Is Lip Gloss Good for Your Lips? Will Regular Use Harm Your Lips?

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Why do we apply lip gloss?

In most cases, it is to give our lips some pop and color. Unfortunately, sometimes doing this can make our lips less healthy and plump. Some glosses contain ingredients that actually dry the lips out. 

Lip gloss is about the appearance of shiny lips and beauty. Lips are more supple with gloss due to the thicker texture and shimmer. A quick smear of your favorite gloss can have you set for the day.

But is lip gloss good for your lips? Many of them are petroleum-derived, so….

Keep reading to find out!


Contents

Is Lip Gloss Good For your Lips? Does It Contain Harsh Chemicals?

Petroleum-based chemicals are present in lip glosses, although they may not all be safe. The chemicals present in lip gloss are absorbed through the lips and the mouth.

That’s right, each time you lick your lips, you ingest a small number of toxins. 

Since the lips have a thin layer of skin covering them, they easily absorb products, including any nasty ingredients like lead that are present.

Did you know there are no hairs or sweat glands on the lips? This means they lack the defense that the other parts of the skin have.

Nevertheless, lip gloss is widely used around the world.  

Lipstick is the most popular beauty product used by women worldwide throughout history. Now how many women actually know what ingredients are in lip gloss? Are they worth wearing if they are actually doing you harm? Check out the ingredient list next time you apply your gloss. You just might be surprised by what it contains.

Did you know there are no hairs or sweat glands on the lips? This means they lack the defense that the other parts of the skin have.


What Is Best to Avoid When It Comes to Lip Gloss?

Avoid Glosses With Camphor or Alcohol

Benzene, camphor, menthol, and alcohol should be avoided when buying lip glosses.

These products feel cool to the skin. However, these ingredients can also irritate lips. Occasionally, the outer layer of skin is removed, leaving your lips vulnerable and unprotected.

Do Not Use Fragrances or Parabens

Lip balm and lip gloss is best when it’s simple.

Lip glosses are often flavored with fragrances to improve their taste and smell. Unfortunately, fragrances can sometimes cause irritation. In addition, it is common to use cinnamates that block the sun’s rays.

You will likely find those ingredients in the lip gloss offer sun protection. Steer clear of these as much as possible.

Avoid Petroleum

Something very close to gasoline should not be put on your lips!

Auto shops use petroleum but refined down is great for beauty products. However, the refining process allows harsh and toxic ingredients to get into the product. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are one of them which is linked to breast cancer. So always avoid lip gloss containing petroleum.


Product Type and Ingredients

It is said that some lip glosses actually dehydrate the lips. Many lip glosses, especially the lower-end types, have ingredients that dry the skin out — particularly if you go overboard with gloss!

Such ingredients are used due to their affordability and will likely lead to repeated use. Many people need their lips hydrated constantly. If they are dehydrating, you will keep applying more.

The lips are somewhat defenseless, so certain ingredients may trigger more intense reactions. This is especially true for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

Since chapped lips are common, many people are unaware of their allergies.

As a result, the product actually drying out their lips is applied more. This is commonly experienced with lip balms, as they sometimes can actually make the lips burn, even though the intention is for the opposite to happen.

The ingredients for many lip glosses and balms are not suitable for everyone. In some people, it can result in dermatitis. If you notice a reaction when using gloss, stop right away. 

If you still wish to wear lip gloss, aim for a high-quality type. These have more products that encourage hydration. Look for ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and cocoa butter.

These ingredients are safe for lips and very hydrating. In addition, they provide intense moisture to lips and act as a protective barrier. 

Burt’s Bees is always a reliable brand for these circumstances.

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Protection is essential when your lips are exposed to the sun, wind, and cold weather.


Is It Harmful to Apply Lip Gloss?

You can use lip gloss in small amounts without harming yourself. However, switch to a natural product if you wear lip gloss every day and regularly re-apply it.

There are plenty to choose from. All you need to do is search for the one that suits you, and again, stick to natural choices..

The good news is that if you choose the right product, your lips will be rehydrated.


Healthy Lip Gloss With Organic Ingredients

We like to add a little gloss to our appearance for a night out! Regular glosses, however, may be harmful. Many contain toxic chemicals or ingredients that are potentially harmful.

In place of this, we can choose organic lip gloss that is both healthy and vibrant. 

Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy - Clear - Hydrating and Moisturizing, Vitamin E and Shea Butter With 100% Organic Coconut Oil, Non GMO, Vegan Sulfate Free 0.35 Oz
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Product Usage Rate

Lip gloss moisturizes and beautifies the lips. However, dry lips are sometimes the result of overusing the product. This occurs because people habitually lick their lips, then re-apply it.

With a good lip gloss, a dry lip problem is no longer caused by the frequency of use.

Finally, it appears that some lip glosses may exacerbate dry lip problems. The good news is that if you choose the right product, your lips will be hydrated without constantly being exposed to petroleum.


Conclusion

If you love wearing lip gloss, you don’t need to give it up altogether. The good news is you can still wear gloss daily for that confidence boost.

But you should choose a natural gloss. Take the time to read the ingredients to avoid the ones containing all the nasties!

Glosses made with natural ingredients are better for your health and your lips. Are you worried the naturals won’t look as good? Don’t worry. No one will be able to tell the difference.

Many natural glosses pack the plumpness, the color, and the shine.

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).