What is a tinted lip oil composed of?

Generally, tinted oil has the characteristics of a gloss, but offers the properties of a lip balm. Indeed, it colors the lips while repairing them in case of dryness or other discomforts. Its texture can be thin or thick while its color can be transparent, slightly tinted, or highly pigmented. Upon application, it leaves a shiny veil that does not stick to the surface of the lips. Thus, the lips appear plumped, defined and/or sculpted, while being nourished and protected from external aggressions and dehydration.

The tinted lip oils are oil-based monophasic products, meaning they are composed solely of lipophilic compounds (fatty substances). The ingredients typically include one or more vegetable oils, one or more vegetable waxes to provide consistency, as well as active ingredients and preservatives in smaller quantities. The active molecules may serve to plump the lips, provide a warming effect to the care, or even smooth the fine lines around the mouth. Vegetable oils are generally added to these formulas to nourish the lips. They also act preventively, that is, they deposit a protective film on the surface of the lips to prevent them from dehydrating or to protect them from external aggressions. In addition, tinted lip oils also contain pigments, which are responsible for the color upon application.

Note : Some tinted lip oils contain oils and/or mineral waxes derived from petrochemicals. Their extraction process (refining) is harmful to the environment and they provide no cosmetic benefit. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid such ingredients when purchasing a lip oil. Mineral substances can be identified on INCI lists by the following terms: Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, Cera Microcristallina, Ozokerite, Ceresin, Mineral Oil, words with –methicone or –siloxane, polybutene... Additionally, it is also recommended to avoid using tinted oils containing colorants in the form of nanoparticles like titanium dioxide (I.N.C.I.: CI 77891). In 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the group of substances "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B): when inhaled, regardless of the particle size (nano or not).