Hiding that beautiful smile under aching, parched lips? Hoping that Blistex will be a good way to show your lips some kindness?
Blistex is a fairly decent option to try if you suffer from dry lips and related issues. This article will explain all the aspects of Blistex’s lip balms. After all, as women know, a perfect lip balm is key to the perfect look!
Table of Contents
Blistex medicated lip balm vs ointment?
There is not much difference between these two Blistex products. Both the ointment and balm are medicated. They can both reduce irritation and heal chapped lips. They are both effective at keeping lips healthy, hydrated, and supple.
The ointment is designed to allow greater absorption of the medication. This relieves pain and calms blisters. It lessens the stinging discomfort. It enhances the texture and appearance of your lips.
Blistex Lip Balms have flavors, scents, and colors. The ointment doesn’t have such additives. The texture of the balm is also denser. Blistex lip balm also has SPF whereas the ointment does not.
Does Blistex lip balm contain hydroquinone?
No, Blistex Lip Balm does not contain hydroquinone. Neither does the lip ointment. Hydroquinone is used in skin care to reduce pigmentation. It lightens dark spots, freckles, and discoloration on the lips and surrounding areas.
Blistex uses alternative ingredients instead of hydroquinone. These include castor oil, Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate), and agave amongst others. These help with natural depigmentation. They also even out your lip skin tone.
There are also active sunscreen ingredients like octisalate. These prevent further tanning or drying.
Does Blistex lip balm contain alcohol?
Yes, Blistex does contain certain types of alcohol. These are not conventional ethanol or ethyl alcohol. The FDA labels a product alcohol-free if ethyl alcohol is absent. But technically Blistex contains other alcohols. It contains fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and panthenol.
Cetyl alcohol helps the balm to bind to the lips. Panthenol retains moisture, keeping lips fresh and dewy. Benzyl alcohol is an antimicrobial and antifungal preservative. It keeps the balm from going stale and prolongs its shelf-life.
Some varieties also use behenyl alcohol and arachidyl alcohol. The former is used for binding, thickening, and preventing separation. The latter forms an occlusive barrier on the lips like a protective coating. This prevents lip dehydration.
SD Alcohols (denatured) are used for solvency and astringency.
Does Blistex lip balm contain hyaluronic acid?
Only one variety of Blistex lip balm uses hyaluronic acid. This is the Moisture Revitalizer range. Hyaluronic acid can be either synthetic or animal-derived. It functions as a humectant in Blistex lip balms. It draws in moisture, keeping the lips plump and hydrated.
Blistex uses hyaluronic acid spheres. These hold about 30 times their weight in water. Other varieties use substitutes like cacao butter, hemp seed oil, and ceramides. These also protect skin cells against harsh conditions, be it heat or cold.
Is Blistex lip balm gluten-free?
Yes, Blistex lip balms are gluten-free. They do not contain any grains or grain extracts. Blistex also attempts to ensure that raw material vendors avoid gluten to the maximum possible extent.
Although the Five Star Lip Protectant contains wheat germ oil, it needs to be pointed out that only wheat germ has gluten. The refined wheat germ oil that is used in the Protectant does not contain gluten since it’s removed during processing.
But there still may be trace amounts left. Cross-contamination from suppliers and common facilities can’t be completely ruled out.
The risk is almost negligible. But since the balm is applied on the lips, it may be ingested. So people with serious celiac disease should avoid it. Trace amounts could trigger a life-threatening immune response in some people.
Does Blistex lip balm contain SPF?
Yes, many Blistex lip balms do contain SPF (sun protection factor). Ranges containing SPF include the original Blistex Medicated Lip Balm, Deep Renewal, and Five Star Lip Protection.
Deep Renewal uses a broad spectrum of SPF 15. Five Star Lip Protection uses broad-spectrum SPF 30. This means they provide 15 and 30 times more protection against the sun respectively. They block both Ultraviolet A and B rays.
They cause skin aging, wrinkling, and sunburns respectively.
They also contain additional sunscreen ingredients such as octinoxate, avobenzone, and homosalate. There are added mineral powders like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These shield against harmful rays responsible for skin cancer.
Is Blistex lip balm addictive?
Blistex doesn’t contain any ingredient that induces addiction. But like any other lip balm, it may cause a psychological need to keep re-applying balm. Some ingredients may worsen the habit. Dyes, phenol, menthol, and similar ingredients can actually dry out your lips. This will prompt you to apply multiple times.
Is Blistex lip balm safe? Is it bad for you?
Yes, Blistex is quite safe to use. It isn’t bad. It’s just got a few iffy chemicals whose safety hasn’t been proven. It’s a middle-of-the-road lip balm with no serious dangers. It does contain some ingredients of concern. None of these possible health hazards have been proven.
Blistex contains saccharin which was banned by the FDA in the 1970s. Now the FDA does not deem it a potential carcinogen. No human trial has indicated adverse effects. It is free to use. But it may cause the occasional migraine or contact dermatitis.
Ingredients like parabens, hydrogenated polyisobutene, fragrances, and dimethicone are also under the scanner. They are suspected of causing skin reactions and breathing problems. They may also cause hormone imbalances and disruption in reproductive function.
But these risks are usually when ingested. It is unknown if a topical application or swallowing in small amounts poses the same danger.
Camphor and phenol are used to cool raw, exposed areas. They are also only dangerous if swallowed in large amounts. If swallowed, phenol may cause damage to your central nervous system.
But the quantities of all these potential toxins are very low. They are unlikely to cause much harm. If accidentally swallowed, you may feel unwell in rare circumstances. It is unlikely that Blistex will cause any major toxicity.
If you want to steer clear of artificial ingredients, then Blistex may not be for you.
Can you use Blistex lip balm when pregnant?
You can use Blistex when pregnant. It isn’t unsafe or noxious for you or the baby. But it’s best to limit usage. There are ingredients that are best avoided during this delicate time. Camphor, phenol, and parabens may be toxic for the baby if ingested. There is no research suggesting a link to birth defects or abnormalities. The amounts used are also negligible.
But your unborn baby is sensitive. The placental barrier allows some chemicals to trickle in. So most expecting mothers vigilantly avoid even minute amounts. Some ingredients like beeswax, dyes, mineral oil, or lanolin may also cause allergies.
Largely, Blistex is more useful than unsafe during this period. It reduces itchiness, irritation, and boils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is quite a reliable and effective drugstore lip balm.
Consult your OB/GYN before using Blistex lip balm to make sure it’s safe for you.
Is Blistex lip balm safe for toddlers?
Blistex is safe, but it’s not recommended for use on toddlers. It does contain petroleum jelly and waxes. This helps with dryness and bleeding cracks. But it also has chemicals that aren’t kid-friendly.
Toddlers tend to lick their lips a lot. So most of the balm will end up in their tummies. So it’s always best to opt for more organic options.
The Blistex Simple and Sensitive is the only toddler-friendly option. This range is hypoallergenic and non-irritating. It doesn’t have added fragrances or sensitizing dyes.
Can you use Blistex lip balm on a cold sore?
Yes, Blistex Lip Balm can be used for cold sores. Camphor is a topical analgesic. It temporarily relieves the smarting pain of open sores. Apply this along with the Blistex ointment for best results. The medicine will penetrate the skin quicker.
Apply the balm or ointment 4-5 times a day. This stops bacteria from breeding and worsens the condition. Pat it on softly and spread it evenly. Use the Blistex Cold Sore Creams for your body. The cream is specifically designed for fever sores, cold sores, and herpes blisters.
Is Blistex lip balm vegan?
No, Blistex lip balm is not vegan or cruelty-free. It contains animal products like beeswax and lanolin. Extracting honey or wax may destroy bee habitats. Sheep are also kept in poor conditions before shearing.
Blistex is against animal testing. They only test in the lab, in-vitro, or on human volunteers. They maintain ethical and humane testing practices.
But third-party vendors could be continuing this practice. For example, Red Lake 6 dye used in some Blistex balms continues to be tested on animals to date. Blistex also conducts animal testing in countries like China. These countries make it legally mandatory to test all products.
Blistex lip balm side effects and allergic reactions
The Blistex Lip Balm may trigger certain side effects. These often overlap with allergic reactions.
Reactions that aren’t painful or worrisome include the following:
- A white-ish accumulation on your inner lips. The waxes clump together in the moist inner skin.
- Some varieties of menthol may also cause a tingling or sharp sensation. This may be unpleasant for some.
Reactions that cause concern include reactions:
- Redness, rashes, or bleeding
- Hives and inflammation
- Tongue swelling and throat constriction
If these symptoms persist consult a doctor. If you have a fever or trouble breathing, it may be a serious allergic reaction. Check the ingredients to avoid possible anaphylactic shock. You can use Benadryl or other antihistamines if the reaction is mild.
Does Blistex lip balm expire?
Yes, Blistex lip balm will expire. Unopened, it has an expiration date of about 2-3 years from manufacture. Once opened, it should be used within the year. Blistex uses waxes and oils. These will separate over time.
Sometimes the date isn’t printed on the label. Or you may forget when you bought the tube. In such cases, look for tell-tale signs of spoilage. There may be water and discolored film on the top of the balm. It may also smell rancid. All of these point to the growth of fungus or bacteria.
How long does Blistex lip balm last?
This really depends from one person to another. It could last anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours. It also depends on the weather and how prone your lips are to drying out. You can re-apply it as often as you like.
Blistex with sunscreens is recommended for application every 2 hours. If you are swimming or playing sports, your lips will dry out faster. You may have to apply more frequently.
Blistex does offer a long-lasting formula. This does give it an upper hand over brands that dry out rapidly.
Does Blistex’s medicated lip balm work?
Yes, Blistex Medicated Lip Balm does work. It is clinically proven to be a good hydrator with soothing properties. It locks in moisture to help fissures heal without constant aggravation. It replenishes the water content in skin cells.
It usually is most effective for normal to dry lips. Since it is medicated it can help some conditions like cheilitis and eczema. It tackles scabs, split skin, and spots. It hydrates your lips, making them juicy and glossy. It also makes for a great base when applying make-up!
What are you waiting for! Grab a Blistex and get that smooth, luscious pout back!
References:
- https://blistex.com/products/
- https://incidecoder.com/products/blistex-ultra-lip-balm-with-spf-50#:~:text=A%20hydrocarbon%20wax%20consisting%20mainly,the%20product%20nice%20and%20solid.
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