Calendula Beeswax Lip Balm
Homemade Calendula Beeswax Lip Balm (Farmhouse-Simple, 3 Ingredients)
Hi friend! If you’re into from-scratch, homestead living and keeping your family’s products as clean as your pantry, this 3-ingredient lip balm is for you. We’re talking beeswax you rendered, coconut oil, and olive oil infused with homegrown calendula—that’s it. It’s 100% non-toxic, deeply soothing, and easy enough to whip up during nap time.
As a beekeeper, Homemade chapstick was as project on my list for years. Looking back I can’t believe it took me so long after trying it and realizing how easy it was. After making my first batch, it brought me so much joy to give the extras I made to my family and close friends! They all LOVED it, and these little goodies make amazing homemade holiday gifts BTW!
I use beeswax that I render from my hives, coconut oil and olive oil, both infused with calendula I have grown and dried, so every time I put it on my lips I think about the time and love that went into creating each one those ingredients. However, this can be done with store bought beeswax and non infused oil as well, and you will have an amazingly hydrating and protective lip balm that you and your family will love!! I have linked all of the ingredients in this post so you can grab them immediately if you want to get started, or you can buy some dried calendula and start infusing you own oils for your first batch!
Why Calendula?
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a classic homestead healer. When infused into olive oil, it brings skin-loving compounds often used to calm dryness, soothe chapped or windburned lips, and support the skin’s natural repair process. Paired with beeswax for protection and coconut oil for glide, you get a balm that’s simple, gentle, and effective—without petroleum, synthetic flavors, or questionable additives.
What You’ll Need
Core ingredients (3):
- Beeswax (pellets or grated) – gives structure and protective barrier
- Coconut oil – adds slip and softness
- Calendula-infused olive oil – delivers calendula’s soothing benefits (Can use non infused!)
Optional:
- Essential oil for subtle scent/flavor (see safety notes below)
Equipment:
- Kitchen scale (best accuracy) or measuring spoons
- Double boiler or heat-safe glass jar + small pot (jar-in-hot-water method)
- Stirring stick/spatula
- Lip balm tins or empty chapstick tubes (what I used)
- Small funnel or pipette (very helpful for tubes)
- Clean cloth/paper towels for drips
Farmhouse-reliable recipe (scales up or down)
For a smooth, medium-firm balm that works in tins and tubes:
- 2 tsp olive oil : 2 tsp coconut oil : 7 gm beeswax (by weight)
Examples:
- Small batch (about 10 tubes / 5 tins):
10 g beeswax + 20 g coconut oil + 20 g calendula oil - For firmer sticks (hot climates or pocket carry): Increase the amount of beeswax slightly
- For softer tins: Use slightly less beeswax
How to Make Lip Balm (Double Boiler or Jar Method)
1) Set up gentle heat
- Double boiler: Place an inch of water in a saucepan, fit a heat-safe bowl on top (not touching the water), and bring water to a very low simmer.
- Jar-in-hot-water method: Add your ingredients to a clean, heat-safe glass jar. Place the jar in a small pot with 1–2 inches of water. Keep the water at a low simmer—avoid splashing water into the jar.
2) Melt
Add beeswax, coconut oil, and calendula-infused olive oil to the bowl/jar. Warm gently, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and clear. Low and slow is key—don’t overheat.
3) Optional scent
Remove from heat. If using essential oil, stir it in now (see usage rates below). Work quickly; the mixture begins to set as it cools.
4) Pour
- Tins: Pour directly from the bowl/jar.
- Tubes: Use a pipette or small funnel for clean fills or just pour directly like I do and make a mess. Fill to just below the rim, let the balm settle a few seconds.
5) Set & cap
Let cool undisturbed until solid (overnight), then cap. Label with batch, ingredients, and date.
Essential Oil Guidance (Optional but Nice)
- Keep total EO usage ≤ 0.5–1% of the batch. Start with 2-3 drops and see what you think. Lips are sensitive—less is more.
- Popular choices: peppermint (cooling), sweet orange (bright), lavender (gentle).
- Avoid hot/spicy oils (cinnamon, clove, oregano) and most phototoxic cold-pressed citrus (bergamot, lime, lemon) on lips. If you use citrus, choose steam-distilled or FCF (furanocoumarin-free) versions.
- For kiddos or very sensitive skin, skip essential oils.
How to Infuse Calendula in Olive Oil (Quick Overview)
- Dry flowers fully (no moisture).
- Fill a clean jar ½–¾ with flowers, cover with olive oil by 1–2 inches.
- Infuse 4–6 weeks at room temp (shake every few days), or do a quick-warm infusion over very low heat for 2–4 hours (keep it < 110–120°F; never fry the herbs).
- Strain through cheesecloth, label, and store cool/dark.
Troubleshooting Texture
- Too soft? Remelt and add a little more beeswax.
- Too hard/pulls on lips? Remelt and add more coconut or calendula oil.
- Grainy feel over time? That’s coconut oil crystallizing. Fix by remelting gently and cooling quickly (pour into shallow containers and chill).
- White “frosting” on top? Purely cosmetic beeswax bloom—still perfectly fine.
Storage, Shelf Life, & Safety (kid-friendly, mom-approved)
- Store capped, cool and out of sun.
- Typical shelf life: 6–12 months (use clean fingers for tins).
- If balm smells “off,” discard and make fresh.
- Allergen note: Coconut and olive are generally well-tolerated, but patch-test if you’re reactive to botanicals.
Fill Options
- Small tins for easy finger application—great at home.
- Empty chapstick tubes (what I used) for pocket-friendly, hands-free use.
Tips
- For hot weather or pocket carry, use the higher beeswax amount.
- For softer balm in tins, reduce beeswax slightly.
FAQ
Can I substitute the oils?
Yes—sweet almond, avocado, jojoba, or sunflower work. Keep the beeswax:oil ratio similar and include your calendula infusion for the soothing benefits.
Can I use flavor oils instead of essential oils?
Lip-safe, oil-soluble flavor oils (cosmetic grade) can be used sparingly per supplier guidance.
How do I clean equipment?
Wipe warm containers with paper towels before washing. A splash of hot, soapy water removes residue.
Quick Safety Notes on Oils for Lips
- Keep total essential oils under 1% for lips.
- Avoid hot/spicy and most cold-pressed citrus oils on lips.
- For sensitive folks and children, omit essential oils or use a single, very mild option.
