You wouldn't think it but the simple lip balm contains all kinds of chemicals. For instance, a common ingredient is petrolatum, which, you guessed it, comes from the same source as the fuel you run your car on. Do you really want that on your mouth? Some lip balms, like a lot of beauty products can contain parabens. These are synthetic preservatives which some reports have suggested could alter hormones and even be linked to cancer.
Whether you believe that or whether you could just do with saving some cash, it's super easy to make your own lip balm. Plus you know what's in it. And it really impresses people.
To make homemade lip balm:
- Have a few empty clean lip balm pots handy.
- Melt equal measures of castor oil (chemist), coconut oil (supermarket or health food store) and grated beeswax (grate a pure beeswax candle). One teaspoon of each makes 10ml of lip balm but it's just as easy to make several pots in one go.
- Easiest way to do this is to put the ingredients in a bowl sat in a pan of hot water.
- Pour the melted liquid into the lip balm pot and it will set as it cools. If you want to flavour your lip balm add a couple drops of essential oil (peppermint or lemon are good).
Ta da! You'll never buy lip balm again.
