It's a nice hard balm that doesn't leave a gloss feel on the lips, so it's perfect for men. It can be flavoured or unflavoured depending on your preference. I'll tell you how to do both.
Equipment needed:
- Double boiler (I personally refuse to do anything like this in the microwave... the heat is uneven and it kills all the vitamins and minerals in the ingredients. If you prefer, you can use the microwave.)
- Something to stir your balm (I use a stainless steel utensil as it can be sterilized).
- Scale (all measurements are in weight, so use a scale, liquid measurements aren't as precise).
- Thermometer
- Lip Balm Tubes (Approximately 20)
- (Optional) Lip Balm Labels
- (Optional)Shrink Bands
Recipe (makes approximately 100 grams of product or 20 lip balm tubes, not suitable for lip balm pots):
- 35 grams Hemp oil (I use the refined due to the odour, but unrefined would work too).
- 28 grams Shea Butter (I use natural shea, it has more minerals than the refined... some people find the refined easier to work with though).
- 14 grams Jojoba Oil Golden (I am guessing clear will work too, however I have no experience with it... the jojoba adds a little more slip to it and makes it less waxy).
- 28 grams Beeswax (I use natural raw, single filtered... it has many soothing properties).
- 1 gram Vitamin E- (Used as an antioxidant to prolong the life of the balm, also has skin soothing properties).
- 8 Drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil
- 10 drops Tea Tree Essential oil
- 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (I use the USA Mentha piperita, but any peppermint will do, it provides that cooling sensation on your lips that most people like).
- (Optional) 4 grams Natural Flavour
Directions:
- Melt beeswax in a double boiler, do not overheat.
- Add oils and butter, stir untill melted.
- Remove from heat.
- Place the thermometer in the balm (keeping it in the middle). Let cool to 110F so that the Vitamin E, essential oils and flavour do not flash (disappear).
- Add Essential Oils, Flavour and Vitamin E.
- Stir well.
- Pour into lip balm tubes. If you prefer a lip balm filling tray can be used. Do not cap.
- When cool, close tightly, label and shrink wrap.
If you want a softer balm.... add more oil or less beeswax, a firmer balm... less oil or more beeswax. It does take trial and error to get it the consistency you want. You can always check it, by taking some out and placing it on a clean cool surface. It will cool quickly. This is another reason why a double boiler is nicer, you can control the temperature for longer periods of time and have more play time.
If you have any questions, give me a shout!
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