What is lip gloss made of?

Lip gloss formulations vary widely, but common ingredients include:

• Oils: These provide shine and often moisturization. Common examples are mineral oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. The type of oil used significantly impacts the gloss's texture and feel.

• Waxes: These add structure and viscosity, helping the gloss hold its shape and stay on the lips. Common waxes include beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and microcrystalline wax.

• Emollients: These soften and smooth the lips, contributing to comfort and preventing dryness. Examples include shea butter, cocoa butter, and lanolin.

• Polymers: These help create a glossy film and improve the gloss's longevity. Examples include polybutene and isododecane.

• Pigments & Dyes: These add color. These can be natural or synthetic. Mica is a common natural pigment that adds shimmer.

• Flavors & Fragrances: These enhance the sensory experience. These are often synthetic, but natural options exist.

• Preservatives: These prevent bacterial growth and extend the shelf life. Common preservatives include parabens, phenoxyethanol, and sorbic acid.

• Vitamins & Antioxidants: Some lip glosses include vitamins like vitamin E or antioxidants to offer additional skin benefits.

The specific combination and proportions of these ingredients determine the final properties of the lip gloss, such as its shine, texture, consistency, and staying power. "Natural" lip glosses tend to use a higher proportion of oils, butters, and natural waxes, while those marketed as "long-lasting" often include more polymers. Always check the ingredient list to understand the specific components of a particular lip gloss.