What is panthenol, and why is it a common ingredient in many personal care products? Best Healing Ointment: Avne Cicalfate Restorative Lip Cream, $18. Humectants are ingredients found in lotions and cleansers that hydrate the skin by attracting water molecules like a magnet. This balm is so good, it won as the best lip treatment in our 2020 Healthy Beauty Awards. This is a molecule found naturally in the body, although the body makes less of it as you age. The unique formula relieves and soothes chapped, cracked lips and provides effective, long-lasting moisture, so lips look and feel healthier . A good approach is to change balms if you feel like you're constantly having to apply the one you're already using or feel a tingling sensation when you apply. What Is Allantoin and Its Role In Your Skin Care? "I tried all types of lip balms and lip masksbut nothing really worked. It's got the occlusive shea butter to seal in all the moisture it delivers via avocado oil, which is a bit of a powerhouse, delivering both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E to chapped, dry lips (and skin, if you want to double-dip). More specifically, your lips are made of two types of skin: the vermillion, which is red and partially covered with saliva, and the cutaneous component which has vellus hairs and soft, delicate skin, explains Snehal Amin, M.D., F.A.C.M.S., F.A.A.D., co-founder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology. A lot of winter factors contribute to dryness on your lips, but lip skin is already sensitive and prone to dryness. Despite the hydrating promise of lip balms, what you see isn't always what you get. In this post, well answer these questions and more so youll know the difference between humectant, emollient, and occlusive moisturizers. Because it stops water from being evaporated and helps . The former one is common for oils and waxes and it means that it sits on top of the skin hindering water to . The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis (top layer of skin), is the primary barrier of the skin and is very important in maintaining water balance. Think about it this way: Applying a poor lip balm is like drinking soda to quench your thirst. In addition to these moisturizing ingredients, this formula uses Encapsulated Retinol Technology to deliver a higher concentration of retinol to your skin overnight. . Examples of products that can contain humectants include: Many ingredients act as humectants, including: All humectants have slightly different properties. Print. What Are Parabens And Are They Bad For You? Thanks to winter weather triggers like dipping temps outside and dry heat inside, chapped lips are more or less inevitable this time of year. Her work has appeared in Allure, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Shape, among other publications. Here, experts share their best advice for dealing with chapped lips plus tips, tricks, and ways to keep your lips from getting super-dry, cracked, and, you know, nasty. Shop. Although there are various examples of humectants, some are more commonly used. If you're using a product and you feel like it's not getting better, you should generally consider switching to something more bland." Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Chapsticks tinted lip moisturizer is a total winner for those looking to amp up hydration without the fuss of an extra lip color. No one likes dry skin and hair. Dr. Waldorf says its especially great for chapped edges on the nose when youve been sneezing or blowing into tissues frequently. However, when occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, waxes, oils and silicones are paired with humectant ingredients, they make sure your lips aren't drying out after application. They may also help with the treatment of . That doesnt mean you should avoid humectants in your lip balmsjust look for those ingredients alongside the occlusive agents. These are the ingredients that help the formula feel great upon application and help the skin feel comforted. Another key ingredient here is Mongongo oil, a hydrating ingredient commonly found in products for very, very thirsty hair. It also outlines the difference between a humectant and an emollient and an occlusive. There are also things you should avoid doing to your lips when they're already chapped, including one that might seem counterintuitive: licking your lips to wet them. Sometimes ingredients can clog pores, which may not be the best choice if you have acne-prone skin. I really prefer unscented so this product-line is ideal for me. Ingredients and supplies. The formula is lightweight and non-greasy, and it has SPF 30meaning your lips will be covered from drying elements and the sun! Most folks I knowmyself includedhave several stashed away in various purses, gym bags, bathroom drawers, and littered sporadically around the house. All rights reserved. For example, AHAs are also exfoliants. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. References: Harwood A Moisturizers Jan 2019, VeryWellHealth.com Humectants in Moisturizers, LabMuffin.com Skincare Chemistry: How to Pick Out Humectants Jan 2019, DermatologyTimes.com What is an emollient Jan 2015, library.essentialwholesale.com Occlusive, Emollient & Humectant Terms To Know June 2017, PaulasChoice.com Silicone in Skincare. "The main ingredient is ceramides, which help retain moisture and optimize barrier function. They increase skin: Occlusives are mostly oil-based. Without occlusives, the moisture that the humectants pull out simply vanishes on the surface of the skin, leaving lips drier than they were in the first place. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. But if you find yourself slathering a bit too often, we have some bad news: Your precious lip balm may be causing more harm than good. What gives? Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid are naturally derived acids from fruit and milk sugars. In contrast, someone with dry skin or hair could benefit from products that contain humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Check out the ingredients of your lip balm. Last medically reviewed on March 30, 2022. ChapStick Classic Lip Balm. Our fashion, beauty and lifestyle coverage is equal parts informative and inspiring, and at once aspirational yet attainable. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences: The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review., Michigan State University: Cosmetics Exploring humectants., The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology: Moisturizers for Acne.. It's also fragrance-free, which is a major plus for sensitive-lipped folks out there, a fact that reviewers can't help but point out. Lip balm; Eye cream; . What causes them, and what you can do about them. Try applying humectant-rich, water-based toners, essences, and serums and then sealing them in a few drops of facial oil. But when the water content in the top layer of skin called the stratum corneum falls below 10%, these dead cells build up and lead to dry, rough-textured skin.. Aquaphor is a go-to for a reason. . If you find your lip color never glides on smoothly, apply this balm 10 to 15 minutes beforehand to ensure a smooth and even application. They come in three main forms: natural or unchanged, naturally derived, and synthetic. What gives? . If your lip balm contains both humectants and occlusives, and you're still experiencing perpetual dryness, you may need to look more closely at the ingredient list. Formulyst Super Hyaluronic Water Moisturizer Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizing all-star, so it makes sense that it's featured front and center in this cult-favorite lip balm which also features vitamin E. In combination, these two ingredients attract much-needed moisture and lock it in without feeling goopy or sticky on your lips. Unfortunately, some skin care brands may use high concentrations of humectants in their products that are claimed to provide anti-aging effects without any other ingredients to correct signs of aging. Shutterstock. Your specific preferences, skin needs, and use case will likely influence which ingredients you'll look for. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? What does humectant do for your skin? Its comes out solid from the tube, but immediately melts into the skin once it hits your lips. Some emollients may contain . Aquaphor Lip Repair. Without occlusives, the moisture will evaporate and your skin will be left drier than it was before. occlusive. Finally, a quick tip that both derms suggest is seeking out hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products, which will keep a number of those potentially irritating ingredients off your lips. Choose A Lip Balm With Humectants & Occlusives. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The color is beautiful and lasts for hours, and it is truly moisturizing. Choose the untinted version for a classic balm or one of the three natural shades for a nice pop of colorall of them contain jojoba and cocoa seed butter for lasting hydration. "Also, since lips do not contain melanocytes and are very sensitive to the sun, you should make sure to apply at least an SPF 30 year-round.". In this way, aloe vera can act as a humectant and an emollient.. In skin care, they draw water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layer. Humectants also promote the shedding of dead cells (called desquamation) by breaking down the proteins that hold the cells together. Made with Lanolina deeply moisturizing oil naturally occurring in sheep's woolit mimics the skin's own oils to heal and hydrate. Whether or not you should use an emollient moisturizer largely depends on what emollient ingredient is used in the product. Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. To get to the bottom of what makes a good lip product, Dr. Chang broke it down in an easy manner. Below are the products we recommend that effectively combine these three ingredient types in their formulas. "When you pair the function of a humectant with the moisture-preserving properties of petrolatum, you are left with a highly effective combination of ingredients that both optimizes water content and locks it in where it's needed. The humectant sodium hyaluronate is combined with occlusives like cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone to ensure that moisture is absorbed and locked in. Exfoliating ingredients (like salicylic acid or physical granules in scrubs) should also be avoided if your lips are chapped, since it wont fix the underlying problem and can make your lips feel raw. This is good stuff. Other occlusive ingredients include shea and cocoa seed butter. If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. Here, the best chapped lip treatments to get you through the winter and beyond. Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. lip balm. To be safe, Dr. Nussbaum recommends avoiding parabens, phenol, phthalates, fragrances, and lanolin altogether if you have sensitive skin. Whats more, Aquaphor is free of fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, so its a great option if you have sensitive lips. From innovative plumping technology to just-launched makeup items galore, there are many products to sift through in the hunt for healthy, hydrated lips. They're commonly used for a few reasons: They're inexpensive, lend products a smooth sensorial experience, and are molecularly large so they sit on the skin, acting as an occlusive. Amazon. Thats why chapstick is so important, and the best lip balms will help keep your pout hydrated no matter the weather. Credit: Aquaphor. We always keep lip balm on handhow are you supposed to wear lipstick 24/7 otherwise?and wearing it at all times becomes nonnegotiable once the cold front rolls in. "Emollients have a tendency to spread on the skin and increase the rate of skin barrier restoration," says Dr. Schmid. Here, 10 uses for beeswax. bath oils. (which pull water into the skin like a sponge) are also helpful. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. (BTW, yes, you should still wear SPF every day, even if you're staying inside. The humectant, emollient, and occlusive properties of coconut oil and beeswax combined, make this lip balm a must-have. dimethicone. "The Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask is my absolute favorite addition to a good daily lip balm regimen for those with dry, chapped lips," shares Dr. Maiman. Vaseline is a great choice if your lips are sensitive, irritated, or if you suffer from allergies. This Treewear Beeswax Balm helps to keep moisture in the skin while still allowing it to breathe. It's not the most exciting option as far as best lip balms for chapped lips, but it does exactly what a lip balm product should do. Beeswax is an effective Occlusive that comes from bee honeycomb and is often used in lip balms and creams that require a thicker consistency to keep them from separating. Lip Liner. It facilitates healing and provides lasting protection for chapped lips, locking in moisture and reducing . It seals lips well overnight, she says. Why Trust Us? Below are the products we recommend that effectively combine these three ingredient types in their formulas. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. "They also have an overall decreased water content, which makes them more susceptible to becoming dry and rough." lip balms; frizz serums; foot balms; Types and How They Work. In her current role, she covers all the latest trends in the clean and natural beauty space, as well as lifestyle topics, such as travel. Dr. Amin says he uses this lip balm after FixMySkins heavy-hitting chapstick. Good ol Vaseline is a dermatologist favorite due to its simple formula of 100% petroleum jelly. Nearly everyone can benefit from an emollient product. Vaseline is an occlusive emollient thanks to its main ingredient . Occlusives are particularly useful for dry skin and hair. broad spectrum SPF 30 lip balm immediately relieves dryness and helps protect your lips against UVA and UVB rays. Some humectants, such as glycerine or hyaluronic acid, pull moisture out of the lips leaving the skin dehydrated and sore. I'm absolutely obsessed with our new formula and have no less than five tubes in my arsenal at any given moment. Alisa Hrustic is the deputy editor at Prevention, where she leads the brands digital editorial strategy. Lip balms made with white petrolatum, lanolin, shea butter, beeswax and ceramides help lock in moisture. These ingredients will provide some occlusive properties, but their main functions are to restore and soften the skin. (Rather unfortunate for s selfies.) This clear, nonsticky balm has sea moss to hydrate, as well as aloe stem cells to . Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Learn more here. Ciat Fruit Burst Hydrating Lip Oil. Its a common misconception that silicones can cause or worsen acne. FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive: LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT: CETEARYL OLIVATE Data . It slows the evaporation of water from the skin and helps protect against microbes. Is jojoba oil humectant or emollient? 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Arch Physiother Glob Res. This is a great everyday repair balm, says board-certified dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., director of ethnic skin care for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. Extremely dry or irritated skin types need an occlusive moisturizer - especially at night and in the winter months. Aquaphor isn't just an ointment or a lip balm. Beeswax prevents moisture loss, while SPF 15 protects your lips from the sun. And while that's taking occlusive ingredients to their most extreme, it's actually good practice to use somewhat occlusive formulas in your day-to-day life. Natural emollient ingredients include: Shea butter; Mango butter; Cocoa butter; Coconut oil; Raspberry seed oil; Humectant ingredients attract and hold . As tempting as it may be, the last thing you want to do is lick or wet your lips to try and find relief, explains Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics and associate clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai University. Below is some of the research on common humectants. Based on the ingredients they include, moisturizers can be broken down into three main categories: humectant, emollient, and occlusive. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Organic skin care refers to products that contain organically-farmed ingredients. Learn about skin types and how to identify them here. It found that leave-on products containing lipophilic humectants decreased skin dryness and itching. LIP BALM 3 PACK - You get 3 classic CocoMe lip balm tubes. Here, find the best lip moisturizers that actually work. This vegan balm features ceramides and hyaluronic acid, glycerin (a powerful occlusive ingredient), and squalane, a lesser-known, but hard-working moisturizer. Humectant emollients contain ingredients such as urea, glycerol, propylene glycol or lactic acid that attract and hold water in the top layer of skin. (Image credit: Ciat) 4. In addition, humectants can draw water vapor from the air to help moisturize the skin if the humidity is over 50 percent. She received her journalism degree from Marquette University, graduating first in the department. We know what youre probably thinking, Thats good to know, but whats the difference? We avoid using tertiary references. (. Dry brushing is a way of exfoliating the skin using a bristle brush. It's not the most exciting option as far as best lip balms for chapped lips, but it does exactly what a lip balm product should do. What Ingredients Work Best for Chapped Lips? Vanicream Lip Protectant SPF 30. Remember from above that the skin barrier is composed of dead skin cells held together by a lipid matrix. As a humectant, sodium hyaluronate draws in moisture from the environment and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. coconut oil; . What to Consider. Silicones have wide spaces between each molecule, which form a molecular lattice. Mind your reaction: Even some traditionally helpful ingredients, like beeswax, can cause allergic reactions in people, says Dr. Feely. Buy It, $3.50. Most of us know the frustration of applying a formula, only to have to reach for it moments later because the skin already feels parched. I have finally, after years of trying and buying lip balms for my chronically chapped lips, found a balm that works! There needs to be enough NH2 and OH groups on the molecule to counteract the nonpolar parts (i.e. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., FAAD, likes lip masks because they typically have a higher occlusive content than lip balms.Occlusives are hydrating ingredients that form a protective barrier between the lips and elements that prevent moisture loss, similar to slugging for the lips.. It works for so many different skincare concernsfrom dry, chapped lips and cuticles to burns, eczema, and beyond. Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Lips are particularly vulnerable because the skin is so thin, and . This proprietary formulation helps, retain moisture content . Beeswax is also an occlusive, meaning it forms a moisturizing, protective layer on the surface of the lips 3. It contains glycerin to draw in moisture, shea butter and beeswax to protect, chamomile essence to soothe dryness and cracks, as well as castor seed oil for additional hydration. Dr. Penzi recommends this moisturizing lip balm that's formulated with mineral filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to . "Therefore, there is a bit of trial and error in finding which lip balm is right for your pout." Our top choice for the best chapped lip treatment is the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, which is effective, budget-friendly, and contains moisturizing ingredients, as well as SPF. If you have constantly dry lips you have to try it.. Here, what the best, most high-quality balms do in their formulas. The extremely nourishing formula is packed with coconut, argan, rosehip, and jojoba oils for a smooth and creamy application, while shea butter seals moisture into place. In personal care products, they help hydrate the skin, hair, or nails. Even the sun protection is natural, non-micronized mineral zinc, a rarity given that many lip products use chemical sunscreen ingredients. Oxygen, nitrogen, and other nutrients can still pass through the film formed by silicones. Best lip oil. 2015;19(1):7-15. Aloe vera gel and juice come from the aloe vera plant help smooth the surface of your skin and hair. Examples include: petroleum jelly. Sometimes, health issues could be the cause of dry skin and rashes, dry hair, or even hair loss., American Academy of Dermatology Association: DRY SKIN: OVERVIEW., Clinical Medicine & Research: The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review., Dermatoendocrinology: Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging., Harvard Health Publishing: Moisturizers: Do they work?. It calms and soothes dry skin and reduces the scaly and flaky appearance. Pamela Anderson Shares Her Best Anti-Aging Trick, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. This one isn't a balm, technically, but it does do an important job when it comes to healing chapped lips and that job is gently buffing off dead skin without causing an increase in damage. In the past, youve probably picked out moisturizers based on a specific brand name or the marketing claims made by brands. The lip balm feels a bit thicker upon application, but quickly absorbs into the skin to plump and hydrate. This means it helps protect lips from becoming dry or chapped. "After saliva evaporates, the lips are often even drier than when it started." This will actually make things worse since that moisture will also evaporate and leave you feeling drier.