Common ingredients in Lipstick

What shows up on lipstick labels, why brands use it and how it's regulated, in plain English.

16 ingredients you may see in lipstick

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 lipstick.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation in cosmetics and food.

Bismuth Oxychloride

A synthetic inorganic pigment used in mineral makeup, eyeshadows, and face powders to create a pearlescent, luminous finish.

Carbon Black

A fine black powder produced by incomplete combustion of petroleum products.

Lanolin

A natural waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep to waterproof their wool.

Lead

Lead is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as lipstick.

Palm Oil

An edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms.

Parabens

A class of synthetic preservatives used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics and personal care products.

Paraffin Wax

A white or colorless soft solid wax derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale.

Petroleum / Petrolatum

A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining.

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.

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.

Talc

Talc is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as lipstick.

FAQ

What ingredients are common in lipstick?

This guide covers 16 ingredients that often appear in lipstick products, including Artificial Colors, BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), Bismuth Oxychloride, Carbon Black. Each entry explains what the ingredient is, why brands use it and its regulatory status.

Does being listed here mean an ingredient is unsafe?

No. Many of these ingredients are approved for cosmetic use and appear in well-known products. They are listed because Numbrrrz chose not to use them in its own formula.

What is in Numbrrrz lip balm?

Four base ingredients: organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions. Each tube holds 0.5 oz (14 g) and is USDA Organic.

Prefer a short label?

Numbrrrz is organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions, in a 0.5 oz (14 g) USDA Organic tube.