If you suffer from dry, chapped, or sensitive lips, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. Harsh ingredients in many mainstream lip balms can further irritate tender lips instead of soothing them. That’s why making the switch to organic, natural lip balms is an excellent solution for sensitive skin.
What Makes Lips Sensitive?
The skin on our lips is much thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of our face and body. Lips also lack oil glands, so they are prone to dryness and chapping, especially in dry, cold, or windy conditions. Many people are also sensitive to or allergic to common lip balm ingredients like fragrances, dyes, parabens, and petroleum-based products.
Factors that can cause or worsen lip sensitivity include:
- Cold, dry air
- Wind and sun exposure
- Frequent licking of lips
- Medication side effects
- Skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Allergic reactions
The Problem with Mainstream Lip Balms
Scan the ingredient list of your standard drugstore lip balm, and you’ll likely find a complicated mix of chemical compounds. Petroleum-based waxes, alcohols, fragrances, dyes, and preservatives can all potentially irritate sensitive lips.
Some common lip balm ingredients that may cause issues for those with sensitivities include:
- Petrolatum/Mineral Oil – These petroleum by-products can be contaminated with carcinogenic impurities and may cause contact dermatitis.
- Phenol compounds – Used as antiseptics and preservatives, these can be skin irritants.
- Fragrances/Dyes – Artificial colors and scents are common skin allergens and irritants.
- Camphor/Menthol – Often added to create a cooling sensation, these ingredients can dry out lips.
- Alcohol – Drying alcohols like isopropyl and ethanol can strip lips of moisture.
- Parabens – These synthetic preservatives are known skin irritants and have been linked to hormonal disruption.
The Benefits of Organic Lip Balms
In contrast, high-quality organic lip balm contains only pure, natural, and ethically sourced plant-based ingredients. These formulas are gentle, nourishing, and ideal for sensitive lips. Here are some of the key benefits of organic lip balms:
Non-Irritating and Non-Allergenic Because organic lip balms are made without synthetic additives, fragrances, dyes, or preservatives, there’s less risk of allergic reactions or sensitivities. The simple, clean formulas are suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Deeply Hydrating and Nourishing Organic lip balms are packed with emollient plant oils and butters that seal in moisture while providing deep nourishment. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E replenish dry, chapped, and cracked lips.
Free of Toxins and Safe Unlike many mainstream products that may contain potentially toxic substances, certified organic lip balms meet strict standards and are made without parabens, phthalates, petroleum, or other questionable ingredients.
Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory Many of the plant extracts, oils, and butters used in organic formulations have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritation and sensitivity.
Environmentally Friendly and Ethical Organic lip balms are made from sustainable plant sources using ethical practices. They’re biodegradable, cruelty-free, and have a lower carbon footprint.
Top Organic Lip Balm Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at some of the star ingredients you’ll find in high-quality organic lip balm formulas:
- Shea Butter: This creamy African plant butter is packed with vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids that provide intense moisture while reducing inflammation. It creates a breathable barrier on the skin to seal in hydration.
- Cocoa Butter: With a rich, melting texture, cocoa butter is an excellent emollient that smooths roughness, locks in moisture, and relieves dry, cracked lips. It also contains protective antioxidants.
- Coconut Oil: A light, non-greasy oil that penetrates quickly to replenish lost moisture and protect the delicate lip area with antimicrobial fatty acids. It has a natural SPF of around 7 as well.
- Jojoba Oil: Though technically a wax, jojoba oil is similar in structure to the skin’s natural oils, so it absorbs easily and forms a barrier to prevent moisture loss. It contains nourishing vitamin E as well.
- Beeswax: This natural wax creates a protective barrier on skin while still allowing it to breathe and perspire. It locks in moisture and is rich in vitamin A.
- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that helps repair damaged skin cells, vitamin E assists in healing cracked lips while providing protection against environmental stressors.
How to Use Organic Lip Balms
While applying lip balm may seem straightforward, there are a couple tips to ensure you get the maximum hydrating benefits from your organic formula.
First, remember to exfoliate periodically with a clean, soft toothbrush or damp washcloth to remove any dry, flaky skin. This allows your lip balm to fully absorb into fresh, healthy skin.
Next, apply a thick, nourishing lip balm as the final step in your skincare routine. Take time to thoroughly coat and massage the balm over your entire lip area. For very dry, cracked lips, you can also seal in the balm by applying a thin layer of natural oil like coconut or jojoba on top.
If your lips become painfully dry, chapped, or cracked, take a break from lip products for up to 24 hours, use an gentle exfoliating lip scrub, and then apply a thick layer of balm once or twice per day. Let it fully absorb before reapplying.
Choosing the Right Organic Lip Balm
With the vast array of organic lip balm options available, it can be a bit overwhelming to find the ideal formula. Here are some tips to consider:
- Look for a short, simple ingredient list of plant oils, butter, and waxes without any synthetic additives.
- Choose balms with minimal or natural flavors/scents if you have any sensitivities or allergies.
- Try tinted balms for a natural-looking pop of color without irritating dyes.
- Consider formulas with additional healing ingredients like honey, aloe vera, or calendula.
- When selecting a brand, look for USDA organic certification and transparent sourcing.
Some top-rated organic and all-natural lip balm brands recommended for sensitive skin include Burt’s Bees, Dr. Bronner’s, Sky Organics, Badger, Juice Beauty, Well People, and Kosås.
Conclusion
If you suffer from dry, irritated, chapped, or sensitive lips, ditching the drugstore balms for an organic, all-natural formula could be the solution your lips need. With simple, clean, and nourishing ingredients, organic lip balms restore moisture while protecting delicate lip skin. Most importantly, they’re free of the synthetic additives and harsh chemicals found in mainstream lip care products that can potentially cause allergic reactions, inflammation, and further irritation.