Essential Oils & Lip Balm

Last Updated: Oct 21, 2013 | By Rose Brown

Rose Brown

Rose Brown began writing professionally in 2003. Her articles have appeared in such Montana-based publications as "The Tributary" and "Edible Bozeman." She earned a bachelor's degree in literature from the University of California at San Diego, and a master's degree in English from Montana State University. Brown has been a professional florist since 1997.

Essential Oils & Lip Balm — The addition of rose essential oil makes a fragrant lip balm. Photo Credit Rose rose image by focusart.fr from Fotolia.com

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.

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. Different processes are used to extract the essential oils from these materials, including distillation, maceration and extraction.

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.

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.

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.

It is possible to make an essential oil lip balm at home using a few 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 saucepan 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.