Lip Gel Formulation for Dry, Peeling Lips and Fine Lines

Question

I have a problem with dry and peeling lips due to medication I take daily. Currently, no matter what brand of lip balm or traditional lip salve I use, it doesn't help.

I saw an advertisement for a product called Hyaluronic Acid from one brand that says it can be applied to the lips. Could the staff please advise:

Which Hyaluronic Acid product should I use?
What other ingredients should I add if I want to order a lip product that focuses on providing moisture and reducing fine lines around the mouth?
I would like the texture to be a gel that can be squeezed out of a tube.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Lip Gel Formulation for Dry, Peeling Lips

Addressing dry and peeling lips, especially due to medication, requires intense hydration and barrier support. Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent ingredient for this purpose, as it helps draw and retain moisture.

Based on your interest in Hyaluronic Acid and desire for a gel texture in a squeeze tube, here is a recommended approach for formulating a lip gel:

Recommended Base

Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base: This is a ready-to-use gel base containing multiple types of Hyaluronic Acid. It is preservative-free, fragrance-free, and emulsifier-free, making it suitable for sensitive lip skin. It provides a good gel texture that can be easily dispensed from a tube and serves as an excellent foundation for adding other active ingredients.

Key Active Ingredients to Add

To enhance hydration and address fine lines, consider adding the following:

Double Hyaluron Liquid or 4D Hyaluronic Acid: These provide multi-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid for hydration at different levels of the skin. Double Hyaluron Liquid is a liquid, while 4D Hyaluronic Acid is a thicker gel. You can add either or a combination to boost the hydration power of the base. Super-HYA™ is another option known for its enhanced absorption.
HyaRetin™: This ingredient combines Retinoic Acid encapsulated in Hyaluronic Acid. It is designed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which can be beneficial for lines around the mouth. The encapsulation also helps improve stability and skin penetration while potentially reducing irritation.
LipidSoft™ Lanolin: While the base is a gel, adding a small amount of an emollient like LipidSoft™ Lanolin can help create a protective barrier on the lips, preventing moisture loss and providing a smoother feel. This is an oil-soluble ingredient, so it needs to be carefully incorporated into the water-based gel.

Formulation Approach

Start with the Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base as your primary component.
Carefully mix in the desired active ingredients like Double Hyaluron Liquid or 4D Hyaluronic Acid, Super-HYA™, and HyaRetin™ at their recommended usage rates (refer to product descriptions for specific percentages). Ensure they are fully dispersed.
If adding LipidSoft™ Lanolin, incorporate it slowly and mix thoroughly to ensure it blends well into the gel base without separating.
The resulting mixture should be a gel suitable for filling into a squeeze tube.

This combination leverages the hydrating power of multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid with the anti-aging benefits of HyaRetin™ and the barrier support of an emollient, providing a comprehensive solution for dry, peeling lips and fine lines.