Lipstick is a beauty product used for applying color, texture and/or protection to lips. It has been used since ancient times and many cultures used a variety of different natural coloring agents. Throughout the 19th, and parts of, the 20th century lipstick was not considered appropriate for respectable women. It wasn’t until the mid 1900′s that lipstick became an acceptable part of makeup. This change of attitude can be attributed to the popular movie actresses in the 20th century. If you have ever wondered what this sometimes controversial product is made out of, keep reading to find out.
What is lipstick made out of?
Although every brand of lipstick uses slightly different ingredients, there are a few ingredients that are common to most lipsticks. 60% of most lipstick is made from wax and oil. The three most common types of wax, usually used in some form of combination, are beeswax, carnauba wax and candelilla wax. The oil used may include vegetable oil, lanolin, mineral oil, animal fat and castor oil, but others may also be used. Cocoa butter is also commonly used together with these oils. The other common ingredients include; dyes and pigments, fragrance, alcohol, antioxidants, preservatives and filling agents. Some manufacturers choose to use natural ingredients in their lipstick. These may include vitamins, plant oils and natural pigments.
Did you know?
A study in 2007 found that 60% of lipstick on the market contains trace amounts of lead. This is a serious problem because lead can cause many health problems.
Lipstick that is made to be shimmery sometimes contains fish scales to produce that shimmering look!