to attempt to make a natural alternative to Vaseline/lipsalve in an attempt to beat my dependence on it

[MariaWaria]

I know I'm not alone in being dependent on smearing Vaseline etc on my lips many times per day. This has gone on for years and I believe there is something in these products that dries the lips out making the problem worse - petroleum?

I'd like to make a natural potion that would make my lips feel good and not do any harm. There are lots of recipes around but would I BU to use a recipe of beeswax, shea butter, and avocado oil? Or is that no better than Vaseline etc?

Vaseline just coats your lips and doesn't hydrate them. It turns the problem into a vicious circle.

Carmex or nivea are better.

Nipple Balm.

I used to be addicted to lip balm but since using nipple balm I only apply every couple of days.

alonglongnight thank you for the link. I’m going to make some, looks lovely!

@Shednik oh yeah. Lanisoh is really good on dry lips and if you have very dry, cracked bits on your hands. Forgot about that.

I too used to apply lipsalve all the time and used to feel quite uncomfortable if I forgot to take some out with me. However, can't remember why, I stopped using it and now I hardly ever do. If I have a really bad cold or perhaps if the weather is extremely cold (ie below freezing for days on end) then I do perhaps have to put something on but only once or twice.

I was told that Vaseline is not a good lip balm as it is a barrier not a moisturiser. If I need something, I use Elizabeth Arden Eight hour cream. (It is also great if you have that really sore 'Rudolf' nose with a cold).

I also stopped cleansing and moisturising my face and guess what, same thing. I don't get that tight feeling that I used to feel when I hadn't moisturised.

A vote for Nuxe 'Reve de miel' lip balm. £10 a pot, but lasts forever. It's very thick, but you only need a light smear of it. I searched for years, and this is the only one that works for me. Been using it for 20 years now. No nasties in it, no petroleum etc. They sell it in M&S and Space NK.

Nuxe lip balm

Why don't you just buy a beeswax based lip balm, instead of faffing on?

Ingredients list for the burts bees balm.

Put a bit of coconut oil in a pot and that’s all you need for dry lips, dry skin or hair.

I have a few balms from this company in the West Country: www.wild-sage.co.uk/balm - all handmade and natural :)

They are so so good, not drying at all and last for ages. If you're in the market for a face/hand balm too their argan beauty balm is a game changer!

I use coconut oil but it's not great for taking out with you. If you put it in a pocket and it's near your body it melts into a liquid and spills everywhere. I'd love to find a stick that isn't based on petroleum jelly.

You have reminded me, OP, that I used to be the same with Vaseline. Then, I met a lovely consultant anaesthetist who said he could tell that I used it, that it really wasn't good for lips, (drying), and suggested I stopped using it. I followed his advice and went cold turkey. Once I'd broken the habit I found he'd been right, and my lips were much better without it. I don't use anything now unless in extreme weather or having a bug has caused a specific problem - then I use a more natural product or at least something made for lips and better than a petroleum byproduct.

bonbonours the burts bees comes as a stick or a pot.

I have a pot of coconut oil next to the bed. I apply a bit every night before bed and since starting that I've never needed to use lip balm once.