How to Choose a Lip Balm That's Safe for Everyday Use

A lip balm is a nifty lil’ stick that wields immense power in your routine. A single swipe ensures a soft, shiny pout that makes you look put together in seconds. Chapped lips, who? 

 But what many don’t know is that this humble production has a gamut of other benefits. Intrigued? Scroll ahead for an exhaustive guide on everything lip balms. 

Why Does A Lip Balm Do? 

Your skin bears sebaceous glands that produce oils, ensuring natural moisturization. However, the same isn’t true for your pucker. Plus, it doesn’t help that the skin on your lips is thinner, making it more susceptible to dryness and flakiness. To circumvent this problem, you need a deeply moisturizing lip balm.  

As discussed earlier, lip balm is not a single trick pony. Here are some other benefits of this skincare staple - 

1. It creates a smooth base for your lipstick application. Think of this balm as a primer, that keeps your lipstick color intact for prolonged hours.  

2. A potent balm fills the creases and cracks on your lips, ensuring a fuller and plumper appearance.  

3. Sun protection is also crucial for your lips. It helps prevent pigmentation, burns, and premature aging This is where SPF-infused lip balms come into the picture 

Why Choosing The Right Lip Balm Matters?

Ahead, we list all the reasons why choosing the right lip balm matters-  

1. The wrong ingredients can flare up sensitivities. That’s right. Folks with sensitive skin may experience discomfort with petroleum jelly, menthol, artificial fragrances, and more. To prevent this problem, seek natural, moisturizing alternatives like shea butter or beeswax.  

2. Are you prone to sun spots and dark patches on the lips? If yes, pick an SPF-infused lip balm only. Experts suggest that SPF 15 to 30 bodes well for your pucker. 

3. Just like the rest of your skincare, lip balms are now infused with active ingredients to address specific concerns. So, if you want to focus on hydration, try a Hyaluronic Acid-based lip balm. For brightening, a Vitamin C formula and so forth. 

Ingredients You Should Look For In A Safe Lip Balm  

Since lip balm is any everyday essential, you shouldn’t pick a random tube from the local store. Narrow your search by looking for the following -

1. Natural hydrating ingredients 

Ingredients like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Cocoa Butter ensure multi-level and long-lasting hydration for the lips. You can also opt for actives like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin for a plump, cushiony pucker.

2. Protective and healing ingredients 

Beeswax creates a protective barrier on the lips, preserving hydration. Furthermore, to heal cracks and creases on the pucker, opt for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and Vitamin E in your balm. This phenomenal duo also has antioxidant properties that offset oxidative stress.

3. SPF for sun protection 

We have already established that sun protection is crucial for the pucker too. Look for ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide in your lip balm to keep pigmentation and burns at bay. 

Harmful Ingredients To Avoid In Lip Balms 

To aid your search for a safe lip balm, we recommend steering clear of the following ingredients-

1. Harmful chemicals and irritants 

a. Parabens: For the unaware, parabens are preservatives omnipresent in the skincare industry. These ingredients are associated with hormone disruption and can cause flare-ups on your lips.

b. Artificial dyes: Since the skin on your pucker is extremely sensitive, we recommend steering clear of colorants. These artificial dyes add to the risk of inflammation and other flare-ups.

2. Drying agents  

Menthol, camphor, and phenol have a cool, soothing effect on the lips initially. However, regular use of these ingredients makes the lips drier and more sensitive. The same goes for alcohol. Other than leading to dryness and flakiness, alcohol can cause a stinging sensation on the pucker. So, beware.

3. Petrochemical and synthetic waxes  

While a popular choice for balms, petrochemical, and synthetic waxes prove counterproductive to holistic lip care. These ingredients create a shield on the pucker, trapping water molecules for a while. However, according to experts, synthetic waxes seriously fall short of nourishment and hydration – making your lips extremely dry, rough, and flaky in the long run. 

To circumvent this problem, opt for natural alternatives like beeswax, cocoa butter, and shea butter. 

How To Choose The Right Balm For Your Need

Here’s how to the right lip balm vis-a-vis your underlying concerns -

1. For dry and chapped lips: If you want a no-frills option, one that addresses only dry, flaky lips – focus on moisturizing and hydrating ingredients. Beeswax, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and more are great options.

2. For sensitive lips: Prone to flare-ups? Look for a lip balm devoid of parabens, sulfates, and alcohol and minimize the risk factor.

3. For everyday wear: To keep your pout happy and hydrated everyday, look for a lightweight and hydrating option in the market. This lip balm should glide easily on the surface without feeling greasy or icky on application. To prevent sun damage, look for an SPF 30-infused lip balm.

How To Use Your Lip Balm Effectively  

Use the following tips to reap your lip balm’s maximum benefits.

1. Only slather the balm on clean lips. In case of excess dryness or flakiness, we recommend using a scrub prior to the application. This intermediate step ensures better absorption of the lip balm for best results. 

2. Just like sunscreen, reapply your balm every few hours. Avoid licking your lips as it zap every last moisture molecule, leading to more dryness than ever.

3. Use your lip balm as an overnight treatment to address concerns like spots, dullness, dehydration, and more. 

Conclusion 

The nifty little lip balm in your carry-on has several benefits. It hydrates, nourishes, and heals your pucker while adding a glossy shine that turns heads. To support overall lip care, steer clear of parabens, alcohol, synthetic waxes, and artificial colorants in your everyday balm. 

FAQs 

1. How do I know that my lip balm is safe? 

If your lip balm is devoid of parabens, SLS, and alcohol, it is safe for everyday use.

2. Can I use lip balm every day? 

Yes, you can use lip balm every day. It helps hydrate, nourish, and heal the uber-sensitive skin on your pucker.

3, What’s the best lip balm for sensitive lips? 

Try Foxtale’s Brightening Lip Balm for sensitive lips. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides, the formula ensures long-lasting hydration while soothing inflammation. Additionally, Vitamin C fights oxidative stress and fades pigmentation with time.

4. Is SPF lip balm necessary? 

Yes! SPF in lip balm prevents pigmentation, defers aging, and burns.