What's in Our Honey Lip Balm

Here is what goes into Honeloom lip balms and what each ingredient is there to do. Our balms share the same idea, a soft balm built around beeswax, but every flavor has its own blend, so the exact list is always on the product page and on the packaging.

Beeswax

Beeswax is the backbone of every Honeloom balm. It gives the balm its body and leaves a thin, flexible layer on the lips that helps slow down moisture loss. That layer is what makes lips feel cushioned instead of bare a few minutes after you apply.

Honey extract

Honey has been used on skin for centuries. In cosmetics it is valued as an emollient and a humectant, which means it softens and helps attract water, and it is also described as soothing (Burlando & Cornara, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013). In our formulas, honey extract appears in the original Honey Bee Balm and in several limited editions.

Propolis

Propolis is a resin that bees collect from plants and use to seal their hive. It is a traditional ingredient in lip care and appears in some of our balms and lip masks. It is also a known contact allergen: in one review, between 1.2% and 6.6% of people patch-tested for dermatitis reacted to propolis, and lip balms were named among the products that contain it (Walgrave et al., Dermatitis, 2005). If you know you react to propolis, beehive products or balsam of Peru, choose a balm without it.

Vitamin E, jojoba oil and shea butter

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidant that also helps lips feel conditioned. Jojoba oil is light and silky and spreads easily without feeling greasy. Shea butter, used in flavors like Watermelon, adds a richer, creamier feel. Some fruit flavors also include coconut, olive or hazelnut oil.

The base: mineral oil, petrolatum and other emollients

We want to be clear about this part. Many of our balms use a classic lip-care base, for example liquid paraffin (mineral oil), petrolatum, polyisobutylene or microcrystalline wax. These ingredients give the balm its smooth glide and help it stay on your lips. Dermatologists often recommend petroleum jelly for very dry lips because an ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils (American Academy of Dermatology), so we see a well-made base as a strength, not something to hide.

Flavor, fragrance and color

Each balm is flavored and scented to match its name, and many include a cosmetic colorant listed by its CI number. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that fragrance and some flavors, such as cinnamon, citrus, mint and peppermint, can irritate dry, chapped lips. If your lips are very sensitive or already irritated, try a small amount first, and stop using any product that stings or itches.

Allergy notes

  • All balms contain beeswax, and many contain honey extract or propolis. Skip them if you are allergic to bees, propolis or pollen.
  • Several fruit and dessert flavors contain hazelnut, coconut or almond oil. Check the list if you have a nut allergy.
  • Products with honey are not for babies under 12 months.
  • If your lips crack, bleed or don't improve after two to three weeks of good care, see a board-certified dermatologist.

Want to see how to use the balm for the best results? Read how to use Honeloom lip balm.

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