Ingredient guide
Palm Oil in Lip Balm
What Palm Oil does in lip balm and how it's regulated.
About Palm Oil
An edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms.
Why brands use it in lip balm
Extremely versatile and inexpensive. Used as an emollient, emulsifier base, and surfactant precursor. Appears in an estimated 70% of cosmetic products in some derivative form.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: Approved for cosmetic and food use. No restrictions.
- European Union: Not on the EU prohibited list (some ingredients have concentration limits)
- Canada: Not restricted
Common alternatives
Other ingredients formulators use for a similar job in lip balm:
shea butter
cocoa butter
coconut oil
babassu oil
sunflower oil
Palm Oil in other product types
FAQ
What is Palm Oil?
An edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms.
Why is Palm Oil used in lip balm?
Extremely versatile and inexpensive. Used as an emollient, emulsifier base, and surfactant precursor. Appears in an estimated 70% of cosmetic products in some derivative form.
How is Palm Oil regulated?
Approved for cosmetic and food use. No restrictions.
Does Numbrrrz lip balm contain Palm Oil?
No. Numbrrrz is organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions. That is a formulation choice, not a judgment about other products.
