- By Bornika Das
- Tue, 18 Mar 2025 06:42 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Be it summer or winter, lip balms are essential any time of the year, especially when people are complaining about dry and chapped lips. This lip care product is present in everyone’s vanity and for all the right reasons. This topical product helps moisturise and protect the lips from dryness. They are known to cause no harm and are safe to use, apart from providing hydration and nourishment to the lips. However, often times you may have witnessed that your lip balm is making your lips dry and chapped rather than curing it. This is because the presence of some ingredients like menthol, camphor, and others can make the lips dry.
The skin of the lips is thin and lacks specific moisture-locking characteristics that the other areas of the skin have, such as hair follicles, oil glands and a thick layer of dead skin cells. These make the lips so soft and sensitive. Environmental stressors like ultraviolet light, air pollutants, cold or hot temperatures and certain foods and drinks can cause irritation and dryness in the lips. Licking your lips when they’re dry can worsen the problem as the digestive enzymes in saliva can cause irritation. In such situations, lip balms come to the rescue. But what if your lip balms are making your lips much more dry? Look for these five ingredients in lip balms that cause dryness and chapped lips.
Common Ingredients In Lip Balms That Cause Dry Lips
Petroleum Jelly (Mineral Oil)
It is widely known that petroleum jelly cures dry lips. It is a common ingredient that is found in lip balms. Little do people know that petroleum jelly doesn’t hydrate the skin of your lips. It creates a barrier on the lips, trapping moisture beneath it and leading to dry lips once the product wears off. Look for balms that contain natural oil like shea butter or coconut oil that helps moisturise your lips.
Camphor And Menthol
Most people love mint lip balms, but unfortunately, the cooling sensation in these balms comes from menthol and camphor which increases the dryness and irritation in the lips. Opt for balms that have soothing, moisturising properties like aloe vera or beeswax.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid which is an active ingredient in skincare is often present in lip balms. Although exfoliation of good for the skin, too much salicylic acid can cause the lips more sensitive and prone to dryness and peeling. Hydrating and gentle exfoliating ingredients like sugar in lip balms can help nourish your lips.
Presence Of Certain Lip Balm's Ingredients Make Lips Dry (Image Credits: Canva)
Fragrances And Flavours
Most people love lip balms that have tints in them as well as smell great. They seem to look quite appealing owing to their sweet smell and flavour. However, these artificial fragrances and flavours can strip the lips of their natural moisture, causing sensitivity and allergic reactions. Look for lip balms that are fragrance-free and made with natural ingredients.
Alcohol-Based Ingredients
Most lip balms use alcohol-based ingredients like isopropyl alcohol and ethanol to preserve the product. They strip the skin of moisture, making the lips feel drier than before applying. Instead opt for alcohol-free lip balms and go for options like jojoba oil, honey and butter to keep lips soft and hydrated.