fixing bad-tasting lip balm

[snazzypants]

The topic title may be misleading, but I have a question. I bought some cheap lip balm with a spf of 30. It tastes awful! I want to add a little flavor and color. If I melt the lip balm down, would I be ruining the spf? Is there a good flavoring that covers a really bad flavoring? Any input ya'll have would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Edited: I  changed the topic title (the old title was "SPF in lip balm") because no one seemed to be reading this post. Maybe this title will shake things up.

[craftygurl]

Maybe if you melted it and added essential oil? I've never tried it but I think that might work.

[bookgirl]

Unfortunately, you'll probably need a pretty strong scent to cover whatever you've already got.  Peppermint essential oil seems to mask most everything.  It only takes the tiniest amount -- too much will make your lips tingle, and all you'll smell all day is mint.  Use less than a drop.  A toothpick should get you enough, and you can use it to stir the lip balm.  Lemon may be another good candidate if you're not a minty type.

As for the SPF, if you're very careful to heat the balm slowly (use a double boiler), so it doesn't so much melt as soften, you'll be able to stir in the flavoring and avoid ruining the SPF.

[snazzypants]

Thanks all; I will try to find this "essential oil" you speak of (and soften instead of melt the lipbalm). I will post results.

[soccerchic]

IF you put essential oils in your lip balm if you licked your lips would it make you sick??
 

[rainclouds]

Some essential oils will make you very sick.  For example, a teaspoon of Wintergreen Essential Oil will kill a child and should be kept under lock and key.  Some essential oils will harm your skin.  Certain types of citrus oils, for example, are phototoxic - meaning they can sensitize your skin if exposed to sunshine.  Others are perfectly safe, provided they are used in the right amounts.  I would strongly advise against using essential oils without a good deal of research into their safety and proper usage.  I'd refer to several books on essential oils as well as online resources, including the FDA's GRAS list (Generally Regarded as Safe).