As the layers of the skin of our lips are very thin, the lip products that we use can easily enter our bloodstream through these layers. Most of the time we take up new diets and skincare routines for our body and skin, but amid all these, our lips are the ones we don’t pay much attention to. The only attention that we usually give to our lips is by using lip balm. 

When it comes to using a lip balm, we should be careful as to what type of lip balm we are using. The ingredients that a lip balm contains is of great concern to the well-being of our lips. These ingredients can not only affect our lips and skin but also our hormones.

Harmful Ingredients In Your Lip Balm

Here are a few ingredients that you should avoid when looking for a lip balm. These ingredients might harm your lips:

Petroleum Jelly

Most of our cars run on petrol. And petroleum jelly is made from refining that petroleum. Imagining that same product on our lips just for moisturizing them could be uncomfortable for some of us. 

Also, some harsh and toxic products are involved in the process of refining petroleum. Because of this, during manufacturing petroleum jelly can get spoiled. This can lead to health issues like breast cancer.

Paraben

Parabens can increase the risk of breast cancer as they have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system. It can also lead to skin cancer. If your lip balm has paraben in it, then it means the toxic ingredient can enter your system, thus increasing the risk of developing the above-mentioned health problems.

Artificial Colours and Fragrances

Some of us might like using a lip balm having a specific fruity scent and colour. But some of the fragrances and colours in the lip balms can irritate your lips. If you have sensitive lips, then they can also cause allergies and reactions. Using a non-scented lip balm without artificial colours is better for those whose lips are severely chapped. 

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is said to help in removing dead skin cells and soften your lips. But it also has some cons. Dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner told Refinery29 that it can cause inflammation and dryness over time and also cause irritation to your skin. 

Camphor, Phenol, and Menthol

Ingredients such as phenol, camphor, and menthol were introduced in lip balms to moisturize and exfoliate the skin of our lips. Even though they nourish the skin and give a tingling effect in the beginning, in the long run, they irritate the skin, cause dryness, and gradually remove the outer layer of the skin of our lips.

Sunscreen

Having sunscreen in your lip balm is not harmful. Having it in the form of a chemical can be toxic for your lips. Some sunscreens have chemicals like oxybenzone in it. Oxybenzone can disrupt your endocrine system. In women, it can also cause a condition like endometriosis.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

It is usually used as a preservative in lip balms. But this preservative has been linked to several health conditions such as respiratory irritation, toxicity in the organ system, endocrine disruption, and also cancer.

Castor Oil

Your hair, skin, and even nails might get loads of benefits by using castor oil. But it can be harmful to your lips. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid. This acid can cause your lips to chap and can dry the lips quickly. If you have sensitive skin, then it can also lead to irritation. You can look for lip balms that use coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil instead of castor oil. These oils are likely to cause less reaction in comparison to castor oil.

Beeswax

If you want to use a lip balm having beeswax to moisturize your lips, then you might be considering the wrong option. Beeswax is known as a natural sealant. It can trap moisture against your lips. Some people are allergic to beeswax and it can cause different types of allergies to them. It would be better to avoid lip balms using beeswax as their ingredient. 

Lip balms are essential because it provides many benefits to our lips. Some important benefits include moisturizing, exfoliation, and providing softness. We also want our lips to be protected from chapping. 

But now you know what ingredients to avoid in your lip balm. Choose your lip balm carefully after going through the ingredients list on the product. Go for a balm that will provide some of the main benefits that we need for our lips. At tira, we offer a wide variety of lip balms to select from. If you are looking for the perfect lip balm you should check out our website. Also visit tira to find the best lip care products to keep your lips looking gorgeous and stylish. Make sure to read our blog section to learn more about makeup and beauty tips and tricks.