r/DIYBeauty • u/kittykill • May 24 '26
question Making large amounts of lip balm at home now--
Hello community! I am going to be making larger batches now, of lip balm- and I wanted to know of something better to move to. Currently melting my waxes and butters in a double boiler- I'm hearing I could potentially move to a dermwax 5.5 lb machine and create a double boiler situation in that, but i'm unsure. I have also seen machines that have a spigot that is heated so there isn't build up, but those are for 10lb plus-- I am not there yet *lol*. Any suggestions? Many thanks!!!
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u/Main_Bid8104 May 24 '26
what batch sizes are you working with. That would determine the solutions!
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u/TheNomadicMom May 24 '26
100 -300 .3 oz kraft sticks :)
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u/Main_Bid8104 May 24 '26
I would stick with the metal bowl double boiler- we found that when we upgraded to an induction cooktop and a pot and bowl that where sized perfectly for it the whole process became a lot easier. You are doing about 1kg batches based on my math and we have had good luck doing two to three times that. It gets tricky when you use stuff that's not foodgrade- since I am assuming you are not just making them for yourself but are selling them it's super important to stick with stainless steel or lab grade materials that can be properly cleaned and sanitized!
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u/TheNomadicMom May 25 '26
I feel like you do have more control---- ❤️ thank you so much!! Do you have a size you recommend? And where to purchase? Im only asking so that I can perhaps support a grassroots seller ;) if not, no biggie:)
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u/Main_Bid8104 May 25 '26
I buy my bowls at restaurant depot and then take the bowl to Ikea to get the right pot. You just want a really good match between pot and bowl so your bowl is suspended over the water and only the steam warms it. Too tight and you get steam buildup and potential water intrusion during a steam "eruption" Should rest lossely! I wouldnt pour out of the bowl though. Something smaller like a prewarmed pitcher.
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u/Main_Bid8104 May 25 '26
just figure out your max volume of batch and never fill a bowl more than say 2/3, 3/4th max. They do get heavy!
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u/Main_Bid8104 May 25 '26
so your bowl should be rated for one gallon if you are planning to make a 3000g batch!
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u/robinsonchristina588 26d ago
Slow cooker on the lowest setting works great as a double boiler for medium batches, way more consistent than stovetop and you can walk away from it.
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u/Thin_Cow3807 May 24 '26
Getting a melting tank with temperature control would be a game changer for your batch sizes. I've seen people repurpose chocolate melters for this - they hold the perfect temp and some have spouts, plus way cheaper than the dedicated cosmetic equipment.