Essential Oils & Lip Balm

Essential oils are traditionally used in aromatherapy, which is the practice of inducing positive physical, emotional and mental states through the inhalation of natural odors. Essential oils may also be applied topically. Many lip balms contain essential oils among their ingredients; it is also possible to make lip balm at home using essential oils.

Essential Oils

As is explained in the "Essential Oils Desk Reference," essential oils are potent, aromatic liquid essences produced by a variety of natural materials, including plants, flowers, herbs, trees, fruits, and roots. According to A World of Aromatherapy, different processes are used to extract the essential oils from these materials, including distillation, maceration and extraction.

Lip Balm

Lip balm is a moisturizing, protective substance applied to the lips. Any visit to a drug or grocery store will reveal that some lip balms lend a hint of color; others contain sunblock; some exfoliate the lips; and others coat them in a shiny gloss. While a majority of lip balms come in tubes, many also come in tiny tins or miniature glass jars. According to Natural Living for Women, petroleum is a common ingredient in many lip balms, but it is not as desirable as the ingredients used in natural lip balms, which include shea butter, vegetable oil, essential oils and beeswax.

Function

The addition of essential oils can affect the odor and tactile sensation of lip balms. Essential oils may lend fragrances to lip balms that range from floral to fruity, and herbaceous to resinous. For example, according to the "Essential Oils Desk Reference," rose essential oil has a floral scent very much like that of a rose flower, while grapefruit essential oil has a fruity, citrus-like odor reminiscent of a ripe grapefruit; rosemary essential oil has an herbaceous odor similar to that of the rosemary herb, while frankincense essential oil, which comes from tree resin, has a woody, resinous scent. According to Natural Living for Women, the addition of peppermint essential oil can cause a lip balm to create a pleasantly tingling sensation on the lips.

Considerations

To some degree, personal taste determines which essential oils make the most ideal additions to lip balms. Essential oils with fragrances that you find personally pleasing are generally a good choice. According to A World of Aromatherapy, different essential oils have different effects on mood; for example, rose essential oil is relaxing, grapefruit essential oil is refreshing, and essential oil of peppermint is stimulating.

Recipe

It is possible to make an essential oil lip balm at home using a few simple ingredients. The following guidelines come from All Free Crafts: Melt 2 tsp. of natural, undyed, cosmetic grade beeswax with 7 tsp. of sweet almond oil in a sauce pan over low heat. When the beeswax is just melted, remove it from heat and add 1 tsp. of honey. After the mixture cools slightly, add five to six drops of essential oil. Pour the mixture into a tin, compact, small jar, or other container. Allow it to cool and solidify.