The skin on our lips is delicate, unique, and deserves special care. Unlike the rest of your skin, lips don’t have oil glands, meaning they can’t produce their own moisture. If you’ve been applying balms, scrubs, and glossy concoctions in the hopes of nourishing your lips, it’s important to know which ingredients are truly lip-safe and which ones could be doing more harm than good.

Understanding what goes into your lip care products is crucial to achieving soft, healthy lips. To help you on your lip-loving mission, we’ve broken down the ingredients you should look for and the ones you might want to avoid.

Ingredients You Should Use on Your Lips

1. Shea Butter

Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter is a natural emollient that locks in moisture and soothes dry, chapped lips. It’s gentle and safe to use daily, providing long-lasting hydration without causing irritation.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a powerhouse ingredient for lip care. It’s naturally antibacterial, incredibly moisturizing, and easily absorbed by the skin. Whether used on its own or in lip products, it adds an instant softness to your lips.

3. Beeswax

Widely used in lip balms, beeswax creates a protective barrier over your lips to seal in moisture while also shielding them from environmental damage, like wind and cold weather.

4. Hyaluronic Acid

Although commonly associated with skincare, hyaluronic acid works wonders for lips too! It draws moisture into the skin, plumping and hydrating your lips to keep them soft and supple.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an excellent natural remedy for soothing and healing damaged lips. Red, cracked, or sunburned lips? Aloe vera can help repair the skin while providing a hit of hydration.

6. Vitamin E

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, vitamin E not only hydrates but also helps soothe and repair dry or sun-damaged lips.

7. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a lightweight oil that mimics your skin’s natural sebum. It’s a superstar for keeping lips moisturized while being gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Ingredients to Avoid in Lip Care Products

Just as there are ultra-nourishing ingredients for your lips, there are others that can harm this sensitive area. Watch out for these common offenders in lip products:

1. Menthol and Camphor

While they provide a cooling or tingling sensation, menthol and camphor are drying agents that can leave your lips feeling worse over time. These ingredients often exacerbate chapping, creating a cycle where you feel the need to reapply lip balm constantly.

2. Artificial Fragrances and Flavors

Synthetic fragrances and flavorings can be irritating to sensitive lip skin. They may cause redness, peeling, or even allergic reactions for some individuals.

3. Parabens

Widely used as preservatives, parabens are synthetic chemicals that can disrupt hormones and pose potential health risks. It’s best to stick to paraben-free lip products.

4. Alcohol (Denatured or SD Alcohol)

While some alcohols are beneficial (e.g., fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol), others like denatured or SD alcohol can strip your lips of natural oils, leaving them dry and cracked.

5. Petroleum Jelly

Although petroleum jelly creates a barrier to prevent moisture loss, it doesn’t actively hydrate or nourish the skin. Plus, improperly refined petroleum products may contain harmful impurities. Opt for plant-based alternatives instead.

6. Salicylic Acid

Often found in lip products for its exfoliating properties, salicylic acid can irritate your lips and actually lead to more dryness in the long run.

Caring for Your Lips, Start to Finish

Taking care of your lips doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right ingredients and a simple routine, you can enjoy healthy, hydrated, and nourished lips all year long. Be mindful of what’s in your lip care products and always prioritize natural, nourishing ingredients that truly benefit your skin.