lip balm question

[mlewis48]

 Got a question on making lip balm. We got a kit, followed the directions and made a few tins. Everything came out good but when it set up, the finished product is kind of hard. It makes it a little difficult to get it out of the tins. It would be better if it was a little softer. Any advice on this problem?
                                                   Thanks,
                                                    Marc

[danno]

I use wax, shea butter and sweet almond oil in mine and make it softer with extra almond oil

[Understudy]

Read tillie's adventure's on lip balm.
http://beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com/2007/12/learning-about-lip-balm.html

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[annette]

I have also been experimenting with making my own creams and lotions out of the extra beeswax I have, so I agree you should cut down on the amount of beeswax and you should be fine.

Do you have a good recipe to share?  I have been all over the internet and trying so many things and have spent a few hundred dollars already on ingredients to make some lotion bars and hand cream. After experimenting and making stuff I really was not happy with,(well the texture's have been very good, but the smells were not up to standards - my poor husband has offered to use all the stuff I do not like, on his feet) I have finally come up with some decent recipes, but I still want to tweek them a bit.

It has been fun, but expensive purchasing all those essential oil and other things.  Although this is mainly what I am going to give for Christmas. When I am done, I will share some photos and recipes if anyone wants. I will have worked out the bugs for you all.

And yes, I know about Tillies's creams and have been in touch with her also for advice.

Annette

[luvin honey]

Another old one, but hopefully still pertinent ;)

I have REALLY enjoyed a 1 part beewax to 4 parts oil recipe, then as much EO as it would take to approach 2-3% of total volume. I use about 15-20 drops EO per 1/4 cup balm.

At first, I have used just canola oil. Lately I have been trying more exotic oils like coconut, rice bran oil, safflower oil and castor oil, same ratios.

[BingalingBees]

less beeswax more oil makes it softer but then it doesn't last as long on the lips. Can always do the spoon test when making it?

[SamboRoberts]

I use 90g of coconut oil, 90g of shea butter and 65g of beeswax. It really depends on your customer base, however. Some like it harder, some like it softer.

[Lone]

What is shea butter and where would you find it in Australia?

Lone

[BingalingBees]

I don't use Shea butter: but here's my recipe...

     Beeswax       34 g (hardness)
     Coconut Oil   34 g
     Avocado Oil   20 g
     Cocoa Butter 20 g
     Sunflower Oil 14 g  (healthy)
     Castor Oil      14 g (shiny)
     Honey            3 g

plus lip safe color & scent (essential oil 9 ml/g & mica .7 g)

[SamboRoberts]

What is shea butter and where would you find it in Australia?

Lone

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter

I buy it on eBay.