Lemon Bomb is a Terrible Name

“Lemon Bomb” is a terrible name for something that isn’t lemon flavored. Isn’t it?

If you agreed with me, you’d be wrong. Because even though Lemon Bomb lip bomb is NOT lemon flavored, it is “da bomb.”  Go ahead and laugh at me. Nothing changes the fact that this tiny tube has brought comfort to a lot of people.

From the Beeginning

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an unimpressive looking plant. It grows like mint, meaning it will pop up in unexpected places in your garden. You almost don’t notice it. But then, you accidentally crush one of its leaves and a sharp, fresh lemon scent surrounds you.

Lemon balm has been used for centuries, but it’s also one of the few herbs that has been studied for topical use with cold sores. The plant contains natural chemicals that give it antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The more I learned about this little plant, the more impressed I became. I knew it deserved a special place in one of my lip balms.

Lemon Bomb lip balm isn’t lemon flavored, but it is special. Every ingredient has a purpose. Lemon balm became the foundation because of its long history of use for cold sores. Peppermint provides a cooling sensation. Tea tree oil has also been studied for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, while clove bud oil has long been valued for its soothing, numbing effect.

Lemon Bomb isn’t my only lip balm. Many customers keep it on hand for when their lips need a little extra attention, then switch back to fun everyday favorites like Lavender Chamomile or Tangerine Clove from our Chunky Beeswax Lip Balm collection.

The Market Feedback

I still remember the first customer who came back to my market table asking to buy several tubes of Lemon Bomb Lip Balm for a friend in the hospital. It caught me completely off guard.

A tube of lip balm is such a small thing. But anyone who’s spent time in a hospital knows how miserable dry, cracked lips can become.

That conversation happened nearly ten years ago at the Christopher Morley Park Farmers Market, and I’ve never forgotten it. Since then, many customers have shared similar stories. Lemon Bomb lip balm has found its way into care packages, chemotherapy bags, bedside tables, and coat pockets.

Sometimes there isn’t much you can do for someone who’s going through a difficult time. Sometimes you bring soup. Sometimes you send flowers.

And sometimes you hand them a tube of lip balm that brings a little comfort.

Back to the Name

“Lemon balm lip balm” is a tongue twister. Try saying it three times fast:

Lemon balm lip balm. Lemon balm lip balm. Lemon balm lip balm.

It’s exhausting.

Ten years later, I still don’t know what I’d rename it. I’m pretty sure I’d sell more if it had a less confusing name.

But after all these years, I don’t think I’d change it.

Because once people try it…

They rarely ask about the name again.

Maybe Lemon Bomb lip balm isn’t such a terrible name after all.

A Few More Things You Might Enjoy

Wondering what makes a quality lip balm? Read our Beeswax Lip Balm Guide.