How to create lipstick formulas in 5 simple steps

Diane Grover 01.2026

Want to create your own lipstick formulas and get the right consistency every time without needing to learn how to formulate? Our Create Cosmetic Formulas makes it easy! 

Follow our 5-step guide to get creating your own lipstick formulas now, read on to find out how!

Start by logging into your Create Cosmetic Formulas subscription then…
 

How to create lipstick formulas in 5 simple steps

1. Select Makeup – lipstick as the type of formula you would like to create today, then click Create.

 

2. Choose your oils and pick up to 6 different lipids to use in your lipstick formula. 

Lipsticks: Our Create Cosmetic Formulas program uses castor oil as the base ingredients in lipsticks – this gives a wonderful lip feel and suits lipsticks particularly well. The program with automatically adjust the castor oil input as you select other materials.

I’ve selected marula oil to enhance moisture protection and provide excellent emolliency; dimethicone 500 cps to improve glide on the lips, and murumuru butter to give the lipstick a rich, creamy feel.

I’ve used each ingredient at 5% w/w for this example, but you can adjust the percentage up or down — or choose entirely different oils and butters — depending on the texture and finish you want your lipstick to have.

The Create Cosmetic Formulas program even guides you through ingredient selection. Each ingredient includes a description outlining its key benefits and functionality, making it easy to choose the right materials for your desired result.
 

3. Choose your consistency factor and follow the inputs provided. Not sure what each ingredient does? That’s okay, read our go-to guide on cosmetic ingredients here.

I’ve chosen carnauba wax at a relatively high level of 9% w/w to provide a strong structural framework and a glossy finish for the lipstick. I’ve paired it with beeswax, which adds firm flexibility, ensuring the lipstick is sturdy without being too hard or brittle.
 

4. Choose your colourants and effects 

I’ve chosen zinc oxide to provide opaque coverage, along with Red No. 28 FD&C Lake, a bright, bold red, and a touch of Red No. 40, an orange-red, to give the lipstick a slightly warm undertone. I haven’t added any additional pigments or effects, as I felt an opaque red lipstick with a glossy finish was sufficient.

To personalise your lipstick with effect pigments, simply click “Select 0–5” and choose up to five options from our selection.


5. Select the heat sensitive materials

I’ve included mixed tocopherols to protect the plant oils in my lipstick from oxidation, helping to ensure the best possible shelf life.

You can also add flavours to your lipstick. The Create Cosmetic Formulas program only lists flavours and essential oils that are safe and taste good for lip products and limits the input to ensure consumer safety.

Actives are another option. I’ve added a small amount of hyaluronic acid to help moisturise the lips.

 

6. Click Generate Method
 

Then here is my formula, and here is the method!  

 

Now all you need to do is find your nearest cosmetic ingredient suppliers, order the materials, and get making your fantastic shampoo formulas!

Once you’ve made one formula, you’ll be keen to make more! With Create Cosmetic Formulas, you have almost limitless formulation creation, and just one low annual subscription.

It really is that simple.

Happy formulating!

 

Take our quiz: should you use a program to create cosmetic formulas or learn cosmetic science?
Find out which solution is best for you with our simple quiz!
 

Try the create cosmetic formulas program today! We’re so confident you’ll love how it helps you create cosmetic formulas, it comes with a 24-hour money back guarantee.

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