Conditioning Lip Oil Balm -15ml, 9$
Saltair’s Lip Oil Balm under the spotlight
Lip oils have become the latest craze in the world of lipcare, promising to provide seamless hydration and conditioning for your lips. However, not all lip oils are created equal, and some may contain controversial ingredients that could potentially harm your lips. Some lip oils may contain synthetic oils that can actually strip your lips of their natural oils, leaving them even drier than before. Additionally, some lip oils may contain preservatives and other additives that can be harmful to your lips in the long run. It’s important to read the ingredients list carefully and choose a lip oil that is free from any potentially harmful ingredients.
The Benefits of Lip Oils
One of the biggest benefits of using lip oils is their ability to lock in moisture and prevent dehydration. The natural oils in lip oils are rich in essential fatty acids that help repair the skin barrier, keeping your lips soft and supple. And even more, they are lightweight and non-greasy, making them perfect for everyday use. In addition to their moisturizing properties, lip oils also offer a range of cosmetic benefits. Their glossy finish gives your lips a natural plumpness and enhances their overall appearance. You can even find tinted lip oils that provide a subtle hint of color while conditioning your lips. They could in fact act as skincare for our lips (if the formulation is adequate) while adding the benefits of a nice shine and color.
What could be difference between Lip Oil and Lip Gloss ?
Lip Gloss is thicker in consistency and often has a higher concentration of color pigment. Lip oil is usually much thinner in consistency and offers hydrating benefits without a sticky or goopy texture. Some Lip Oils are totally transparent toppers that look glassy on bare lips, others come in a range of color options with a high shine effect. The result is plumped, hydrated lips and a a subtle sparkling effect. Let’s now have a closer look at the ingredient list.
In this article, as usual, we’ve selected a random product, Saltair’s Conditioning Lip Oil Balm.
Saltair is highlighting that its products are « formulated with active skincare ingredients, nourishing oils and exotic botanicals » ; how does this commitment look like in their products ? We will be having a closer look at the entire ingredient list – just to make it clearer what’s behind the scenes. Moreover, we will also reveal some smart tips to help you select Lip Oil products that are free of any controversial ingredients.
Let’s dive in !
Let’s take a look at Saltair’s brand philosophy in general
« Created to deliver efficacious results, Saltair products are formulated with active skincare ingredients, nourishing oils and exotic botanicals that treat the skin and awaken the senses. Advanced skincare ingredients like niacinamide, glycolic acid, retinoids, and antioxidants are combined with exotic ingredients and evocative fragrances to create compelling and sensorial products that truly work. (….) SUSTAINABLE : From our responsible packaging to our plastic pledge to our eco-partnerships, we’re deeply committed to protecting the planet (and are always looking for ways to improve). TRANSPARENT : You deserve to know what you’re putting on your body. That’s why we openly list every ingredient in our formulas, share its purpose, and let you know why we chose to use it. »
What is Saltair’s definition of « sustainable» and « transparent» ?
Let’s have a look at Saltair’s Conditionning Lip Oil Balm – what about the overall formulation of their product?
First of all, here are the product benefits, – as presented on Saltair’s website *:
« Our conditioning lip oil features a slippy, cushiony balm feel. Formulated with coconut oil, murumuru, shea butter and plant-derived esters, this oil balm nourishes and hydrates dry lips with a subtle sheen. CRUELTY FREE | VEGAN | PARABEN FREE | GLUTEN FREE -Formulated with coconut oil, murumuru, shea butter and plant-derived esters, this oil balm nourishes and hydrates dry lips with a subtle sheen. With coconut vanilla flavor. »
Let’s take the time to check the composition of the product by taking a closer look at Saltair’s Conditioning Lip Oil Balm INCI (ingredients) list
Ingredients/ INCI*:
Full Ingredient List: Petrolatum, Diisostearyl Malate, Polybutene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline Wax, Flavor, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Synthetic Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Mica, Siraitia Grosvenorii Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, BHT, Citric Acid. [+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), Red 33 Lake (CI 17200), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)].
*Ingredient’s list analyzed with the website’s INCI Search tool
Ingredient analysis
As always, it is the first 5-10 ingredients that make up the majority of the product’s overall « profile ». And this profile includes already right at the beginning a large number of controversial and questionnable ingredients, an entire list mineral-oil derived ingredients (Petrolatum, etc).
A list of controversial substances have slipped into the formula of Saltair’s Conditioning Lip Oil Balm
- BHT, preservative (suspected endocrine disruptor)
- Petrolatum, mineral oil, potentially occlusive and environmental concern (pollutant)
- Polybutene: mineral oil, potentially occlusive and environmental concern (pollutant)
- Polyisobutene, a synthetic preservative or hair conditioner (antistatic), part of synthetic « quats » category, substances that are not very biodegradable/polluting and slightly irritating.
- Microcrystalline Wax, mineral oil, potentially occlusive and environmental concern (pollutant)
- Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), mineral oil, potentially occlusive and environmental concern (pollutant)
- Disteardimonium Hectorite, emulsion stabiliser, part of synthetic quats category, substances that are not very biodegradable/polluting and slightly irritating.
- Synthetic Wax, mineral oil, potentially occlusive and environmental concern (pollutant)
- Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), pigment, not suitable in this kind of product, as ingredients on the lips are always partially ingested
- CI15850 and CI17200, these are azo dyes (synthetic pigments). Some studies have linked certain azo dyes to health issues such as skin irritation, allergies. And some azo dyes have even been found to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic to humans and the environment
Conclusion for the analysis of Saltair’s Conditioning Lip Oil Balm
A formulation that is far, far from the claim of «sustainable » « nourishing oils and exotic botanicals» …. The product’s formula is mainly built on a large number of controversial and polluting ingredients, problematic for the environment (mineral oils, quats) and potentially harmful and toxic substances (suspected endocrine disruptors like BHT, azo dyes, etc). Just as an exemple, none of the substances mentioned above would be allowed by any of the serious labels/certifications for organic cosmetics in Europe : Cosmos, Nature, BdiH, Ecocert, Soil Association, Aiab, etc…
Beyond Saltair ….
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Lip Oil Products* for Gorgeous Lips
*without any Controversial Ingredients
1. Educate Yourself on Controversial Ingredients
Start your journey by getting informed about controversial ingredients commonly found in beauty products. You can use the website’s free INCI research tool and dive deeper into the subject with the different articles on the website.
1. Educate Yourself on Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are harmful chemicals present in various beauty products. These chemicals can interfere with your hormonal balance and potentially lead to serious health issues. It is never enough to choose lipsticks labeled as « paraben-free » as the products can still contain other endocrine disruptors or harmful ingredients. Certified organic cosmetics however, provide more guarantees, endocrine disruptors are simply not allowed in the formulation process by the different labels. If the product is not certified, make sure to check the ingredient list.
4. Avoid Silicones and mineral-oil derived ingredients (Petrolatum, etc)
Silicones are commonly used in beauty products to create a smooth texture and long-lasting effects. However, they represent a huge toll on the environment, as they are not biodegradable. When selecting a lip oil product, it’s essential to look for ones that contain natural oils. Natural oils, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, sesame oil, or argan oil, for instance, are known for their hydrating and nourishing properties. These oils help to lock in moisture and keep your lips looking healthy and plump. Be sure to avoid products that contain synthetic ingredients like mineral oils and silicones, as they can also have a drying effect on the lips. Again, silicones and mineral oil derived ingredients are not allowed in certified organic cosmetics.
2. Stay Away from PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl Substances)
PFAS (also known as « Forever Chemicals ») are a group of chemicals used in many industries, including cosmetics. They have been linked to adverse health effects and are extremely persistent in the environment. This is a tremendous environmental concern, which of course concerns many other industries. Check the ingredient list for PFAS-related compounds like PTFE or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and educate yourself on the subject as well.
5. Be Mindful of certain synthetic Preservatives
Preservatives are essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and extend the shelf life of cosmetics. However, some synthetic preservatives, such as formaldehyde releasers or phenoxyethanol have been linked to skin irritations and allergies and other more serious health concerns. Others fall into the category of endocrine disruptors (some parabens, triclosan, BHT etc).
2. Embrace Organic (certified!) Cosmetics
Organic cosmetics have gained immense popularity in recent years for their commitment to using natural and pure ingredients. Choose « certified organic »- products – and brands which have certification seals from respected organic regulatory bodies. These products are formulated without controversial ingredients and provide a gentle yet efficient alternative for keeping your hair healthy and lustrous.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can effectively avoid, controversial ingredients like endocrine disruptors, PFAS, pollutants, silicones, and other questionable preservatives commonly found in make up and beauty products in general. Your lips, skin and hair deserve the very best care, free from any controversial ingredients that could compromise its health and radiance. By opting for certified organic cosmetics and checking your product’s ingredient list, you’re already on the right path.
In conclusion, when choosing a lip oil product, it’s important to opt for one that is made with natural oils and free from any controversial ingredients. Look for lip oils that are specifically formulated for moisturizing purposes, rather than ones that contain potentially harmful ingredients, likes mineral oils or silicones. If the product is not certified, make sure to check the ingredient list. Your lips will thank you!