Rising Popularity of Lip Oils and Safety Concerns
Lip oils have surged in popularity as beauty products that combine the glossiness of lip gloss with hydrating skincare benefits. Dr. Rebecca Small, clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco, notes that when formulated properly, lip oils can enhance shine, hydration, and even lip plumping.
Ingredient Quality Crucial to Avoiding Side Effects
Dr. Small emphasizes that the ingredient composition of lip oils is critical. Some users, particularly women of color, have reported significant hyperpigmentation after consistent use of certain trending lip oils on platforms like TikTok. This hyperpigmentation is believed to be linked to the product’s ingredients and their interaction with sun exposure.
Why Lips Are Vulnerable to Hyperpigmentation
The skin on the lips is thinner than facial skin and lacks robust UV defenses, making it more susceptible to dehydration, sun damage, and conditions like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH occurs when inflammation triggers excess melanin production, darkening specific areas.
Dr. Small explains, “If you use a lip oil without SPF, it can increase UV exposure, heightening the risk of PIH.” Additionally, plumping agents in some lip oils may irritate the skin, and fragrances common in these products can cause allergic or irritant dermatitis, characterized by redness, scaling, and discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Users experiencing pain, excessive swelling, severe redness, darkening, cracking, or bleeding should discontinue the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Choosing Lip Oils: Ingredients to Embrace and Avoid
Dr. Small advises consumers to prioritize ingredient lists over brand names. The safest lip oils include broad-spectrum SPF and nourishing components such as linoleic acids (found in evening primrose and grapeseed oils), squalane, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Conversely, products containing fragrances like peppermint, cinnamon, citrus, or lavender, as well as oleic acid-rich oils like argan and olive oil, should be avoided due to their potential to irritate or destabilize the skin barrier.
For those seeking protection and hydration, traditional wax-based lip balms may offer more effective defense due to their thicker, protective texture.
FinOracleAI — Market View
This expert guidance on lip oil ingredients and the need for SPF highlights increasing consumer awareness around product safety in the beauty sector. Brands emphasizing scientifically backed formulations with sun protection and non-irritating ingredients may gain trust and market share. However, risks remain for products lacking transparency or containing allergens, which could lead to reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny.
Impact: positive
