What is lipgloss made out of?

Lip gloss formulations vary widely, but common ingredients include:

• Oils: These provide shine and often moisturization. Examples include castor oil, mineral oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil. The type of oil influences the gloss's texture and feel.

• Waxes: These add structure and viscosity, helping the gloss maintain its shape and prevent it from being too runny. Common waxes include beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and microcrystalline wax.

• Emollients: These soften and smooth the lips. Examples include lanolin, shea butter, and various silicones.

• Polymers: These can improve gloss texture, add shine, and provide a film-forming effect. Common polymers include polybutene and vinyl polymers.

• Pigments/Mica: These add color and shimmer. Mica is a common ingredient for creating shimmery effects. Other pigments are used to create various shades.

• Flavorings and Fragrances: These add scent and taste, although some glosses are fragrance-free.

• Preservatives: These prevent bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of the product. Common preservatives include phenoxyethanol and parabens.

• Vitamins and Antioxidants: Some lip glosses include added vitamins (like vitamin E) and antioxidants to offer additional skincare benefits.

The specific combination and proportions of these ingredients determine the final characteristics of the lip gloss, such as its texture, shine, longevity, and moisturizing properties. Some glosses are more moisturizing than others, depending on their oil and emollient content. Some are very sticky, others are not. The ingredient list on the packaging will tell you exactly what's in a particular lip gloss.