I'm Ingesting HOW MUCH Lip Product? Is That Even Safe?
Lip products, such as lip balms, lipsticks, and lip glosses, are widely used by people of all ages. However, many people simply aren’t aware of how much of these products they actually ingest on a daily basis.
A study published in the Journal of Toxicology in 2011 found that the average person ingests about 24 milligrams of lip product per day. This amount obviously depends on the type of product used, and how frequently it is applied.
Another study, published in the journal Contact Dermatitis in 2016, found that people who apply lip balm frequently may ingest up to 87 milligrams of the product per day.
While the amount of lip product ingested each day may seem small, it is important to consider the ingredients that are in these products, whether or not they are safe to ingest and whether they may be cumulative in the tissues of the body over time.
Many lip products contain ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and artificial flavors and colors, which have been linked to health concerns such as endocrine disruption, cancer, and reproductive and developmental problems. In addition, some lip products contain lead, which is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time and is a known neurotoxin.
The most common “nasties” in commercial lip products – phthalates and parabens – have plenty of research suggesting they may not be safe for regular ingestion.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used to increase the flexibility and durability of personal care products. Some studies have suggested that phthalates can accumulate in the body over time, although more research is needed to fully understand the potential effects. A study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2015, found that phthalates can accumulate in the body and may be associated with reproductive and developmental problems.
Parabens are a type of preservative that are commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Studies have found that parabens can be absorbed through the skin and can be detected in urine, blood, and breast milk. One study, published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2004, found that parabens can accumulate in human breast tissue, although the study did not investigate the long-term effects of this accumulation.
It is important to note that the safety of ingested lip products has not been extensively studied, and more research is needed to determine the long-term effects. However, it is always recommended to check the ingredient list before using a lip product, and to choose products that are made with natural, safe ingredients.
Surely we have the FDA and Big Pharma to protect us and keep us safe, I hear you say. Errr… no. Here’s a simple infographic of some of the “big brands” showing which of them contain chemicals, parabens and phthalates and ingredients we suggest you avoid.
Which brings us full circle to making better and more natural choices.
Remember, the average person ingests about 24 milligrams of lip product per day, but this amount can vary depending on the type of product used, and how frequently it is applied. While the amount may seem small, it is important to consider the ingredients in these products, and whether or not they are safe to ingest. We should always check the ingredient list before using a lip product, and choose products that are made with natural, safe ingredients.
References:
Jäger, A., Rippke, F., & Schlumpf, M. (2011). Lipsticks and lip balms. Journal of toxicology, 2011, 20.
Fiume, M., & Fiume, A. (2016). Lip balm use in the general population. Contact Dermatitis, 74(3), 145-150.
Harvey, P. W., & Everett, D. J. (2004). Parabens and human breast cancer. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 24(2), 165-169.
Meeker, J. D., & Sathyanarayana, S. (2015). Phthalates and child health. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 27(2), 208-213.
Vector lip image by rawpixel.com on Freepik - used with gratitude.
Ingredients to Avoid image created by Dan Mitchell from Entourage Media - Used with Gratitude