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Homemade tallow lip balm in metal tin, with dried calendula flowers scattered around

Tined Tallow Lip Balm

This nourishing tinted tallow lip balm recipe combines grass-fed beef tallow, calendula-infused oil, beeswax, and a natural colorant to create a moisturizing lip balm with a soft, beautiful tint.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Serving Size 6 lip balm tubes or 1 tin

Equipment

  • digital kitchen scale
  • Small jar
  • Lip balm tubes or small metal tin

Ingredients

  • 18 grams calendula-infused olive oil (or use plain olive oil)
  • 1 tsp alkanet root powder
  • 20 grams beef tallow
  • 8 grams finely grated beeswax OR beeswax pellets
  • 2 grams (about ½ tsp) vitamin E oil
  • 4-8 drops sweet orange, lavender, or chamomile essential oil

Instructions

  • Place the alkanet root powder and calendula-infused oil in a small glass jar. Set the jar in a saucepan lined with a folded tea towel and filled halfway with water to create a simple double boiler. Heat gently over low heat for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil reaches your desired color.
  • Strain the infused oil through a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth to remove the alkanet root powder. Return the oil to the clean jar.
  • Add the tallow and beeswax to the infused oil. Return the jar to the double boiler and heat over low until everything has completely melted.
  • Remove the jar from the heat. Stir in the vitamin E oil and essential oil, if using.
  • Immediately pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or tins. Let the balm cool completely before capping and using.

Notes

 
  • Color: The amount of alkanet root powder determines the tint. Use ¼ teaspoon for a light nude tint, ½ teaspoon for soft pink, 1 teaspoon for a berry rose shade (shown in my photos), or up to 2 teaspoons for a deep plum tint that may stain slightly.
  • Optional ingredients: Alkanet root powder, vitamin E oil, and essential oils are all optional. The recipe works well with just tallow, beeswax, and a liquid oil.
  • Adjust the firmness: For a softer balm, reduce the beeswax to 7 g. If you live in a hot climate, increase it to 9–10 g to help the balm stay firm.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for 9–12 months, or refrigerate for up to 18 months. Use clean, dry hands if storing the balm in a tin.
  • Yield: Makes about 6–7 standard lip balm tubes or 1–2 small tins.