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Skincare & Body Care · WHY BUY IT? MAKE IT!

DIY Homemade Vaseline Alternative

Simple things you can make yourself.

Difficulty
Beginner
Prep time
Approximately 10 minutes
Cooling time
Allow approximately 30–60 minutes, or until completely firm.
Yield
Approximately 2–3 ounces, depending on the ingredients and final volume.

Want to make this later? Bookmark this page so you can easily find the instructions when you're ready!

Small glass jar of homemade beeswax and olive oil balm beside beeswax pellets and a bottle of olive oil

Have you ever wondered if you could make your own skin balm at home instead of buying it at the store?

Let's do the math!

This simple homemade balm uses just two ingredients: beeswax and olive oil. When melted together and cooled, they create a soft, protective balm you can make right in your own kitchen.

No complicated ingredients. No expensive equipment. Just two basic ingredients and a little time.

Welcome to WHY BUY IT? MAKE IT!, our weekly One More Farm series exploring practical ways to make more things yourself.

Let's get started!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment Needed

  • Measuring spoons
  • Double boiler or heat-safe bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water
  • Heat-safe stirring utensil
  • Clean, completely dry glass jar or suitable balm container
  • Heat-resistant gloves or a suitable jar holder, if needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare your double boiler

    Add water to the bottom of a double boiler or saucepan. Bring the water to a gentle simmer.

    Place the heat-safe bowl or upper part of the double boiler over the water. Ensure the bowl does not touch the water directly.

  2. Step 2: Add the ingredients

    Add 1 tablespoon of beeswax pellets and 4 tablespoons of olive oil to the heat-safe bowl.

  3. Step 3: Melt gently

    Allow the beeswax to melt into the olive oil, stirring occasionally.

    Continue stirring until the beeswax has completely melted and the mixture is uniform.

    Avoid overheating the mixture.

  4. Step 4: Pour into your container

    Carefully pour the melted mixture into a clean, completely dry glass jar or suitable balm container.

    Handle the hot mixture carefully to prevent burns.

  5. Step 5: Allow it to cool

    Leave the container undisturbed until the balm cools and becomes firm.

    Once completely cool, secure the lid.

  6. Step 6: Test the consistency

    The finished balm should be solid or semisolid at room temperature, depending on the ingredients and temperature.

    If you would like a different consistency, you can experiment with the beeswax-to-oil ratio in a small test batch.

    Make any adjustments in future batches rather than adding ingredients to a hot container without measuring.

How to Use Your Homemade Balm

  • Apply a small amount to dry areas of skin as needed.
  • This balm can be used as a simple moisturizing and protective skin balm.
  • Important: This recipe creates a balm inspired by petroleum jelly. It is not chemically equivalent to petroleum jelly, and its texture and protective properties will differ.
  • For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Test a small amount on a small area of skin before broader use, and discontinue if irritation occurs.
  • Keep water and wet fingers out of the container. Store it in a clean, tightly closed container away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Discard it if its appearance, texture, or smell changes noticeably.

Let's Compare the Cost!

In the original One More Farm Facebook post, we estimated the following costs:

Store-bought petroleum jelly

  • Approximately $2.97 for a 1.75-ounce jar at Walmart.

Homemade balm

  • Approximately $0.80 for a comparable amount, based on estimated ingredient costs.

These are estimates from the original post, not guaranteed current prices. Actual costs depend on the prices of beeswax and olive oil, the quantities purchased, and the amount of balm produced.

Your homemade version also gives you control over the two ingredients you choose.

Save Even More: Reuse Your Containers!

Instead of buying new packaging, consider reusing a small glass jar you already own.

Wash it thoroughly, make sure it is completely dry, and check that it is clean and suitable for storing your balm.

Reusing a suitable container can help reduce waste and save money.

Why We Love DIY Projects

It's not just about saving money.

It's about learning practical skills, understanding what goes into the products we use, and becoming a little more self-sufficient.

Here at One More Farm, we're exploring simple ways to make more at home!

WHY BUY IT? MAKE IT!

Two simple ingredients. One useful homemade product. One more skill you can learn for yourself.

From Our Farm To Your Home.

Shop the Supplies I Use

Beeswax Pellets

Beeswax pellets are convenient for measuring and melting into homemade balms and other DIY projects.

Shop Beeswax Pellets

Olive Oil

Olive oil is the second ingredient in this simple two-ingredient homemade balm.

Shop Olive Oil

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