Can’t stand the feeling of dry, chapped, or unprotected lips? We feel the same! Keeping lips soft, nourished, and hydrated is essential but there’s a hidden issue that often goes unnoticed.
Most conventional lip products come with a downside. With vague ingredient lists and questionable formulations, many aren’t as clean or safe as they seem. Since your lips are an extension of your skincare, choosing truly non-toxic, natural lip products is crucial.
Of course, making the switch isn’t always easy. Parting ways with your go-to lip balm, lipstick, or gloss especially when it delivers that perfect tint or shine can be tough. We get it. A quick swipe of lip colour can be a confidence boost, a finishing touch that pulls everything together. And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s the only beauty step you have time for!
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for safety. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing truly natural lip products. From nourishing ingredients to the best non-toxic options for shine and colour, we’ve got you covered.
The Hidden Risks of Conventional Lip Products
Products like lip balm, lipstick, and mascara often fly under the radar when it comes to ingredient scrutiny. Since they don’t cover large areas of skin, many assume the exposure is minimal and not worth worrying about.
But here’s the truth: Toxic exposure adds up over time. If you apply lip products daily, making the switch to non-toxic options is even more important. Let’s explore the biggest concerns with conventional lip products.
Proximity to Your Mouth
Lip products don’t just sit on the surface they inevitably make their way into your mouth. Despite this, most mainstream formulas aren’t designed with ingestion safety in mind. Instead, they’re created for mass production, profit, and keeping up with trends, often at the expense of ingredient safety.
Think about how often you:
- Talk
- Eat
- Drink
- Kiss
- Reapply lip products throughout the day
With each application, a portion of those ingredients ends up inside your body. While experts debate the exact amount of lip product we ingest, one thing is clear: the ingredients applied near your mouth should be completely non-toxic. If you wouldn’t eat it, should you really be putting it on your lips?
Toxic Ingredients + Contaminants Like Heavy Metals
Some ingredients in conventional lip products are downright harmful. Anything with known carcinogenic or toxic properties should never be near your mouth or anywhere on your body.
Here are just a few common toxins and contaminants found in many conventional lip products:
- PFAs (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) aka “Forever Chemicals” – Added to increase durability and water resistance, PFAs don’t break down in the body and are linked to hormone disruption, immune issues, and even cancer.
- Petroleum Derivatives – Ingredients like BHA, petroleum jelly, and mineral oils are widely used but have been linked to potential carcinogenic risks and ironically, can dry out lips over time.
- Synthetic Colourants – Many mainstream lipsticks contain heavy metals like lead, aluminium, cadmium, and chromium, which can accumulate in the body and pose serious health risks.
- Propylene Glycol – A common ingredient in cosmetics, it helps absorption but is associated with organ toxicity and skin irritation.
- “Natural Flavour” – Just like “fragrance,” the term “natural flavour” is a loophole that allows brands to hide hundreds of unlisted synthetic additives and chemicals.
The Problem with Greenwashing
We’re passionate about the need for truly non-toxic and natural lip products. Just like with skincare, the best approach is to return to nature. Hydrated, healthy lips don’t require synthetic additives nature already provides the nourishment we need.
Lip products should only contain natural, non-toxic ingredients, especially for those who are pregnant, caring for young children, or have weakened immune systems.
But here’s the reality: Greenwashing is everywhere. UK regulations on cosmetic labelling are lax, and companies use clever marketing tactics to make products seem safer than they are. Many lip products don’t list full ingredients or worse, use misleading terms like “natural” without any accountability.
You deserve transparency.
If your lip product doesn’t disclose every ingredient or contains any of the toxic substances above, consider it a red flag. Instead, choose truly natural options made with safe, time-tested ingredients. Your lips and your health will thank you.
Ingredients to Look for in Safe & Natural Lip Products
Now that we've covered some ingredients to avoid, let's dive into the exciting part. While it may seem overwhelming, there are so many incredible natural ingredients available. These ingredients not only nourish your lips but also support healthy, luscious, and smooth lips without compromising your health.
Natural Exfoliators
You might be surprised to learn that many lip exfoliators contain tiny plastic beads. Yikes! These beads are not only harmful if ingested, but they also pollute our water systems once washed off, causing lasting environmental damage.
Instead, opt for natural exfoliants free from synthetics. Look for ingredients that are safe and even edible! Common natural exfoliators include mould-free regenerative coffee grounds, sugar, and salt. They deliver the same results as their synthetic counterparts, but with zero health risks.
Essential Oil "Flavour" Components
Avoid "flavour" blends (yes, even those labelled as “natural flavour”). Instead, choose organic extracts and oils that are safe to ingest. Anything you apply to your lips or mouth should be entirely non-toxic and natural. It’s as simple as that!
Tip: Essential oils are an excellent choice, but be wary of greenwashing claims. You might see a label that reads “made with essential oils,” but that doesn’t mean the product only contains essential oils. Always read the full ingredient list to avoid hidden terms like “natural flavour.”
Also, it's always a good idea to check any safety concerns related to ingredients in your lip products, especially if they’re meant for skin, lips, ingestion, or even inhalation. If you're unsure about specific ingredients, consult with your healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
Natural Colouring/Tint
There’s no need to take unnecessary risks by using synthetic products with potentially harmful colourings. Opt for lip products coloured with clean food or plant-based pigments.
We love using beetroot, hibiscus, and mica, which also provide antioxidants and minerals.
Natural Moisturisers
Ironically, many lip balms and products contain ingredients that can actually dry out your lips. Instead, choose natural lip products that use true organic moisturisers to lock in hydration. Moisture is a crucial element of an effective lip product.
Here are a few of our favourite natural moisturisers for lip care:
- Lanolin: Sourced from the surface of wool, lanolin helps protect sheep from water and works as a highly effective emollient for a range of skin concerns. We use ethically sourced, pasture-raised, grass-fed sheep wool. I’ve been excited to incorporate lanolin into a new product, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
It’s super hydrating, creating a protective barrier on the lips while also penetrating to deliver long-lasting moisture.
- Organic Pomegranate Sterols: Derived from pomegranate oil, this natural moisturiser is a healthier alternative to petroleum-based ingredients like petrolatum.
Pomegranate has numerous skin benefits, including repairing at a cellular level, plumping, hydrating, and providing the perfect glide for natural lip care.
- Organic Mango Butter: Known for its intensely moisturising benefits and creamy texture, mango butter is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It helps repair dry or dehydrated skin, rebuilds the skin barrier, and protects moisture.
- Ethically Harvested Beeswax: This natural wax locks in moisture and helps speed up healing. With anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, beeswax can help prevent infection in cracked or damaged lips. It also contains vitamin A, which nourishes delicate skin.
Our beeswax comes from our very own apiaries in the West Midlands, where it's minimally filtered to preserve the propolis and that wonderful honey scent.
When selecting lip care products, it's essential to prioritise high-quality, effective ingredients especially when it comes to moisturisation.
Healthy Fats
Natural lip products should always contain healthy fats. Fat is a key component for softness, suppleness, and nourishment. Nourishment builds resiliency, which is especially beneficial in harsher environmental conditions.
When looking for the most effective healthy fats for natural lip products, here are the ones to seek out:
- Grass-fed & Finished Tallow – A foundational animal-based ingredient in many of our best-selling products. It contains super restorative and healing fatty acids for a healthy lipid barrier. The unique biocompatible nature means it absorbs and works seamlessly.
It’s also effective for a wide range of inflammatory skin concerns. These qualities make it a perfect fit for natural lip products. It softens and provides quick relief for dry, chapped lips.
- Coconut Oil – This healthy fat soothes lips with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that nourish and provide the perfect smooth application.
- Cocoa Butter – Contains a high content of antioxidants and fatty acids. It also boasts moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties for an added wellness boost.
For us, these are the essential + foundational components of effective, non-toxic, and natural lip products.
Kayle at Home Lip Products
Our best-selling natural lip balm features a blend of tallow and beeswax. These animal-based ingredients are rich in restorative nutrients. With the perfect consistency, it glides effortlessly but doesn’t feel greasy. It comes in three scents, all free from sneaky or harmful ingredients.
→ How to Use: Perfect for daily use, maintenance, or a touch of shine. We love it before bed each night as your lips lose moisture overnight. (This is a non-negotiable for me—I swear by it to wake up with the softest and most luscious lips!)
Tip: You can also use it anywhere you need nourishment, like around the eyes or cuticles.
Don’t Settle Choose Natural Lip Products With Safe, Non-Toxic Ingredients
Truthfully, finding safe, effective, natural lip products can be hard. We're so excited to expand our collection with some new products for every occasion and need!
These products are your ticket to healthy, smooth, and luscious lips all year long. They’re full of nutrients and goodness but free from chemicals or nasties.
Everything you want, but nothing harmful to your health. It's our promise, always.
Kayleigh xx
