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5 Things Your Lip Balm Should Never Have
We all love the feeling of smooth, hydrated lips, but what if your favorite balm is doing more harm than good? In late 2023, several lip products were recalled for containing bacteria and allergens—a scary reminder that not everything labeled “moisturizing” is actually safe.
This is why it’s important to understand what’s in your lip balm. Some everyday ingredients may dry out your lips or even pose long-term health risks. Let’s uncover five lip balm ingredients you should avoid and how to ensure your lips stay healthy and protected.
1. Parabens—A Hormone Disruptor Hiding in Plain Sight
Parabens are preservatives often added to cosmetics to extend shelf life. While they keep products fresh, they may disrupt hormone function by mimicking estrogen in your body. This can potentially lead to serious health issues. Even worse, parabens applied to your lips can easily be absorbed or ingested.
2. Artificial Fragrances—When Sweet Smells Sour
Tempted by fruity or candy-scented lip jellies? Think again. Synthetic fragrances are often made from unregulated chemical compounds, which can irritate your skin and trigger allergic reactions. These additives don’t solve dryness—they often make it worse, forcing you into a cycle of constant reapplication.
3. Petroleum Jelly—The Illusion of Moisture
Petroleum jelly is widely used in lip care for its barrier-forming properties. But here’s the catch: it doesn’t moisturize. Instead, it sits on the surface of your lips without repairing the underlying moisture barrier. Over time, this can leave your lips drier than before. Plus, concerns about contamination during refining make it even less appealing.
4. Synthetic Dyes—Bright Colors, Dark Consequences
Bright, colorful lip products often contain synthetic dyes derived from petroleum. These dyes can cause allergic reactions, skin sensitivity, and—in some cases—contain heavy metals that accumulate in your body over time. When it comes to your lips, natural colorants are the safer choice.
5. BHT—A Preservative You Don’t Need
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is another common preservative in lip products. It’s been linked to skin irritation and hormone disruption. While preservatives are necessary to prevent spoilage, safer options exist. BHT isn’t one of them.
The Right Ingredients Make All the Difference
Your lips are one of the most sensitive areas of your skin, making the ingredients in your lip balm more important than you might think. Harmful chemicals like parabens, synthetic fragrances, petroleum jelly, and BHT don’t address the root cause of dryness—a compromised moisture barrier. Instead, they exacerbate the problem, leaving you reapplying endlessly while risking potential health issues.
That’s why the Sky and Sol Lip Jelly is different. Our tallow-based formula is bioidentical to your skin’s natural oils, meaning it deeply moisturizes and repairs your lips. Rich in skin-loving fats (CLAs) and vitamins, it doesn’t just mask dryness—it treats the root cause. With SPF 25, it also protects your lips from sun damage, one of the leading causes of irritation.
