Handcrafted Lip Balm -- Great Stocking Stuffer or Friends and Family DIY

There’s something quietly powerful about making personal care products by hand—especially during the holidays. In a season that often feels rushed and overproduced, DIY gifts invite us to slow down, gather at the table, and pass along knowledge that doesn’t come from an algorithm or a storefront.

Years ago, over a Christmas break, I had the joy of formulating alongside my daughter, Maya. At the time, she was studying biology, working in a plant lab, and exploring her creativity through cooking, sewing, painting, and making. Together, we created an organic lotion, a natural perfume, and a simple yet luxurious Shea & cocoa butter lip balm.

Fast forward to 2025: Maya has since graduated from college and is now working in biotech, fully embracing adult life—surfing and paddle boarding in San Diego, building her career, and doing her part to make the world a better place. What hasn’t changed is the foundation she carries with her: curiosity, care, and respect for science, nature, and craft. Those holiday moments at the formulation bench weren’t just about lip balm—they were about tradition, learning, and shared wisdom.

Why Handmade Personal Care Still Matters

Winter can be especially harsh on our skin, lips, and hair. Cold air, wind, indoor heating, and frequent handwashing all compromise the skin barrier, increasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Even though we live in sunny SoCal -- it's dry and the wind and sun can be unrelenting. Thoughtfully formulated balms, butters, and salves help support the skin by:

• Reducing moisture loss through occlusive waxes and butters

• Supporting barrier function with lipid-rich oils

• Softening and protecting delicate areas like lips and cuticles

A Beautiful Place to Begin: Balms, Salves & Butters

For those new to formulating, balms and butters are a wonderful entry point. They are:

• One-pot creations

• Water-free, meaning no preservative system is required

• Easy to customize for scent, texture, and gifting

  
  

They’re perfect as stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, or personal winter essentials—and they invite creativity without overwhelm.

Ingredient Wisdom: Why This Formula Works

This Mint Chocolate Lip Balm brings together naturally nourishing ingredients with an easy to create formulation that is perfect for anyone on your gift list.

• Beeswax – Creates a breathable protective barrier that helps lock in moisture

• Shea Butter – Rich in unsaponifiables that support skin comfort and softness

• Cocoa Butter – Adds structure while delivering antioxidant support and a naturally comforting aroma

• Sunflower Oil – High in linoleic acid, helping support the skin barrier

• Jojoba Oil – Structurally similar to human sebum, enhancing skin compatibility

• Peppermint Essential Oil – Provides a gentle cooling sensation and uplifting aroma

• Chocolate Flavor Oil – Adds warmth and nostalgia (optional but delightful)

  
  

Mint Chocolate Lip Balm Recipe

What You’ll Need

• Water bath or double boiler setup

• Sanitized glass beaker or measuring cup

• 70% isopropyl alcohol (for sanitizing)

• 20–24 lip balm tubes

• Lip balm rack (optional)

Ingredients

• 28 g (1 oz) beeswax

• 28 g (1 oz) shea butter

• 17 g (0.6 oz) jojoba oil

• 11 g (0.4 oz) cocoa butter

• 28 g (1 oz) sunflower oil

• 1.9 ml (≈48 drops) peppermint or spearmint essential oil*

• 2.7 ml (≈72 drops) chocolate flavor oil

  
  

  *(or another yummy lip-safe flavor or essential oil such as sweet orange)

Instructions

1. Sanitize all tools and containers with isopropyl alcohol.

2. Add oils, waxes, and butters to a heat-proof glass container.

3. Heat gently in a water bath until fully melted and uniform.

4. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (about 5 minutes).

5. Stir in essential oils or flavor oils.

6. Carefully pour into lip balm tubes.

7. Allow to set completely, then cap.

8. Label, gift, and enjoy.

More Than a Recipe

Every time I revisit this formula, I’m reminded that what we make with our hands often carries more than function—it carries memory. These small rituals, passed from one generation to the next, quietly teach science, sustainability, and self-care. They remind us that caring for ourselves and others doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be intentional.

I'm looking forward to my adult children visiting during the holidays and look forward to creating more memories, passing on things learned, and sharing learned wisdom (as your kids adult they have wisdom to pass on too!)

May your holiday season be filled with warmth, creativity, and moments worth passing on.

Aromatic blessings,

Tricia

What is your favorite lip balm? My husband's fav isn't all natural but he loves it! Next formulation challenge is to create a natural one HE loves...