- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
I’ve always had a dry lip problem–to the point where they not only crack, peel, and bleed, but also occasionally split. Naturally, over the years I’ve tried a lot of lip balms. I’ve noticed ointments (Vaseline, Aquaphor) and those with a thin, squeeze-tube texture (Blistex, Boots Botanics) seem to emphasize the cracks and exacerbate the peeling while the more solid textured balms in tins or tubes (Carmex, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick) do not. Most of the balms I’ve used are petrolatum and/or mineral oil-based, so I assume it’s simply a matter of the waxes and butters smoothing over the uneven skin like spackle, but could there be another formulary reason why thicker-textured balms feel (or maybe even work) better than thinner ones?
My guess is that the thicker products tend to be the ones that use petrolatum which is the most effective occlusive agent. (Meaning it locks in moisture better.) Petrolatum tends to make products have a heavier texture. The thinner products may be using oils that have a lighter texture but that aren’t as effective.
Thanks, that was one of my thoughts, too.
It’s funny that I have the same problem (emphasizing cracks and peeling) when I use pure petrolatum as I do when I use thinner oil-based balms. The sensation is almost as though the thinner balms lift up the edges of each crack, whereas the thicker balms smooth them down. I’m sure it’s just a consumer preference thing, but it’s an annoyance I’ve wondered about for a while now.
By the way, I’m so glad I found this site. I left engineering for the arts a long time ago, but I come from a family of chemical engineers, so it’s refreshing to finally find people discussing the science of these products who 1) have the training and experience to know what they’re talking about, and 2) don’t do so in a condescending way for those of us whose chemistry is a bit rusty.
Thanks again!
You’re welcome! It’s nice to hear that our style suits you. You’d be surprised how many complaints we get from people who say we ARE condescending and that we’re “intellectual bullies.” I just don’t get it, we’re just trying to help people be smarter about their beauty product choices. I guess you can’t please everyone.
- The forum ‘Ask the Beauty Brains’ is closed to new topics and replies.