What to Watch Out for in Lipsticks?

Small things come in small packages, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that lipsticks are the same. From makeup lovers to minimal makeup-wearers, a few lipsticks must be kicking around somewhere in every woman’s vanity. You’re sure to find this tiny but mighty power in their bags. The simple swipe of classic lipstick is so transformative and shouldn’t be underestimated. A well-matched lipstick can turn your whole look and take you throughout the day effortlessly.

Have you ever considered what ingredients go into the making of such beautiful lipstick shades? To your information, a heavy amount of chemicals and metals are used in them, which you simply shouldn’t put on your skin. Well, ahead, we’re sharing some of the common but harmful ingredients still found in the lipsticks that we’d recommend you avoid!

Parabens

This ingredient should be at the top of every brand’s “never to add” list. However, they are used widely in cosmetics and are known to have weak estrogenic activity and disrupting hormones. In some ways on ingredient labels, they are listed as Butylparaben, Methylparaben, propylparaben and Isobutylparaben.

Mineral Oil/ Petroleum

You’ll find mineral oil/petroleum in many cosmetics, including moisturizers, cleansers and other makeup items like foundation. It is used to create a moisture barrier on your lips, making the colour last longer. Besides, it has also been linked to causing breakouts in the skin. However, there are many levels of petroleum used and levels of cosmetic grade. It should be swapped with other natural alternatives such as extracts and essentials oils.

Artificial Fragrances and Colours

There’s nothing natural about these fragrances and colours lipsticks come with. All those beautiful and bright hues are often laden with heavy metals, whizzed up in a chemistry lab. They are made from petroleum and coal tar, which often contain a significant amount of toxins. For scent, it’s tricky as brands are not obliged to declare what’s in their fragrance blend. This way, they protect their signature scent from being copied by other blends, meaning we may always remain in the dark about the chemicals and artificial scents used in the product.

Carmine 

That one shade we love to wear again and again and will continue to do because it is just that freaking good, it’s bright red classic lip. The main ingredient used in achieving this most loved bright colour is carmine. It is a red pigment which contains aluminum salt of carminic acid extracted from the red cochineal beetle. However, many brands have moved on and are now formulating red lipsticks without the use of carmine.

Well, it’s not all doom and gloom. Luckily, the world of natural organic beauty has been working round the clock to find alternative ingredients that work the same but are much safer and just as beautiful.