Lipstick Ingredients: What is Lipstick Made of?

Lipsticks are an integral part of many people’s daily makeup routine. However, they may also contain some hidden harmful ingredients. Although lipsticks bring us fashion and beauty, their formulas may be mixed with potentially dangerous substances such as heavy metals and animal-derived ingredients.

It is worth noting that lipsticks purchased online or from unknown sources are particularly unsafe. According to data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in 2014, one-third of cosmetic-related injuries are caused by the use of problematic products. Other studies have shown that using lipstick products causes 38% of people to have lip rashes. Therefore, in this blog, I will introduce the development history of lipstick, its ingredients, and how to find a qualified lipstick manufacturer.

The History Of Lipstick

As early as more than 5,000 years ago in the Sumerian region (now the lower reaches of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in southeastern Iraq), archaeologists found lipstick made of lead powder and red ore in the tombs of an ancient city called Ur. However, we all know that lead is one of the heavy metal pollutants and a heavy metal element that seriously endangers human health. However, because lead can keep the color of lipstick longer, some unqualified products on the market also contain lead.

In China, people in the pre-Qin period (2100 BC-221 BC) had already begun to use natural plant pigments such as ochre and cinnabar to make lipstick. The “Book of Shangshu·Dayu Mo” recorded the ancient custom of women applying cinnabar to modify their faces.

In the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), the production process of Chinese lipstick improved, and ingredients such as beeswax and sesame oil began to be added to increase viscosity and moisturize. In ancient Egypt, people used ochre (a non-toxic mineral), resin, and other raw materials to make lipstick to avoid using lead. his mineral is non-toxic and is used as a medicinal material in China to treat nausea, asthma, blood vomiting, and other diseases.

It was not until the 16th century that Elizabeth I used a more complex formula to make lipstick, including cochineal, gum Arabic, egg white, and fig milk. Among them, cochineal contains a large amount of carmine pigment, which has become the most classic color of lipstick. Elizabeth I also invented solid lip gloss, which is considered the prototype of modern lipstick and has important significance in the history of lipstick development.

Since then, China has continuously enriched the types of lipsticks in the Tang and Song Dynasties (618-1279 AD), and the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912 AD), and the materials have also expanded from natural plants to minerals. In modern times, the production of Chinese lipsticks pays more attention to safety and health, mainly using non-toxic and harmless natural plant pigments.

The Development Trend Of Lipstick

In recent years, various pearlescent powders and processed pigments have made lipsticks more diverse in color and more comfortable in texture. Similar to the development trend of other beauty cosmetics, lipsticks continue to focus on beauty, considering the functions of moisturizing, nourishing, and sun protection.

What Is Lipstick Made Of?

The main components include colorants, fillers, oils, waxes, lubricants, active substances, preservatives, etc.

Colorants: Contain pigments or dyes, which determine the color of lipstick. Generally, they can be divided into three categories: organic colorants, mineral pigments, and pearlescent pigments, among which mineral colorants are the most used. Some lipsticks that look “bling-bling” also contain ingredients such as mica, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide, while the matte lipstick formula contains more wax.

Waxes: Candelilla wax, palm wax, beeswax, etc. In lipstick, other ingredients are evenly dispersed in wax. Wax forms a uniform carrier with other oily ingredients and acts as a molding agent. The properties of wax (such as melting point range, crystal state, etc.) significantly influence lipstick’s texture, performance, skin feel, stability, etc.

Oils: For example, hydrocarbons such as mineral oil and petrolatum, natural oils such as castor oil, lanolin, and jojoba oil, and synthetic oils such as cetyl ethyl hexanoate.

Softeners: Softeners are also used in the formula of non-fading lipsticks. They can evaporate quickly, leaving behind the pigment and a thin film to protect the pigment.

Others: Some lipsticks with glitter effects also contain pearlescent pigment ingredients such as mica and titanium mica.

What Types Of Lipstick?

Lipstick types can be divided into moisturizing lipstick, satin lipstick, matte lipstick, cream lipstick, glitter lipstick, and long-lasting lipstick.

According to the effect, it can be divided into moisturizing, matte, iridescent, etc.

According to the color, it can be divided into warm tones, cool tones, and neutral tones.

What Are The Characteristics Of Good Lipstick?

• Non-irritating, harmless, and free of microbial contamination for the lips;
• Possessing a natural, fresh, and pleasant taste and aroma;
• Visually appealing with vibrant, even coloration; the shades are in line with the latest trends and meet consumer needs;
• Applies smoothly and evenly, with the color remaining consistent and not blending or smearing. It has good adhesion; some products even have transfer-resistant properties (known as “long wear” lipsticks), making them unlikely to transfer onto other surfaces. It can maintain its appearance for a reasonable duration but is still easy to remove.
• The lips feel comfortable and moisturized after use;
• Consistent quality and good weather ability.

Is Lipstick Harmful To Health?

Lips are very close to the mouth, and lipstick can quickly enter the human body with saliva and food, so the raw materials used in lipstick are rigorous and all edible-grade.

Essential oils and waxes rarely contain metals. The pigments of lipstick are organic metal lakes or mineral sources, which pose the risk of heavy metal pollution, but all countries strictly regulate the heavy metal content of colorants.

Generally, qualified lipstick products of regular brands rarely contain ingredients that are harmful to the human body. However, when you apply lipstick, you should pay attention to using lip balm at the same time and remove makeup before going to bed to avoid long-term use of lipstick causing damage to your lips.

What Is The Matter With “Non-Stick Cup” Lipstick?

The lipstick does not stick to the cup because the core point in the research and development process is adding more volatile silicone oil to the formula and adjusting the oil and wax ratio. After the lipstick is applied to the lips and the silicone volatilizes, the pigment fits the lip skin better under the coverage of the film-forming agent. In addition, a large amount of silicone oil controls oil to improve the hydrophobicity of the lipstick, and the water resistance is excellent after use, so it does not stick to the cup easily.

Since volatile silicone oil “dries” quickly, non-stick lipsticks are primarily designed to be matte.

Therefore, non-stick lipsticks have nothing to do with the quality of the product and heavy metals. It is just a metaphor for lipsticks that are not easy to remove. How you choose is purely based on personal preference.

How Does Color-Changing Lipstick Work?

The principle of color-changing lipstick lies in the colorant in it – bromic acid dye. The common bromic acid dye is tetrabromofluorescein, or “eosin red.” The lipstick or lipstick made of it appears orange. It can be made into a transparent color-changing lipstick. When applied to the lips, it turns bright red due to the change in the pH of the lips. In addition, the temperature of the lips, the base color, and the application amount are different, which constitutes the phenomenon of “a thousand colors for a thousand people.”which constitutes the phenomenon of “a thousand colors for a thousand people.”

How To Choose A Safe And Reliable Lipstick Manufacturer?

When choosing a private label lipstick manufacturer, there are several criteria to look out for.

1. Safety of Ingredients

You must check the case to understand the local laws and guidelines based on your target market.

What ingredients are prohibited and may not be allowed? For example, in Europe and the United States, there are strict guidelines on the ingredients used in cosmetics. Some ingredients are legal in the United States but not in Europe. Please confirm with the lipstick manufacturer that all its ingredients are safe and legal in your country. You can ask the manufacturer for a list of ingredients and evaluate the ingredients yourself. You can also make changes to the formula.

2. Source and Quality of Raw Materials

Choosing a manufacturer that uses quality raw materials ensures the quality and performance of your product. Depending on your price range, pay attention to where the manufacturer buys the raw materials before purchasing a finished product with your label. If it is sold as a luxury product at a high price, it is expected to be high quality. In addition, inferior products may have a shorter shelf life.

3. Certification Standards

Learn about any special certifications you want to include in your private label, such as vegan, cruelty-free, etc.

It is essential to ask the private label cosmetics and makeup manufacturers who can assist with certification and ensure that they meet your product ethics. These products will become part of your brand.

4. Minimum Order Quantity

Depending on your business needs, determine the manufacturer’s minimum order quantity requirements. Some manufacturers do not accept low MOQs. Of course, it also depends on the specific formula, the type of packaging, and the ingredients in the product.

5. Manufacturer’s Professional Capabilities

Xiran Cosmetic Products Manufacturers provide customized services to help you create your brand and manufacture high-quality products worldwide. We have more than 15 years of experience in the cosmetics and makeup industry for private label lip gloss products on behalf of third parties. Do you want an innovative beauty product supplier to help you create a unique brand image? We are the partner you seek to build a successful reputation in contract cosmetics sales. We are a leading private label cosmetics manufacturer and cosmetics factory.

To stand out in the beauty, lipstick, makeup, and cosmetics industry, you must develop a striking brand identity and use eye-catching graphics. We have been operating in the private label sector for many years, distributing cosmetics on a large scale for all types of clients in wellness centers, spas, beauty centers, hairdressers, and pharmacies, and we put our experience to work for all those who want to build a cosmetics range customized to their brand. We can serve large, established brands looking for new, higher-quality partners and start-ups looking for help.