Having a lip balm without harmful ingredients is nothing less than the best form of a wellness improving act of self-care. After all, your lips are just as important as the rest of your body. Plus, lip balms aren’t just for crusty winter lips when they can provide sunscreen-like UV protection in the summer!
The problem comes with the sustainability and wellness impacts of the ingredients included in lip balms. We looked at how many toxic chemicals are in the average home, but what is in your lip balm? From parabens to synthetic fragrances, lip balm ingredients have been linked to a range of health issues, including skin irritation, hormone disruption, and even cancer.
That’s why many people are turning to homemade lip balms made with natural, sustainable, and non-toxic ingredients.
The Wellness Benefits of a lip balm without harmful ingredients
Let’s look more about the benefits of a lip balm without harmful ingredients, ideally one you have made yourself.
Provides protection and healing
The natural ingredients used in homemade lip balms, such as beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil, can deeply moisturize and hydrate the lips. It can prevent dryness, flakiness, and chapped lips, which can be uncomfortable and even painful for some of us.
They also form a protective barrier on the lips, shielding you from harsh environmental elements like wind, cold temperatures, and UV radiation from the sun. Consider it a sunscreen for lips that are already discolored.
Some natural ingredients used in homemade lip balms, such as tea tree oil, chamomile oil, and calendula oil, have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. So not only are your lips going to be nourished and moisturized, they’re going to heal, a health and wellness bonus.
Sustainable and non-toxic
By making your own lip balms, you can reduce waste and support sustainable living practices. Reusing containers or using biodegradable packaging can help to minimize the environmental impact of your lip balm.
Homemade lip balms definitely fall into the category of “a lip balm without harmful ingredients” because you control exactly what goes into them so they are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making them a safer alternative for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s gentle on the environment too because you’re using organic and natural ingredients!
Saves you money
Making your own lip balms can save you money in the long run, as many natural and organic lip balms can be expensive to purchase, so this can be also considered a financial wellness activity. You can also support small businesses that sell natural ingredients for these lip balms. That’s what we call “economic sustainability!”
Make your own custom mix
Who says wellness boosting acts of self-care can’t be fun? Unlike store-bought lip balm, you can create your custom mix of lip balm without harmful ingredients. Making your own lip balms can be a fun and rewarding DIY project, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and scents to create your perfect lip balm.
Healthy Ingredients For Homemade Lip Balms
According to the SDG set by United Nations for a sustainable future, I researched the healthiest and most sustainable ingredients to consider for your homemade lip balms without harmful ingredients. These ingredients are often organically sourced and have many health benefits.
Here are the top 10 healthy ingredients for homemade lip balms with their health benefits:
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees and is commonly used in homemade lip balms as a thickening agent and emulsifier.
Shea butter
Shea butter is a rich and moisturizing ingredient that is derived from the nuts of the shea tree. It contains vitamins and fatty acids that can help to nourish and protect the skin on the lips.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a versatile and nourishing ingredient that can deeply moisturize the entire body. It is high in medium-chain fatty acids that are easily absorbed by the skin, leading to nourished and healthier skin.
Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is a light and non-greasy oil that is easily absorbed by the skin. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that can deeply moisturize and hydrate the skin, soothe inflammation, and improve skin complexion. It’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is a natural fat derived from cocoa beans and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids. It can deeply moisturize and nourish the skin, improve elasticity, and help to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, making it a great choice for textured lips.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a lightweight and non-greasy oil that closely resembles the natural oils produced by the skin. It can help to regulate oil production, hydrate and soothe the skin, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores.
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It can also help to hydrate and nourish the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Calendula oil
Calendula oil is derived from the marigold flower and has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It can help to soothe and repair damaged skin on the lips.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing and cooling effect on the skin and can help to stimulate blood flow. It is often used in homemade lip balms for its invigorating scent and tingling sensation.
Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil is a lightweight oil that is high in vitamins and fatty acids. It can help to regenerate and repair damaged skin on the lips, making it an excellent ingredient for homemade lip balms.
Understanding Harmful Ingredients in Commercial Lip Balms
If you ever shop for lip balms, check out the ingredients beforehand. A lot of seemingly common ingredients are proven to cause health issues and even cancer progressions. The sad part is that almost all lip balms include these harmful ingredients, making it hard to find ones that are organic and healthy.
Here are the top 6 ingredients in commercial lip balms to absolutely avoid:
- Parabens – Parabens are a group of synthetic preservatives that are commonly used in cosmetics, including lip balms. They have been shown to disrupt hormones in the body and potentially increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Petrolatum – Petrolatum is a petroleum-based ingredient that is commonly used in lip balms as a moisturizer. However, it can also clog pores and potentially cause skin irritation.
- Synthetic fragrances – Synthetic fragrances are often made with a combination of potentially harmful chemicals, including phthalates and synthetic musks. They can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- BHA and BHT – BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants that have been shown to disrupt hormones in the body and potentially increase the risk of cancer.
- Formaldehyde – Formaldehyde is a preservative that is commonly used in cosmetics, including lip balms. It can cause skin irritation and has been linked to cancer.
- Retinyl palmitate – Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A that is commonly used in cosmetics, including lip balms. However, it can cause skin irritation and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer when exposed to sunlight.
5 DIY Recipes For A Lip Balm Without Harmful Ingredients
With all the harmful ingredients out of the way, it’s time to get to the fun wellness boosting (think possible mindfulness exercise too) DIY. Collected with a lot of research and personal insight, here are the top 5 homemade recipes for a lip balm without harmful ingredients:
3-ingredient honey lip balm
Starting off with a simple recipe for lip balms, this 3-ingredient honey lip balm is the non-toxic lip balm for you. With its natural humectant properties, you can enjoy nourished, nectary, and moisturized lips from the get-go!
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Rose lip balm
Rose lip balm is a natural and nourishing option for those looking for a gentle yet effective lip balm. Rose lip balm soothes, hydrates, and protects your lips, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. With its delicate fragrance, it’s one way to show yourself some special love!
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Peppermint lip balm
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Shea Butter Lip Balm
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Chamomile and calendula lip balm
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Organic Lip Balms
Let’s be honest, some of us just aren’t good with DIY projects. And sometimes, we just don’t have the time to gather all these resources and make a lip balm without harmful ingredients at home.
Luckily, a few brands out there focus on sustainable and healthy lip balms that aren’t bad for you, your family, or the environment! If you catch yourself unable to follow the recipes, just get yourself one of these lip balms:
- Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm
- Henné Organics Luxury Lip Balm V2
Eco Lips Bee Free Vegan Lip Balm - Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy
- Tata Harper Be True Anti-Aging Lip Treatment
- Olio E Osso Natural Lip + Cheek Balm
- BITE BEAUTY Agave+ Intensive Vegan Lip Mask Agave
Final Thoughts
With that, we reach the end of the best lip balm recipes out there. If you’re dipping your feet into a sustainable lifestyle, improving your wellness with a seeming small act of self-care is an important aspect of it. Every commercial skincare product out may have some harsh chemical that hurts you or the environment one way or the other.
So with these easy recipes for a lip balm without harmful ingredients, show yourself a little extra love and boost your wellness. Please comment below with your thoughts on these, or learn more about other wellness techniques by reading some of our other articles.
