It's a question we are entitled to ask ourselves, what are the glosses we love to apply to our lips made of? A short (non-scientific) review of a cosmetic product that we love.

The origin of lip gloss dates back to ancient times (yes, really), where women used various products to give their lips shine and luster. In ancient Egypt, for example, women made a mixture of natural substances to beautify their lips and protect them, similar to lip balm . However, lip gloss as we know it today has undergone a much more recent development.

A History of Gloss

In the 1930s, Hollywood makeup artist Max Factor created the first commercially available lip gloss. It was a clear, shiny product made from a petroleum base that was used to give lips a shiny, moist appearance. Lip gloss became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, due in part to its glossy appearance and "wet mouth" effect. At this time, formulas were evolving and ingredients such as beeswax, oils, polymers, and moisturizers were beginning to be included to improve the texture and hold of the product.

Over the decades, lip gloss has become a must-have in the makeup bag, with different variations of colors, finishes and textures available on the market. In addition to offering a shiny and glossy appearance, some lip glosses are enriched with moisturizing ingredients to nourish the lips and give them an optimal feeling of softness but with plumping agents to plump the lips naturally . Today, lip gloss is widely used in the cosmetic industry and is appreciated for its volumizing effect, ease of application, moisturizing action (ideal for dry lips) and versatile appearance. It is found in a multitude of shades, from transparent to shiny, metallic, glittery or tinted finishes, thus offering many options to highlight the lips and complete the makeup ...

What is the chemical composition of lip gloss?

We are not scientists, but according to known data, gloss is generally composed of:

1. Oils and waxes: Lip glosses typically contain oils and waxes for texture and shine. Commonly used oils include castor oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and almond oil. Waxes, such as beeswax, carnauba wax, or candelilla wax, are used to thicken and give the product consistency.

2. Emollient Agents: Emollient agents, such as lanolin or shea butter, are added to moisturize and soften the lips.

3. Film-forming agents: These ingredients, such as polymers or resins, create a protective film on the lips and help retain moisture, resulting in a smooth, shiny feel.

4. Texturizing Agents: Ingredients such as silicones or esters are used to improve the texture and feel of the lip gloss.

5. Flavoring and Fragrance Agents: Lip glosses may contain flavoring or fragrance agents to add a pleasant scent or light taste.

6. Pigments and pearls: For tinted lip glosses, pigments and pearls are used to add color and shine. Pigments can be of mineral or synthetic origin.

7. Preservatives: Preservatives are added to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold in the product and ensure its shelf life.

It is important to note that the composition of a lip gloss can vary considerably from one brand to another. It is always recommended to read the list of ingredients carefully to know the precise composition of the product used.

Can lip gloss contain toxic elements?

Some lip glosses may indeed contain potentially toxic ingredients, but this depends on the brand and the specific formulation of the product. As mentioned above, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully and choose products from reputable and trusted brands to minimize the risks...

Some problematic ingredients that can be found in some lip glosses are:

Lead: Lead is a common contaminant associated with cosmetic products such as lipsticks and lip glosses. Lead is toxic and can cause adverse health effects when ingested or absorbed into the body. However, regulations and safety standards vary from country to country, which can affect the amount of lead allowed in cosmetic products.

Phthalates: Phthalates are chemicals used as plasticizers in some cosmetics, including lip glosses. Some phthalates may be of concern due to their endocrine disrupting potential and involvement in certain health conditions.

Heavy metals: In addition to lead, other heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, and cadmium may also be present at trace levels in some cosmetic products, including lip glosses. These metals may be of long-term health concern.

Again, to reduce your risk, it is recommended to choose products from well-established brands that follow current regulations and safety standards. Carefully reading labels and researching brands can help identify safer products. If you have any specific concerns, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional or contact manufacturers for additional information on the safety of their products.

How to make your own lip gloss at home?

To avoid any disappointments with a questionable list of ingredients, it is better to make your own lip gloss at home (plus, it's fun)! Here is a simple recipe to make:

Ingredients :

• 2 tablespoons of petroleum jelly
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or sweet almond oil
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• Optional: food coloring or mica for color, vanilla extract or other flavorings for flavor

Instructions :

1. In a small heatproof bowl, mix the petroleum jelly and coconut oil (or sweet almond oil). Heat the mixture in a double boiler until completely melted.

2. Remove the bowl from the double boiler and add the honey. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined evenly.

3. If you want to add color, add a few drops of food coloring or a small amount of mica powder. Mix until you get the desired shade. You can also add a few drops of vanilla extract or other flavorings to give your gloss some flavor.

4. Pour the mixture into a small, clean, airtight jar or lip gloss container.

5. Let the gloss cool and harden for about an hour at room temperature. Once it has reached the desired consistency, it is ready to use.

Remember to test a small amount of your gloss on your skin to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions to the ingredients used. You can also adjust the proportions of the ingredients depending on the texture and shine you want. Have fun creating your own homemade gloss!