Sweet Orange Castor Oil Lip Balm

Let me tell you, between school runs, afternoon winds, and my habit of forgetting to drink water (anyone else?), my lips don’t always get the care they deserve. But that’s where this silky-smooth, all-natural lip balm comes in. With castor oil at the heart of it, this DIY recipe gives you a glossy finish and serious hydration—without any of those artificial nasties hiding in store-bought balms.

I first made this one lazy Sunday while clearing out the bathroom cabinet. I had leftover cocoa butter from a soap project, some sweet orange oil, and a half-used jar of castor oil begging for a purpose. I whipped it all together and—bam!—my lips felt like I’d just walked out of a spa.

Plus, it makes for darling little handmade gifts. Pop a few in tins, tie them with twine and tuck into gift baskets for Christmas, teachers, or your crafty girlfriends.

Ingredients:

• 10 g beeswax (pellets or chopped)

• 10.5 g cocoa butter

• 14 g castor oil (this adds shine!)

• 15 g macadamia oil (or sweet almond)

• ¼ g vitamin E oil (preservative + skin booster)

• 4 drops sweet orange essential oil

Instructions:

1. Gently melt beeswax and cocoa butter in a double boiler or microwave-safe jug. Stir every 30 seconds if microwaving.

2. Once melted, remove from heat and add castor oil, macadamia oil, vitamin E, and essential oil. Stir until well blended.

3. Carefully pour into small tins or lip balm tubes using a pipette or jug.

4. Let set at room temp or pop into fridge for 15–20 minutes until firm.

5. Label and enjoy!

Tips:

• Castor oil is thick and naturally glossy—don’t skip it!

• You can swap the orange for peppermint, vanilla, or lavender essential oil.

• For vegan version, replace beeswax with candelilla wax.