The Ultimate Guide to Non-toxic + Natural Lip Products

Can’t stand the feeling of cracked, chapped, or uncoated lips? Us too!

Keeping lips nourished, moisturized, and healthy is a non-negotiable for many. But there's a big problem that often gets swept under the rug. 

Most conventional lip products on the market have a darker side. With a lack of transparency and less-than-clean ingredients, they’re hardly non-toxic or truly natural lip products. Your lips are an extension of your skincare, so using a non-toxic, natural lip product is critical.

Of course, that’s easier said than done sometimes. The truth is that it can feel challenging to part ways with your not-so-clean lip products. You know, the ones that provide the perfect color, tint, or shine you’ve grown accustomed to.

Lip oil, lipstick, or tinted lip balm can provide a finishing touch. They help you feel fun, flirty, and put together. (And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s all you have time for in a pinch, but it can make a world of difference for your confidence.)

So, let’s talk lip care. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing truly natural lip products. We’re going to discuss the ingredients we love for naturally nourished lips and the best ones to add shine + color. 

(Psst: We’ve now built out our natural lip care collection to include every lip product you could ever need/want. ;))

The Dangers of Conventional Lip Products

“Smaller” products like mascara or lip balm are often overlooked because they don’t cover a large surface area. This makes consumers think it’s probably not a huge deal if they aren’t the cleanest products. The assumption is it’s fine since there’s not a ton of exposure. 

…right? 

Unfortunately, toxic exposures add up over time. Choosing a natural lip product is key, especially if you apply lip products daily. So, let’s discuss the biggest risks with conventional lip products.

Proximity to Your Mouth

Anything applied close to your mouth could be ingested. Even though lip products are applied directly to the mouth area, ingredient safety isn’t top of mind for most formulators. Unfortunately, most ingredient choices are based on profit and capitalizing on trends. 

Yet, when we wear (and reapply) lip products throughout the day, we:

• Move our lips
• Talk
• Kiss
• Eat
• Drink

Plus, we like to stay fresh at events, after drinking or eating, kissing our beau or baby, or before meeting someone new. Which means we apply again. Throughout the day, lip products inevitably shift, smear, and end up in our mouths – to some extent. 

While there’s debate on how much of our lip products we actually ingest, there’s a bottom line. Ingestion needs to be a big consideration when choosing a natural lip product. The ingredients placed around the mouth should be completely non-toxic.

Toxic Ingredients + Contaminants Like Heavy Metals

Some of the ingredients in conventional lip products are downright dangerous. Ingredients with known carcinogenic properties and risks should not be on your body. Especially near your mouth.

Here are just a few of the known toxins + contaminants found in many conventional lip products: 

• PFAs, aka “Forever Chemicals,” – they’re added to increase durability and water resistance. But our bodies can’t break down these chemicals – and they’re linked to a host of hormonal and endocrine-disruptive issues.¹

• Petroleum Derivatives – ingredients like BHA, petroleum oil, or mineral oils have been a staple in lip care products for a long time. But they’re linked to risks of cancer and are also, ironically, drying.²

• Synthetic Coloring – with some research, you’ll find that many popular lipstick brands are contaminated with heavy metals. This includes lead, aluminum, cadmium, and chromium.³

• Propylene Glycol – is widely used in cosmetics as an absorption enhancer and fragrance component. Yet, it’s linked to organ toxicity and skin irritation. The American Contact Dermatitis Society even named it the 2018 Allergen of the Year.⁴ Plus, you don’t want to improve the absorption of other harmful ingredients.  

• Natural “Flavor” – similar to the issue with “fragrance,” “natural flavors” are protected by proprietary laws. This means they can hide thousands of unknown ingredients in lip products. (No thanks!)

Greenwashed Marketing 

We’re passionate about the need for truly non-toxic and natural lip products. Similar to skincare, we need to take it back to the basics. Nature provides the nutrients we need – in every facet of life. Chemicals and synthetic additives aren’t necessary to achieve hydrated + healthy lips. Our natural lip products are here to prove it. ;)

Our philosophy on natural lip products aligns with our concept of soil to skin. Your lip products should only include ingredients that are completely natural + non-toxic. This is especially important during pregnancy and around kids or immuno-compromised loved ones.

But the reality is that greenwashing is rampant, and regulations are lax. You’re led to believe products are safe based on the marketing. But most lip products aren’t even labeled with ingredients – if they are, it’s usually an incomplete list. 

You deserve full transparency with ingredients. 

We’ve covered a lot, so let’s boil it down to what you need to consider. If your lip products don’t have transparent ingredients or contain one of the above dangers, that’s a red flag. Instead, choose natural lip products with safe, proven, and non-toxic ingredients.

Ingredients to Look for in Safe + Natural Lip Products

Now that we’ve discussed some ingredients you want to avoid, let’s get to the exciting part. While this can feel overwhelming, there are so many incredible ingredients from nature. There are so many options for natural lip products. These ingredients provide tangible benefits and support healthy, luscious, and smooth lips – without sacrificing your health. 

Natural Exfoliators

You might not know that many lip exfoliators are tiny plastic beads. Yikes. As you can imagine, it’s dangerous to consume these beads. They also end up in our water system after being washed off, negatively impacting the environment.  

Instead, look for natural lip exfoliators free from synthetics. You want natural, safe (or even edible!) exfoliators. We use ingredients like mold-free regenerative coffee grounds, sugar, and salt. You get the same results but zero risks to your health.

Essential Oil “Flavor” Components

Avoid “flavor” blends (yes, even the “natural flavor” blends). Opt for organic extracts and oils that don’t pose a health risk if accidentally ingested. Anything going on your lips or mouth should be completely non-toxic and natural. It’s really that simple!

*Tip: Essential oils are a great choice, but watch out for greenwashing claims. You might see a phrase like “made with essential oils,” but this doesn’t mean they’re ONLY essential oils. Always read the full ingredient list to avoid the term “natural flavor.”

Another thing to keep in mind: It’s always wise to understand any safety concerns around ingredients used in your products, whether intended for skin, lips, ingestion, or even inhalation. This can vary depending on your specific health situation, so if you have concerns, reach out to your practitioner. 

Natural Coloring/Tint 

No need to risk it – ditch synthetic products with potentially contaminated or synthetic colorings. Choose natural lip products pigmented with clean food or plant sources. 

We love beetroot, hibiscus, and mica (which also provide antioxidants and minerals).

Natural Moisturizers

Ironically, many lip balms and other products contain drying ingredients. Instead, opt for natural lip products with true organic moisturizers to seal in moisture. Moisture is a major component of an effective natural lip product. 

A few of our favorite natural moisturizers for natural lip products include:

• Lanolin – comes from the surface of wool and helps protect sheep from water. It’s an excellent emollient for all kinds of skin concerns. Ours comes from ​​ethically sourced pasture-raised, grass-fed sheep wool. Our founder, Bethany, has been using lanolin for a while and has been dying to use it in a product! (and we finally did! ;))

Lanolin is super hydrating. It creates a layer on the surface of the lips but also penetrates to provide restoring + long-lasting moisture.

• Organic Pomegranate Sterols – distilled from pomegranate oil, this is an unbelievable moisturizer. So, it clearly deserves a spot in our natural lip products. It’s a healthy alternative to petrolatum and other petroleum-based ingredients. 

Pomegranate has many benefits for the skin. It repairs at a cellular level, plumps, hydrates, and provides the perfect glide in a natural lip product. 

• Organic Mango Butter – contains intensely moisturizing benefits and a creamy texture. It provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helping repair dry or dehydrated skin. It’s excellent for rebuilding and can help protect the moisture barrier.

• Ethically Harvested Beeswax – the waxy texture locks in moisture and helps speed healing. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help ward off infected cracks or cuts. It also contains vitamin A content to nourish delicate skin.⁵ 

It’s essential to prioritize high-quality and effective ingredients in this category especially.

Healthy Fats

Natural lip products should always contain healthy fats. Fat is a key component for softness, suppleness, and nourishment. Nourishment builds resiliency, which is especially beneficial in harsher environmental conditions.

When looking for the most effective healthy fats for natural lip products, here are the ones you want to look for:

• Grass-fed + Finished Tallow – a foundational animal-based ingredient in many of our best-selling products. It contains super restorative and healing fatty acids for a healthy lipid barrier. The unique biocompatible nature means it absorbs and works seamlessly. 

It’s also effective for a wide range of inflammatory skin concerns. These qualities make it a perfect fit for natural lip products. It softens, smoothes, and provides quick relief for dry, chapped lips.

• Coconut Oil – this healthy fat soothes lips with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that nourish and provide the perfect smooth application.

• Cocoa Butter – contains a high content of antioxidants and fatty acids. It also boasts moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties for an added wellness boost.

For us, these are the essential + foundational components of effective, non-toxic, and natural lip products. This leads us to our lip product line we’ve been building out for a long time. 

Primally Pure’s Lineup of Natural Lip Products

We’ve always wanted to create a full line of natural lip products, but good things take time. ;) We refused to compromise the integrity of our sourcing, ingredients, or formulas. So, after much time, testing, fine-tuning, and product launches, we now have a full lineup of natural lip products! From gentle exfoliation and routine moisture to glossy shine – we’ve got you(r lips) covered. 

Lip Polish

Our natural lip polish provides gentle exfoliation without compromise. While this product does rinse off, we still wanted to ensure the ingredients are as safe as possible. 

The main exfoliator is green coffee bean powder. Unroasted coffee beans are higher in antioxidants + nutrients. The super-fine grounds are the perfect size for exfoliating the gentle surface of the lips. The accompanying vanilla and lavender aroma is crafted exclusively with organic oils.

Keep your natural lip polish on hand during cooler dry seasons or summers spent at the beach with drying salt water. It also helps your other natural lip products apply evenly by keeping the surface of your lips ultra-smooth.

→ How to Use: Use as a weekly (or biweekly for sensitive skin) natural lip treatment. 

*Tip: Apply around the lipline to soften and prevent signs of aging around the mouth.

Lip Balm

Our best-selling natural lip balm features a blend of tallow and beeswax. These animal-based ingredients are rich in restorative nutrients. With the perfect consistency, it glides effortlessly but doesn’t feel greasy. It comes in five scents, all free from sneaky or harmful ingredients.

→ How to Use: Perfect for daily use, maintenance, or a touch of shine. We love it before bed each night as your lips lose moisture overnight. (This is a non-negotiable for our holistic esthetician, Courtney. She swears by it to wake up with the softest and most luscious lips!)

Used underneath our lip oil, it provides indulgent moisture and a smooth, long-lasting application.

*Tip: You can also use it anywhere you need nourishment, like around the eyes or cuticles.

Rose + Mint Tinted Lip Balm

It’s your favorite non-toxic lip balm with a boost. Enjoy all the same nourishing ingredients and benefits, plus a natural tint. Hibiscus, beet, and mica create a buildable sheer color. It’s the perfect non-toxic tinted lip balm to compliment any skin tone. 

 → How to Use: We love this as a simple lightweight matte look, but you can build it up for a color pop – you can’t go wrong either way! 

*Tip: Our natural tinted lip balm doubles as a cheek/lid tint. It’s the perfect dewy/blushed look with subtle color. ;)

Lip Oil 

Unlike many lip oils on the market, this natural lip oil contains no drying or synthetic ingredients. It features two indulgent and moisture-locking ingredients. We’re obsessed with the lanolin and castor oil in this natural lip product, complete with sweet vanilla and mint notes. 

Trust us when we say our natural lip oil is THE Product for optimal moisture, hydration, and plumpness. It provides the best, rich juicy/oily look without feeling runny or thick.

 → How to Use: Use this natural lip oil for times when you want a subtle, muted color and a high-gloss finish. 

*Tip: Use solo for a natural glossy look, or build with the tinted lip balm for a color + gloss duo.

Ready to build out your natural lip care collection? With each of these natural lip products on hand, you can customize your lip look and support healthy lips. This curated collection of natural lip care products cares for your lips through all seasons and situations. It’s mix-and-match heaven!

Don’t Settle: Choose Natural Lip Products With Safe, Non-Toxic Ingredients

Truthfully, finding safe, effective, natural lip products can be hard. We're so excited to round out our collection with a full range of products for every occasion and need!

These products are your ticket to healthy, smooth, and luscious lips all year long. They’re full of nutrients and goodness but free from chemicals or nasties.

Everything you want, but nothing harmful to your health. It's our promise, always.

XO

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Sources:

1. ACS Publications | Fluorinated Compounds in North American Cosmetics
2. National Cancer Institute | Mineral Oils: Untreated and Mildly Treated 
3. National Library of Medicine | Toxic Mechanisms of Five Heavy Metals: Mercury, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, and Arsenic
4. Medicine Net | Is Propylene Glycol Harmful to Humans?
5. Wiley Online Library | Evaluation of Beeswax Influence on Physical Properties of Lipstick Using Instrumental and Sensory Methods

 

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