A look at the history of lip balm for chapped lips takes us to the early 1880s, when a physician by the name of Dr. C.D. Fleet produced the first lip balm in Lynchburg, Virginia, in the United States of America. His lip balm looked like wickless candlesticks covered with tinfoil.
Dr. Fleet did not believe his creation was a hit or worth his time and effort, so he sold his idea and the recipe for $5 to a man named John Morton.
The Mortons built a successful lip balm business. They started off at home, in their own kitchen, where they made their own brand of pink sticks and molded them using brass tubes. In 1963, the Mortons sold the rights to their business to the A.H. Robins Company.
In 1971, the company added flavors to the lip balm, and by 1981 sunblock was added as well. Petrolatum, the base of the stick we are familiar with today, has been part of the formula since 1985.
What a Classic Lip Balm Stick Contains
- Original flavor active component: White petrolatum – 45%
- Inactive components: camphor, cetyl alcohol, arachidyl propionate, carnauba wax, fragrance, isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, phenyl trimethicone, lanolin, light mineral oil, octyldodecanol, methylparaben, oleyl alcohol, paraffin, propylparaben, yellow 5 lake, red 6 lake, titanium dioxide, white wax
These ingredients are approved for cosmetic use, but some people prefer to know what each one is, and some choose simpler products with fewer components. Here is a short overview.
The Components of a Stick for Chapped Lips
1. Petrolatum
Petrolatum is made from crude oil that comes from deep beneath the earth’s surface. After it has been refined, it is used in lip balms as well as in many other beauty products. Cosmetic-grade petrolatum is highly purified and is widely regarded as safe for use on the skin. Still, some people prefer to avoid petroleum-based ingredients, and concerns have been raised over the years about poorly refined petroleum products. This is one of the main reasons many people look for plant-based alternatives.
2. Carnauba Wax
The leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm tree are the source of carnauba wax. It gives the stick its firmness. It is well tolerated by most people, but in rare cases it may cause a skin reaction such as a rash, irritation, dryness, or contact dermatitis when applied topically. If your lips feel worse after using a product, stop using it.
3. Isopropyl Myristate
Isopropyl myristate is derived from isopropanol and myristic acid. It is used in cosmetics to make products feel smooth, and it is also used in some head lice products, where it works by dissolving the wax coating that protects the lice. On the skin, this compound may clog pores in some people, so those with acne-prone skin sometimes choose to avoid it.
4. Propylparaben
This is a preservative found in many lip balms. Research has shown that parabens can weakly mimic estrogen, the female hormone, and this is the reason they have received a lot of attention from scientists.
In one small British study, researchers tested breast tissue samples from 20 women and found traces of parabens in the samples. The study did not show that parabens caused any illness, and regulators currently consider them safe at the low levels used in cosmetics. Researchers continue to study their possible effects on hormones in both women and men. Paraben-free products are widely available for those who prefer them.
5. Red 6 Lake
This is a synthetic color additive that gives the product its tint. It is approved for use in cosmetics, although some people prefer to avoid artificial dyes, especially in products for children.
6. Yellow 5 Lake
This is a synthetic color additive similar to red 6 lake. In a small number of sensitive people, yellow 5 has been linked to allergic-type reactions such as nettle rash, swelling of the skin, and itching. Researchers have also studied artificial colors in relation to hyperactivity in some children.
If you would rather know exactly what goes on your lips, you can make a simple lip balm at home with just a few ingredients.
Homemade Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- Sweet almond or ¼ cup coconut oil
- Cocoa butter or ¼ cup mango butter
- Beeswax – ¾ cup
- Essential oil – 2 drops; you can use any of the following: lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, ginger, rosemary, clove, or wild orange
- Cocoa powder or powdered herbs for color and added flavor – 1 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Add the coconut oil and mango butter to a heatproof glass measuring cup.
- Place the cup in a pan of gently boiling water and melt the oil and butter.
- Add ¾ cup of beeswax to the melted oil and butter mixture.
- Stir with a stainless steel spoon until the beeswax melts completely and mixes with the other ingredients. Be careful, as the glass will be quite hot.
- As the mixture cools at room temperature, it will start to thicken.
- You can now add 2 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Color your lip balm by adding a small amount of powdered herbs to it.
- If you want some flavor, add the cocoa powder and stir until you can see no lumps.
- Pour your mixture into clean lip balm tubes or tins. There is no problem reusing old ones as long as they are properly cleaned.
Essential oils can irritate sensitive skin, so test a small amount first. If your chapped lips do not improve or keep coming back, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.