Lip Care Experts Warn Against These 5 Harmful Ingredients

Cosmetic safety researchers have highlighted five ingredients commonly found in lip balm that consumers should think twice about. The findings generated widespread discussion and sparked a broader conversation about ingredient safety in products we put on one of the most absorbent parts of our body.

At the top of the list: petroleum and mineral oil. While generally recognized as safe by the FDA, these petroleum derivatives create an occlusive barrier that traps moisture rather than adding it. Over time, this can weaken the lips' natural ability to maintain hydration, creating a cycle of dependency. The researchers noted that plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and jojoba oil actually nourish the skin while providing protection.

Second on the list were synthetic fragrances, which can contain dozens of undisclosed chemical compounds under a single "fragrance" label. Many of these compounds are known allergens and potential endocrine disruptors. For a product applied to the lips — where ingredients can be easily ingested — this lack of transparency is particularly concerning.

Parabens took the third spot, with researchers citing their estrogen-mimicking properties and the growing body of evidence linking long-term exposure to hormonal disruption. Fourth was phenol and camphor, both commonly used for their cooling sensation but known to actually dry out lip tissue with repeated use. Fifth were artificial colors and dyes, which add zero functional benefit but introduce unnecessary chemical exposure.

The researchers' recommendation was straightforward: choose lip balm products with short, recognizable ingredient lists. Look for organic certifications, and when in doubt, apply the "would I eat this?" test. If the ingredient list reads more like a chemistry experiment than a food label, it's probably worth reconsidering.

Numbrrrz contains zero of these harmful ingredients. No petroleum, no synthetic fragrances, no parabens, no phenol, no artificial colors. Just 4 organic ingredients your lips actually need: coconut oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, and vitamin E.