Lip balm

Lip balm is a substance topically applied to the lips of the mouth to relieve chapped or dry lips and cold sores. Lip gloss is similar, but generally has only cosmetic properties. The balm is usually manufactured from beeswax, petroleum jelly, menthol, camphor, scented oils, and various other ingredients. Some manufacturers also add vitamins, alum, salicylic acid, or aspirin. Most lip balms contain a sunscreen, to minimize sun damage.

Lip balm may come in small containers, where a finger is used to spread it on the lips, or in 'stick' form (similar to lipstick) which is applied directly to the lips.

Addiction

There are many stories of lip balm addiction, where the users of lip balm feel the need to constantly re-apply the product, claiming that their lips will chap and dry if they stop. Whether it is a physical or purely psychological addiction is unclear. There are some urban legends claiming that lip balm manufacturers add special chemicals or even fiberglass to their product to facilitate lip chapping, but none of these tall tales have been substantiated.

Popular brands

• Carmex
• ChapStick
• Tholene

External links and references

• Lip Balm Anonymous
• Lip Balm entry on snopes.com
• HELP! I really need a lip balm fix Des Moines Register article