Lip balm
Lip Balm is a wax-like substance applied topically to the lips to moisturize and relieve chapped or dry lips, angular cheilitis, stomatitis, or cold sores. Lip balm often contains beeswax or carnauba wax, camphor, cetyl alcohol, lanolin, paraffin, and petrolatum, among other ingredients. Some varieties contain dyes, flavor, fragrance, phenol, salicylic acid, and sunscreens.
History[edit | edit source]
The first lip balm was created in the early 1880s by Charles Browne Fleet, a physician and pharmacological thinker. However, it was ChapStick that popularized the product in the 1930s.
Types[edit | edit source]
There are various types of lip balm in the market that cater to different needs. Some of these include:
- Medicated Lip Balm: This type of lip balm is infused with ingredients like menthol, camphor, and phenol which help soothe painful, cracked lips.
- Sunscreen Lip Balm: This lip balm contains SPF that protects the lips from harmful UV rays.
- Tinted Lip Balm: This lip balm not only moisturizes the lips but also gives a hint of color.
- Natural Lip Balm: This lip balm is made from natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils.
Ingredients[edit | edit source]
Lip balms are made from many different ingredients. Some of the most common ones include:
- Beeswax or Carnauba Wax: These waxes form a protective barrier on the skin to hold in moisture.
- Camphor, Phenol, and Menthol: These ingredients soothe and relieve pain.
- Lanolin: This is a type of oil that is very similar to the oils in human skin.
- Petrolatum: This is a very effective moisturizer that also forms a barrier on the skin.
Health Effects[edit | edit source]
While lip balm in general is considered safe, some types can cause problems. For example, phenol-containing lip balms can cause skin irritation. In addition, some people may be allergic to ingredients like lanolin.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
