This all-natural DIY lip gloss you can make in minutes is perfect for making the switch from store bought lip glosses and actually works so much better.

If you’re looking for an easy and fun way to create your own non-toxic lip gloss, this DIY lip gloss recipe is the perfect place to start.

With just a few ingredients and a little mixing, you can whip up smooth, shiny glosses in any shade you like—without any synthetic dyes or questionable ingredients.

My daughter has been loving makeup recently. I love supporting her hobbies, but I didn’t want to give her store-bought lip gloss with so many chemicals I can’t pronouce.

So we went through my DIY recipe closest and found some ingredients to try to make our own! We failed a few times, but this last batch was so good, I just had to share!

This is a great project for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a more natural alternative to store-bought lip gloss. It’s quick, customizable, and completely mess-friendly once you get the hang of it. Here’s our homemade lip gloss recipe to try out!

Why Make Your Own Lip Gloss?

I personally didn’t want to expose my daughter to endocrine disruptors, which are often found in makeup products you can find at the store.

But, here are a few other reasons why making your own lip gloss is so beneficial:

Custom shades – Make the exact color and shimmer you want; my daughter loves all the new color options!
Natural ingredients – No petroleum, artificial fragrance, or preservatives, my personal favorite benefit!
Budget-friendly – A little mica and castor oil go a long way, so much cheaper than paying $8+ for just one container.
Kid-safe and fun to make – A great DIY activity for teens or gifting. I actually made these with my 6 year old daughter!

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How to Make Your Own DIY Lip Gloss

Now, here is our super easy homemade lip gloss recipe for you to follow:

Ingredients

Castor oil (or other carrier oil)
Mica powder or red iron oxide (for color)
1 drop essential oil per 10 ml container (optional, in some we used lavender)
Lip gloss tubes

Instructions

Add some castor oil to a small, pourable container or bowl.

Stir in a small amount of mica powder or red iron oxide. Start with about ¼ teaspoon and adjust until you get the shade and opacity you like.

If desired, add 1 drop of essential oil per 10 ml container.

Pour into your lip gloss tubes or containers using a small funnel or pipette.

Repeat the process for different colors.

Notes + Tips

Castor oil creates a thick, glossy texture, but you can use other oils like sweet almond or jojoba for a thinner gloss.
Essential oils are optional and should always be used in very small amounts. Peppermint gives a light tingle, while lavender essential oil is calming and soothing for skin.
Red iron oxide mixes smoothly and gives a bold red tone, great for classic lip gloss looks. It was the best one I made! The others do separate after a while, but this one stayed all together!
For a shimmer effect, try pearl or gold mica powders—just be sure they’re cosmetic grade.
The next time I make it, I will probably add a bit of beeswax to make it a bit more firm and to help keep the colors together.

long view of opened red lip gloss container

Fun Variations to Try

Make it your own by experimenting with these fun suggestions:

Flavored glosses – Add a drop of food-grade flavor oil like vanilla, orange, or berry.
Tints – Use beetroot powder or cocoa powder for natural shades. I did try dragon fruit powder, it was a no-go, but I have heard great success with beetroot.
Add shimmer – Try eco-glitter or holographic mica for a playful look.
Tropical blend – Mix in coconut oil or a touch of cocoa butter for a glossy balm hybrid.

red and sparkle white lip gloss containers

How to Store Your DIY Lip Gloss

Store glosses in small airtight tubes or glass containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 6 months if kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you’re using essential oils, avoid clear tubes that may expose them to light.

Troubleshooting Your DIY Gloss

Here are some things I’ve run into that you might as well when you experiment with making your own DIY lip gloss:

Gloss separates – Try blending with a tiny bit of beeswax or candelilla wax to emulsify. This made all the difference for me!
Too thin? – Use more castor oil or add a touch of wax to thicken.
Color too light or streaky? – Add more mica or stir longer to fully incorporate.
Hard to pour? – Use a dropper or pipette and gently warm the oil beforehand.

Learn how to easily switch out your products with more natural solutions with this Natural Living Made Easy Freebie!

DIY Lip Gloss

Materials

Castor oil (or other carrier oil)
Mica powder or red iron oxide (for color)
1 drop essential oil per 10 ml container (optional, in some we used lavender)
Lip gloss tubes

Instructions

Add some castor oil to a small, pourable container or bowl.
Stir in a small amount of mica powder or red iron oxide. Start with about ¼ teaspoon and adjust until you get the shade and opacity you like.
If desired, add 1 drop of essential oil per 10 ml container.
Pour into your lip gloss tubes or containers using a small funnel or pipette.
Repeat the process for different colors.

Notes

Castor oil creates a thick, glossy texture, but you can use other oils like sweet almond or jojoba for a thinner gloss.
Essential oils are optional and should always be used in very small amounts. Peppermint gives a light tingle, while lavender essential oil is calming and soothing for skin.
Red iron oxide mixes smoothly and gives a bold red tone, great for classic lip gloss looks. It was the best one I made! The others do separate after a while, but this one stayed all together!
For a shimmer effect, try pearl or gold mica powders—just be sure they’re cosmetic grade.
The next time I make it, I will probably add a bit of beeswax to make it a bit more firm and to help keep the colors together.

Final Thoughts

This DIY lip gloss is a quick and easy way to bring a little handmade magic to your daily routine. Whether you’re making a few shades for yourself or creating fun gifts, it’s a satisfying project that leaves you with clean, beautiful results.

Once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought gloss again! We sure won’t!