The average consumer is estimated to ingest up to 20 grams, or about 4 sticks, of lip balm per year. Oftentimes lip balm contains toxins that are ingested with it, or that are absorbed dermally. Because of this, it's important to use lip balm with less toxins.
Petrolatum and mineral oil are very common ingredients in lip balm. They are only safe when well-refined to lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels, because PAHs may cause cancer, reproductive issues, and allergic reactions. However, refinement standards are not always met, so it's best to avoid products that use them. You can read more about petrolatum and other petroleum-derived ingredients here.
Many lip balms use "fragrance" and "flavor"/"natural flavor." These ingredients are umbrella terms for mixtures of many ingredients. The components may include carcinogens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, and more. Some natural fragrances and flavors, like peppermint oil, can also cause skin irritation, and essential oils have issues I've written about previously.
Dyes and pigments are also common in lip balms. Dyes like Blue No. 1, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6 can be contaminated with carcinogens. They have also been linked to other effects, including DNA harm, neurotoxicity, allergic reactions, liver and kidney issues, and endocrine disruption. You can read more about dyes here. Mineral pigments can be contaminated with heavy metals like nickel, cobalt, lead, chromium, and cadmium. Potentially related to this, or potentially separate, heavy metals like lead, chromium, nickel, and cobalt have been found in lip balm. Effects of these metals may include neurotoxicity, allergic reactions, genetic alterations, cell harm, blood, kidney, liver, cardiovascular, reproductive, and endocrine issues, and skin irritation.
Parabens can also be found in some lip balms. These chemicals can mimic estrogen and other hormones. This disrupts the body, especially the reproductive system. Infertility, irregular menstruation, lower sperm count, endometriosis, early puberty, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are some of the effects linked to parabens. They can also increase the risk of breast cancer and trigger skin reactions.
Usually, lip balm is packaged in plastic. Paper lip balm tubes limit exposure to microplastics and plastic additives. Sometimes plastic, like polypropylene, is even used as an ingredient in the lip balm. You can read about the health effects of plastic in my other article here.
20% of lip balms tested in one small study contained PFAS, including Blistex and Eco Lips products. PFAS could be introduced by various sources, including lip balm production materials, packaging, or plant-based ingredients (plants can take up PFAS from contaminated soil).
Different brands of lip balm and specific products may also contain other toxic ingredients. For example, lip balms with SPF should be checked for sunscreen ingredient concerns.
I recommend Bee You Organics' Unscented Organic Lip Balm, which is composed of just organic unrefined shea butter, organic coconut oil, and organic beeswax. The ingredients are simple, non-toxic, and all organic, which lowers pesticide exposure. Additionally, the materials used in the production of the lip balm are stainless steel and glass, rather than plastic or nonstick materials. This reduces the potential for microplastic, plastic additive, or PFAS contamination. The lip balm is packaged in paper tubes rather than plastic, further reducing plastic exposure. This is a much safer alternative to ordinary lip balms!
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