Lip Balm feels dry after application, is it an allergy?
Question
I have a question. I made a lip balm using oil as a main ingredient. When applied, my lips feel moisturized, but after a while, it seems to evaporate and my lips feel dry again. Is this considered an allergic reaction?
Formula:
- Beeswax: 20%
- Total Oil: 80%
Answer
The symptoms you described, where the lip balm made from oil and beeswax initially moisturizes but then feels like it evaporates and your lips become dry again, are generally not typical signs of an allergic reaction.
Common symptoms of cosmetic allergies usually include:
- Redness of the lips
- Itching
- Swelling
- Rash or small bumps
- Burning sensation
What you are experiencing is more likely related to the properties of the oils used and the formulation ratio. Some oils can be absorbed quickly into the skin or evaporate more easily, meaning the film layer coating your lips is not long-lasting enough. When this film disappears, moisture can evaporate, leading to the feeling of dryness returning.
Beeswax helps create a protective layer and provides structure, but 20% might not be enough to create a sufficiently thick and durable film to lock in moisture for an extended period throughout the day.
If you want the lip balm to last longer and provide more sustained moisture, you could try adjusting the formula by:
- Increasing the proportion of Beeswax or using other types of waxes that provide a better coating film.
- Using slightly thicker or heavier oils, or blending different types of oils with varying properties.
- Considering adding ingredients that help create a film or provide other forms of moisture, such as Shea Butter or Lanolin in small amounts (if you are not sensitive).
In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing are not indicative of an allergy but rather characteristics of the formulation that might need adjustment to improve the lip balm's effectiveness in retaining moisture.
