The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals recently reviewed the ingredients of 50 lip balms and lip masks purchased on the Danish market, bought from both physical and online stores. Allergenic substances and suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) were identified in several products.

Overall, the study concluded that one in four lip balms contained chemicals that are problematic for the environment or health. Suspected EDCs were identified in nine lip balms and one lip mask, which all received a C-rating – the lowest rating given by the Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals.

EDCs are chemicals that disrupt the normal functioning of the hormone system. Exposure to EDCs has been linked to adverse health impacts such as certain cancers, reduced fertility, and impaired brain development.

Personal care products that contain harmful chemicals can contribute to our overall exposure, even if the individual products don’t contain dangerous levels, this is known as the ‘cocktail effect’. Leave-on products such as lip balms and lip masks can cause prolonged exposure because they stay on the skin longer than rinse-off products.

The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals found that half of the lip balms contained perfumes, often added to give a scent or flavour to the product, which can cause skin allergies on and around the lips. Products containing perfumes received the middle rating of a ‘B’.

Alarmingly, they also identified unwanted chemicals in children’s lip balms. They looked at six products and found that four contained perfumes and one contained a suspected EDC. Perfumes and EDCs are particularly concerning for children as their bodies are still developing and are more sensitive to exposure to harmful chemicals.

Fortunately, the study did find that one in three lip balms was free from unwanted chemicals, showing that safer alternatives are available. When buying cosmetics, mobile apps can help identify problematic chemicals. In Germany, use Tox Fox, in France use Beautydecoded, and in the UK try Impact Score Shopping. You can also look out for eco labels such as the EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel, and Nordic Swan.

However, the burden should not be on the consumer to avoid harmful chemicals in products. This study highlights the need to remove harmful chemicals from all products on the shelf.

Currently, some EU decision-makers are trying to weaken an important ban on harmful substances in cosmetics, including carcinogens, at the expense of our health. Use Générations Futures’ tool ‘Shake Your Representative’ to contact your representative in the EU Parliament and ask them to reject the planned amendment to the law.

CHEM Trust supports ongoing efforts to ensure the most hazardous chemicals are not used in consumer products.

For more information on reducing your risk of exposure to harmful chemicals in cosmetics, see our webpage.

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