sugar	Use clean utensils to avoid contamination.
Oil infusion	6 to 12 months	Dry herbs only. Store cool and dark.
Salve or balm	6 to 12 months	Cool, dark place. Discard if rancid smell develops.
Oxymel or vinegar infusion	6 to 12 months	Tight lid. Store cool and dark.

Labeling checklist

• Herb name and Latin name if known
• Preparation type (tea, decoction, oil, syrup, oxymel, salve)
• Ratio and carrier (for oils: olive, jojoba, etc.)
• Date made and best by date
• Any safety notes specific to the herb

Your notes

© FiberMaiden • www.fibermaiden.com