Empty lip balm chapstick tubes are refillable plastic containers, each holding roughly 7-8 grams, that let you pour and set your own lip balm, tinted balm or lip gloss. They are the standard twist-up format most people recognise, and they suit both home hobbyists and small businesses making balms in batches.
Azlok stocks these White plastic tubes in packs from 5 units up to 1000 units, so you can buy a handful to test a recipe or order in bulk once you are selling.
What you can use these tubes for
The classic use is homemade lip balm, but the same tube works well for several lip products and small solid cosmetics.
- Lip balm: beeswax or candelilla wax melted with a carrier oil like coconut, almond or shea butter.
- Tinted balm: add a cosmetic-grade mica or lip-safe pigment to a plain balm base.
- Lip gloss and softer balms: higher oil-to-wax ratios still hold in the tube if kept firm enough.
- Solid perfume sticks: a wax base with a small amount of fragrance oil.
Because they twist up cleanly, these tubes are handy for gifting, wedding favours, market stalls and small online shops that need consistent, recognisable packaging.
How to fill lip balm tubes
Filling is straightforward once your balm mixture is ready. Work with the tubes twisted all the way down so the base is at the bottom.
- Stand the empty tubes upright on a flat tray. A tube-holding rack helps, but a snug cardboard box works too.
- Melt your wax and oils together gently in a double boiler, then stir in colour or flavour off the heat.
- Pour the warm liquid into each tube slightly above the rim, since balm shrinks a little as it sets.
- Let them cool at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Avoid the fridge, which can cause the balm to crack or form beads on top.
- Once fully set, cap them and label. If the tops sink, top up with a small extra pour.
A pouring jug or a pipette makes filling neater and reduces waste around the tube edges.
Tips and safety notes
These are food-contact-style cosmetic containers, but the quality of your balm depends mostly on your ingredients and hygiene.
- Wash and fully dry the tubes before first use if you want extra reassurance, and let them cool before capping to prevent trapped moisture.
- Do not pour balm in that is too hot, as very high temperatures can warp thin plastic. Warm-and-pourable, not boiling, is the aim.
- Use only lip-safe colours and fragrance or flavour oils. Ordinary craft colours and candle dyes are not meant for lips.
- If you sell your balms, follow honest labelling: list ingredients and a batch date, and keep your workspace clean.
- Store finished balms away from direct sunlight and heat so they do not soften in the tube.
Buying and storage
Start small if you are still testing recipes. A 5 or 10 unit pack lets you check how your balm behaves in the tube before committing to a large order. Once your formula is settled, the 100, 500 or 1000 unit packs bring the per-tube cost down for regular production.
Store the empty tubes themselves in a clean, dry box away from dust. Keep caps and bases together so nothing goes missing between batches. Being White plastic, they take printed or handwritten labels well, and you can wrap them with a paper band for a finished look.
At Azlok you can pick the pack size that matches where you are, whether that is a weekend DIY project or steady small-batch selling.
FAQ
How much lip balm does one tube hold?
Each tube holds approximately 7-8 grams, which is the standard size for a regular twist-up chapstick.
Are these tubes reusable?
Yes. Once a balm is used up, you can clean and dry the tube and refill it, though most sellers use fresh tubes for hygiene when packaging products for customers.
Can I put lip gloss or lipstick in them instead of balm?
You can. The tubes suit balms, tinted balms, glosses and firm solid products. Very runny glosses are better suited to squeeze tubes or pots.
Why should I let the balm cool at room temperature?
Slow cooling gives a smooth, even top. Chilling in the fridge often causes cracks, holes or a grainy surface.
What is the smallest pack I can buy?
Azlok offers a 5 unit pack, which is ideal for trying out a recipe before ordering larger quantities like 100, 500 or 1000 units.