The Truth About Beetroot Lip Balms (and the Natural Ruby Red Tint That Actually Works!)
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through DIY beauty hacks online, you’ve definitely seen those viral beetroot lip balm tutorials. The ones that promise a gorgeous pink tint, natural color, and long-lasting stain… all from a root we throw into salads.
And I get it, I’ve tried them too.
But here’s the truth that nobody tells you: Beetroot lip balms just don’t work.
Not consistently. Not long-term. And definitely not the way the internet shows.
Let me explain why and show you the natural alternative that gives the most beautiful ruby red tint without chemicals, without artificial dyes, and without turning bad in a few days.
This is exactly how I make my own Alkanet Root Ruby Red Lip Tint Balm, and I’m sharing every step with you.
Why Beetroot Lip Balms Fail (The Simple Science)
Beetroot is rich in beautiful pigments called betalains. They’re stunning… but only when beetroot is fresh and watery.
Beetroot pigments are:
- Water-based, not oil-soluble.
- Highly unstable, especially with heat and light.
- Quick to oxidize, which means your DIY balm goes bad quickly.
- Very weak in color once mixed in oils and waxes.
So the balm looks pinkish in the container, but when you apply it? Almost nothing shows up. A barely-there tint, and it disappears within minutes.
In short: online beetroot lip balm hacks are more aesthetic than functional.
The Ingredient That Actually Works: Alkanet Root
If you’re looking for a natural tint that’s stable, long-lasting, and rich in color, say hello to alkanet root, a traditional plant dye used for centuries.
Its pigment, alkanin, is:
- Oil soluble (perfect for lip balms)
- Stable when infused correctly
- Naturally deep red to wine-colored
- Safe for topical use
- Absolutely beautiful on lips
It gives you that subtle ruby tint without synthetic colorants.
My Ruby Red Lip Tint Balm Recipe (Natural + Nourishing)
This is the exact formulation I used, with ingredients you can easily find:
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp alkanet root powder
- 6 tbsp almond oil (used for the infusion)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for moisture + slip)
- 1.5 tbsp cacao butter (for firmness + rich texture)
- 1.5 tbsp beeswax pellets (to solidify the balm)
- ½-1 tbsp raw honey (for hydration + shine)
All of these ingredients work together to nourish dry lips, protect the barrier, and add a natural sheen with buildable color.
Step 1- The Alkanet–Almond Oil Infusion
Ideally, alkanet root should be infused in oil for several days to weeks on the countertop to let the pigment slowly release.
But sometimes… we don’t have that kind of patience.
So I did the quicker method:
Heat-Infusion Method
- Add alkanet root powder to almond oil.
- Gently warm it on the lowest heat for 10–15 minutes.
- Keep stirring, don’t let it boil.
- When the oil turns a rich ruby color, it’s ready.
- Strain the mixture using a fine mesh or muslin cloth.
This gives you a gorgeous colored oil without grit and without waiting weeks.
Step 2 – Melt Your Base
In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over hot water:
- Add cacao butter + beeswax pellets and let them melt.
- Once melted, add coconut oil.
- Mix well until everything looks smooth and liquid.
This creates the perfect creamy-solid base for a lip balm that’s firm enough to hold shape but soft enough to glide.
Step 3- Add the Tinted Oil + Honey
Now add your strained alkanet-infused almond oil into the melted mixture.
Stir well to distribute the color evenly.
Then add a little raw honey.
This gives the balm:
- A hint of sweetness
- Natural humectant power
- A beautiful glossy finish
I personally love the healing properties of honey and shared how powerful it can be for wound healing. Check out the video linked below to see how it healed some major wounds and how you can use it too.
Just a reminder. Honey won’t fully dissolve in oils, but it blends well enough to add benefits.
Step 4- Pour & Set
Pour the mixture into:
- Lip balm tubes
- Small cosmetic tins
- Tiny glass jars
Let it set at room temperature until firm.
You’ll notice the beautiful ruby tint even before it cools completely, that’s the alkanet magic.
Why This Lip Tint Works So Well
This balm is:
- Deeply moisturizing from cacao + coconut oil
- Barrier-protective thanks to beeswax
- Naturally tinted without chemicals
- Stable, so it lasts much longer than beetroot balms
- Buildable– one swipe gives a subtle tint, two gives a fuller rosy glow
It’s the perfect everyday lip product, especially for those who prefer natural beauty or want to avoid synthetic dyes.
Final Thoughts
Beetroot balms might look cute on Instagram, but if you want a natural lip tint that actually works in real life, alkanet root is a game changer.
I hope you try this ruby red lip tint balm! It’s simple, clean, nourishing, and honestly… so pretty.
If you do make it, tag me or share your photos. I love seeing your creations.
Natural Ruby Red Lip Tint Balm (Alkanet Root DIY)
Ingredients
- 1 tsp alkanet root powder
- 6 tbsp almond oil
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1.5 tbsp cacao butter
- 1.5 tbsp beeswax pellets
- ½-1 tbsp raw honey
Instructions
- Step 1- Add alkanet root powder to almond oil. Gently warm it on the lowest heat for 10–15 minutes. Keep stirring, don’t let it boil. When the oil turns a rich ruby color, it’s ready. (Ideally mix alkanet powder and almond oil and let it sit for 5-14 days or longer. You can avoid the heating step this way)
- Strain the mixture using a fine mesh or muslin cloth. This gives you a gorgeous colored oil without grit and without waiting weeks.
- Step 2- In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over hot water: Add cacao butter + beeswax pellets and let them melt. Once melted, add coconut oil. (I add them all together sometimes). Mix well until everything looks smooth and liquid.
- Step 3- Now add your strained alkanet-infused almond oil into the melted mixture. Stir well to distribute the color evenly. Then add a little raw honey.
- Step 4- Pour the mixture into: Lip balm tubes/ Small cosmetic tins/ Tiny glass jars. Let it set at room temperature until firm.
Video
