Here are some ingredients big brands use and why you shouldn't use them. Basically they put a protective layer over
your lips while underneath its doing damage, and you just apply more and more.
Isopropyl Myristate
Used to moisturize, isopropyl myristate actually dries out the skin causing cracks. It also encourages bacterial growth.
It’s classified as a human skin irritant, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Methylparaben and Propylparaben
These are both parabens, preservatives used to discourage the growth of microbes. They’re known endocrine disruptors,
which means they disrupt hormone function and are linked to an increased risk of BREAST CANCER.
Endocrine disruptors mimic estrogen in the body by binding to estrogen receptors on cells and wreaking
havoc on the body’s organ systems, especially the reproductive system.
Mineral Oil
It's a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons sourced from petroleum. According to Environmental Working Group,
it may be an organ and immune system toxicant as well as a carcinogen. Mineral oil can also be potentially contaminated
with CANCER-CAUSING chemical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Additionally, the environmental impact of using products sourced from crude oil, a non-renewable resource, is also of concern.
Fragrance
When “fragrance” is listed in the ingredients, you can assume it’s synthetic and not a blend of natural flower extracts.
The National Academy of Sciences reports that 95% of the ingredients used to create fragrances today are synthetic compounds
derived from petroleum, including benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and many other known toxins and sensitizers.
According to the Environmental Working Group, there are potentially hundreds of chemicals in a single product’s secret fragrance mixture.
Saccharin
Saccharin, an artificial sweetener, is used in this case as a flavoring agent. Although it is no longer considered to be a human carcinogen
(early studies in rats showed a link to urinary bladder cancer), I prefer to avoid all chemically derived artificial sweeteners.