Common ingredients in Lip Gloss
What shows up on lip gloss labels, why brands use it and how it's regulated, in plain English.
25 ingredients you may see in lip gloss
Artificial Colors
Synthetic dyes derived from petroleum or coal tar, used to give cosmetics vivid colors.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as lip gloss.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation in cosmetics and food.
Carbon Black
A fine black powder produced by incomplete combustion of petroleum products.
Ceteareth-20
An ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations.
DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines)
A group of amino acid-based emulsifiers and pH adjusters.
Dimethicone
A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties.
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)
A chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions that would otherwise degrade the product or reduce preservative effectiveness.
Formaldehyde Releasers
A group of preservatives that work by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde over time.
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Imidazolidinyl Urea is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as lip gloss.
Lead
Lead is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as lip gloss.
Menthol
An organic compound derived from mint or synthesized artificially.
Mineral Oil
A colorless, odorless oil derived from petroleum distillation.
Parabens
A class of synthetic preservatives used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics and personal care products.
Phenoxyethanol
A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics, often marketed as a 'safer' alternative to parabens.
Phthalates
A group of plasticizing chemicals used to make cosmetics more flexible and fragrances last longer.
Polybutene
A synthetic polymer derived from petroleum, used as a thickener, binder, and viscosity-increasing agent in lip glosses, lipsticks, and other cosmetics.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers.
Propylene Glycol
A synthetic liquid used as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer in cosmetics.
Quaternium-15
A quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products.
Siloxanes (Cyclic Silicones)
A group of cyclic silicone compounds used in cosmetics and skincare for their silky, smooth texture and ability to evaporate quickly.
Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products)
Petroleum-derived or coal tar-derived synthetic colorants specifically used in lip products, where they are regularly ingested.
Synthetic Fragrance
An umbrella term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.
Toluene
A volatile organic solvent derived from petroleum, widely used in nail polishes, nail treatments, and hair dyes.
Triethanolamine (TEA)
An organic compound used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant in cosmetics.
