The Best Brands of Zero Waste Vegan Lip Balms
Lip balms are not needed by everyone (and should not be over-used). But for people who get dry chapped lips, here are some better choices. Free from both petroleum and beeswax. And in zero waste packaging.
Start from the inside, by drinking enough water, and using a humidifier in dry rooms. Also avoid exfoliating flaky lips (you’ll make things worse).
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use unscented lip balms, to avoid essential oils. Same for people with allergies and affected medical conditions. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies.
Keep lip balms away from pets due to cocoa butter (and zinc oxide in sun-protection lip balms). Many are also flavoured with tempting scents (chocolate, vanilla, citrus, peppermint etc). If you use lip balm near pets, wash it off your lips (and skin) before letting pets lick or kiss you!
Don’t Kiss People, If You Have Cold Sores
Cold sores can transfer to others. So don’t go kissing anyone if you have one. Especially don’t kiss babies, as this can lead to serious neonatal herpes.
Why Battle Green Lip Balms are Good
Battle Green Lip Balms are not just made with natural ingredients (organic jojoba oil, cocoa butter and castor oil plus candelilla wax – a vegan alternative to beeswax). But they are also sold in cardboard push-up tubes, to avoid plastic waste. Choose from:
- Apple
- Rose
- Peppermint
- Vanilla
- Lime
- Rose
- Mandarin
Other Good Vegan Lip Balms
The Organic Balm is an organic vegan lip balm made with organic shea butter and safflower oil, you can use this anywhere. It’s designed to help eczema and topical steroid withdrawal, which affects over 15 million people in the UK.
Plumpy Lip Tint Pots (Northern Ireland) are made with shea, mango and cocoa butter with apricot kernel oil. They are sold with subtle sheens or bold pops of colour, ideal for people who find lipsticks too drying.
Ingredients in Zero Waste Lip Balms
At the heart of zero waste vegan lip balms are plant-based waxes and oils, which give the balm its texture and provide lasting hydration.
- Candelilla Wax: This wax comes from a small desert shrub native to Mexico. It’s an excellent alternative to beeswax because it offers a similar firm yet smooth texture that holds the balm together. Candelilla wax is vegan-friendly and breaks down more easily in nature compared to synthetic waxes.
- Carnauba Wax: Known as the “queen of waxes,” carnauba is derived from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm. It’s harder than candelilla, adding firmness and creating a light sheen on the lips. It’s a biodegradable way to make the lip balm last longer and resist melting on hot days.
- Jojoba Oil: Technically a liquid wax, jojoba oil closely mimics the natural oils in human skin. It’s rich in vitamins E and B, helping to soothe and repair dry, cracked lips. Its lightweight nature allows it to absorb quickly, leaving lips soft but never greasy.
- Coconut Oil: A favourite in natural skincare, coconut oil moisturises deeply and has antibacterial properties. It melts at body temperature, so it feels soothing as it glides on. It also helps lock moisture in, preventing lips from drying out.
- Shea Butter: Extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, this butter is packed with fatty acids and vitamins. It nourishes and protects lips from harsh weather while creating a creamy texture for the balm. Shea butter’s sustainability depends on ethical harvesting, so many brands choose fair-trade sources.
