Spain:Toxic Compounds Detected in Popular Lip Balm Brands

Sly Saint

Sly Saint

Senior Member (Voting Rights)
Recent analysis by the Consumers and Users Organization (OCU) has unveiled troubling findings regarding the presence of toxic impurities in popular lip balms.

Accumulate in Tissue
The study examined twelve different lip balms, identifying the presence of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) in products like Leti 'Balm Repair Fluido and Neutrogena 'Protector Labial.'

These compounds are linked to mineral oils derived from petroleum, which were found to exceed the maximum recommended limits set by Cosmetics Europe, the European cosmetics industry body, according to El Economista.

The OCU emphasized that the detection of MOSH underscores the critical need to discontinue the use of mineral oils as moisturizing agents in lip balms. Although ingestion of these substances might occur in small quantities, they pose a significant health risk.

MOSH can accumulate in various tissues, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and the liver, potentially leading to serious health issues such as microgranulomas.

A Step Forward
Fortunately, most other lip balms analyzed in the study utilized natural oils or waxes, significantly reducing the risk of toxicity from ingestion. This marks a positive shift, as only six years prior, many of the products tested contained petroleum derivatives...

In light of these findings, the OCU recommends consumers opt for lip balms free from petroleum derivatives. They advise checking ingredient lists for specific compounds like Paraffin and Petrolatum to ensure safer choices for lip care.
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Toxic Compounds Detected in Popular Lip Balm Brands (msn.com)
 
Petroleum derivatives, Paraffin and Petrolatum, also called 'mineral oil' are also staple ingredients in most topical creams, and just about all medicinal creams and ointments. Personally, I am highly 'sensitive' to any petroleum products so can't use any prescribed or otc creams etc. Unfortunately, I'm also allergic to shea butter, so I'm pretty limited in what I can use on my skin anywhere.

I would imagine that as most topical applications are absorbed into the skin so, I'm guessing the toxicity issue is possibly also applicable for other products, not just those for lips.(?)
 
From the Vaseline website:

What Is Petroleum Jelly?
Petroleum jelly is made from a blend of natural waxes and mineral oils. People often refer in general to petroleum jelly as “Vaseline®”, but the real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is different. The real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is triple purified to remove impurities. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.

What does that mean?
 
The problem is not from putting these products on the skin (which is a good first line barrier to larger molecules) but on the lips.

Very small amounts of substances (not Vaseline, but other "derivatives" per the article)applied to the lips would be ingested. And then affect the liver, etc.
 
Sly Saint said:
Petroleum derivatives, Paraffin and Petrolatum, also called 'mineral oil' are also staple ingredients in most topical creams, and just about all medicinal creams and ointments. Personally, I am highly 'sensitive' to any petroleum products so can't use any prescribed or otc creams etc. Unfortunately, I'm also allergic to shea butter, so I'm pretty limited in what I can use on my skin anywhere.
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I am very sensitive to Paraffin and Petrolatum as well. I can't remember if shea butter causes me problems - it's years since I tried it and I've forgotten the outcome. But I do have a sensitivity to lanolin. It makes it very difficult or impossible to use creams of many kinds, so I rarely even attempt to use them.

I've found that B Complex products with Active B Vitamins help to keep my lips and other skin soft without any creams. Don't ask me why they help, they just do.
 
Arnie Pye said:
But I do have a sensitivity to lanolin.
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Years ago I used a nipple cream(used for breast feeding) as a lip balm that was made from 'medical grade lanolin" and had no issues with it. It felt very moisturizing on the lips and had a nice sheen. It's a large tube that lasts a long time and inexpensive.

"Our 100% natural lanolin undergoes a unique ultra-purification process so it’s safe for baby and doesn’t need to be removed before breastfeeding. Clinically tested for irritation, it’s hypoallergenic and never contains petroleum, parabens, additives, or preservatives".
 
Mij said:
Years ago I used a nipple cream(used for breast feeding) as a lip balm that was made from 'medical grade lanolin" and had no issues with it. It felt very moisturizing on the lips and had a nice sheen. It's a large tube that lasts a long time and inexpensive.

"Our 100% natural lanolin undergoes a unique ultra-purification process so it’s safe for baby and doesn’t need to be removed before breastfeeding. Clinically tested for irritation, it’s hypoallergenic and never contains petroleum, parabens, additives, or preservatives".
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I wonder if it is still hypoallergenic if you’re allergic to lanolin? (Wool fat)
 
Sly Saint said:
Petroleum derivatives, Paraffin and Petrolatum, also called 'mineral oil' are also staple ingredients in most topical creams, and just about all medicinal creams and ointments. Personally, I am highly 'sensitive' to any petroleum products so can't use any prescribed or otc creams etc. Unfortunately, I'm also allergic to shea butter, so I'm pretty limited in what I can use on my skin anywhere.

I would imagine that as most topical applications are absorbed into the skin so, I'm guessing the toxicity issue is possibly also applicable for other products, not just those for lips.(?)
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That’s worrying. A close relative with ezcema had to cover their body in soft/liquid paraffin mix several times a day throughout their whole childhood onward

it was a common recommendation back then
 
Arnie Pye said:
Cooking oil, particularly vegetable oil, is rather grim stuff : https://www.todayyoushouldknow.com/articles/how-is-vegetable-oil-made

If I wanted to use a food-based oil on any part of my skin I would try either coconut oil or good quality olive oil
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hmm I thought that too once upon a time but
Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care

Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care - PubMed (nih.gov)
 
bobbler said:
That’s worrying. A close relative with ezcema had to cover their body in soft/liquid paraffin mix several times a day throughout their whole childhood onward

it was a common recommendation back then
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Ugh. I switched to soy candles years ago because the smoke fumes from paraffin candles(by-product of petroleum) may be more harmful. The chemicals can irritate the lungs triggering asthma or allergies in some people.
 
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