Lip Balm Formulation for Dry and Dark Lips with Whitening and Moisturizing Actives

Question

I would like a simple formulation for a lip balm that is not just a regular lip balm, but includes whitening and moisturizing active ingredients.

Could you provide a formulation with the following structure and suggested ingredients/percentages?

Water Phase:

Whitening agents (choose 1-2): Alpha Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin B3, N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Moisturizing agent: MOIST72

Oil Phase:

Soy Lecithin (as emulsifier): 2-3%
Natural oil (1-2 types, e.g., olive oil, safflower oil): 15-20%
Thickener (for balm texture): Beeswax 15-20%
Butter (optional, e.g., shea butter): 5-10%
Preservative: Phenoxyethanol 1%

Please also confirm if the selected ingredients are safe for accidental ingestion in the specified amounts and provide the mixing instructions.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Lip Balm Formulation for Dry and Dark Lips

This formulation is designed to address dry and dark lips by incorporating both whitening and moisturizing active ingredients. The staff's recommended formula provides a good base for creating a nourishing and brightening lip balm.

Recommended Ingredients and Percentages

Water Phase:

Whitening Agents (Choose 1-2):
- Alpha Arbutin: 0.2-2% (Recommended 2% for brightening)
- Tranexamic Acid: Up to 3%
- Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide): 1-10% (Recommended 5%)
- GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine): 1-8% (Recommended 4% in combination with Niacinamide 2-4%)
Moisturizing Agent:
- MOIST72™: 2-5% (Recommended 5% for very dry/chapped skin, 2-3% for normal skin)

Oil Phase:

Soy Lecithin (Soy Bean Oil, Liquid Lecithin): 2-3% (Acts as an emulsifier)
Natural Oils (Choose 1-2): 15-20%
- Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
- NaturalProfile™ Safflower Seed Oil (Cold-Pressed)
Thickener:
- Natural White Beeswax: 15-20%
Butter (Optional): 5-10%
- Shea Butter (Refined, Deodorised)
Preservative:
- Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure): 0.5-1.0%

Mixing Instructions

Gently heat the ingredients in the oil phase (Soy Lecithin, natural oils, beeswax, optional butter) together, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 70°C, until fully melted. Let the mixture cool slightly to below 50°C, but while still liquid.
In a separate container, mix the water phase ingredients (whitening agents, MOIST72™) together.
Combine the water phase and oil phase mixtures. Stir continuously as the mixture cools until it solidifies into a balm consistency.

This process will yield a lip balm with both whitening and moisturizing properties to help improve the condition and appearance of dry and dark lips.