This peppermint lip balm recipe is lip-smacking good, and hey, it smells amazing too! Great to use all year long, this is a super simple recipe that doesn’t take long to whip up. Here’s how to make your own minty, fresh lip balm.
This peppermint lip balm is one of my favourite items to whip up during Christmas time. I call it my candy cane lip balm, and it’s a big hit among friends. They can get tucked inside stockings, alongside gift cards, or as a small token of thanks to acquaintances in your life.
But peppermint doesn’t have to be just a holiday scent. From toothpaste to mojitos, I love enjoying the crisp and fresh taste of peppermint.
Whenever I put this lip balm on, I get a hint of the peppermint taste and enjoy the cooling sensation that comes from the peppermint essential oil.
When it comes to making your own products, lip balm is one of the easiest DIY recipes out there. It’s ideal for beginners and is a very practical item everyone enjoys.
Here’s what we’ll be covering today…
- Homemade Peppermint Lip Balm
- Ingredients and Equipment
- Make It!
- Custom Lip Balm Labels
- FAQ About Using Peppermint Lip Balm
- More Skincare Recipes to Try
Homemade Peppermint Lip Balm
Now, this would make a great stocking stuffer, wouldn’t it? The recipe below makes 12 tubes, so you’ll have plenty of mint lip balm to keep and gift to others.
Ingredients and Equipment
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact measurements.
Jump to Recipe- Castor oil
- Beeswax pellets
- Carnauba wax
- Peppermint essential oil
- Vanilla essential oil
- Double boiler
- Small spatula or metal spoon
- Lip balm tubes
Make It!
Melt the oil and waxes in the double boiler. Remove from heat, add essential oils, and stir well.
Line up lip balm tubes on a level surface and carefully pour the melted oil and wax into each tube, filling only halfway (if you pour it all at once, you may get a hole in the top of your lip balm once it cools).
It really helps if you have a double boiler where the top pot has a pour spout. If not, transfer the hot liquid into a measuring cup with a spout for easier pouring.
Once the half-full lip balm has been set, top up the rest of the tube.
If you still get an uneven top when the balm has cooled completely, you can use a heat gun or lighter to level it out. Just be sure not to melt the tube!
Custom Lip Balm Labels
To really make this peppermint lip balm fun, I added custom labels. It looks like something you might buy at the store!
You can make custom labels if you have a Cricut machine. Printing onto sticker paper is also an option for those who want to use their regular printer.
For simplicity’s sake, I like to use Evermine to make the labels for my items. I can design right on the platform and don’t have to worry about getting the dimensions right.
Once the label is on, they’re truly ready for gifting!
FAQ About Using Peppermint Lip Balm
When used incorrectly, peppermint essential oil can be irritating. It should always be diluted before being applied to the skin. In the case of this mint lip balm, it shouldn’t be drying. Instead, the wax and oils create plenty of moisture while the peppermint gives a cooling effect.
Not everyone is well-suited to peppermint oil. The cooling and tingling sensation will promote blood circulation and give a plumping effect to the lips. However, those with sensitive skin may want to avoid using peppermint oil, especially those with dermatitis and eczema. Stop using the lip balm if it causes any irritation.
One major component of peppermint essential oil is menthol, which gives peppermint its smell, flavour, and tingling sensation. The skin on your face, including your lips, will process the menthol as a tingling and slightly burning sensation thanks to the nerves in the face. The process is similar to how our taste buds process spicy food.
This sensation is completely safe and can even promote focus and attention. Peppermint oil is FDA-approved for use as both a flavour and fragrance.
Peppermint Lip Balm
Equipment
- Small spatula or metal spoon
Supplies
- 4 tbsp castor oil
- 4 tsp beeswax pellets
- 1 tsp carnauba wax
- 16 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops vanilla essential oil
Instructions
- In the double boiler, melt your waxes and oil together.
- Once melted, remove from heat and add your essential oils. Stir well.
- Line up the lip balm tubes on a level surface. Pour the melted wax into each tube, only filling halfway. This prevents a hole from forming up top.
- Once the lip balm has cooled, reheat the remaining oils and top up the rest of the tube.
- If the top cools unevenly, use a heat gun or lighter to level the top. Careful not to melt the tube!
I find using 3 ml droppers work fantastic to transfer into tube. Thanks for sharing!
great idea, Autumn
Where can we find the labels for these please.
Can you substitute almond oil for the castor oil?
Hi Lori, I haven’t tried it but I think it should work just fine.
Thanks for the recipe! Can you substitute the vanilla essential oil for any other essential oil?
Yes, of course! Let me know what you are thinking of. I love to get new ideas.
I ran out of vanilla essential oil and was I thinking of using lavender but not sure if it is a good combination with the peppermint…
Perhaps just use lavender on it’s own if you like that scent. Or just use the peppermint, it’s lovely. You don’t need extra though, just omit the vanilla and keep the amount of peppermint the same.
thanks!