Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly way to make lip gloss from scratch using ingredients you can find in your area

What You’ll Need (And Where to Get Them)

1. Lip gloss base

You can buy this from:

 • Raw material stores in Trade Fair, Lagos

 • Beauty supply markets in Balogun Market, Lagos Island

 • Online vendors on Instagram or Jumia

Price range: ₦4,000 – ₦8,000 per kg depending on quality.

2. Oils (for moisture and shine)

 • Coconut oil

 • Castor oil

 • Vitamin E oil

You’ll find these in pharmacies or bulk cosmetic stores. Castor oil is very common in Nigerian markets.

3. Pigment (optional)

 • Mica powder

 • Cosmetic-safe colorants

Important: Make sure it’s cosmetic grade, not craft pigment.

4. Flavor oil (optional)

Strawberry, vanilla, bubblegum — available from Nigerian fragrance suppliers.

5. Lip gloss tubes and syringes

You can get wholesale packs from:

 • Oshodi market

 • Online packaging vendors

 • Instagram packaging suppliers

Simple Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Measure Your Base

Start with 100g of lip gloss base if you’re testing small batches.

Step 2: Add Oils

Add 5 to 10 ml of your preferred oil.

Castor oil gives shine. Coconut oil softens.

Mix slowly until smooth.

Step 3: Add Pigment

Add a small amount of mica powder.

Start tiny. You can always add more.

Mix until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add Flavor (Optional)

1 to 2 drops is enough. Too much will irritate lips.

Step 5: Fill Your Tubes

Use a syringe to transfer the mixture into gloss tubes.

Work slowly to avoid bubbles.

Let it sit for a few hours before sealing fully.

Hygiene Is Non-Negotiable

 • Sanitize your workspace

 • Use gloves

 • Wipe tubes with alcohol before filling

 • Store in a cool place

If you’re planning to sell, look into NAFDAC requirements before scaling.

Cost Breakdown (Small Batch Example)

If you use 1kg base and packaging bought wholesale:

You can produce 80 to 120 tubes depending on size.

Estimated cost per tube: ₦400 – ₦800

Selling price in Nigeria: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 depending on branding.

Your profit margin depends on packaging and positioning.

If you’re already making lip gloss in Nigeria, what’s your biggest challenge?