It's a question we're entitled to ask ourselves: what are the lip glosses we love to apply to our lips made of? Here's a (non-scientific) review of a cosmetic product we love. 

The origins of lip gloss go back to ancient times (yes, yes), when women used a variety of products to add shine and gloss to their lips. In ancient Egypt, for example, women made a mixture of natural substances to beautify and protect their lips, much like a lip balm. However, lip gloss as we know it today is a much more recent development.

A history of lip gloss

In the 1930s, Max Factor, a renowned Hollywood make-up artist, created the first commercialized lip gloss product. It was a transparent, glossy product, made from a petroleum base, used to give lips a glossy, moist appearance. It was in the 60s and 70s that lip gloss became popular, notably for its glossy appearance and "wet mouth" effect. At this time, formulas were evolving, and ingredients such as beeswax, oils, polymers and moisturizers began to be included to improve texture and hold.

Over the decades, lip gloss has become a staple of the make-up kit, with different variations of colors, finishes and textures available on the market. In addition to offering a glossy, lustrous appearance, some lip glosses are enriched with moisturizing ingredients to nourish lips and give them an optimal feeling of softness, as well as plumping agents to plump lips naturally. Today, lip gloss is widely used in the cosmetics industry and appreciated for its volume effect, ease of application, moisturizing action (ideal for dry lips) and versatile appearance. It is available in a multitude of shades, from transparent to glossy, metallic, glittery or tinted finishes, offering numerous options for enhancing lips and completing make-up...

Quelle est la composition chimique du gloss ? 

We are not scientists, but according to known data, lip gloss generally consists of : 

1. Oils and waxes: Lip glosses generally 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 consistency to the product.

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

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

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

5. Flavor and fragrance agents: Lip glosses may contain flavor or fragrance agents to add a pleasant scent or light taste.

6. Pigments and pearlizers: For tinted lip glosses, pigments and pearlizers 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 moulds in the product and ensure its shelf life.

It's important to note that the composition of a lip gloss can vary considerably from one brand to another. It's always a good idea to read the ingredients list carefully to find out the precise composition of the product you're using.

Le gloss peut-il contenir des éléments toxiques ? 

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's important to read the ingredients list carefully and choose products from reputable, reliable brands to minimize the risks... 

Some problematic ingredients found in certain lip glosses are :

Lead: Lead is a contaminant commonly associated with cosmetic products such as lipsticks and lip glosses. Lead is toxic and can have adverse health effects when ingested or absorbed by the body. However, regulations and safety standards vary from country to country, which can affect the amount of lead permitted 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 their involvement in certain health problems.

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 can be a long-term health concern.

Again, to reduce risk, it's advisable to choose products from well-established brands that follow current regulations and safety standards. Careful label reading and brand research can help identify safer products. If you have any particular concerns, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional or contact manufacturers for further information on the safety of their products. 

How to make lip gloss at home? 

Pour éviter toutes déconvenues avec une liste des ingrédients douteuse, il vaut mieux fabriquer son propre gloss à la maison (en plus, c'est amusant) ! Voilà une petite recette simple à réaliser : 

Ingredients:

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

Instructions :

1. Mix Vaseline and coconut oil (or sweet almond oil) in a small heatproof container. Heat the mixture in a bain-marie until completely melted.

2. Remove the container from the bain-marie and add the honey. Mix well until all ingredients have been combined.

3. If you wish to add color, add a few drops of food coloring or a small amount of powdered mica. Mix until the desired shade is achieved. You can also add a few drops of vanilla extract or other flavorings to give your lip gloss a taste of its own.

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

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

Don't forget 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 to suit your desired texture and shine. Have fun creating your own homemade gloss!