There is something reassuring about knowing what goes into the products we use every day.

Lip balm is one of those small things we reach for without much thought, kept in a pocket, handbag or beside the bed and applied again and again. When we began developing our latest Lip Balms, we wanted to look carefully at every part of the formula: how it feels on the lips, where its colour comes from and which plant oils and butters would provide lasting nourishment.

The result is a collection made with thoughtfully chosen natural ingredients and plant-derived colour, created in small batches here in Cumbria.

This is the story of how they are made.

Is lip balm vegan?
Our lip balms are vegan, contain no animal-derived ingredients and are approved by the Vegetarian Society. Bath House is also approved by Cruelty Free International, making them a considered choice for anyone looking for a vegan tinted.

Step One: It Begins with Shea.
At the heart of each balm is Shea butter, obtained from the nuts of the Shea tree, which grows naturally across West Africa and has been valued for generations for its nourishing qualities.

Naturally rich in fatty acids, Shea butter helps soften and condition dry skin and provides the rich, comforting base we want from a lip balm.

The skin on our lips is particularly delicate and can quickly become dry or uncomfortable, especially when exposed to cold weather, wind and indoor heating. Shea butter helps create a protective layer that reduces moisture loss and leaves the lips feeling softer and more comfortable.

It is a simple ingredient, but an important starting point.

Step Two: Colour from Plants
For our tinted shades Sweet Pea, Pink Zinnia and Mulberry we wanted beautiful, wearable colour while staying true to our preference for naturally derived ingredients.

Their colour comes from red radish, a vegetable naturally rich in plant pigments that produce wonderful shades of pink and red.

Working with natural colour is not always straightforward. Plant pigments can be more sensitive to their surroundings than conventional colourants, so the red radish pigment is carefully prepared to help keep its colour stable and consistent within the balm.

The result is a soft wash of botanical colour rather than the heavier coverage of a lipstick, just enough to bring a natural-looking lip tint to the lips.

And for those who prefer no colour at all, there is Nude, our untinted balm.

Step Three: Nourishing Plant Oils
Texture matters enormously in a lip balm. We wanted ours to glide easily across the lips, feel nourishing rather than waxy and leave behind a soft, natural sheen.

So alongside Shea butter, we use a carefully considered blend of plant oils.

Oat Kernel Oil helps soothe and condition. Squalane provides lightweight moisture and helps support the skin barrier, while oils including Jojoba, Argan and other botanical oils bring softness, nourishment and slip to the formula.

Each has been chosen for a reason, but it is the way they work together that really matters.

The finished balm feels smooth and comfortable on the lips, providing nourishment without feeling heavy or sticky.

Step Four: A Hint of Citrus
Fragrance in something worn directly on the lips needs a particularly light touch.

Rather than creating a strongly fragranced balm, we use Sweet Orange alongside Vanilla extract to give a subtle aroma that complements the natural ingredients.

It is deliberately understated, a gentle hint of citrus and sweetness as the balm is applied rather than a fragrance that lingers.

Step Five: Made in Small Batches
The final part of the journey happens here in Cumbria.

Our Lip Balms are made in small batches, where the plant oils, butters and pigments are gently blended together before the finished balm is poured.

Working on this scale allows us to remain close to the making process. Each batch is carefully produced and tested for stability, safety and performance before it reaches our customers.

It is a combination of formulation knowledge and hands-on making that has always been important to us at Bath House: understanding what each ingredient contributes, while never losing sight of how the finished product should actually feel to use.

Step Six: The Finished Balm
From Shea butter and nourishing botanical oils to colour derived from red radish, every ingredient has a purpose.

But ultimately, a good lip balm should be very simple to live with.

It should be something you instinctively reach for when your lips feel dry, something that slips easily into a pocket or bag, and  if you choose one of our tinted shades, something that adds just a touch of colour without the formality of lipstick.

Whether you're looking for a subtle lip tint or an everyday balm, each shade is designed to be easy to wear and simple to reach for.

Nude, Sweet Pea, Pink Zinnia or Mulberry four different ways to wear the same simple idea: comfortable, nourished lips with ingredients chosen with care.

Made in Cumbria. Inspired by nature. Designed for everyday use.

For those looking for cruelty-free face products, our approach is the same: thoughtful ingredients, considered formulation and products designed for everyday use.