The humectant will draw in moisture while the occlusive will lock in that moisture in, and the emollient will keep the skin soft and smooth. Although there have been reports of an improvement effect on lip roughness by . Shop. I would wake up the next day with the same cracked, peeling lips. A 2017 study notes that emollients consist mostly of lipids, such as natural oils and waxes. Sometimes ingredients can clog pores, which may not be the best choice if you have acne-prone skin. 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. filtered beeswax; 2 tbsp. 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. For example, AHAs are also exfoliants. She writes about curls and coils, treatment test drives, and intersectionality. Some humectants, such as glycerine or hyaluronic acid, pull moisture out of the lips leaving the skin dehydrated and sore. Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Aloe vera gel and juice come from the aloe vera plant help smooth the surface of your skin and hair. In this post, well answer these questions and more so youll know the difference between humectant, emollient, and occlusive moisturizers. Formulyst Super Hyaluronic Water Moisturizer is also enriched with jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, and squalane to promote soft, smooth skin. "They also have an overall decreased water content, which makes them more susceptible to becoming dry and rough." Beyond seasonal changes, your dry lips may also be a side effect of certain medications, like antihistamines (common if you have allergies) or isotretinoin (used for severe acne), explains Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinais Department of Dermatology. Its free of potentially skin-drying alcohol and irritating colors or fragrances. In skin care, they draw water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layer. Emollients are effective at filling in the cracks and crevices of dry skin or fine lines. Last medically reviewed on March 30, 2022. From innovative plumping technology to just-launched makeup items galore, there are many products to sift through in the hunt for healthy, hydrated lips. Humectants are ingredients found in lotions and cleansers that hydrate the skin by attracting water molecules like a magnet. $120/ounce) If you prefer a mineral sunblock to a . Other humectants in personal care products include: When choosing skin care and hair care products, take your time. Also, be careful of over-exfoliation, which can shed outer layers of skin and leave you more susceptible to environmental elements. But if you're in an arid environment or spend a lot of time indoors exposed to AC or heaters, then they'll actually pull it from the deeper layers of the skin, making the skin overall more dehydrated. A humectant is a substance that draws water into the skin, hair, or nails. Learn more here. Beeswax protects lips and retains lip moisture. Aquaphor is a go-to for a reason. However, when left to their own devices, humectants can actually end up dehydrating the skin. Shea butter and squalane reinforce hydration for a smooth, nourished poutall while excluding parabens, silicones, and iffy chemicals. Editorial Head of Lake Forest College's literary magazine, Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Ingredients overview. 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. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com. Lip Liner. Its a common misconception that silicones can cause or worsen acne. Price: $36.99 at Clean & Pure This incredibly popular line of lip balms out of Australia is 100% natural and packed with hydration-friendly ingredients like responsibly sourced Beeswax and Vitamin E. "Lipid application is beneficial for aging skin where natural lipids have been depleted by . 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. It found that leave-on products containing lipophilic humectants decreased skin dryness and itching. The exfoliant here comes courtesy of sugar crystals, a favorite option of Dr. Maiman due to the natural humectant properties in sugar. It's also a humectant, which means that it attracts and binds water. When used for wound healing after surgery, Vaseline has shown to cause less redness at the wound site than Aquaphor. Using emollients can help to fill in the spaces between dead skin cells where the barrier has been depleted, ultimately leading to soft hydrated skin. For humectants to do their job, they need to stay in your skin and hair. For severely chapped lips, Dr. Waldorf recommends Bag Balm because it contains occlusive ingredients like petrolatum and lanolin with an antiseptic preservative. After using this lip balm, I don't have that problem anymore. This preservation of skin hydration helps prevent dry skin and eczema, reports research from 2018. What is dry brushing and what are the benefits? One way you can help your skin and hair collect more moisture is to use products with humectants., Humectants are substances that attract water from the air or from deeper in the skin. A humectant is a hygroscopic substance that has a molecular structure with several hydrophilic (water loving) groups, such as hydroxyl groups (OH) and/or amine groups (NH2). 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. The 17 Best Lip Balms for Smooth, Hydrated Lips, According to Dermatologists and Shoppers The 10 Best Red Lipsticks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed The 7 Best Lip Plumpers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed 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. This formula contains sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, which is an exceptional ingredient for adding hydration to the skin. 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. Petroleum jelly's initial purpose was as a medicinal salve, meant to speed up the healing process, when it was patented in 1872. In addition, humectants can draw water vapor from the air to help moisturize the skin if the humidity is over 50 percent. The Shape 2022 Skin Awards Winners Will Help You Achieve Your Healthiest Complexion Yet, Everything You Need to Know About Eczema, According to Derms, you should still wear SPF every day, even if you're staying inside, Reese Whitherspoon is a mega fan of the clean beauty brand, Flavorings such as cinnamon, citrus, mint, and peppermint flavors. oz of lip balm goodness! Overall,FormulystAge Defying Daily Moisturizer helps to keep skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and looking its most radiant. Unlike other moisturizing agents, such as humectants and . They come in three main forms: natural or unchanged, naturally derived, and synthetic. 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. Humectants work by attracting water and drawing it into the skin or hair in order to maintain healthy hydration. Humectants include ingredients such as glycerin, urea, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid. Common occlusive ingredients include petrolatum, silicones, waxes (like carnauba or beeswax), and most oils and butters, Neuser says. Based on the ingredients they include, moisturizers can be broken down into three main categories: humectant, emollient, and occlusive. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. This hydrating anti-aging formula contains humectants like glycerin, gluconolactone, sodium lactate, and Aloe vera leaf juice to draw moisture into the skin. They can also be found in some medications, and agricultural products.. Ingredients: Cupuau butter, mongongo oil | Price: 0.15 ounces (Approx. Read on to learn about panthenol, including its uses, benefits. Glycerin is one of the most effective humectants, and it also helps keep your skin barrier strong., Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). Why Trust Us? Emollients and occlusives tend to be heavier ingredients. A brand beloved by celebs like Martha Stewart and Drew Barrymore, to name a few, Mario Badescus cult-favorite lip balm is a top-rated option for a reason. Beeswax protects lips and retains lip moisture. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. So here in this case, I use a beeswax lip balm made by Burts Bees, says Dr. Amin. "Licking your lips can actually make them drier," explains Dr. Ugonabo. This is good stuff. It seals lips well overnight, she says. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Humectants can be beneficial skin hydrating ingredients when used properly. 1 . 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?. (BTW, yes, you should still wear SPF every day, even if you're staying inside. Vanicream Lip Protectant SPF 30. Beeswax has lubricating, softening activities and reduces trans-epidermal water loss from skin 1. For those who like a hint of tint, your Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. Some also have other benefits. Best lip oil. . This Treewear Beeswax Balm helps to keep moisture in the skin while still allowing it to breathe. Learn about skin types and how to identify them here. A mild steroid, such as 1% hydrocortisone, can reduce inflammation if your lips are in pain. So, its always best to ask your doctor if youre concerned. Are these the best-tinted balms ever? Mind your reaction: Even some traditionally helpful ingredients, like beeswax, can cause allergic reactions in people, says Dr. Feely. Her work has appeared in Allure, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Shape, among other publications. Also, please don't peel off any flaking lip skin, since this habit is also damaging to sensitive lip skin. Dr. Waldorf also likes this pick from Caudalie since its soothing and moisturizing, thanks to shea butter, beeswax, several plant oils, and grapeseed extract. Humectants are different from emollients and occlusives. 1. She also recommends a product with SPF for extra protection. Some also claim it helps with other conditions. The super thick formula melts down nicely, and a little goes a long way for healthier lips come morning. Ingredients and supplies. Arch Physiother Glob Res. However, this effect is transient as soon as the moisture content in skin decreases, lines and wrinkles will return to normal size. However, they work by forming a barrier over the skin, trapping moisture inside rather than attracting it. Some emollients may contain . The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, has an important function of serving as a barrier. Silicones have wide spaces between each molecule, which form a molecular lattice. Best Drugstore: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (4-Pack), $10. Humectants are useful for adding hydration without feeling heavy or oily. Oxygen, nitrogen, and other nutrients can still pass through the film formed by silicones. Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. 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. It calms and soothes dry skin and reduces the scaly and flaky appearance. Some lip masks such as the ILIA Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment contain mild . In personal care products, they help hydrate the skin, hair, or nails. Aquaphor is a go-to for a reason. With squalane in its name, Biossance creates a non-tacky, moisturizing product that youre sure to love. She received her journalism degree from Marquette University, graduating first in the department. What is organic skin care and how is it different. It has different types of humectants like glycerine and panthenol, antioxidants, as well as emollients which sound like magic for lips! LIP BALM 3 PACK - You get 3 classic CocoMe lip balm tubes. Take a peek at some of these lip-loving products that you can apply over and over without stripping your lips of the good stuff. 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. Its affordable, great for sensitive skin types, and gets the job done. Its comes out solid from the tube, but immediately melts into the skin once it hits your lips. Chapped lips can crack, so if something could irritate a paper cut, you probably shouldn't slather it onto your mouth either. What gives? Ride Or Die Lip Balm (Cheeky Cherry) Hydrating tinted lip balm to repair dry lips. Beeswax is also an occlusive, meaning it forms a moisturizing, protective layer on the surface of the lips 3. Beeswax has lubricating, softening activities and reduces trans-epidermal water loss from skin 1. Despite the hydrating promise of lip balms, what you see isn't always what you get. And while new products are certainly exciting, they mean nothing without establishing the basics. In summary. It also contains several emollients, like squalane and caprylic/capric triglyceride from coconut, as well as a couple occlusives like dimethicone to lock in moisture. lip balm. Cay Skin's Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 leaves lips looking plump and protected every time you reapply. Though it's technically a lip mask, and not a balm, this is still a winner in the fight against chapped lips. Without occlusives, the moisture will evaporate and your skin will be left drier than it was before. Humectants pull water from the dermis to the epidermis and stratum corneum. 2023 SheMedia, LLC. Shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, jojoba and rosehip oils are . Occlusive agents, like beeswax, shea butter, and various oils, create a physical barrier to prevent water loss. Occlusive ingredients, such as petrolatum, beeswax, and shea butter, create a physical barrier to prevent moisture loss." Look for a lip balm that contains a mixture of humectant and occlusive ingredients not humectants on their own. And if you have chapped lips, you probably always have a tub/tube/stick of lip balm on call and slather religiously throughout the dayhow else are you supposed to avoid the temptation of licking? "Certain lip balms only contain humectants (read: immediate moisture)like hyaluronic acid and glycerinwhich draw water from the air," says Marnie Nussbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Beeswax is also an occlusive, meaning it forms a moisturizing, protective layer on the surface of the lips 3. One reviewer raved: I applied a very small amount and my lips got much better after three days. As a humectant, sodium hyaluronate draws in moisture from the environment and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. They also help repair and strengthen the skins natural protective barrier. Humectants (Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin) // "Lip balms with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin make lips worse," says dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., to Style Caster. Hyaluronic acid. A good lip balm should be rich in occlusive elements like oils, beeswax, and petrolatum, which seal in moisture so your kisser doesn't dry out, as well as SPFeven if it's cold outside. These ingredients are also in many personal care products for dry skin. And balms that are able to achieve this can do so because they use a blend of humectants, emollients, and occlusive ingredientslike in mindbodygreen's lip balm. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Vanicream Lip Protectant SPF 30. "This prevents further moisture loss, as may occur from environmental insults such as cold, dry winter weather, and also optimizes barrier repair." What you should look for in a lip balm. Since then, the FDA has approved of it as an effective over-the-counter skin protectant, and it's been used as makeup remover, lubricant and homemade lip balm. They can add hydration without the use of heavier ingredients. "In order to maintain healthy lip skin, keep your lips well moisturized with a lip balm that soothes and protects the lip barrier with both a humectant and occlusive, like eos The Hero Extra Dry Lip Repair ($8, target.com)," says Dr. Nussbaum. Lip balms with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin make lips worse, says dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD. Organic skin care refers to products that contain organically-farmed ingredients. Body Art. Pamela Anderson Shares Her Best Anti-Aging Trick, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Humectants, on the other hand, tend to be noncomedogenic and non-oily. Humectants alone may actually add to dryness because they can draw water from deeper layers of the skin. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Here, the best chapped lip treatments to get you through the winter and beyond. "Lip balms with mineral sunscreen ingredients, like titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, are typically the most optimal choice for those with chapped lips and should be reapplied every two hours while outdoors," advises Dr. Maiman. Try applying humectant-rich, water-based toners, essences, and serums and then sealing them in a few drops of facial oil. In personal care products, they help hydrate the skin, hair, or nails. Not only can dry skin cause discomfort, but it can worsen conditions like eczema or put you at risk for skin infections. As previously mentioned, beeswax is a common ingredient in lip balmsespecially those of the homemade varietythanks to its humectant properties . "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.". Because they can't produce their own oils or hold in moisture for very long, Dr. Ugonabo recommends patients always give their lips a little extra TLC by regularly reapplying balms or ointments. Formulyst Super Hyaluronic Water Moisturizer It also contains ionized water, which helps return the skin barrier to its natural pH.". For optimal lip health, your lip balm should include a blend of emollient, humectant, and occlusive ingredients. The exact definition can vary depending on location. It calms and soothes dry skin and reduces the scaly and flaky appearance. THIS SITE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ADVICE OR TREATMENT FROM A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. Dr. Waldorf says its especially great for chapped edges on the nose when youve been sneezing or blowing into tissues frequently. Along with drawing in water, AHAs help the body get rid of dead skin cells. ChapStick Classic Lip Balm. dimethicone. Banana Boat Sport Lip Balm SPF 50. . 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. Hazelnut oil also happens to be chock-full of Vitamin E which, combined with rose oil, soothes while it hydrates. The best part? Other occlusive ingredients include shea and cocoa seed butter. Lip moisturizers can . 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. Each tube contains 0.15 fl. Although there are various examples of humectants, some are more commonly used. (Rather unfortunate for s selfies.) Counterintuitively, some lip balms can make dry lips worse by contributing to chapping. The final outcome is a balm that nourishes with every swipe and leaves you satisfied throughout the day. ), Vaseline is a great choice if your lips are sensitive, irritated, or if you suffer from allergies. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. $4 at Amazon $26 at Walmart. The benefits of humectants depend on the ingredient. What does humectant do for your skin? Best Stick: Lano . ", If your lips are chapped beyond recognition, this stuff is the good stuff, thanks to having basically all of the occlusive ingredients needed to lock in the moisture your lips can't create on their own. Know when to see a doctor: If you have just a patch or spot of chapped lips that is persistent, dont assume it is just dryness, cautions Dr. Waldorf. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Nearly everyone can benefit from an emollient product. Lipstick. The former one is common for oils and waxes and it means that it sits on top of the skin hindering water to . A "holy grail skin saver," according to reviews, this lip balm for chapped lips is ideal if you're dealing with wounded skin because its key ingredients hazelnut oil and jasmine wax have antibacterial properties. This K-beauty favorite balances shea butter with exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids to rehab dry, flaking lips overnight. You can also use it as a preventive treatment: Slather this on your lips if you know youre going to be spending lots of time outdoors in colder tempssay, before you head out skiing or hikingto keep your skin protected from windburn. It has a nice thicker texture, no smell, no taste, no tingle, not sticky at all. This is because humectants work like a magnet and draw water out of whatever is nearby. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. The new and improved formula uses a blend of ingredients that instantly softens the skin and deeply hydrates, keeping them feeling comfortable all day long. Therefore, a lip balm approach to increase occlusivity of the lips is generally used to reduce water loss. SPF: 30 | Shades: 4 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes. Here, find the best lip moisturizers that actually work. Emollients come in many different varietiesfrom plant-based oils and butters to fatty acids, ceramides, and synthetically made oils. Amazon. It also promises to improve the wear of lipsticks when layered underneath them. Occlusives. "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 primary purpose of lip balm is to provide an occlusive layer on the lip surface to seal moisture in lips and protect them from external exposure. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. This means it helps protect lips from becoming dry or chapped. Humectants also promote the shedding of dead cells (called desquamation) by breaking down the proteins that hold the cells together. "They work to help pull moisture from the air into the upper layer of your skin to keep the skin cells hydrated, plump with a firmness and bounce.". For chapped lips. Occlusives are particularly useful for dry skin and hair. A few examples of occlusives are:Argan oil. Be sure to use a moisturizer that doesnt depend on humectants only. Thus, one type is not necessarily better than the other. The new and improved formula uses a blend of ingredients that instantly softens the skin and deeply hydrates, keeping them feeling comfortable all day long. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Your specific preferences, skin needs, and use case will likely influence which ingredients you'll look for. This is because they're indiscriminate about where they pull in water. The humectants will hold onto moisture, while the occlusive agents will prevent it from evaporating. A good lip product blends humectants, emollients, and occlusives to truly deliver hydration. Additionally, a 2021 research article notes that the humectant lactic acid can relieve rough, dry skin at concentrations up to 12%. It really is a wonder ingredient for hydration and healing alike. Another 2020 Healthy Beauty Award winner, this is like a love child of a lipstick and a lip balm, says Jessica Morse, clean beauty expert and founder of Bare Beauty. It works well for chapped lips and has that hydrating, soothing action because it contains protective petrolatum as well as coconut and jojoba oils., With more than 7,900 reviews and 4.7-star rating on Amazon, its clear that Jack Black has done something right with this ultra-conditioning lip balm, which includes beeswax, shea butter, green tea extract, lanolin, cocoa seed butter, and SPF 25. Occlusives are necessary for creating a physical barrier to prevent water loss. Older research from 2012 states that hyaluronic acid helps speed up wound repair and reduces scar appearance. Humectants hold on to water, and occlusives keep it from evaporating, explains Dr. Baumann. Plumping ingredients like capsaicin arent a great idea as they will cause swelling. Harwood, A., Nassereddin, A., Krishnamurthy, K. StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 2020. This treatment oil looks like a gloss while delivering and sealing in moisture courtesy of hyaluronic acid and konjac root. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. This balm is so good, it won as the best lip treatment in our 2020 Healthy Beauty Awards. What is panthenol, and why is it a common ingredient in many personal care products? Here are a few of our favorites: If you're a regular ingredient list reader, you may notice a very popular type of occlusive is missing from the list: mineral oils, petroleum jelly, and petrochemicals. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? 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. 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. Secondly, you need to be careful of lip balm recipes that include humectant ingredients WITHOUT the presence of occlusive ingredients. This Jack Black lip balm promises "intense therapy," and frankly, it delivers. Some humectants for skin work as exfoliators that remove dead skin cells and debris first, leaving you with a smoother complexion and allowing for cell turnover. occlusive. For a relatively small area of overall skin real estate, the lips garner a lot of attention in the beauty world. Specifications.