Chapstick is a must-have for me, and I’ve become incredibly loyal to this tallow peppermint chapstick. Made with only nourishing, wholesome ingredients, it’s not only effective but also easy to whip up at home. The combination of tallow and peppermint leaves my lips feeling soft, hydrated, refreshed, and stays on!

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Once you try tallow chapstick, you won’t want to go back. The rich, nourishing properties of tallow are perfect for soothing dry, cracked lips, offering long-lasting hydration.

I decided to start making my own chapstick because I was frustrated with how oily store-bought versions felt. They never seemed to lock in moisture, and it always felt like they would wear off the second I drank water, touched my lips, or accidentally licked them. It became an endless cycle of reapplying, and I wanted something more effective. Making my own chapstick allowed me to create a more nourishing, long-lasting solution that actually keeps my lips hydrated throughout the day.

Not to mention the comfort in using a chapstick that contains only natural ingredients.

Peppermint is my all-time favourite addition, as it gives a refreshing, cooling sensation that feels great on the lips. This homemade chapstick is simple to make, affordable, and full of natural ingredients.

It’s also a thoughtful and practical gift, making it perfect for the holidays or any time you want to share a little bit of homemade care with others.

What is Tallow?

Tallow is cooked down beef fat. Also defined as rendered beef fat.

What is the Difference Between Tallow and Lard?

Tallow is rendered beef fat and lard is rendered pork fat.

The Benefits of Tallow

Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for maintaining healthy and nourished skin.

These vitamins help to promote skin regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin health. Tallow is also deeply moisturizing and can help soothe dry, irritated skin.

Where To Source Tallow

There are two options for sourcing tallow. You can buy beef fat from a local butcher for cheap and render it yourself, or you can usually buy a jar of tallow locally or online which is easier but can be more expensive.

How To Make Beef Tallow

Making tallow is not as intimidating as it seems. First thing to do is source beef fat, you can buy the fat itself or by saving the fatty pieces off steak (though I wouldn’t use this fat for skin care).

Once you have a couple pounds of beef fat, throw it in a pot on the stove on low heat and let it cook down for a couple hours.

There are some different ways to do it and some nuances you’ll learn along the way but it is simple. Learn more here to make tallow for cooking and beauty products.

The differences between cooking tallow and skin care tallow is the time spent purifying, straining, and using the right kind of fat.

How To Store Tallow

On the Counter: Store tallow in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to prevent oxidation and rancidity. It can last for many months this way.

In The Fridge: For longer storage, tallow can be refrigerated. This will extend its shelf life to a year or more.

In The Freezer: Tallow freezes well and can be kept in the freezer for several years without losing quality. Consider portioning it into usable amounts before freezing for easier use. Silicone molds are a great way to freeze tallow into portions.

Ways To Use Tallow

Skin Care
Cooking
Baking
Frying
Candle-making
Leather Care

Beeswax

Beeswax is pretty standard for homemade chapstick. It keeps the stick firm and adds more grip than slip, which I like.

I was able to source some beautiful, local beeswax from Wingfield Honey Farm. Local beeswax isn’t necessary, just a bonus. You can find good beeswax online here.

What are the Benefits of Beeswax in Chapstick?

Beeswax acts as a natural barrier, helping to lock in moisture and prevent your lips from drying out. It makes the chapstick feel grippy and strong instead of thin and slippery.

Beeswax also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe chapped or irritated skin. It also has mild antibacterial qualities, making it beneficial for healing small cuts or cracks in the skin.

It contains vitamins A, E, and other nutrients that nourish and protect the skin, helping to maintain its elasticity and softness.

Beeswax is a natural, renewable resource, making it a sustainable ingredient for homemade chapsticks. It’s also free from synthetic chemicals or fragrances found in many commercial lip balms.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the shea tree in west and central Africa, so definitely not local.

I use shea butter in my homemade chapstick. It has a soft, buttery texture at room temperature whereas the other fats are hard at room temperature.

I wish there was a substitute for shea butter because it’s a little bit more difficult to get access to but it is quite unique. You can buy shea butter online here.

What are the Benefits of Shea Butter in Chapstick?

Shea butter is rich in fatty acids, which deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, making it perfect for dry, cracked lips. It absorbs quickly, providing long-lasting moisture while creating a protective barrier that shields the lips from harsh environmental factors like cold, wind, and sun exposure.

Packed with vitamins A and E, shea butter also boasts anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated or chapped lips. It supports skin health and helps heal small cracks and wounds, promoting smoother lips.

Gentle and free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances, shea butter is an excellent choice for sensitive lips, offering natural nourishment and protection without the additives found in many commercial lip balms.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is the perfect addition to chapstick because it feels amazing on the lips. Its light, refreshing, and cooling effect soothes inflamed or irritated lips, providing instant relief.

Peppermint essential oil also has antibacterial properties that help prevent cracked lips from getting infected, while keeping them cool and nourished.

Additionally, it promotes circulation, which brings blood and plumpness to the lips, giving them a fuller, healthier appearance. The fresh, invigorating scent of peppermint adds a refreshing aroma, making your lip care experience even more enjoyable.

What You’ll Need

Homemade chapstick may require a couple upfront purchases but if you buy in bulk then the supply could last you a very long time and ultimately save you money.

Materials

Empty Chapstick Containers: You can buy new, empty containers online here in bulk. Alternatively, you could save your old, empty chapstick containers. Simply wipe them clean with a Q-tip then rinse under hot water, and wipe dry – good as new!

Melting Vessel: I like a melting vessel with a pour spout, perhaps a milk frothing vessel (like this one) to make it easy to pour into the empty chapstick tubes.

Small Saucepan: To put your melting vessel in to act as a semi-double-boiler.

Optional Chapstick Tube Holder: I didn’t always use a chapstick holder but it makes the process so much easier and less frustrating to have one. Nothing worse than pouring the mixture into the tube, knocking it over, and it knock over full tubes and make a massive mess.

Small Spatula: For mixing and getting every last drop. I like these little ones.

Ingredients

Tallow: Homemade or store-bought.

Beeswax: Bought locally or online.

Shea Butter: Likely bought online or locally if you live in Africa.

Peppermint Essential Oil: From a store or online. I also like adding some spearmint for some sweetness.

Video Tutorial

How To Make Tallow Peppermint Chapstick

Remove the lids from 8-10 chapstick tubes and twist them all the way down. Place them in a holder or on a stable surface.

Add 1 cup of water to a small saucepan and heat it on high.

In a stainless steel vessel with a spout, measure out tallow, beeswax, and shea butter. Place the vessel in the saucepan with the water, allowing the ingredients to melt.

Once melted, remove the vessel from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Add peppermint essential oil to the mixture and stir well.

Carefully pour the melted mixture into the chapstick tubes, filling them to the top.

Let the tubes sit still and allow the mixture to cool until solid.

Let the chapstick set for 24 hours before capping. Once set, clean drips and cap. Apply generously and enjoy the soothing benefits!