Is EOS Lip Balm Any Good? Is It Toxic?

EOS lip balm

Evolution of Smooth or EOS is the owner of a range of lip care and body care products. Its lip balm is advertised as 99% natural, paraben-free, gluten-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested. That’s quite a bill, isn’t it? Or is it just lip service?

The company has been in a whirlwind of controversies over the outrage of its lip balm causing adverse effects. Although the brawls have been settled in the company’s favor, there is still apprehension if the product is actually natural and safe. Let’s try to settle this doubt.

What are the ingredients in EOS lip balm?

EOS lip care products include lip balms and tinted lip balms. The lip balms come in a plethora of flavors such as sweet mint, tropical mango, vanilla mint, apricot, honey apple, pineapple, and strawberry– only to name a few. The lip tints are also offered in different variants, such as super cashmere, sunset to sunrise, and make mine magenta.

The ingredients of the lip balm vary depending on the product variant. However, some of the key ingredients are –

  • Shea butter
  • Coconut oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Olive fruit oil
  • Helianthus annuus, or Sunflower seed oil
  • Stevia
  • Beeswax
  • Linalool
  • Limonene
  • Squalene
  • Beta-Sitosterol
  • Natural flavor

SPF/Sunscreen

Here is a list of four EOS lip balms that have SPF:

  • Lemon twist with SPF 15
  • Aloe with SPF 30
  • Ultra SPF Coconut lip balm
  • Ultra SPF Watermelon lip balm

These products provide UVA and UVB protection and keep your lips soft and moisturized. They are advertised as 100 percent natural. However, lemon twist and aloe versions are made of chemical sunscreens like avobenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene. On the other hand, Ultra SPF coconut lip balm and Ultra SPF watermelon lip balm include the mineral sunscreen; zinc oxide.

Petroleum jelly

EOS lip balm is free from parabens and petroleum jelly.

Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil refining. It is a common ingredient in many lip care brands. It helps in treating dehydrated and flaky lips and is considered safe.

Sugar

EOS lip balms contain sugar in the form of stevia and natural cane sugar. Sugar is a natural exfoliator. It helps in removing dead skin on your lips and facilitates better penetration of other ingredients for softer lips. However, overuse of it on your lips can lead to irritation, abrasion, and bleeding. If you are a diabetic, the sugar in the lip balm could actually be a bitter pill as the lip balm does come in contact with your mouth – causing you to ingest it. Consult your physician before using it in plenty.

Alcohol

EOS lip balm does not contain alcohol. Alcohol is used in the form of phenol and menthol by some lip care brands. It can be a great exfoliator, but can also remove the outer layer of the skin and cause irritation.

Lanolin

EOS lip balm does not have lanolin as the product is cruelty-free. Lanolin is a waxy substance derived from sheep. It helps in moisturizing the skin and lips. It may cause skin irritation, burning, stinging, and redness if you are allergic to it.

Coconut oil

EOS lip balm has nourishing coconut oil along with jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil. Coconut oil is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. It is a wonderful skin nutrient, moisturizer, and wound healer. It also helps in reducing inflammation caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Gluten

EOS lip balm products are free of gluten. Although gluten cannot be absorbed by the skin, its presence in lip balms is despised by some experts. Since there are high chances of the lip balm being ingested, it is thought to aggravate the autoimmune response if you are celiac.

Xylitol

EOS lip balms do not contain xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol. It is commonly used in lip balms and chapsticks as it is a humectant that helps the products hold moisture better. However, it is extremely toxic to dogs – in case they happen to accidentally swallow the lip balm.

Soy

There is no soy in EOS lip balm. Soybean wax is used as a base by some lip balm brands. Soybean oil also offers protection against inflammation from ultraviolet rays. However, EOS lip balm uses shea butter and beeswax as the base.

Is EOS lip balm safe?

EOS pledges to give you soft and supple lips through its lip care variants that contain natural and sustainably sourced ingredients. The products are claimed to be free of parabens, phthalates, gluten, and other harsh chemicals.

On the contrary – in January 2016, the company faced a class-action lawsuit alleging that the lip balm had led to adverse reactions such as rashness, dryness, bleeding, blistering, cracking, and loss of pigmentation. Following this, other consumer reports with similar experiences began to surface. Product reviews on online channels also echoed the same. However, the lawsuit ended in the company’s favor.

Meanwhile, the FDA website also acknowledges receipt of these complaints. It states that it has received 126 reports from August 2014 – to June 2017.

Upon investigation, the FDA had found violations related to good manufacturing practices – however, this did not provide an explanation for consumer complaints. Although the FDA has taken steps to ensure that there are no further violations, consumer complaints continue to show up. The FDA has clarified that it is difficult to determine the cause for adverse reactions as consumer companies are not required by the law to share their safety data and consumer complaints with it.

Keeping aside the company’s extraordinary claims and consumer complaints, let’s analyze the key ingredients of EOS lip balm and see if they are safe for you.

IngredientFunctionalitySafety
Shea butterMoisturizes and nourishes the lips.

It is efficient in healing chapped and dry skin.

It is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins A, E, and F that keep the lips soft and healthy.
It is a safe ingredient.

Not known to cause an allergic reaction.
Coconut oilRich in vitamin E.

It is anti-inflammatory and has an antimicrobial effect.

It is a great remedy for dry lips and ensures that cracked skin does not get infected.
There are no known side effects of coconut oil.
Jojoba oilLoaded with vitamin E, B-complex, and zinc.

It nourishes and hydrates the skin, in addition to soothing the lips from skin irritants.

It absorbs into the skin quickly and moisturizes your skin perfectly just before lipstick application.
It may cause an allergic reaction in some people – resulting in rash, redness, and hives
Sunflower seed oilHas antioxidants, vitamins A, B, D, and E, and omega 9 fatty acids.

The oil can help in hydration and skin regeneration.
It is safe for topical use.
Olive fruit oilA secret from ancient beauty skincare formula.

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this oil prevents the lips from drying out.
It is a safe ingredient.
Sugar/SteviaIt is a natural exfoliator.

It removes dead skin on your lips and facilitates better penetration of other ingredients for softer lips.
Overuse can lead to irritation, abrasion, and bleeding on lips.

You need to be extra careful if you are a diabetic.
BeeswaxIt is the wax secreted by bees to make honeycombs.

It is lubricating and helps the lips to retain moisture.

It forms a protective layer and shields your lips from ultraviolet rays.
May turn poisonous upon ingestion.

Since small amounts of the lip balm are likely to enter your mouth, be wary of over usage as higher ingestion of beeswax can harm you.
LinaloolAn alcohol chemical found in many flowers and spice plants.

It is used as a fragrance ingredient.

Can be soothing.
Its use in skincare products is challenged.

It is a highly sensitizing agent.

Capable of disrupting skin’s natural barriers.Can cause inflammation, irritation, and other skin conditions.
LimoneneFound in the peels of citrus fruits and other plants.

It is a fragrance ingredient.

has antimicrobial properties.
Oxides when exposed to air.

Can sensitize the skin.Can cause skin irritation and soreness.
SqualeneAn organic compound.

Treats dry and chapped lips.

Excellent emollient.Can boost collagen production.
Comes with the risk of allergic reaction that may include itching, redness, and swelling.

Test the lip balm on a patch of skin before using it in case you have a squalene allergy.
Beta-SitosterolEnhances skin barrier functions.

Slows aging.
It is a steroid.

Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea when ingested.
Chemical sunscreens(avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene)Protect the skin and collagen.

Shields the lips from ultraviolet radiation.
They are hormone-disrupting compounds.

Can cause rash and itching.Can cause skin cancer with prolonged exposure.
Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide)Improve acne around the mouth.

Can cure rashes and cuts on lips.

Protects lips from ultraviolet radiation.
Considered safe by FDA.It May cause skin dryness.

May make it difficult for the balm to be absorbed into the lips.

Is EOS lip balm safe for babies and toddlers?

EOS does not have a dedicated line of lip balms for babies and toddlers. This implies that its lip balms do not go through the safety test for babies. Also, considering that some EOS lip balm ingredients have the potential to cause an allergic reaction, it is not a good idea to use them on babies and toddlers – it may not be safe for them.

Is EOS lip balm safe during pregnancy?

You probably have a heightened sense of smell, and your skin is rather more sensitive if you are pregnant. Consequently, some fragrances and skin sensitizing ingredients in EOS lip balm may not be safe for you.

The medical community advises pregnant women to stay away from topical application of essential oils as these are highly concentrated and can cause skin damage – even miscarriage if ingested. Stevia and steroid components in the lip balm are other ingredients to dodge during pregnancy. Further, strictly stay away from the sunscreen versions as the SPFs can be detrimental – especially on the lips.

Is EOS lip balm safe for dogs and pets?

EOS lip balms come in round-shaped containers that may be attractive for your dogs and pets. If they accidentally swallow it while playing or happen to ingest the lip balm, ingredients like essential oils, stevia, linalool, and limonene can cause toxicity and liver damage. Therefore, keep your lip balm away from your pets.

Does EOS lip balm cause cancer?

There are no reports of cancer caused by EOS lip balm. The product is claimed to be free of parabens, phthalates, and other chemicals. However, as cosmetic companies are not required by the law to disclose complete information about their ingredients, we cannot be sure what goes into their making – especially in the case of fragrances.

So, use the product only as much as necessary. Fragrance chemicals are known to cause cancer. Try avoiding the chemical SPF lip balms too as avobenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene can cause cancer in the long term.

Is EOS lip balm good for chapped lips?

EOS lip balm is a humectant and emollient that hydrates the lips and keeps them soft and luscious. The essential oils in the lip balm are rich in several vitamins and antioxidants, which help in healing chapped lips. Beeswax also helps the lips retain moisture and heals cracks.

Does EOS lip balm make lips worse?

EOS lip balm has some wonderful ingredients that can help your lips stay hydrated and soft. Nevertheless, experts do not recommend increased usage of any lip balm. Lip balms are only for temporary comfort.

In excess, ingredients such as sugar, fragrances, and steroids can be detrimental. Further, the lips dry out when the film of the balm goes away, prompting you to apply more of it. Such persistent usage is not good for your lips – addiction to lip balms is another study.

Is it safe to eat EOS lip balm?

According to the company, it has had reports of ingestion of its lip balm without any adverse effects. According to them, there is no critical concern if you happen to eat the lip balm. While the regular EOS lip balm may not be toxic, be cautious when you are using the sunscreen variants. If you happen to accidentally swallow a larger amount of lip balm, drink water and allow the body to excrete it. Watch out for symptoms for a couple of days.

Is EOS lip balm cruelty-free?

Yes, EOS lip balm is cruelty-free. None of its products are tested on animals. It is cruelty-free certified through the Leaping Bunny Program and also animal-test free certified through PETA. The company does not sell in markets that mandate animal testing.

Is EOS lip balm vegan?

EOS lip balm is not a vegan product. Beeswax – one of its chief ingredients is obtained from the honeycomb of bees. This makes it an animal product.

Does EOS lip balm expire?

According to the company website, EOS lip balms have a three-year shelf life. In case of doubt about the expiration of the product, you can seek help from the company by providing the five or six-digit batch code printed or engraved on the product.

The product may be in good condition after a year or two if the seal is intact. However, once opened it may lose its efficacy due to oxidation and microbiological factors – it may also lose its freshness and become dry.

How long does EOS lip balm last?

Once open, it is advised to use the lip balm for not more than a year. This is because the product can start breeding bacteria and fungus over a period of time – especially the chapsticks – resulting in skin issues and irritation.

Is EOS lip balm good or bad for your lips?

EOS lip balm was caught in controversies, which are now resolved. The product has the appearance of being developed with honesty and care. It is free of parabens, phthalates, paraffin, phenol, lead, gluten, and coal tar. Although not required by law to divulge its product make-up, the company follows a transparent approach. Not just the final products, but even the ingredients provided by suppliers are tested for specifications.

Conclusively, EOS lip balm is a good product for your lips. It chiefly uses essential oils and beeswax that are safe. Fragrance ingredients are a cause for concern. Nonetheless, a judicious and defined usage of the product can be beneficial and preventive for allergies and adverse reactions.

References:

  1. https://evolutionofsmooth.com/collections/lip-balms
  2. https://incidecoder.com/products/eos-smooth-stick-lip-balm
Anand Srinivasan
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