Hey there! Let’s chat about something we all use but rarely think twice about – our trusty lip balm and chapsticks. You know, the ones we swipe on without a second thought, whether we’re braving the winter chill or just trying to avoid chapped lips. But, have you ever stopped to consider what’s actually in these little tubes of wonder? Turns out, some of them might not be as friendly as they seem. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what’s hiding in our lip care and how we can make smarter, healthier choices.
Mmm, Smells Good, But…– The Fragrance & Flavoring Trap
Ever wondered what makes your lip balm smell like a tropical paradise or taste like your favorite fruit? Well, those delightful scents and flavors often come from synthetic additives. While they tickle our senses, they might be doing a number on our health. Research suggests these additives could mess with our hormones and even up the risk of certain cancers. Yikes! The good news? There are loads of lip balms out there using natural flavors and essential oils. They’re not just safer but often come packed with extra benefits for your lips. So next time, maybe opt for something a bit more au naturel.
BHT & BPA – Not the BFFs You Want
Here’s a fun (or not so fun) fact: many lip products have these things called butylated compounds, like BPA and BHT. They’re like the preservatives of the cosmetic world. But, they’re linked to some not-so-great stuff like liver problems and hormonal chaos. The solution? Keep an eye out for BPA and BHT-free products. More and more brands are ditching these nasties for safer, more natural alternatives.
“Phenol, Menthol & Alcohol – The Irritating Trio
We’ve all loved that cooling sensation some lip balms give, right? Well, phenol, menthol, and alcohol are often the culprits behind it. They might feel nice initially, but they can actually dry your lips out more in the long run. Plus, they make it easier for other chemicals to sneak into your skin. The better choice? Look for natural moisturizers like beeswax, cocoa butter, or coconut oil. They keep your lips happy and healthy, minus the unwanted side effects.
Sunscreen in Lip Care – Not Always Sunny
Sun protection in lip balm sounds like a win-win, but hold on. Some of the chemicals used for UV protection, like titanium dioxide and oxybenzone, could be doing more harm than good, especially with how close they are to our mouths. The safer bet? Go for lip balms with natural, mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide. They reflect the sun’s rays without the scary side effects.
Petrolatum – Slick, But Not in a Good Way
Petrolatum, a staple in many lip products, is basically a by-product of crude oil. Sounds gross, right? It can be contaminated with things called PAHs, linked to cancer and other health issues. The good news? There’s a whole world of natural moisturizers like shea butter, jojoba oil, and almond oil that are just as effective and way safer.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it – a quick tour of what might be hiding in your lip balm. Making healthier choices doesn’t just keep our lips in tip-top shape; it’s also a step towards a more conscious, health-focused lifestyle. Remember, it’s the small changes that often make the biggest difference. And hey, who knew lip balm could be such an interesting topic? Keep those lips happy and healthy, and until next time, stay curious!
References:
- Kazemi, Zahra et al. “Evaluation of pollutants in perfumes, colognes and health effects on the consumer: a systematic review.” Journal of environmental health science & engineering vol. 20,1 589-598. 3 Feb. 2022, doi:10.1007/s40201-021-00783-x
- Rádis-Baptista, Gandhi. “Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks?.” Journal of xenobiotics vol. 13,1 121-131. 1 Mar. 2023, doi:10.3390/jox13010010
- Koulivand, Peir Hossein et al. “Lavender and the nervous system.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 681304. doi:10.1155/2013/681304
- Hafezi, Shirin A, and Wael M Abdel-Rahman. “The Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA) Exerts a Wide Range of Effects in Carcinogenesis and Response to Therapy.” Current molecular pharmacology vol. 12,3 (2019): 230-238. doi:10.2174/1874467212666190306164507
- Lachenmeier, Dirk W. “Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity.” Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England) vol. 3 26. 13 Nov. 2008, doi:10.1186/1745-6673-3-26
- Suh, Susie et al. “The banned sunscreen ingredients and their impact on human health: a systematic review.” International journal of dermatology vol. 59,9 (2020): 1033-1042. doi:10.1111/ijd.14824
- “The Dirty Dozen: Petrolatum.” David Suzuki Foundation, 20 Apr. 2022, davidsuzuki.org/living-green/dirty-dozen-petrolatum/. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.