Are the ingredients in lip balm safe?

What are the ingredients in lip balm? Lip balm is a common skin care product to prevent chapped lips in winter. Its main function is to provide a barrier to lock in moisture for the lips. There are products on the market with different formulations, but most contain similar ingredients.

Lip balm ingredients

The basic ingredients of lip balm are oils and waxes, accounting for about 90%, such as Vaseline, beeswax, etc. There may also be pigments, functional added ingredients, flavors, etc. New formulas are now also available that do not contain wax. There are also antioxidant ingredients such as vitamins A and E, and SPF sunscreen ingredients such as diacetone-3.

Are some ingredients in lip balm safe?

1. Diacetone-3 (BP3)

This ingredient is a sunscreen ingredient and is now also added to some lip balms with sunscreen function. However, if girls who are allergic to this ingredient use it, their lips will become itchy and may also develop perioral inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended that girls with sensitive skin try not to use lip balm containing this ingredient.

2. Ozokerite or microcrystalline wax

These two ingredients are adhesives and emulsifiers. Only by adding them can the lipstick become solid. Both ozokerite and microcrystalline wax come from mineral oil. If the purity is not high, it may cause skin irritation or skin allergies, and may also cause cheilitis.

3. White Beeswax

White beeswax is also an emulsifier, which is safer than ozokerite and microcrystalline wax. It is extracted from honeycombs and nourishes and softens the skin.

4. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is added to lip balm mainly for preservation. Preservatives are allergens, so it is safer to use vitamin E as a preservative for lipstick.

5. Vaseline (petrolatum)

Vaseline can be found in almost all lip balm products, where it acts as a moisturizing ingredient to help lock in moisture and form a protective barrier. Some natural lip balms use beeswax instead of petroleum jelly to perform this function. Beeswax is an emulsifier that locks in moisture in your lips and rarely causes allergic reactions.

6. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is also a common ingredient in lip balm due to its creamy texture and excellent moisturizing ability. It’s inexpensive and non-irritating. Cocoa butter does not provide hydration, but it does create a protective film of moisture for the lips. Plus, it leaves lips feeling soft and smooth.

7. Avocado Oil

Avocado is another ingredient that has moisturizing properties. It contains fatty acids that make lips soft and elastic. It is also a common ingredient in lip balm because it can moisturize and soften lips.

8. Mint and Phenol

Mint and phenol are two lip balm ingredients that should be avoided. They are responsible for the cooling sensation, but the downside is that they can dry out lips and require more lipstick application. Salicylic acid is also an ingredient that can easily cause your lips to peel. Additionally, people with dry skin should avoid lip balms containing eucalyptus and peppermint oils.