Thank you for joining a Sudzy Mama creation class! This guide will help you recreate your lip balm at home and begin experimenting with your own custom blends.
Basic Lip Balm Formula:
This simple formula creates a smooth, balanced balm with good glide and structure.
Standard Recipe
1 part beeswax
1 part beef tallow
1 part almond oil
Example Small Batch
0.75 oz beeswax
0.75 oz beef tallow
0.75 oz almond oil
Makes approximately five 0.5 oz tins, depending on filling.
Vegan Version
Rice bran wax is firmer than beeswax, so the ratio must be adjusted slightly.
Vegan Recipe
1 oz rice bran wax
0.5 oz shea butter
0.75 oz almond oil
Suggested oils:
Coconut oil
Almond oil
Sunflower oil
Rice bran oil
What Each Ingredient Does
Waxes
Waxes give lip balm its firmness and help protect lips from dryness and weather exposure.
Beeswax: Smooth, flexible, classic lip balm feel
Rice Bran Wax: Vegan option with a firmer finish and slightly more shine
Solid oils and butters
Solid oils and butters add body, richness, and staying power to the balm.
Shea Butter: Rich, smooth, moisturizing, and gentle on skin
Beef Tallow: Rich, nourishing, and highly compatible with skin
Coconut Oil: Adds glide and softness but may soften balm in warm temperatures
Oils
Liquid oils control glide and softness.
Sweet Almond Oil: Lightweight and silky
Grapeseed Oil: Very light and fast-absorbing with a thinner feel
Jojoba Oil: Silky, stable, and helps create a smooth, long-lasting feel
Adjusting Your Formula
Want to experiment? Small changes make a big difference.
For a Firmer Balm
Add slightly more wax.
Best for:
Hot weather
Pocket or purse carry
Firmer texture preference
For a Softer Balm
Add slightly more oil.
Best for:
Glossier feel
Easier glide
Colder climates
For a Creamier Balm
Increase solid oil slightly.
Essential Oil & Flavor Tips
A little goes a long way!
For lip products, keep total scent/flavor around 1% or less of your recipe.
Essential oils require extra research — not all are skin-safe at every concentration. Look for cosmetic-grade suppliers; they will almost always include safety ratings in an easy-to-understand format.
Fragrance and flavor oils formulated specifically for lip products are a beginner-friendly option and are pre-tested for skin safety.
Popular choices:
Peppermint
Vanilla
Sweet orange
Lavender
Strawberry flavor oil
Always use skin-safe, lip-safe ingredients from reputable suppliers.
Basic Process
Measure ingredients by weight
Melt slowly using a double boiler
Remove from heat
Stir in essential oils or flavor oils
Pour into tins or tubes
Allow to cool completely before use
Troubleshooting
Too Hard?
Remelt and add a small amount of oil.
Too Soft?
Remelt and add a small amount of wax.
Grainy Texture?
Heat gently until fully melted, then cool more quickly.
Finally, HAVE FUN!
Lip balm making is simple, flexible, and fun. Once you understand the role of each ingredient, you can begin creating formulas that match your own preferences and needs. Lip balms are perfect gift ideas that you can customize with endless options. And, of course, when you don't feel like doing it yourself, you can always rely on Sudzy Mama for quality skin care products that you'll love.
Thank you for supporting small business and creating with Sudzy Mama!