One of my favorite little joys during the colder months is reaching into my coat pocket and finding a homemade lip balm I tucked away weeks earlier. I am pretty sure I stock those little things EVERYWHERE!

There’s something so comforting about that little tube, it smells like chocolate, glides on like silk, and gives me a moment of self-care even on the busiest days.

This DIY chocolate lip balm has become a staple in our house, especially when the air turns dry and everyone’s lips need a little extra love. And yes, it really does smell like a cozy mug of hot cocoa which makes my kids love it!

Here is this simple homemade recipe so you can give it as your DIY gifts this year!

Why These Ingredients Matter

Each ingredient in this recipe was chosen for a reason, not just for the scent but also for its nourishing properties.

I am really picky when it comes to lip balms, so here is why I chose each ingredient:

Beeswax: Helps lock in moisture, provides a protective barrier against the elements, and gives the balm a solid, long-lasting texture.
Castor Oil: Adds shine and deep conditioning. It gives your balm that smooth-glide finish that feels extra soothing.
Jojoba Oil: Closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, which makes it ideal for lip care. It absorbs beautifully and adds a gentle softness. I actually used a vanilla infused jojoba oil this time!
Tallow: A hydrating oil that’s rich in fatty acids, tallow softens dry lips and adds a creamy feel. It is my secret ingredient in all my lip balm recipes now!
Cocoa Butter: The star of the show for that chocolatey scent and velvety texture. It also nourishes and helps prevent chapped lips.
Cocoa Powder: Completely optional, but it adds a hint of color and boosts the natural cocoa aroma. Choose a food-grade, unsweetened powder for best results.
Essential Oils: Used at a gentle 0.5-1% dilution for flavor and scent. These give your balm a little personality, whether it’s refreshing, citrusy, or cozy.

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How to Make Chocolate Lip Balm

This recipe makes about 8-9 standard lip balm tubes or several small tins.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon castor oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
½ teaspoon cocoa butter
1½ tablespoons beeswax
1 tablespoon tallow
½ teaspoon cocoa powder
10-15 drops essential oil (0.5–1% dilution, I share my ideas on blends down below!)

Instructions:

In a double boiler, gently melt the beeswax, tallow, cocoa butter, castor oil, cocoa powder, and jojoba oil until fully combined.

Remove from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes.

Stir in your essential oils.

Quickly pour the mixture into clean lip balm tubes or small tins.

Let set at room temperature (or pop into the fridge to speed things up). Once solid, cap and store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months.

Essential Oil Blend Ideas

Here are a few different lip balm essential oil blends perfect for this homemade chocolate lip balm:

Peppermint Cocoa

8 drops Peppermint
2 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
Refreshing with a cool twist and a sweet finish.

Orange Chocolate

10 drops Sweet Orange
7 drop Orange
3 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
Bright and happy—like a chocolate-dipped orange slice.

Vanilla Mocha

8 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
3 drops Coffee Essential Oil (or CO₂ extract)
Warm and comforting, like your favorite café in a tube.

Tips for Gifting or Storage

These balms make lovely holiday gifts, especially when paired with a handmade label and tucked into a stocking or gift basket. I like to keep one in every coat and bag, just in case.

They pair great with a homemade chocolate soap or a chocolate milk bath.

If you’re making a larger batch, store extras in a glass jar in a cool place until you’re ready to use or gift them.

Chocolate Lip Balm

Yield: 8-9 lip balm tubes

Materials

1 tablespoon castor oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
½ teaspoon cocoa butter
1½ tablespoons beeswax
1 tablespoon tallow
½ teaspoon cocoa powder
10-15 drops essential oil (0.5–1% dilution, I share my ideas on blends down below!)

Instructions

In a double boiler, gently melt the beeswax, tallow, cocoa butter, castor oil, cocoa powder, and jojoba oil until fully combined.
Remove from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
Stir in your essential oils.
Quickly pour the mixture into clean lip balm tubes or small tins.
Let set at room temperature (or pop into the fridge to speed things up). Once solid, cap and store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months.

Notes

Here are a few different lip balm essential oil blends perfect for this homemade chocolate lip balm:

Peppermint Cocoa

8 drops Peppermint
2 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
Refreshing with a cool twist and a sweet finish.

Orange Chocolate

10 drops Sweet Orange
7 drop Orange
3 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
Bright and happy—like a chocolate-dipped orange slice.

Vanilla Mocha

8 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
3 drops Coffee Essential Oil (or CO₂ extract)
Warm and comforting, like your favorite café in a tube.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about creating your own lip balm. It’s such a small, everyday product, but when it’s homemade, it carries your care in every swipe. And when it smells like chocolate? That’s just a little extra love!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like the DIYs in my Tallow Recipe eBook, filled with nourishing recipes that are perfect for dry skin season.

Let me know how you like this recipe if you try it!