#1 Vegan Lip Butter™

Hi everyone! Whether you’re a long-time user or a newcomer to Melixir, you’ve likely heard about our Vegan Lip Butter, the product we most recommend to our customers. Just last year, our Lip Butter ranked #1 on Amazon! You might be wondering what features make it the most recommended product and why it holds the top spot in Amazon’s rankings. Well, this is the perfect opportunity to answer your questions and share how the Lip Butter was created by Tini, our product developer, and Koeun, our designer. Read on to find out how a glass of tequila inspired the creation of our famous Lip Butter!

Hi Tini! I’m curious about how the Vegan Lip Butter was created. 

Tini: Before, I used to carry a tinted lip balm to hydrate and add color to my lips, but I noticed that the lip balms on the market were usually too glossy or had colors that didn’t feel natural—especially for straight guys like me! (laughs) This made me wonder if there could be a lip balm that wasn’t glossy, had a natural color, and provided proper moisture. That thought sparked the development of our agave-based Vegan Lip Butter.

 

 

It’s fascinating to see how this product was inspired by a personal need! What led you to use agave as the main ingredient?

Tini: You might be surprised, but the idea for the Vegan Lip Butter actually started with a glass of tequila. While I was catching up with old friends, I suddenly remembered that tequila is made from agave, a cactus that grows in Mexico. I had an “Eureka” moment when I connected agave’s ability to retain water in the desert with our Vegan Lip Butter. The next morning, I headed straight to the product development lab! (laughs) After multiple samples and tests, I was finally able to produce the Vegan Lip Butter you know today. By using agave as the main ingredient, the lip butter not only hydrates lips exceptionally well but also aligns with Melixir’s values of veganism. We had received many requests for lip treatment products, so when we launched it, we felt proud to fulfill our customers’ wishes. Recently, Melixir’s Vegan Lip Butter has been receiving lots of love from customers abroad, which is incredibly rewarding for me as a product developer.

Since lip balms are used daily, did you pay special attention to the ingredient list?

Tini: Absolutely. Melixir’s Vegan Lip Butter is rooted in our philosophy of “health.” Many companies are aware of the issues with lip balms made from animal-derived ingredients, like beeswax and petroleum jelly. However, the development process wasn’t without challenges. It took a lot of trial and error to create a lip balm with excellent hydration and tint without relying on animal-derived or irritating ingredients. We also considered how customers might accidentally swallow the product when eating or drinking, and we took into account those who are sensitive to fragrances. By choosing natural ingredients like agave and shea butter, we created a safe, healthy, and moisturizing Lip Butter suitable for everyone.

 

 

As someone with sensitive lips, I can definitely attest to how gentle the Lip Butter is. On another note, I can’t help but mention the various colors available. There must have been many trials before you settled on all 12 shades.

Koeun: That’s right! When Tini and I were creating the product, we conducted numerous color tests to achieve the perfect shades (laughs). Initially, I focused on crafting a unique story for each color. Each shade took a considerable amount of time to develop, but #11 Autumn Rain took the longest. I aimed to capture the essence of a “rainy autumn,” but the shade kept coming out slightly different from my vision, so I had to invest more time perfecting it. After all the effort we put in, we’re thrilled to have created such a diverse range of colors for our customers.

Wow, I didn’t realize the color creation process was so challenging! Are there any stories behind the other colors?

Tini: The colors available for the Lip Butter were primarily inspired by familiar elements. Through these colors, we wanted to evoke a sense of familiarity associated with food, nature, or even the weather. For instance, #2 Nude Cracker was inspired by the nude color of actual crackers, while #03 Red Velvet drew inspiration from the vibrant hues of my favorite red velvet cake. Personally, my favorite is #08 Havana, inspired by a stunning sunset I once saw in Havana. I wanted to share the warmth that photo evoked in me, so I worked to replicate that feeling.

The colors seem even more vibrant now that I know their inspirations! Among the 12 different colors, what are your favorites?

Tini: My favorite is #02 Nude Crumble because it’s not too bright and gives my lips a healthy appearance. I’d recommend Nude Crumble and #05 Dewy Rose for those seeking a more natural look.

Koeun: I choose colors based on the situation and season. Recently, I’ve been using #11 Autumn Rain the most. I find that deeper colors are more attractive and complement winter attire well, making them ideal for the colder months.

 

 

Both colors sound lovely! I also heard that the design of the Lip Butter has an interesting backstory.

Koeun: Yes! The design reflects my preference for products with a solid yet clean finish. An example of a brand I admire is “Yeti,” known for their camping supplies. When designing the Lip Butter container, we first considered the optimal size. We wanted our customers to feel comfortable holding it, so we paid extra attention to its grip size and semi-matte texture. Unlike other lip balms on the market, we made the inside and outside the same color for uniformity. Overall, I aimed for a minimalistic design so that anyone could use it comfortably in public.

I thought the Vegan Lip Butter had a universal appeal when I first saw it. Perhaps that’s why it ranked #1 in sales on Amazon in the U.S. for six consecutive months!

Koeun: Thank you! Since its launch, the Vegan Lip Butter has sold over 400,000 units, making it the most beloved product at Melixir. This success is a testament to the support from customers around the world. One customer who purchased our product on Amazon left a comment saying, “I am very happy and grateful to discover such wonderful products that only use vegan ingredients.” When I read feedback like this, it fills me with pride in what we’ve accomplished.

Hearing such positive reviews from customers must bring you immense pride. To wrap up our interview, do you have any tips for those who are currently using or considering trying Melixir’s Vegan Lip Butter?

Koeun: My main tip is to use it in a variety of ways, such as on your eyes or cheeks. After COVID, I began to prefer lighter makeup, so I use the Lip Butter not only on my lips but also on my cheeks as a light blush, adding a natural glow to my complexion. As someone who either goes heavy on makeup or skips it entirely, I found a perfect middle ground with our Lip Butter. It enhances my complexion without the need for traditional makeup, making it great for workouts or workdays.