If you’ve ever made lip balm that felt too waxy or sticky, this non-waxy smooth glide lip balm recipe fixes that problem. By lowering the beeswax and using lightweight oils and mango butter, this formula glides smoothly while still being firm enough for lip balm tubes.
This recipe is written in percentages, so it can easily be scaled to any batch size.
This formula creates a lip balm that:
- Glides smoothly
- Feels lightweight
- Adds shine
- Moisturizes lips
- Works well in tubes or tins
Table of Contents
Prefer to watch How To Make Lip Balm
Non-Waxy Smooth Glide Lip Balm Recipe (By Percentage)
| Ingredient | Percentage | Weight (30g Batch) |
|---|---|---|
| Beeswax | 15% | 4.5 g |
| Cocoa Butter | 15% | 4.5 g |
| Mango Butter | 20% | 6 g |
| Sweet Almond Oil | 25% | 7.5 g |
| Castor Oil | 23.5% | 7.05 g |
| Flavor Oil | 1% | 0.3 g |
| Vitamin E | 0.5% | 0.15 g |
| Total | 100% | 30 g |
Optional: Lip Safe Mica Powder
This batch makes approximately 4 lip balm tubes depending on size.
Why This Lip Balm Feels Better
Many lip balm recipes contain too much beeswax, which creates a stiff, waxy texture. This formula balances wax, butters, and oils for a softer, smoother feel.
Castor oil improves glide, while mango butter adds moisture without heaviness.
Why These Ingredients Work
Beeswax – 15%
Beeswax provides structure and helps the lip balm hold its shape. Using a lower percentage prevents the balm from feeling waxy.
Cocoa Butter – 15%
Cocoa butter adds firmness and helps protect lips by forming a light barrier that locks in moisture.
Mango Butter – 20%
Mango butter is lightweight and smooth, making it ideal for lip balm. It moisturizes without feeling greasy and helps create a silky texture.
Good internal link opportunity:
Link to your butter guide or beginner posts.
Example:
Learn more about cosmetic butters in our ingredient guide.
Sweet Almond Oil – 25%
Sweet almond oil is lightweight and absorbs well into the lips without feeling heavy.
Good internal link opportunity:
Carrier oil guide or lotion post.
Castor Oil – 23.5%
Castor oil improves glide and adds natural shine. This ingredient helps the balm spread smoothly across the lips.
This is the key ingredient that makes this a smooth glide lip balm.
Flavor Oil – 1%
Flavor oil adds scent and taste. Use lip-safe flavor oils only.
Vitamin E Oil– 0.5%
Vitamin E helps slow oxidation and extend shelf life.
Equipment Needed
- Digital scale
- Heat-safe container
- Small pot (double boiler)
- Stir stick
- Lip balm tubes or tins
How to Make Smooth Lip Balm
Step 1: Melt Ingredients
Add to a heat-safe container:
- Beeswax
- Cocoa butter
- Mango butter
- Sweet almond oil
- Castor oil
Place in a double boiler and heat until fully melted.
Step 2: Remove From Heat
Once melted, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Add:
- Flavor oil
- Vitamin E
Stir thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Color (Optional)
Add a small pinch of mica powder if you want tinted lip balm.
Stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Pour Into Tubes
Carefully pour into lip balm tubes or tins.
Step 5: Let Cool
Allow lip balm to cool completely before capping.
If you like this lip balm, you might want to try this body butter or lotion recipe.
Tips for Smooth Lip Balm
Melt Completely
Make sure beeswax and butters are fully melted before pouring.
Pour Quickly
Pouring while still warm helps prevent texture issues.
Avoid Air Bubbles
Pour slowly and steadily.
Substitutions
Instead of Sweet Almond Oil
You can use:
- Sunflower oil
- Apricot kernel oil
- Jojoba oil
Instead of Mango Butter
You can use:
- Shea butter
- Kokum butter
Instead of Cocoa Butter
You can use:
- Mango butter
- Kokum butter
Instead of Beeswax
You can use:
- Candelilla wax (use 25% less)
- Soy wax
Adjusting the Formula
Softer Lip Balm
Reduce beeswax to 12%.
Firmer Lip Balm
Increase beeswax to 18%.
More Shine
Increase castor oil by 5%.
Adding Color
Start with a very small amount of mica powder.
Too much mica can feel gritty on the lips.
Shelf Life
Shelf life is typically 6–12 months.
Vitamin E helps extend shelf life by slowing oxidation.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Common Problems
Lip Balm Too Hard
Reduce beeswax slightly.
Lip Balm Too Soft
Increase beeswax slightly.
Lip Balm Feels Waxy
Reduce beeswax and increase oil.
More to Explore from SummerRain
Related recipes:
- Lotion
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- Body butter
- Lotion bars
Lip Balm Printable Recipe
Non-Waxy Smooth Glide Lip Balm Recipe (Easy DIY Lip Balm)
Equipment
- Double boiler
Ingredients
- 4.5 g | 15% Beeswax
- 4.5 g | 15% Cocoa Butter
- 6 g | 20% Mango Butter
- 7.5 g | 25% Sweet Almond Oil
- 7.05 g | 23.5% Castor Oil
- 0.3 g | 1% Flavor Oil
- 0.15 g | 0.5% Vitamin E
Instructions
Melt Ingredients
Add to a heat-safe container:Place in a double boiler and heat until fully melted.Beeswax, Cocoa butter, 0Mango butter, Sweet almond oil and Castor oilRemove From Heat
Once melted, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.Add: Flavor oil and Vitamin EStir thoroughly.Add Color (Optional)
Add a small pinch of mica powder if you want tinted lip balm.Stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.Pour Into Tubes
Carefully pour into lip balm tubes or tins.Let Cool
Allow lip balm to cool completely before capping.
