ChapStick
ChapStick is one of the most recognized lip balm brands in the world, originally invented in the 1880s by physician Charles Browne Fleet and later commercialized by John Morton. Now owned by Haleon (spun off from GSK in 2022), ChapStick dominates drugstore lip care shelves with dozens of variants. Despite its reputation as a simple, trustworthy product, many ChapStick formulas rely heavily on petroleum-based ingredients like white petrolatum and mineral oil as their primary moisturizing agents. The brand's widespread availability and low price point make it one of the most frequently purchased lip products in the United States, meaning its ingredient choices affect millions of consumers daily.
Products Analyzed
Flagged Ingredients Found
Who Owns ChapStick?
Big Corp SubsidiaryParent Company
Haleon(HLN)
Parent Industry
Consumer Healthcare
Parent Revenue
Approximately $13 billion (2024)
Also Makes
Haleon was spun off from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in July 2022 as an independent consumer healthcare company. ChapStick entered the GSK portfolio through Pfizer's consumer healthcare division, which GSK acquired in 2019.
Corporate ownership does not automatically mean a product is unsafe. It means ingredient and sourcing decisions are influenced by a parent company whose primary business is consumer healthcare. Consumers deserve to know who profits from their purchases.
Products by ChapStick
ChapStick Classic Original
ChapStick
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Organic Lip Balm
ChapStick Moisturizer Original
ChapStick
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Organic Lip Balm
ChapStick Total Hydration 3 in 1
ChapStick
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Organic Lip Balm
ChapStick Classic Cherry
ChapStick
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Organic Lip Balm
ChapStick Classic Strawberry
ChapStick
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Organic Lip Balm
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Flagged Ingredients in ChapStick Products
We found 11 different ingredients of concern across ChapStick's product line. Each one links to a full safety analysis with details on health risks, regulatory status, and which other brands use the same ingredient.
Petroleum / Petrolatum
A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining. Widely used as a moisture barrier in lip balms, lotions, and ointments. When inadequately refined, it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer.
Camphor
A waxy, aromatic compound used in lip balms and medicated products for its cooling sensation and mild analgesic properties. Camphor dries out lips with repeated use, creating a cycle of dependency.
Synthetic Fragrance
An umbrella term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Under US law, companies are not required to list individual fragrance components, which may include phthalates, musks, allergens, and sensitizers.
Mineral Oil
A colorless, odorless oil derived from petroleum distillation. Used extensively in cosmetics and skincare as an emollient and solvent. Like petrolatum, cosmetic-grade mineral oil may contain impurities if insufficiently refined.
Artificial Colors
Synthetic dyes derived from petroleum or coal tar, used to give cosmetics vivid colors. Many are contaminated with heavy metals and have been linked to behavioral issues, allergies, and potential carcinogenicity.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers. PEGs themselves are relatively low-toxicity, but they are frequently contaminated with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane.
Menthol
An organic compound derived from mint or synthesized artificially. Like camphor, it provides a cooling sensation in lip products but acts as an irritant that can dry out and damage the delicate lip barrier.
Paraffin Wax
A white or colorless soft solid wax derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. Commonly used in lip balms, lipsticks, and candles to add structure and a smooth texture.
Lanolin
A natural waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep to waterproof their wool. Lanolin is an excellent emollient used in lip balms, nipple creams, and moisturizers, but it is a common allergen and may contain pesticide residues from sheep dipping.
Dimethicone
A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties. Not toxic in itself, but creates a synthetic barrier that can trap impurities, clog pores, and is not biodegradable.
Phenoxyethanol
A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics, often marketed as a 'safer' alternative to parabens. At regulated concentrations (up to 1%), it is generally well tolerated, but higher concentrations can cause irritation and are toxic to infants.
