Learn how to make simple DIY lip gloss without beeswax or any wax. With just a few natural ingredients—such as sweet almond or coconut oil, vitamin E oil, and a few drops of food-safe essential oil—you can create a moisturizing, glossy lip treatment. This easy recipe makes a lovely gift and is gentle enough for kids.
My daughters enjoy putting on a bit of lip gloss before church—it’s a small, joyful ritual that makes them feel a bit older without introducing full makeup. Because kids often lick their lips when wearing products, I prefer making our own gloss and balms with simple, edible-grade ingredients.
This gloss uses only two base ingredients: a carrier oil (sweet almond, coconut, jojoba, or fractionated coconut) and vitamin E oil. Both ingredients hydrate and support lip healing, leaving lips soft, plump, and shiny.
You don’t have to keep it clear— add a pinch of natural pigment to tint the gloss, and scent or lightly flavor it with a food-grade essential oil if desired. I often mix a little pink rose clay with lavender essential oil for a softly scented pink gloss.
Homemade lip gloss also makes thoughtful party favors and seasonal gifts like Valentine’s or Mother’s Day treats.
Why You’ll Like Making Your Own Lip Gloss
All-natural ingredients
This recipe avoids synthetic additives and harsh chemicals, making it suitable for children and sensitive skin types.
Easy to make
You can mix enough gloss for several bottles in about 15 minutes.
Economical
Once you buy a few basic ingredients, you can make multiple batches for a fraction of the price of commercial natural products.
Moisturizing
The combination of carrier oil and vitamin E provides hydration and supports lip repair.
Customizable
Choose your preferred carrier oil, natural pigment, and essential oil to create a custom scent and shade, or keep it clear and unscented.
What You Need To Make Lip Gloss Without Wax
Ingredients
- Sweet almond oil – A nourishing, moisturizing carrier oil. Jojoba or olive oil can be used as alternatives.
- Vitamin E oil – Supports skin repair and adds thickness and shine.
- Food-grade essential oil (optional) – A few drops for scent and light flavor; choose gentle, ingestible varieties.
- Natural cosmetic pigments (optional) – To tint the gloss, try mica powder, beetroot powder, cocoa powder, hibiscus powder, or pink rose clay.
Supplies
- Bowl and whisk – For mixing. An immersion blender can help disperse pigments more evenly.
- Funnel or eye dropper – Makes filling small bottles clean and easy.
- Roller ball containers – Ideal for this thin, wax-free formula; they apply neatly without using fingers.
How To Make DIY Lip Gloss Without Wax
Mix – Combine the carrier oil and vitamin E oil in a small bowl. If adding pigment, blend it in a pinch at a time until you reach your desired shade. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. An immersion blender helps incorporate pigments evenly.
Pour – Using a small funnel or eye dropper, carefully transfer the mixture into roller ball bottles. Fill slowly to avoid spills.
Secure the caps – Tighten the roller tops and wipe any excess oil from the bottle exteriors.
Tips For Success
To use – Roll across the lips as needed for shine and hydration.
Storage – Keep stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight; without water, the shelf life is up to a year.
Variations – Swap essential oils to change the scent—orange, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, or vanilla are gentle options. Mix pigments for unique tones.
Substitutions – Jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, or olive oil are good alternatives to sweet almond oil.
FAQ About Making Lip Gloss Without Wax
Does lip gloss need a preservative?
Because this formula contains no water, a preservative is unnecessary. When stored properly, it will remain stable for up to a year.
How can you tint lip gloss naturally?
Use powdered pigments a pinch at a time until you reach the shade you want. Natural tinting options include mica powder for shimmer, beetroot for pink/red tones, cocoa for brown, hibiscus or pink rose clay for coral-pink hues.
Can you use essential oils in lip gloss?
Yes, but only food-grade or gentle essential oils and always diluted in the carrier oil. For a half cup of carrier oil, up to about 30 drops total is a common guideline; reduce the amount for children or sensitive skin.
Which essential oils are safe for lip products?
Avoid “hot” oils like cinnamon, clove, and ginger as they can irritate delicate lip skin. Safer options include orange, lemon, wintergreen, peppermint, grapefruit, lavender, and vanilla. Choose food-grade options if you expect ingestion.
What container is best for this gloss?
Because this recipe is thin without wax, roller ball bottles are ideal. Thicker, wax-based balms suit squeeze tubes or tins better.
More Homemade Body Products
- DIY Beeswax Lip Balm
- Homemade Honey Oatmeal Soap with Pink Clay
- Homemade Make-Up Remover Wipes
- DIY Lavender Body Butter
- Handmade Orange Lip Balm
Pin these steps to try later and share your creations on social media to show what you made!
Homemade Lip Gloss Without Wax
5 – 6 roller ball bottles
15 minutes
15 minutes
Simple recipe for a moisturizing, wax-free lip gloss using natural oils and optional pigments or essential oils.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons sweet almond oil
- 2 Tablespoons vitamin E oil
- 15 drops essential oil (optional)
- a pinch or two natural pigment like mica powder, beetroot, pink rose clay, cocoa powder or hibiscus powder
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients together in a small bowl, whisking until completely combined and smooth.
- Using a small funnel or eye dropper, carefully pour the mixture into roller ball bottles, filling slowly to avoid overflow.
- Screw the lids on the roller bottles and wipe any excess oil from the outside of the containers.
Notes
To Use – Apply by rolling across the lips as needed.
To Store – Keep at room temperature away from direct sunlight for up to one year.
Variations – Try different essential oils for scent. Orange, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, and vanilla work well.
Substitutions – Jojoba, fractionated coconut oil, or olive oil can replace sweet almond oil.