Emollient
Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
A plant-derived oil that helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some, but generally well-tolerated on lips.
Emollient/Viscosity Agent
Polybutene
A synthetic polymer that gives products a smooth, glossy feel and helps with texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, slip
Emulsifier/Dispersant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Helps to keep ingredients mixed and provides a smooth application.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Wax/Thickener
Microcrystalline Wax
A type of wax that helps to give the balm its structure and prevent it from melting too easily.
Usually helps with
Structure, stability
Adds a scent or taste to the product.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive individuals.
Emollient/Thickener
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
A plant-derived wax that helps to condition and thicken the formula.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, texture
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich butter known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, soothing
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some, but generally safe for lips.
Active
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A peptide that signals the skin to produce more collagen, which can lead to plumper-looking lips.
Usually helps with
Plumping, texture improvement
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but always patch test new actives.
Emollient
Platonia Insignis (Bacuri) Seed Butter
A rich, moisturizing butter from the Amazon that helps to condition and soften the lips.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Emollient/Antioxidant
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil
Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, this oil helps to nourish and protect the lips.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, antioxidant protection
Emollient
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
A lightweight oil that provides hydration and helps to soften the lips.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Emollient/Antioxidant
Rosa Canina Seed Oil
Also known as rosehip seed oil, it's rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, helping to condition and repair the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, repair
Emollient
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
A non-greasy oil that moisturizes and softens the skin, often used for its skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can gently exfoliate the lips, promoting smoother texture. In low concentrations, it also acts as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, smoothing
Watch for
Can cause sensitivity or stinging, especially if lips are already dry or cracked. Use with caution.
Emollient/Thickener
Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax
A wax derived from roses that helps to provide structure and conditioning to the balm.
Usually helps with
Texture, conditioning
Emollient/Thickener
Rosa Damascena Flower Wax
Another rose-derived wax that contributes to the balm's texture and emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Texture, conditioning
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
A fatty ester that acts as an emollient, making the skin feel soft and smooth.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some, but generally safe for lips.
A fatty ester that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, softening
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in a formula.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Solvent/Humectant
Hexylene Glycol
A solvent that can also act as a humectant, helping to draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Solvency, hydration
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating in higher concentrations.
A form of Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Colorant/Opacifier
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
A mineral pigment used to provide color and opacity. In lip products, it can help create a lighter shade or opaque finish.
Usually helps with
Color, opacity
Formula support
Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline
Included in the source ingredient list. Glass treats this as part of the supporting formula unless it overlaps with a known active, preservative, or fragrance flag.
Usually helps with
Formula completeness and routine context
Watch for
Personal sensitivity, especially if your skin is reactive or the ingredient overlaps with other products in your routine