Looking for a natural, non-toxic way to add color and moisture to your lips?

This DIY beetroot lip balm blends organic shea butter, beeswax, and botanical oils into a nourishing balm with a sheer tint from beetroot powder. It’s a moment of care for your skin, the producers behind each ingredient, and the ritual of making something by hand.

Pretty in Beet began as one of those joyful moments where purpose and simplicity meet with a warm pot, the scent of beeswax, and a touch of earthy color from the beetroot. A reminder that formulation is about relationship—between body and ingredient, ingredient and community.

Why Each Ingredient Matters

Beeswax (Cera flava)

Beeswax provides structure and a breathable protective barrier, locking in moisture without heaviness. Our beeswax is sourced from New Zealand’s organic hives where clean land supports healthy pollinators and resilient ecosystems.

Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)

Rich in natural vitamins and fatty acids, shea butter melts into the lips to repair and soften. This shea is processed by a fair trade women’s cooperative in Togo, using traditional methods that preserve both its chemistry and cultural significance.

Carrier Oils

We used Argan Oil (Argania spinosa) in the workshop for its lightweight nourishment. You could also try Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis) or Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) depending on what feels best to you.

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)

Adds natural shine and staying power while delivering deep hydration. Ours is cold-pressed in India, where castor thrives and farming provides meaningful rural income.

Beetroot Powder (Beta vulgaris)

Gives this balm its rosy hue. A natural colorant that connects us back to the earth and the farmers who grow roots with care.

How to Make It

Pretty in Beet – Naturally Tinted Beet Lip Balm

Makes: 4–5 half-ounce tins (about 57 g total)

• 1 fl oz (28 g) Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) or carrier oil of choice

• 0.75 oz (21 g) Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)

• 0.5 oz (14 g) Beeswax (Cera flava)

• 0.07 oz (2 g) Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)

• 0.5–1 g Beetroot Powder (Beta vulgaris), sifted so there aren't any small lumps

Instructions:

1. Melt beeswax gently in a double boiler.

2. Add shea butter and carrier oils, stirring until smooth.

3. Remove from heat. Whisk in sifted beetroot powder to disperse evenly.

4. Stir in castor oil.

5. Pour into tins and place immediately in freezer to cool completely.

Tip: If your balm feels gritty later, slow cooling is likely the cause. Shea butter benefits from a rapid cool to stay creamy and smooth.

Adjusting Texture

• Too firm? Add more carrier oil.

• Too soft? Add a pinch more beeswax.

My Takeaway

This balm reminds me that what we put on our skin can be beautiful, effective, and ethical. Each ingredient carries a story. When we blend with care, we support health, tradition, and connection—not just for ourselves, but for the world around us.

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