Glossary entry

Cheilitis.

Definition

What it means.

The medical term for inflammation of the lips. Cheilitis can be caused by allergic reactions (allergic contact cheilitis), environmental exposure (actinic cheilitis from sun damage), infections, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic lip licking. Symptoms include redness, swelling, cracking, and peeling. While Numbrrrz is not a treatment for medical cheilitis, maintaining lip moisture and barrier health can help prevent some forms.

Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)

The process by which water passes through the skin from the inside and evaporates from the surface. Lips have a very thin skin barrier and no oil glands, making them particularly susceptible to TEWL. Occlusives like beeswax reduce TEWL by creating a barrier, while emollients like coconut and jojoba oils help maintain the skin's own moisture retention capacity.

Occlusive

An ingredient that forms a physical barrier on the skin surface to prevent water loss through evaporation. Petroleum jelly is the most common occlusive, but it creates a fully airtight seal that prevents skin from breathing. Beeswax is a natural occlusive that creates a breathable barrier — it reduces water loss while still allowing skin to function naturally. This is why Numbrrrz uses Organic Beeswax instead of petroleum.

Emollient

A substance that softens and moisturizes the skin by filling gaps between skin cells with lipids (fats), creating a smooth, hydrated surface. Natural emollients like coconut oil and jojoba oil penetrate the skin to deliver moisture from within, unlike synthetic emollients that may only sit on the surface. Numbrrrz uses organic emollients that work with your skin's natural processes.