Recipe for Beeswax Lip Balm

Give Your Lips a Treat
By Kathlyn Meskel, The Oregonian (US), 12/28/05

(Makes 8 individual lip balms)

Materials

- 4 tablespoons refined, natural or white beeswax, grated (available where natural beauty and quality soap-making supplies are sold)
- 2-quart double boiler (see note)
- 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil (available where natural beauty and quality soap-making supplies are sold)
- 4 teaspoons shea butter (see note)
- Metal spoon
- 1/2-teaspoon food-grade lemon, orange or mint oil, optional (available where specialty cooking supplies are sold)
- 8 clear, plastic cosmetic jars (1/4-ounce each), with tight-fitting lids

1. Place the grated beeswax in the top of a double boiler over simmering water on medium-low heat. Watch closely while the wax melts, 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Add the almond oil and shea butter to the melted beeswax. Use metal spoon to stir the mixture until it is melted and well blended. Remove from the heat and add the lemon oil, if desired.
3. Pour an equal portion of the mixture into each container. Let stand until completely set, about 20 minutes.

Note: To protect your cookware, consider using a used double boiler from a thrift or secondhand store.

Shea butter is a rich emollient that comes from the African shea tree. It is available where natural beauty products and quality soap-making products are sold. Other emollients such as kokum butter, mango butter or deodorized cocoa butter can also be used.