Make simple DIY lip gloss without beeswax or any wax. You only need a few natural ingredients—carrier oil (like sweet almond or coconut), vitamin E oil, and a few drops of a food-grade essential oil for scent. This easy homemade lip gloss is safe for kids and makes a lovely gift.
My daughters enjoy a bit of lip gloss before church—it’s a small, age-appropriate way for them to feel grown up without using full makeup. Because children often lick their lips, I prefer to make our own gloss and balms with simple, edible-friendly ingredients.
This recipe requires only two base ingredients: a carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, coconut, or fractionated coconut oil all work) and vitamin E oil. Both ingredients hydrate and help soothe dry, chapped lips while leaving a glossy, plump finish.
You can leave the gloss clear or tint it naturally with a pinch of pigment that flatters your skin tone. To add scent and a mild flavor, choose food-grade essential oils. I like pink rose clay for a soft pink tint and lavender or citrus essential oils for scent.
Homemade lip gloss is a fun craft and makes thoughtful favors for parties, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day.
Why you’ll like making your own lip gloss
All-natural ingredients
With no questionable chemicals, this gloss is suitable for kids and those with sensitive skin.
Quick and easy
You can prepare several roller bottles in about 15 minutes.
Affordable
A little of each ingredient goes a long way, so the cost per batch is low compared with store-bought natural products.
Moisturizing
Carrier oils and vitamin E both help hydrate and support healing for dry lips.
Customizable
Choose your color and scent—or keep it clear and unscented. Pink rose clay and lavender essential oil make a gentle scented pink gloss.
What you need to make lip gloss without wax
Ingredients
- Sweet almond oil – nourishing and moisturizing; jojoba or olive oil can be used as substitutes.
- Vitamin E oil – supports skin repair and adds thickness and shine to the gloss.
- Food-grade essential oil (optional) – a few drops will scent and lightly flavor the gloss.
- Natural cosmetic pigments (optional) – tint with mica powder, beetroot powder, cocoa powder, hibiscus powder, or pink rose clay as desired.
Supplies
- Bowl and whisk – to combine ingredients. An immersion blender helps disperse pigments into the oil.
- Funnel or eye dropper – for transferring the mixture into bottles without spills.
- Roller ball containers – ideal for this thin, wax-free gloss so you can apply it without touching the product with your fingers.
How to make DIY lip gloss without wax
Mix – Combine your carrier oil and vitamin E oil in a small bowl. If using pigment, add a tiny pinch and whisk or blend until smooth. Add up to 15 drops of food-grade essential oil if you want scent or flavor.
Pour – Use a small funnel or eye dropper to carefully fill roller bottles. Fill slowly—each bottle needs only a small amount.
Seal – Screw the roller tops on securely and wipe any oil from the bottle exteriors.
Tips for success
To use – Roll across lips until you have the desired shine.
To store – Keep at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. With no water in the formula, the gloss will keep for up to one year.
Variations – Experiment with essential oils like orange, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, or vanilla for different scent profiles.
Substitutions – Jojoba, fractionated coconut oil, or olive oil all work in place of almond oil.
FAQ about making lip gloss without wax
Does lip gloss need a preservative?
No—because this recipe contains no water, it does not require a preservative. Stored properly, it will remain stable at room temperature for several months up to a year.
How can you tint lip gloss naturally?
Use powdered natural pigments sparingly. Add a pinch at a time of mica powder, beetroot powder, cocoa, hibiscus, or pink rose clay until you reach the shade you want. You can blend pigments for custom hues.
Can you use essential oils in lip gloss?
Yes—use only food-grade, skin-safe essential oils and dilute them in the carrier oil. For a 1/2 cup carrier oil base, up to about 30 drops of essential oil is a commonly suggested upper limit; adjust to personal sensitivity and scent preference.
Essential oils recommended for lip products
- Orange
- Lemon
- Wintergreen
- Peppermint
- Grapefruit
- Lavender
- Vanilla
A gentle favorite is vanilla combined with orange or grapefruit for a sweet-citrus scent.
What is the best container for this lip gloss?
Because this gloss is thin and wax-free, roller ball bottles are the most convenient option. Thicker, wax-based balms are better suited to squeeze tubes or tins.
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 inspire others.
Homemade Lip Gloss Without Wax
5 – 6 roller ball bottles
15 minutes
15 minutes
Easy DIY lip gloss without wax using natural oils and optional food-grade essential oils for scent and pigment for color.
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 securely and wipe any oil from the outside of the bottles.
Notes
To Use – Roll across lips as often as desired for shine and moisture.
To Store – Keep at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for up to one year.
Variations – Swap essential oils for different scents: orange, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, or vanilla.
Substitutions – Jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, or olive oil are suitable alternatives to almond oil.