11 Lip balm ingredients to avoid.

If you’re not reading the labels, you’ll never know what you’re putting on your body.

Not all lip balms are created equal. Some ingredients in lip balm can actually do more harm than good. In this article, we will discuss eleven lip balm ingredients to avoid and the natural ingredients you should look for.

The difference between Europe and USA's approved cosmetic ingredients.

If you're keeping up with the latest trends in the world of beauty, you've probably noticed more and more brands are touting "clean" or "natural" products. But what does that even mean? In the United States, the FDA has a pretty lax approach when it comes to regulating cosmetics. In fact, cosmetics in the USA are FDA regulated but not FDA approved. Meaning the FDA doesn't require cosmetic companies to submit their products for approval before being sold online or in stores.

So, what does that mean for us Americans? Well, it means we have to be a little more careful about what we're putting on our skin. On the other hand, the European Union takes a much stricter stance when approving cosmetic ingredients. This difference is due to the fact that the EU uses a "precautionary principle" when it comes to banning ingredients, while the USA relies on definitive evidence of harm. 

This means that, in the EU, an ingredient can be banned if there's a possibility that it might cause harm, even if there's no definitive proof that it does. While in the USA, an ingredient is banned only when there's definitive proof it causes harm. Therefore, it's unsurprising that the EU has a much more stringent ban list than the USA. 

So what's on each list?

The main thing to know is that America only bans 11 chemicals from being used in cosmetics, while Europe’s ban list includes over 1,300 different ingredients! Quite the difference.

The US allows many more harmful ingredients to be used in lip balms and cosmetics.

The 11 ingredients allowed in the US but not in the EU include Formaldehyde, Petroleum, Parabens, Triclosan, Hydroquinone, P-Phenylenediamine, Quaternium-15, Talc, Fragrances, Titanium, and Avobenzone.

Formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics and other personal care products, such as shampoo, lotion, and nail polish. While formaldehyde can help to extend the shelf life of products, it can also be harmful to the skin and respiratory system. Formaldehyde can cause irritation and inflammation when applied to the skin. Inhaling formaldehyde vapors can also irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. In some cases, formaldehyde exposure has been linked to cancer. For these reasons, it is important to check the ingredients label of any cosmetics or personal care products before using them. Look for formaldehyde-free products, or choose products containing only small amounts of formaldehyde.

Petroleum.

Petroleum is a type of oil derived from crude oil, which you might also see called mineral oil, a highly refined version of petroleum. It is used in a variety of products, including cosmetics, but it can have some negative effects on the skin. One issue is that it can clog pores, which can lead to acne. It can also irritate the skin and cause rashes. In addition, petroleum products can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and flakiness. For these reasons, it is important to be careful when using products that contain petroleum. You may want to choose products that are labeled "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" to help avoid these problems.

Parabens.

Parabens are a type of preservative typically used in cosmetics. They help to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast. While this may sound like a good thing, parabens can cause several problems. For one, they can disrupt the body's natural hormone balance. They can also penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, where they can cause irritation and other effects. Additionally, some studies have suggested that parabens may be linked to cancer. As a result, many people prefer to use cosmetics that are free of parabens.

Triclosan.

Triclosan is a common ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, but it can be harmful to our health. Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that can kill bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. However, it also has the potential to form carcinogenic compounds when it reacts with chlorine in tap water. In addition, triclosan has been shown to disrupt hormone function and may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For these reasons, it's important to avoid using cosmetics and personal care products that contain triclosan. Look for products that are labeled "triclosan-free" or those that list triclosan as an inactive ingredient.

Hydroquinone.

Most people have probably never heard of hydroquinone. But it's actually a very common ingredient in many skincare and cosmetic products, particularly those aimed at lightening the skin. Hydroquinone works by bleaching the skin, which can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and other discoloration. However, some serious risks are associated with using hydroquinone on your skin. For one thing, it can cause irritation, redness, and dryness. In some cases, it may also lead to an increase in skin cancer risk. In light of these potential dangers, many experts recommend avoiding products that contain hydroquinone altogether.

P-Phenylenediamine.

P-Phenylenediamine is a chemical used in some cosmetics and hair dyes. It can cause an allergic reaction in some people, resulting in symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching. In severe cases, P-Phenylenediamine can cause anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. For this reason, P-Phenylenediamine is regulated by the FDA and should only be used in small amounts. However, some companies still use P-Phenylenediamine in their products, so it's important to check the ingredients list before using any cosmetic or hair dye. If you're allergic to P-Phenylenediamine, there are plenty of other products on the market that don't use this chemical.

Quaternium-15.

Quaternium-15 is a preservative that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is effective at preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause spoilage and infection. However, Quaternium-15 is also a potent allergen and has been linked to contact dermatitis and other skin reactions. In addition, Quaternium-15 releases formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. For these reasons, many companies have stopped using Quaternium-15 in their products. However, it's still found in some cosmetics and personal care items, so it is important to check the label before purchasing anything. If you see Quaternium-15 listed as an ingredient, it is best to avoid that product.

Talc.

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It is often used in cosmetics as it can help to absorb excess oil and prevent makeup from caking. However, some talc deposits contain asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. As a result, the United States Food and Drug Administration requires that all cosmetic products that contain talc be labeled as such. While talc itself is not necessarily harmful, its potential contamination with asbestos makes it an unsuitable ingredient for cosmetics.

Fragrances.

Many people don't realize that the fragrances used in cosmetics can be harmful to their health. Many commercially-available cosmetics contain synthetic fragrances made from a chemical blend. These chemicals can include phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption, and parabens, which can interfere with the body's natural hormone production. In addition, synthetic fragrances can also cause skin irritation, trigger allergies, and make lips drier. For these reasons, it's best to avoid products that contain synthetic fragrances and instead opt for natural, unscented products.

Two ingredients commonly found in sunscreens.

You need to be especially careful about knowing what’s in your sunscreen.

Titanium.

Titanium dioxide is a popular ingredient in many cosmetics and sunscreens because it effectively blocks UV light. However, some studies have shown that titanium dioxide can be harmful if it is inhaled. The particles of titanium dioxide can become lodged in the lungs, where they can cause inflammation and damage to lung tissue. In addition, titanium dioxide has been shown to cause DNA damage in cells. For these reasons, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of using products that contain titanium dioxide. However, the jury is still out on whether or not titanium dioxide is truly harmful to human health. More research is needed to determine whether titanium dioxide poses a significant risk to human health.

Avobenzone.

Avobenzone is a chemical sunscreen ingredient commonly used in products designed to provide broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. However, Avobenzone has been shown to break down quickly when exposed to sunlight, which means it may not be as effective at protecting your skin as you think. In addition, Avobenzone can also be absorbed into the bloodstream, which raises concerns about potential health effects. For these reasons, it's important to choose sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide, which offers superior sun blocking properties against UVA and UVB rays.

The benefits of natural cosmetics.

The best way to know what’s in your cosmetics is to start reading the labels.

So what does this mean for us? First, we must be extra careful about reading labels and doing our research before using any type of cosmetic product. And secondly, it might be worth considering switching to some European brands that are bound by their stricter regulations. As you can see, some major differences exist in how America and Europe regulate cosmetics. Would you want to risk using finding any of these chemicals in your cosmetics? I don't think so.

The easiest way to avoid these harmful chemicals that are still allowed in the USA is to start using products made with natural and organic ingredients.

Better for your skin.

One of the biggest reasons to switch to natural cosmetics is that they're better for your skin. Many conventional makeup products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate and even damage your skin. On the other hand, natural cosmetics are made with gentle and nourishing ingredients. As a result, they're less likely to cause irritated lips, breakouts, or other skin problems.

Better for the environment.

Another benefit of natural cosmetics is that they're better for the environment. Because they don't contain hidden chemicals or synthetic ingredients, they're less likely to pollute the air and water. They're also biodegradable, so they won't stick around in landfills for decades like some conventional cosmetics do. 

Better for your health.

Finally, natural cosmetics are better for your health overall. Many conventional makeup products contain ingredients that have been linked to cancer and other serious health problems. When you switch to natural cosmetics, you can rest assured knowing you're not exposing yourself to these potentially harmful chemicals.

So, if you want to make sure you're using clean, safe ingredients in your skincare routine, it might be worth considering switching to some European cosmetics brands bound by these stricter regulations. Or, find US based brands that follow the EU's regulations – you can be sure all of the lip balm products at Liip do.

The best natural ingredients for lip balm.

Natural ingredients are good for your skin and less damaging to the environment.

When it comes to finding a good lip balm, there are a few key things you should look for in the ingredients list. First, it's important to find a lip balm that contains natural ingredients. Second, you'll want to make sure the lip balm is free of harmful chemicals like the ones listed above. And third, you'll want to find a lip balm with rich and nourishing ingredients that help hydrate and prevent chapped lips. Here are three of the best natural ingredients to look for in your next lip balm. 

Beeswax.

Beeswax is a natural emollient, which means it helps lock in moisture and protects lips. It's also high in vitamin A, which is important for skin cell turnover. This means beeswax can help keep your lips looking and feeling soft and smooth. You'll find beeswax in a lot of cosmetic products because it's such a versatile ingredient.

Shea butter.

Shea butter is another great natural emollient. It's made from the seeds of the African shea tree and has been used in Africa for centuries to protect skin from the harsh sun. Shea butter is also high in vitamins A and E, which are important for keeping skin healthy. You can find shea butter in a lot of different lip balms and other cosmetics.

Coconut oil.

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in many lip balms and skincare products. It's a great natural emollient and helps to lock in moisture. Coconut oil is also high in antioxidants, which help to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.

One of our guidelines at Liip is to use ingredients you can pronounce, as most natural ingredients are that way. When you see those words on an ingredient list that look like a mashup of many different ingredients, it's a good sign it's probably something synthetic. That said, we also list our ingredients by their scientific name so they can sometimes look more complicated than they actually are. For example, the scientific name for coconut oil is Cocos Nucifera, which is pretty straightforward. But Helianthus annuus is the scientific name for sunflower oil which is less obvious.

Anyway, like we said earlier, you'll want to avoid lip balms with any of these ingredients allowed in cosmetics in the US that aren't very good for you. Especially since you're putting them on your lips as they're more likely to get in your mouth or be absorbed through the thin skin of your lips.

At Liip our All Day Lip Balm is flavorless, fragrance-free, and made with natural and organic ingredients so you don't have anything to worry about when you use it to keep your lips soft, smooth, and protected.