One of the first herbal DIYs I ever tried was a lip balm. My lips were cracked, I was overwhelmed by ingredients I couldn’t pronounce, and I just wanted something simple and safe.

I remember standing in my kitchen, slowly stirring beeswax into melted oil, feeling both nervous and amazed that I could actually make this myself. That moment started a whole shift for me.

This candy cane lip balm brings back that same cozy magic. It’s festive, moisturizing, and has just the right amount of minty sweetness to lift your mood in the middle of a chilly day.

Whether you’re tucking one into a gift basket or just making a batch for your family, it’s a perfect little project to welcome the winter season.

I just made a holiday lip scrub, so naturally, I had to make a holiday lip balm as well to go with it!

Check out my recipe below and how to customize it for your exact needs!

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Here are a few of the benefits to this homemade holiday lip balm:

Castor Oil: Rich and deeply moisturizing, castor oil gives this lip balm a smooth, glossy finish while helping to heal dry or cracked lips. It also adds a bit of natural shine, which makes it perfect for lip products.

You can swap in oils like sweet almond or grapeseed if you prefer, but castor oil creates a longer-lasting balm that really protects.

Beeswax: A natural protector, beeswax helps seal in moisture while creating a soft barrier against wind and dry air. It also gives the balm structure, so it holds its shape in a tube or tin.

Tallow: Traditional and incredibly nourishing, tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, making it deeply restorative for dry, chapped lips.

It also adds a creamy texture to the balm. I love using grass-fed tallow in my winter skincare, it’s one of the most skin-loving fats you can choose.

Candy Cane Essential Oil Blend (Spearmint + Vanilla): Spearmint is gentler than peppermint but still refreshingly cool, and the vanilla brings that warm, cozy balance. Together, they create a sweet, nostalgic scent that feels like a soft holiday hug.

Red Mica Powder (optional): Adds a festive touch of tint without synthetic dyes. Completely optional, but I like the sparkle it adds, especially if I’m making these as little gifts.

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How to Make DIY Candy Cane Lip Balm

This recipe makes about 10 standard lip balm tubes. Feel free to cut the recipe in half if you’re just experimenting!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons castor oil
1 tablespoon beeswax
1 ½ tablespoons tallow
5 drops winter spice essential oil blend OR (3 drops Spearmint essential oil, 2 drops Vanilla)
Red mica powder (optional)
Lip balm tubes

Instructions:

In a double boiler, gently melt the beeswax, carrier oil, and coconut oil together until smooth and fully combined.

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 1 to 2 minutes so it’s not too hot for the essential oils.

Stir in a pinch of red mica powder, if using, and mix until evenly blended.

Add the essential oil blend and stir again.

Carefully pour into clean lip balm tubes or small tins.

Let cool completely before capping and labeling.

Notes:

Once the balm mixture is off the heat and essential oils are added, it can start to set up fast. Have your lip balm tubes or tins ready to go before you begin.
Spearmint is milder than peppermint, but still use essential oils sparingly. If you’re making this for kids or those with sensitive skin, reduce the number of drops or stick to just vanilla for a more subtle scent. Just keep total drops to 5 or fewer per batch to stay skin-safe.
If you use mica powder, stir it in well to prevent clumps. A tiny pinch goes a long way. I like the way it adds a gentle shimmer without overpowering the natural look.
Tallow makes this balm extra creamy, but if it’s very firm when cold, you can slightly reduce the beeswax for a softer finish. Play around until it feels just right to you. I started with 2 tablespoons but it is too firm for me!

Candy Cane Lip Balms

Yield: 10 lip balms

Materials

2 tablespoons castor oil
1 tablespoon beeswax
1 ½ tablespoons tallow
5 drops winter spice essential oil blend OR (3 drops Spearmint essential oil, 2 drops Vanilla)
Red mica powder (optional)
Lip balm tubes

Instructions

In a double boiler, gently melt the beeswax, carrier oil, and coconut oil together until smooth and fully combined.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 1 to 2 minutes so it’s not too hot for the essential oils.
Stir in a pinch of red mica powder, if using, and mix until evenly blended.
Add the essential oil blend and stir again.
Carefully pour into clean lip balm tubes or small tins.
Let cool completely before capping and labeling.

Notes

Once the balm mixture is off the heat and essential oils are added, it can start to set up fast. Have your lip balm tubes or tins ready to go before you begin.
Spearmint is milder than peppermint, but still use essential oils sparingly. If you’re making this for kids or those with sensitive skin, reduce the number of drops or stick to just vanilla for a more subtle scent. Just keep total drops to 5 or fewer per batch to stay skin-safe.
If you use mica powder, stir it in well to prevent clumps. A tiny pinch goes a long way. I like the way it adds a gentle shimmer without overpowering the natural look.
Tallow makes this balm extra creamy, but if it's very firm when cold, you can slightly reduce the beeswax for a softer finish. Play around until it feels just right to you. I started with 2 tablespoons but it is too firm for me!

Final Thoughts

Making your own DIY candy cane lip balm is one of those simple pleasures that feels both old-fashioned and empowering.

It’s quick, customizable, and so practical during the colder months. Plus, there’s something lovely about handing a friend a homemade lip balm and saying, “I made this.”

If you enjoy projects like this, be sure to explore the Tallow Recipe eBook, which includes several lip and body recipes that go perfectly with the season.

Natural living isn’t about being perfect, it’s about small, meaningful shifts. And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a tube of lip balm.