Lip Balm Formula Guideline

This formula uses Shea Butter and Beeswax as the main base, with Vitamin E for added benefits.

• Beeswax (Natural White Beeswax): 20-25%
  • Function: Provides hardness and structure for the stick format. Use a higher percentage for a harder balm, lower for a softer one.
• Shea Butter (Refined, Deodorised): 74-79.9%
  • Function: Moisturizes and nourishes the lips.
• Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): 0.1-1%
  • Function: Antioxidant and skin conditioner.

Total: 100%

Instructions:

1. Weigh all ingredients accurately.
2. Combine the Beeswax and Shea Butter in a heat-resistant container.
3. Gently heat the mixture (using a double boiler or microwave on low heat) until all the waxes and butters are completely melted and clear. Do not overheat.
4. Once melted, remove from heat and stir gently.
5. Add the Vitamin E and stir to combine.
6. Carefully pour the hot liquid mixture into your lip balm tubes.
7. Let the lip balms cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until solid before capping.

Can you add honey?

Honey is a water-soluble ingredient. Traditional stick lip balms are anhydrous (contain no water). Adding a water-based ingredient like honey to an oil and wax mixture without an emulsifier will cause the ingredients to separate. To incorporate honey, you would need to add an emulsifier to bind the water and oil phases together, and likely a preservative to prevent microbial growth, as water introduces a risk of bacterial contamination. This would significantly change the formula's texture and complexity, making it less suitable for a simple stick balm and potentially requiring different packaging.

For a simple stick lip balm focusing on nourishment with the ingredients you mentioned, it is generally recommended to omit water-based ingredients like honey. You can achieve excellent moisturizing benefits with just the butters and oils.

Remember to test small batches and adjust the beeswax percentage until you achieve the perfect texture for your stick lip balm.