If You Can’t Eat It, Don’t Use It On Your Lips!

May 18, 2023

Anything you put on your lips ultimately ends up in your mouth or gets absorbed by your skin. Do you know what ingredients are in your lipsticks, glosses, and lip conditioners? Do you want to know? I want to share the information that I’ve learned so that you can make the best and safest choices for you and your family. Read further to learn more about some of the toxic ingredients found in most of today’s lip treatment products. Learn why products from Beautycounter will help keep your lips conditioned, colorful, and healthy. Skip right to my favorite recommended Lip Products by Clicking Here!

If you can’t eat it, don’t use it on your lips!

What you won't find in Beautycounter products and why it's important...

Parabens

Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, and other ingredients ending in –paraben). Parabens are potential endocrine (aka hormone) disruptors, due to their ability to mimic estrogen. This effect is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and malignant melanoma – a form of skin cancer. In men, they appear to reduce sperm production and testosterone levels. An estimated 75-90% of body care products contain parabens. Some of the most common parabens in lip products are methylparaben and propylparaben.

Methylparaben is added to lipstick because it works as an antifungal and a preservative. It’s widely used in other cosmetics, too. Methylparaben is rapidly absorbed through the skin and intestinal tract. Most European countries have restricted it because of the possible cancer risk. Alarmingly, methylparaben is often a “hidden” ingredient, which means it’s typically not listed in the product ingredients, making it almost impossible for consumers to be aware of its presence in the products they use. Methylparaben has been classified as a “moderate risk” by the Cosmetics Database.

Beautycounter is dedicated to clearly listing all ingredients used in their products and sourcing only safe ingredients.

Polyparabens, like sodium benzoate, are added as a preservative to lipsticks to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. It keeps the oily part of the lipstick from going rancid, which protects both the product and the consumers.
Although its intention is to provide a safe product, there is evidence that it is an endocrine disruptor and an allergen for some people. Some brands proclaim to use only half of the “acceptable” amount of polyparaben, and while it’s good they are trying to reduce the toxicity, their products still contain toxic chemicals. The Cosmetics Database classifies it as a “high risk” product.

Beautycounter products are paraben-free.

Petroleum

Can we all agree that something this close to gasoline is not what we want on our lips?! The word petroleum is most commonly heard around auto shops and oil rigs, but companies found that if you refine it down, it can be used as a compound for beauty products. Unfortunately, the refining process is harsh, and toxic agents are still easily found in these products. For example, if petroleum jelly becomes contaminated during the manufacturing process, possible Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, which have links to breast cancer, can get into the jelly.

Another major concern for use in skin products is that petroleum creates an airtight barrier on the skin. In other words, you are suffocating your skin!! This also creates a breeding ground for bacteria and toxic compounds.

Beautycounter products are petroleum-free.

Phenol, Menthol, & Salicylic Acid

Do your lips actually feel more chapped the more you apply? Dr. Melissa Piliang, MD, Staff Dermatologist at The Cleveland Clinic, says, “Lip balms containing ingredients like phenol, menthol and salicylic acid actually make your lips drier. So you apply more, and it becomes a vicious cycle. Just avoid balms containing those ingredients.”

Beautycounter products contain none of these.

Fragrance and Flavors

Did you know that the leading cause of eczema and other skin diseases is “added fragrances?” Your skin is the largest organ in your body so it’s important to take care of it! Not send it into shock. The next time you read “fragrances” as an ingredient on any hair, skin, face product — and lip balm! — you are actually reading “a lot of hidden chemicals.” Cosmetic manufacturers can withhold the actual ingredients used in their fragrances and flavors in order to “protect their trade secrets.” These fragrances often contain high levels of phthalates. Phthalates are strong hormone disruptors linked to decreased sperm count in men, reduced female fertility, and can cause a worsening of allergy and asthma symptoms. Avoid products with “fragrance” and look for flavors/scents that are made with safe ingredients.

Beautycounter products are flavored naturally.

Beautycounter lip glosses are flavored with natural, organic ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced. They offer a translucent shimmer while conditioning your lips. These are great for kids and adults in tasty flavors that won’t harm you when ingested!

Propylene Glycol

At increased levels, propylene glycol can cause seizures. Young children’s bodies cannot effectively break down this chemical, so it should be avoided by pregnant women and children under 6. Why would you want this in your lip products?

Alcohol

Alcohol actually dries out your skin. It seems counterproductive to put it in products that provide moisturizing effects, don’t you think?

BHA & BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole(BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Butylated compounds are mainly used as a preservative in lip balms. Health concerns linked to these chemicals include endocrine disruption, organ-system toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, cancer, and respiratory irritation.

Beautycounter products are free of these dangerous chemicals.

Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has rated Oxybenzone – the most common chemical sunscreen – an 8 on their toxicity rating scale. It has been shown to act like estrogen in the body, alter sperm production in animals, and is associated with endometriosis in women. Octinoxate and Homosalate also disrupt hormone function. Many lip balms contain this toxic SPF, too.

Beautycounter sunblock products are non-toxic and safe to put right on your lips.

Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick (SPF30)

Countersun Daily Sheer Defense for Face (SPF25)

Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion (SPF30)

Dyes

Many lipsticks are made with synthetic dyes that come from aluminum or petroleum products. These dyes are stored in our bodies in the organs and fatty tissues. Coal tar, a petroleum product, is known as a carcinogen. When a color is named “FD&C” it means that it has been approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food, medicines, and cosmetics. When it’s labeled “D&C” then it has not been approved for food. ‘D&C RED 36’ is one of these colors and some research has shown a link between exposure and nervous system damage. ‘D&C RED 22’ is a powder color also used in lipstick and many other cosmetics. You have to be careful even with “natural” lipstick dyes. Logwood contains haematein and haematoxylin, that can have harmful effects when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Bloodroot, another natural dye source, can cause irritation and inflammation when inhaled. So even natural and organic lip products have to be carefully considered.

Toxic Metals

Another blog post altogether is on the toxic metals that occur in natural and mainstream lipsticks and what these toxic metals like lead and mercury do to our bodies and health not to mention our lips.

Beautycounter prohibits the use of over 1,800 harmful or questionable ingredients in their products.

You can be certain that Beautycounter has done their homework to provide you with safe products. I’d love to talk with you to discuss just how our products can help you! Contact Me!

If You Can’t Eat It, Don’t Use It On Your Lips!

If you can’t eat it, don’t use it on your lips!