Wondering if you’re allergic to lip balm? If you’ve got swelling or small blisters every time you put on some lip balm, you may have lip balm allergies.
Here, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about lip balm allergies, and even provide you with some hypoallergenic lip balm options. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we’ve received pertaining to tingling lips.
Read on to find out more!
Can You Be Allergic To Lip Balm?
Yes, it’s possible to be allergic to lip balm but it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact ingredient that’s causing an allergic reaction as lip balm is made with a plethora of ingredients. Some of the potential culprits however, can be lanolin, phenol and parabens.
What Other Conditions Could Cause Dry, Peeling Lips?
If you’ve got dry lips, it doesn’t always mean that you’ve got a lip balm allergy. It’s possible for you to be allergic to other things such as toothpaste. During the winter, cold and dry air can also be the main culprits of dry lips. Licking your lips can also aggravate the problem and cause issues such as irritation, peeling, and chapped lips.
Other conditions that could cause dry and peeling lips include chronic sun damage that leads to a condition known as Actinic Cheiltis along with nutritional disorders such as zinc deficiency which can cause a rash around the mouth.
What About Tingling Lips?
Similar to dry and peeling lips, cold weather or sensitive skin is often the reason for tingling lips.
Some ways to treat sensitive, tingling lips include:
- Investing in a good hypoallergenic lip balm
- Taking care of skin around the lips
- Exfoliate your lips
- Avoid touching your lips in acute flare ups
- Investing in moisture-rich lipsticks
- Stop licking your lips
What Are The Symptoms Of A Lip Balm Allergy?
If you’ve got a lip balm allergy, you’ll have swelling and small blisters that will pop up within minutes of contact with the allergen. This reaction may also spread to other parts of the face and neck. Other symptoms include redness, scaling, dryness, itchiness, along with mild swelling.
Toxic Ingredients To Avoid In Lip Balms
When purchasing lip balm, you should try to avoid lip balms that contain any of the following ingredients:
- Lanolin
- Phenol
- Chemicals such as oxybenzone and homosalate
- Parabens
- Petrolatum and mineral oil
- BHA and BHT
How Do I Choose A Good Lip Balm?
Not all lip balms are created equal, and you should look for one that’s naturally moisturizing and will heal the skin – not just simply coat the surface. All-natural lip balms that don’t have any toxic ingredients are the way to go as the natural oils and butters will penetrate deep into the skin cells.
Top 4 Hypoallergenic Lip Balm Options
If you’re allergic to the lip balms that you currently have, consider purchasing any of these hypoallergenic lip balms listed below:

1. Sky Organics
This 100% pure organic lip balm is made with natural ingredients such as organic coconut oil, organic rosemary extract, organic sunflower oil and more. It comes with six total flavors from tropical coconut to tangy citrus, and is safe for even the most sensitive lips.
Best of all, this range of lip balm is non-toxic, and made with no chemicals, petroleum, fillers and soy. It’s completely gluten-free and is a certified organic lip moisturizer. All of the products are also not tested on animals and come in a completely recyclable packaging.
2. Babo Botanicals
Another great hypoallergenic lip balm on this list is Babo Botanicals. It’s 100% plant-based and made with pure ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado and jojoba oil. No harsh chemicals or irritants are used in this lip balm, and it’s great for daily use. Choose from three different colors of wild rose, beach rose and plum rose to suit your needs.
3. Burt's Bees
Known for their allergy-friendly products, Burt’s Bees lip balm soothes and nourishes dry lips with ingredients such as kokum, shea, and cocoa butter. Just a little bit of lip balm will have your lips feeling smooth and refreshed for up to four hours, and it’s made with 100% natural ingredients and is hypoallergenic with no added flavors or fragrance.
4. Sacred Shea Skincare
Last on the list, you’ve got Sacred Shea Skincare’s hypoallergenic lip balm that’s made with organic shea butter and coconut oil. The combination of the organic oil and butter helps to soften your lips while also providing an antioxidant-rich treatment. It’s also fragrance-free, and made with 100% organic ingredients without the addition of parabens, phthalates, SLS or petroleum.
So there you have our in depth overview of hypoallergenic lip balm and lip balm allergies. Even if you don’t have lip balm allergies, it’s still a good idea to purchase a hypoallergenic alternative that’s made with natural and organic ingredients. Not only do they smell great, they’re also better for your lips!