Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Let's Look at Lip Balm

   The mass marketing of many personal products lead to the chemical contamination of their ingredients. This reality, mixed with family allergies and my own personal struggle with ovarian issues, brought me to look long and hard at things coming into my system. Along with soap, one thing that touches my skin regularly throughout the day is lip balm.
   Whether sun kissed or winter weather chapped, my lips require a steady stream of moisturizing (wearing a mouth guard in self defense classed only makes it worse.) My favorite brand caved to the market monopoly and sold which changed the purity of the ingredients. Tired of trying to find a consistent supply of a good product at a good price, available year round pushed me forward in creative experimentation.
   
   No one recipe or product is perfect, nor can it meet the needs and preference of each person. One of my teens loves the fruity tinted stuff, one prefers more savory scent, I'm a peppermint lover while my guys think the whole thing should be unscented and plainly functional. With my handy notebook and pencil in hand, notes were taken, online located recipes were tested..altered and tweaked until we found a small batch, simple recipe to fill each preference.

   Simply Lips

8 Tablespoons coconut or vegetable based oil
3 Tablespoons beeswax
1 1/2 Tablespoon honey
30 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

In a double boiler set up. heat oil, beeswax, and honey until blended. Add essential oils, if desired. Pour into container of choice. 

**A Few Notes**
..beeswax pastilles (pearls/pellets) are the easiest to use and are available at health food stores or online
...if you skip the honey, it will not be as soft
...this fits in empty lip balm containers, small plastic containers, or tins which can be cleaned out very well or purchased online
..for even softer lip balm, add a few drops of olive oil, palm oil, or shea butter

I use a sauce pan will a few inches of water and a cleaned out soup can that has been gently pinched a the rim (for easier pouring)..this is my 'double boiler'. 

    I have fallen completely in love with this recipe..as have a few of my vendor event customers. Lavender, peppermint and plain honey are the top requests; citrus is a close runner in the group. Lip balm sales have only been local so far..I can't imagine shipping those little containers. If you are interested in purchasing our lip balm shoot me a message; local friends can 'skip the ship' and meet up with me. 
    Are you a home beauty product producer? Share your experiences, product information and shop listings with us..buy handmade and support handmade!


4 comments:

HIBISCUS HOUSE said...

Sounds great, you are giving me the courage to try new things! Thanks!

Michelle said...

Have to try this. These would make great gifts.

Dicky Bird said...

Thanks for sharing this with us.

Unknown said...

It's so easy..do try it, do! Great as gifts, favors, or a simple thank you card extra. If you experiment with tinting it, please share with me..it is an area of curiosity I would love to look into.