Natural Lip Balm Formulation Advice

Thank you for your question regarding your natural lip balm formulation. It's great that you are experimenting with natural ingredients like Beeswax, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E.

Based on your formula (Beeswax 25%, Shea butter 50%, Oil 24%, Vitamin E 1%) and the issue of your lips darkening, the most likely cause is the type of "Oil" you used. Some oils, particularly those high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, can oxidize easily when exposed to air, heat, or light. Oxidized or rancid oils can cause irritation and lead to lip darkening.

Other potential factors include:

• Quality and Freshness of Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially oils and butters like Shea Butter, are fresh, high-quality, and stored correctly. The staff's request for the lot number is to help check the quality of the specific batch you used.
• Storage Conditions: Storing the finished lip balm in warm conditions, direct sunlight, or improperly sealed containers can accelerate oil oxidation.
• Individual Sensitivity: Although natural, some people might have a sensitivity to specific ingredients.

Recommendations for a 100% Natural Lip Balm:

To create a moisturizing lip balm that helps heal dryness and peeling and promotes naturally healthy-looking (potentially pinker) lips, consider using stable, nourishing natural oils and butters:

• Stable Oils: Opt for oils that are less prone to oxidation. Good choices include:
  • Jojoba Oil: Structurally similar to skin's natural sebum, excellent moisturizer.
  • Sweet Almond Oil: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, very nourishing.
  • Fractionated Coconut Oil: A stable, liquid form of coconut oil.
  • Argan Oil: Contains beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants.
  • Tea Seed Oil: Contains high Oleic Acid content, nourishing.
  • Raspberry Seed Oil: High in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
• Nourishing Butters: In addition to Shea Butter, consider:
  • Cocoa Butter: Provides a protective barrier and moisture.
  • Mango Butter: Softening and soothing.
  • Kokum Butter: Helps restore moisture and elasticity.
  • Avocado Butter: Moisturizing and contains vitamins.
• Antioxidants: While Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate or dl-alpha tocopherol) is a good antioxidant, adding a small amount of Rosemary Oleoresin Extract (ROE) can further help protect the oils from oxidation, extending the shelf life and preventing rancidity that could cause darkening.

Achieving naturally pinker lips is typically a result of improving overall lip health, reducing dryness, irritation, and damage. The nourishing ingredients mentioned above will contribute to healthier, more vibrant-looking lips over time.

To help diagnose the issue with your previous batch, please provide the type of "Oil" you used and the lot numbers if possible, as requested by the staff.

By selecting stable, high-quality natural oils and butters and ensuring proper storage, you can create an effective and safe natural lip balm.