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My Reward PointsHave you ever grabbed for your favorite lip balm only to discover it has melted into a sticky mess?
Lip balm protects lips by creating a moisture-retaining barrier that prevents dryness and cracking caused by wind, sun, cold, and a lack of natural oils.
But lip balms with high levels of low-melting lipids, like coconut oil, can easily melt from body heat, warm temperatures, or improper storage.
As you continue reading, you will find that this post walks you through simple, quick solutions for restoring melted lip balm.
Why Does Lip Balm Melt?
Many factors, such as high temperatures, incorrect storage, handmade lip balm, and heat-sensitive ingredients, can cause lip balm to melt.
1. High Temperatures
Lip balm melts in high heat because its oils and waxes have low melting points, and rising temperatures break their solid structure, turning them into liquid.
2. Improper Storage
Lip balm melts in hot weather because its wax- and oil-based formula has a low melting point, causing it to liquefy and lose shape in overheated cars or bags.
3. Type of Lip Balm
Natural or handmade lip balms are more likely to melt than store-bought ones because they don't contain any stabilizing chemicals.
4. Ingredients Matter
Petroleum jelly softens lip balm due to its low melting point, while beeswax strengthens it by raising the melting point, improving heat resistance, and enhancing structure.
How to Fix Melted Lip Balm?
A melted lip balm can be fixed with various methods. Here, we will provide the four best ways to restore a melted lip balm:
1. Quick Fix Method: Refrigerate or Refreeze
Step-By-Step Process
- Put your melted lip balms in a jar and close it.
- Place the jar upright in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- Steer clear of freezing, as it can lead to graininess and crystallization.
- Once firm, evaluate the texture. If it's smooth, it's ready for usage.
When to Use This Method?
If your lip balm softened, but did not completely liquefy, this gentle method works great.
This approach keeps the original formulation without reheating, reducing the chance of separation.
2. How to Re-solidify Lip Balm with a Double Boiler
What You Need
- A saucepan
- A microwave-safe bowl (made of stainless steel or glass) that fits over the saucepan
- A measuring cup
- Water
- Melted lip balm
- Stirring utensil
- Lip balm containers
- Oven mitt
- Extra beeswax (optional)
- Disposable pipette or dropper (optional)
- Flavor ingredients (optional)
Step-By-Step Process
- Simmer a cup or two of water in the saucepan over low to medium heat to prepare the double boiler. Without touching the simmering water at the bottom, place the heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan.
- Transfer your melted or soft lip balm into the bowl and stir occasionally until it fully melts and becomes a lump-free liquid.
- Stir a little beeswax into the heated liquid until it dissolves if your lip balm was too soft. Start with 1/4–1/2 teaspoon per ounce of mixture. Dip a metal spoon into the mixture and refrigerate for one minute to test the new consistency.
- Using an oven mitt, carefully remove the bowl from the saucepan when it has melted and adjusted.
- Stir thoroughly after adding any flavor or essential oils. The oils don't evaporate when they are added off the heat.
- Fill the empty lip balm containers quickly and carefully with the liquid mixture. Use a measuring cup with a tiny disposable pipette to avoid spills.
- Allow the filled containers to harden at room temperature without interruption. One or two hours is typical. For faster results, freeze or refrigerate them for 10–15 minutes.
- You can cap the containers and apply your freshly re-solidified lip balm as soon as it feels firm to the touch.
3. Fixing Broken Lip Balm in the Tube
Repairing the Lip Balm Stick
If a lip balm stick breaks, you can gently heat and press the split edges back together or mash it back into the tube, place it in the fridge, and apply it with a lip brush.
Another method is to cut off any sharp pieces to produce a clean break, then melt and reattach the broken edges over a flame for a second (very gently), or use a hairdryer to entirely re-stick a broken stick.
Step-By-Step
- To make a clean break, cut off any sharp or irregular portions from the stick's broken edges.
- To make a smooth break on the stick's broken edges, cut off any sharp or irregular portions.
- To melt the broken edges, use a low-heat source such as a hairdryer, candle, or lighter.
- Press the two pieces together tightly right away, and keep them there until the balm cools and hardens.
- If necessary, you can use a cosmetic spatula or a warm fingertip to gently smooth the seam.
- If the stick is too small, transfer the leftover balm to a compact or clean little pot for subsequent usage with a lip brush.
- You can also melt the balm in a small heat-safe container using a hair dryer, then pour it back into the tube. Cool and solidify before using.
4. Using a Lip Balm Mold (For Homemade Lip Balms)
DIY Mold Technique
Use a pipette or a small pouring container to pour melted DIY lip balm into molds of your choice (for example, star or heart-shaped).
Make sure the balm is at the right temperature (around 49°C to 66°C or 120°F to 150°F).
Now, cool and harden the balm in the fridge or at room temperature. Once it's ready, carefully remove it from the mold.
When to Use This?
A lip balm mold is used to make personalized lip balms, lipsticks, and other cosmetics by pouring melted wax and oils into it and allowing them to solidify.
This is perfect for people who make their own lip balm and want to get it back to how it was.
Preventing Lip Balm from Melting in the Future
You can prevent lip balm from melting by using the following practical methods:
1. Proper Storage
- Lip balm should be kept out of direct sunlight and heat sources like cars or hot purses.
- Store them in a cool, dry location.
2. Travel-Friendly Tips
- While traveling, use a protective carrying case and store the lip balm in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Keep the lip balm out of a pocket or bag that could get too hot, as it could melt.
- Lip balm should be stored in a small cooler bag instead of a purse.
3. Choosing the Right Lip Balm
You should select balms that are more heat-resistant, particularly those that contain beeswax or other compounds that stabilize the skin.
4. DIY Lip Balm with Stabilizing Ingredients
Use solid waxes and butters, especially beeswax and shea butter, and maintain a higher wax-to-oil ratio to create firmer, melt-resistant DIY lip balms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing Melted Lip Balm
1. Overheating the Lip Balm
Refrain from burning lip balm to avoid chemical damage, as Overheating burns components, oxidizes oils, and creates a less stable or less pleasing product.
2. Not Letting It Cool Properly
In melted lip balm, uneven cooling can result in dents and a weak structure; this can be avoided by allowing the lip balm to fully solidify or by transferring it to a pot.
3. Using the Wrong Container for Re-solidifying
You may end up with lip balm in a different shape or consistency if you use containers that are not designed to solidify melted lip balm.
4. Trying to Fix Too Much at Once
Different lip balm formulas melt differently, so fixing multiple at once can cause cross-contamination, altering scents, textures, and performance.
Alternative Uses for Melted Lip Balm
Melted lip balm can be used for a variety of purposes, including do-it-yourself skincare products and craft projects like lip balm candles and homemade body scrubs.
1. DIY Skincare
Melted lip balm can be used as a cuticle balm or as an emergency hand moisturizer. Both of these applications are possible.
2. Lip Gloss Alternative
When you have melted lip balm, add a small amount of tint, blend until smooth, and then apply it as a glossy, colored lip product.
3. Crafting Projects
Melted lip balm can be converted into body scrubs or candles. Lip balms' waxes and oils—beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, etc.—make them versatile DIY components.
FAQs - How to Fix Melted Lip Balm?
Now that you have this knowledge, you should be able to fix and prevent lip balm from melting. Take a look at the frequently asked questions below.
Q 1: Can I use a microwave to melt lip balm?
Ans: It is possible to melt the lip balm in the microwave; however, keep in mind that every microwave is unique, so keep a close eye on it.
Q 2: How long should I leave the lip balm in the fridge to solidify?
Ans: Refrigerating lip balm for a few minutes helps it firm quickly, reducing the usual 10–15 minute setting time, which is especially useful for large batches or when rushed.
Q 3: Is it safe to reheat melted lip balm?
Ans: To preserve ingredients, ensure proper solidification, and prevent a gritty texture, lip balm can be gently reheated over low heat—ideally in a double boiler—and then promptly cooled.
Q 4: What if my lip balm is permanently liquid?
Ans: If chilling does not solidify your lip balm or it shows signs of spoilage, it is permanently liquid. Because protecting your lips is preferable to using a subpar product, you need to replace it.
Q 5: How do I prevent my lip balm from melting in hot weather?
Ans: To prevent melting, lip balm should be stored in a cool, dark place. Insulated containers or brief refrigeration can help maintain stability when exposed to heat.
Conclusion
Melted lip balm can be restored by gently refrigerating, remelting in a double boiler, and adding beeswax if needed, repairing broken sticks with heat, or remolding homemade balms.
These methods help regain smooth texture, firmness, and usability. Lip balm stays usable when stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
Finally, please share your methods for coping with melted lip balm, or ask questions in the comments.
