Not all lip balms are equal

Lip balms are very popular and there are many on the market. They make your lips soft and moisturised. Don't they? Actually, I don't believe lip balms moisturise your lips. I see these as creating a greasy barrier to prevent further moisture loss.

With that in mind lip balms must be doing something good. Well, as they don't solve the dehydration of your lip they don't hurt using them. Well, this really depends on what you're putting on your lips. Someone said me that they are addicted to their lip balm. Addicted? They said they can't leave home without their trusted balm and apply it frequently.

There are many lip balms on the market and many ingredients. A popular ingredient is Petrolatum (AKA petroleum jelly, mineral oil) and I was surprised to learn that this is a liquid by-product of refining crude oil. I had a few lip balm knocking around the home and once I read actually what's in them they went straight into the bin.

You can get hold of lip balms without petroleum and I have seen lip balms on the market containing lanolin. These tend to be the little more pricier ones. You may have heard lanolin called wool yolk, wool wax, or wool grease. Anyway, it's basically a wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals like sheep. Obviously it cleaned up before it goes into those lip balms. Now, is this something I want in my lip balm formulation?

If I was going to make a lip balm, I think I would like to keep it more natural as possible. Beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil could help create that balm feel. Almond oil and vitamin E for richness.

My lip balms are vegetarian, but as they contain beeswax I can't call them vegan. I might look to creating a vegan lip balm in the future, so keep a look out on my Handmade by Steven online shop.

Then what about the scent. Well as you should not eat lip balm but it's good to smell something nice when applying to your lips.

I tried to keep thing in the citrus spectrum and a couple of neutral varieties like the vanilla in my Sweet lip balm and Pure when not scent is added at all. I also opted for a peppermint balm with my Minty lip balm that's perfect for the cooler months of the year.

Lip balms

Honey bee lip balm - Hint of sweet orange and honey.

Lime pie lip balm - Freshen-up with lime.

Minty lip balm - Give your lips a minty freshness.

Pure lip balm - Fragrance free.

Sweet lip balm - Sweeten with vanilla.

Zesty lip balm - Add a little citrus zing.

Ingredients

To lock-in moisture to help prevent your lips from drying further, I use coconut oil, refined shea butter and sweet almond oil. I include beeswax to make the balm set to prevent it all being a gloopy mess when you open the jar. Vitamin E is included to benefit your lips as it has antioxidant properties. Depending on your lip balm you choose from my range there are essential oils and fragrance added, but the Pure lip balm is just as it says, pure (free-from essential oils and fragrance).

You can get hold of one of these lovely little lip balm tubs at Handmade by Steven shop.