Essential oils can be found in an array of different cosmetics these days, and for good reason. Along with being a natural alternative to synthetic ingredients, they’re hugely beneficial and have beautiful aromas that people love. 

And one cosmetic we welcome our essential oils in are lip products because of their nourishing skin benefits. The question is, which essential oils are safe and beneficial to use on the lips? To help answer that question, we’ve compiled our favorite lip safe essential oils along with some easy DIYs for lip care and so much more. Read on to learn more!

Safety Guidelines: Essential Oils For Lips

Before using just any essential oil on your lips, be sure to follow these safety guidelines. 

Phototoxic Oils

When using essential oil on the lips, you’ll want to avoid phototoxic oils–oils that cause your skin to become ultra sensitive and burn when used topically in the sun or under UV rays. At certain percentages (unique to each phototoxic oil), you can safely use phototoxic oils in the sun, however, we suggest erring on the side of caution and avoiding the following oils and blends that contain these oils on your lips:

• Angelica Root Oil

• Bergamot Oil (Cold pressed)

• Bitter Orange Oil (Cold pressed)

• Cumin Oil

• Fig Leaf Absolute Oil

• Grapefruit Oil (Cold pressed)

• Key Lime Oil (Cold pressed)

• Lemon Oil (Cold pressed)

• Lemon Verbena Oil

• Lime Oil (Cold pressed)

• Mandarin Leaf Oil

• Rue Oil

• Tagete Oil
  
  

Sensitizing Oils

Certain essential oils can be especially sensitizing on the skin, meaning they can cause skin irritation, redness and itching. For this reason, these oils have lower recommended dilution rates than other oils. However, because the lips are much more sensitive than other areas of the body, we suggest avoiding these oils:

• Allspice Oil

• Angelica Root Oil

• Cassia Oil

• Cinnamon Oil (Any)

• Clove- Bud Oil

• Cumin Oil

• Laurel Leaf Oil

• Lemongrass Oil

• Litsea Oil

• Melissa Oil

• Myrtle- Lemon Oil

• Nutmeg Oil

• Oregano Oil

• Peru Balsam Oil

• Sage Oil

• Tea Tree- Lemon Oil
  
  

Ingestion

We at Edens Garden don’t recommend casual internal use of essential oils, so why is it OK to use essential oils on the lips? When used as directed, most lip products are hardly ingested, despite the myth that the average lipstick user ingests nine pounds of lipstick in a lifetime. With that said, even if a minute amount of lip product is ingested, an even more minute percentage of essential oil in that lip product will be too. In other words, there is little risk of an adverse reaction occurring from ingesting essential oil from a lip product that is used as directed. 

Dilution

As previously stated, the lips are more sensitive than other parts of the body. For this reason, we suggest a .5% dilution rate when using essential oils on the lips. 

• .5% = 3 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil

This dilution is gentle on the lips, yet effective enough for nourishing and imparting the many benefits of essential oils. 

What Essential Oils Are Safe For Lips?

Now that you know which essential oils to avoid using on the lips, there are many lip-safe essential oils to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:

Orange essential oil & Jojoba oil

A great fruity combination, the limonene in Orange essential oil helps heal dry lips thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Orange Around The World essential oil is particularly well rounded as it contains several of the best Orange oil varieties all in one bottle. Jojoba carrier oil is also a popular topical oil that can help provide relief from dry and itchy skin. Combined with the mesmerizing smell of citrus essential oil, it will remind you of summer all day long.

Clary Sage essential oil & Cucumber Seed carrier oil 

Clary Sage essential oil is a strong aromatherapeutic agent that creates a sense of calm. It also has cooling properties that soothe the skin. It pairs nicely with Cucumber Seed carrier oil, which is ideal for dry skin. Add in a few drops of your Clary Sage essential oil into a DIY lip mask and use before bed. This will keep your lips moisturized all night and can help bring you to a state of relaxation.

Peppermint & Sweet Almond carrier oil 

Perfect for the holiday season, Peppermint essential oil doesn’t only have a fantastic aroma, it also has antibacterial properties that can help reduce swelling and cuts. And to answer the oft asked question, Can Peppermint essential oil be used to plump up the lips? The answer is yes! Peppermint oil acts as a natural lip plumper due to its ability to increase circulation and blood flow. When combined with the natural qualities of Sweet Almond carrier oil, the result is a refreshingly nourishing blend.
  

Skin Love synergy blend

Often used on dry skin due to its moisturizing properties. The combination of soothing oils gives Skin Love a pleasant aroma and soothing elements. 

Other popular and nourishing oils you can add to lip products include–

• Clementine Oil

• Coconut CO2

• Geranium Oil

• Lavender Oil (Any)

• Mandarin Oil (Any)

• Neroli Oil

• Rose Oil

• Spearmint Oil

• Tangerine Oil
  
  

DIYs For Lip Products

Looking for a natural alternative to your favorite lip products? Then look no further! Here are some of our favorite DIYs for holistic lip care. 

DIY Vegan Lip Balm Recipe

Making homemade lip balm is not only economical, incredibly easy and fun. To make your own natural lip balm, gather your favorite essential oils, carrier oil and these simple ingredients. 

WHAT YOU NEED

• 2 Tbsp Shea Butter (or Cocoa Butter)

• 2 Tbsp Carrier Oil

• 1 Tbsp Soy Wax

• 5 Drops of Essential Oil

HOW TO

Add your shea butter and wax to a double boiler on medium heat. Stir to melt. Once melted, add your carrier oil and stir to combine. Remove from heat and stir in your essential oils. Quickly transfer to a lip balm container such as lip balm tubes. Let cool before using. 

DIY Nourishing Lip Scrub

Removing dead skin from chapped lips using a natural lip exfoliant is one sure way to keep lips in plump, pristine condition. Try using this simple recipe once daily. 

WHAT YOU NEED

• 2 Tbsp Sugar (Granulated or Brown)

• 2 Tbsp Castor Carrier Oil

• 3 Drops Essential Oil

HOW TO

Combine carrier oil and essential oil, then stir into sugar. Transfer to a 2 oz jar and scrub onto lips. Let sit for a minute or two before rinsing to let the essential oils take effect. 

DIY Lip Oil

Dry lips are no match for a nourishing and moisturizing lip oil. Try this simple recipe to keep lips beautiful and never dry. 

WHAT YOU NEED

• 10 ml Empty Roll-On

• 10 ml Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil

• 1 Drop Essential Oil 
  
  

HOW TO

Combine ingredients in your empty roll-on. Apply to lips throughout the day or as needed. 

Sources:

https://www.quora.com/Which-essential-oil-combinations-are-best-for-a-DIY-lip-balm

2. How to Create Lip Product Recipes - Soap Queen 
http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lip-products/how-to-create-lip-product-recipes/

3. Castor Oil for Lips: Benefits, Safety, and How to Use - Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health/castor-oil-for-lips