Category Analysis

Toxic Ingredients in Lip Gloss

About Lip Gloss Safety

Lip gloss presents a unique set of ingredient safety concerns because its signature glossy, sticky texture requires synthetic polymers and plasticizers that are rarely found in other lip products. Polybutene, a petroleum-derived polymer, is the backbone of most conventional glosses, providing the thick, high-shine finish consumers expect. The sticky texture of lip gloss also acts as a trap for environmental pollutants, dust, and airborne particulate matter, pulling them onto the lip surface where they are ingested. Many glosses rely on additional synthetic ingredients like polyethylene, silicone-based emollients, and chemical UV absorbers to maintain shelf stability and appearance. The combination of a more complex chemical formula and the enhanced environmental adhesion makes lip gloss potentially more concerning than a simple lip balm, despite being perceived as lighter. Consumers who want the gloss aesthetic without the chemical load should look for formulas built on plant oils and natural waxes with mineral-based shimmer.

Most Dangerous Ingredients in Lip Gloss

Lead

A toxic heavy metal found as a contaminant in many cosmetic products, particularly lipsticks and hair dyes. There is no safe level of lead exposure. It accumulates in the body over time, primarily in bones, and causes irreversible neurological damage.

Formaldehyde Releasers

A group of preservatives that work by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde over time. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, and these releasers expose users to low but continuous levels of it.

Phthalates

A group of plasticizing chemicals used to make cosmetics more flexible and fragrances last longer. Phthalates are potent endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive harm, developmental issues, and metabolic disorders.

Quaternium-15

A quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. It is the single most potent formaldehyde-releasing preservative, generating higher levels of free formaldehyde than any other cosmetic preservative. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen.

Parabens

A class of synthetic preservatives used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics and personal care products. Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns about endocrine disruption and links to breast cancer.

Carbon Black

A fine black powder produced by incomplete combustion of petroleum products. Widely used as a pigment in mascara, eyeliner, and eyebrow products. Carbon black is classified as possibly carcinogenic and poses significant inhalation risks.

Toluene

A volatile organic solvent derived from petroleum, widely used in nail polishes, nail treatments, and hair dyes. Toluene is a potent neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system and is one of the 'toxic trio' of nail polish ingredients (alongside formaldehyde and DBP).

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

A synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Classified as a possible human carcinogen and known endocrine disruptor.

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.

DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines)

A group of amino acid-based emulsifiers and pH adjusters. Ethanolamines can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. DEA itself is also linked to organ toxicity and developmental harm.

Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products)

Petroleum-derived or coal tar-derived synthetic colorants specifically used in lip products, where they are regularly ingested. FD&C and D&C dyes may contain heavy metal contaminants and have been linked to allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and potential carcinogenicity.

Siloxanes (Cyclic Silicones)

A group of cyclic silicone compounds used in cosmetics and skincare for their silky, smooth texture and ability to evaporate quickly. D4 in particular is a known endocrine disruptor, and all three (D4, D5, D6) are persistent environmental pollutants that bioaccumulate in aquatic ecosystems.

Imidazolidinyl Urea

A formaldehyde-releasing antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. While less aggressive than quaternium-15, it still releases formaldehyde — a known human carcinogen — over time as it preserves the product.

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.

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.

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.

Triethanolamine (TEA)

An organic compound used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant in cosmetics. Triethanolamine can react with nitrosating agents present in formulations to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. It is also a skin and eye irritant at higher concentrations.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation in cosmetics and food. Less studied than BHA but shares some endocrine disruption concerns.

Propylene Glycol

A synthetic liquid used as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer in cosmetics. While considered safe at low concentrations, it is a skin irritant at higher levels and enhances absorption of other ingredients — including harmful ones.

Ceteareth-20

An ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations. Like all ethoxylated compounds, ceteareth-20 may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a probable carcinogen) and ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) from the manufacturing process.

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.

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.

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)

A chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions that would otherwise degrade the product or reduce preservative effectiveness. EDTA itself has low direct toxicity, but it is extremely persistent in the environment and can mobilize heavy metals in water systems.

Polybutene

A synthetic polymer derived from petroleum, used as a thickener, binder, and viscosity-increasing agent in lip glosses, lipsticks, and other cosmetics. Polybutene has low direct toxicity but is a petroleum-derived synthetic with environmental persistence concerns.

Lip Gloss Products Analyzed

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Maybelline Baby Lips

Maybelline

Yes. Research has shown that the tacky film of lip gloss acts like flypaper for airborne particulate matter, dust, pollen, and environmental pollutants. These particles adhere to the gloss surface and are then transferred to the lips where they can be ingested or absorbed. This is particularly concerning in urban environments or areas with poor air quality.

Can you make a clean lip gloss that still shines?

Absolutely. Natural oils like castor oil and jojoba oil provide excellent shine. Mineral-based micas deliver shimmer without synthetic dyes. Plant waxes like candelilla and carnauba give structure without petroleum polymers. Numbrrrz proves that you do not need a lab full of synthetics to achieve a beautiful, glossy finish.

Numbrrrz — nature's finest flavors in clean lip care

Clean Lip Gloss Exists. It's Numbrrrz.

Four organic ingredients. Zero toxins. The lip balm your body deserves.