As the harsh chill of winter approaches, many of us reach to our favorite lip balms for protection. But what if your lip products were doing more harm that good? Nearly 85% of the top lip care brands, tested by Reviews.com, contained harmful ingredients. So, how do you know if your favorites measure up to the competition? What else can you do to protect your pucker? Check out these tips:
Know what to look for.
Have you ever looked at the ingredients in your lip products? Sometimes, like processed foods, you’ll find dozens of ingredients in a simple balm. Store manager of Ulta Beauty, Krista Peterson, attributes “beeswax or fillers to causing dryness” in products. Even though beeswax can be moisturizing, it also contains a natural glue, propolis. A great way to tell is, “if the product is too thick or waxy”, according to beauty blogger, Erin Bunker Hall. You also want to avoid any allergens, fragrance or dye. But don’t skip on the SPF. The trick is finding a balm that moisturizes with the lowest number of ingredients.
Choose moisturizing lip balms over “medicated” ones.
While it’s easy to associate tingly or cooling sensations with treatment, the reality is they’re negatively affecting your lips. Medicated lip balms can contain camphor, phenol, and menthol according to Reviews.com. The chemicals phenol and menthol can numb and burn lips while making them more susceptible to sun exposer. Another ingredient, acid based camphor, acts as an exfoliator that can help rejuvenate skin on your lips. However, is harmful if the lips are already dry or flaky.
Prep for your products.
Natural, moisturizing lip products are great assets to protecting your pout. However, don’t leave it to them to take care of your lips alone. One of the best things you can do for your lips, according to Peterson, “drink lots of water”. For more help, listen to Bunker Hall who relies on, “sugar scrubs [to exfoliate] and olive oil at night”. The bottom line is, help your products help you for the best outcome.
What are the best products to grab this winter?
After thoroughly testing 177 products, Reviews.com chose “Unscented Lip Balm” by Badger for their overall top lip balm. For a more luxurious stick, John Masters Organic “Lip Calm”. Finally, for those outdoorsy types, Vanicream “Lip Protectant/Sunscreen” with SPF 30. These products and more can be found on the site: Reviews.com/lip-balm/.
