DIY Tallow Lip Balm (Vegan Option, Winter Moisture)

The Only Lip Balm I Trust All Winter

Let’s talk lips.

By November, mine are officially done with me—cracked, tight, and begging for mercy between the wood stove, cold air, and way too much coffee. I used to hoard lip balms, thinking more tubes meant more hydration. But once I actually read the labels on those “natural” store-bought sticks, I realized they weren’t fixing anything—just glossing over the problem (literally).

So I made my own.

This DIY lip balm is one of my favorite winter rituals—rich, healing, and made with simple ingredients that actually do something. It’s built around old-fashioned tallow, skin-soothing calendula, and a soft hint of vanilla. Together, they make a balm that melts right in, smells faintly like comfort, and lasts through even the coldest errands.

And because I know not everyone uses animal-based ingredients, I’ve also included a fully vegan version that feels and performs just as beautifully.

You can make a full batch in 15 minutes, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll start giving them away faster than you can make them.

Why Tallow Belongs in Lip Balm

Tallow gets a bad reputation these days, but it’s one of the most biocompatible fats you can put on your skin. Translation: your skin recognizes it, loves it, and soaks it up instead of fighting it.

Tallow is packed with:

• Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K for repair and nourishment

• Skin-identical fatty acids that mimic our natural moisture barrier

• Deep hydration that lasts without that waxy film feel

Paired with calendula oil, which is like a hug for irritated skin, you get a powerhouse balm that heals and protects instead of masking dryness.

Vegan Swap: Plant-Based Butters That Work

If you don’t use animal products, you can make a completely vegan version of this recipe without losing any of the creamy texture or healing benefits.

Here’s how to substitute smartly:

Ingredient Vegan Swap Why It Works

Tallow: Shea butter or cocoa butter These plant butters are rich in fatty acids and vitamins, offering the same deep moisture and soft glide. Shea feels silky; cocoa adds firmness and a subtle chocolatey scent.

Beeswax: Candelilla wax or Carnauba wax These vegan waxes are plant-derived and give structure and staying power to the balm. Candelilla melts easily and has a smooth finish; carnauba is a bit firmer and glossier.

🧡 Why it matters: The right balance of butter and wax is what separates a rich, soothing lip balm from one that just sits there. Both versions—tallow or vegan—create that breathable seal your skin actually needs in winter.

My Favorite Winter Lip Balm Recipe

Yields: about 6 standard tubes or small tins

Base Recipe (Tallow Version)

• 10 g (≈ 2 tsp) beef tallow, gently rendered (Click here for a free read up on rendering tallow)

• 6 g (≈ 1 tsp) calendula-infused oil (olive or jojoba)

• 4 g (≈ 1 tsp) beeswax pellets

• ½ tsp vanilla-infused oil or pure vanilla powder (optional)

• Optional: 1–2 drops wild orange essential oil (food-grade)

Vegan Version: Plant-Based Comfort Balm

• 10 g (≈ 2 tsp) shea butter or 8 g cocoa butter + 2 g shea butter (for softer texture)

• 6 g (≈ 1 tsp) calendula-infused oil

• 4 g (≈ 1 tsp) candelilla wax

• Optional: same vanilla and essential oil additions as above

Both versions have the same ratio, so you can even split a batch in half—one traditional, one vegan.

How to Make It

1. Combine your butter (or tallow), calendula oil, and wax in a heat-safe glass jar or double boiler.

2. Melt gently over low heat until fully liquified.

3. Remove from heat, add vanilla and essential oils if desired.

4. Pour quickly into tubes or tins and let cool.

5. Cap and label once fully solid.

Shelf life: 9–12 months. Store in a cool, dry place.

Packaging & Gifting Ideas

• Tubes: great for daily use and pockets.

• Glass balm containers: perfect for bedside tables or gift sets.

• Amber jars: make it feel like a mini luxury product.

• Add kraft labels, a muslin bag, and a printed tag with ingredients—instant handmade magic.

Pro tip: if you’re gifting to mixed households, label one version “Tallow” and the other “Vegan”—same cozy look, just different ingredients.

Why These Ingredients Work

Ingredient What it Does Sensory Feel

Tallow / Shea Butter Deep, restorative moisture that mimics skin’s natural oils Rich, silky, soft finish

Calendula Oil Calms, heals, and softens dry or cracked lips Smooth, sun-warmed floral scent

Beeswax / Candelilla Wax Locks in hydration, adds structure Smooth glide without tackiness

Vanilla Antioxidant + cozy aroma Smells like baked goods and comfort

Wild Orange EO Brightens and uplifts mood Light citrus warmth

All-Purpose “Winter Glow” Balm Blend

If you’re making a few batches for friends or market gifts, this is my go-to ratio for either version:

Winter Glow Lip Balm Blend

• 2 parts tallow or shea butter

• 1 part calendula-infused oil

• 1 part beeswax or candelilla wax

• Vanilla powder + sweet orange essential oil (optional)

This one’s family-safe, unisex, and works double-duty on dry cuticles or elbows.

Shop My Lip Balm Kit Essentials

(Affiliate links — thank you for supporting The Hearth Witch’s Nook!)

• Lip Balm Tubes (BPA-Free)

• Beeswax & Candelilla Wax

• Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter

• Dried Calendula Flowers

• Mini Kraft Labels & Muslin Gift Bags

🧡 Bonus tip: Stock up before holiday crafting season—these kits disappear fast once the dry-air panic sets in.

Printable: Lip Balm Recipe Card with printable labels (Both Versions!)

Want to save this recipe or share it as a gift tag? I’ve made a printable card set with both the tallow and vegan versions, including grams, and teaspoons.

👉 Lip Balm Recipe Card – Dual Version with printable labels

Go Deeper: Skin & Lip Balm Pack – Healing Herbal Recipes + Holiday Labels

If this recipe got you hooked, grab the full Skin & Lip Balm Pack – Healing Herbal Recipes + Holiday Labels (instant download).

What’s inside:

• Calendula & Chamomile Healing Hand Salve

• Rosehip & Shea Overnight Repair Balm

• Oat & Chamomile Soothing Bath Soak

• Tallow or Vegan Lip Balm

👉 Get Skin & Lip Balm Pack – Healing Herbal Recipes + Holiday Labels on Gumroad – $7 or apply code HOLIDAYS and receive $2 off instantly!

Final Thought

Whether you’re melting tallow from your own kitchen or stirring shea butter from your pantry, this little project feels grounding. It’s self-care you can hold in your hands—simple, sustainable, and kind.

A balm that actually heals. A gift that actually means something.

Keep one by your bed, one in your bag, and one for a friend who’s probably licking their lips right now.

Stay soft, stay warm, and may your winter smell faintly of vanilla and comfort. 💛

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All content is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.