The History of Lip Balm

Our lips can signal the first signs of dehydration or even a change in the weather, nudging us throughout the day (sometimes persistently) to find ways to keep them soft, hydrated and safe from the sun. In today's world, a compact and convenient lip balm is often our go-to solution for all three. But have you ever wondered about the history of lip balm? Where does it come from, and how did we get here?

From ancient civilizations to the present day, we've tried tirelessly for centuries to keep our lips moisturized and protected from the elements. Here, we trace the fascinating evolution of lip care, and reveal why modern iterations like our collection of Broad Spectrum SPF 45 lip balms can be the ultimate year-round defense for your lips.

Lip Balm: More Than a Luxury

First thing’s first: do we really even need lip balm? If you’ve ever experienced the feeling of cracked lips on a bitterly cold day on the slopes, or the sensation of salty, sunburned lips after a trip to the beach, then you know the answer is a resounding yes.

In fact, there are a number of reasons why having access to a high-quality lip balm is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity:

Moisture Lock

Lip balms can create a protective barrier on the lips' surface, locking in moisture and keeping them hydrated for longer periods than bare lips alone. This is particularly useful in harsh weather conditions where lips are susceptible to becoming dry, chapped, and exposed to the sun’s UV rays.

Sun Protection

Speaking of the sun: it’s important to ensure your chosen lip balm offers high-performance sun protection (like ours!), safeguarding the delicate skin of your lips from harmful UV rays. With frequent reapplication, this can reduce the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

Soothing Properties

Ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E in lip balms can offer soothing qualities. For one thing, they can speed up the body’s natural recovery of chapped lips, and they also offer short-term relief from dryness and sensitivity. 

Flavor and Comfort

The simple fact is, lip balms have come a long way from their flavorless, waxy predecessors. With tasty, flavored lip balm options ranging from mango to dreamsicle and more, the sensory experience of applying the product can be just as enjoyable as it is functional.

The Origins of Lip Care

With so many benefits in mind, it’s pretty clear why we use lip balm today—but how did we get to this point, with so many nourishing, flavored and fragrant options available today?

The history of lip balm can be traced all the way back to ancient civilizations. As early as 40 B.C., Egyptians—who were widely known for their dedication to cosmetics and the preservation of natural beauty—had figured out how to create a concoction of beeswax, olive oil, and animal fat to soothe their parched lips.

While various civilizations and cultures would continue to put their own spin on lip balm over the coming millenia, it would ultimately take until the late 19th century before the world would see its next giant leap in lip care. That’s when, in 1870, Robert Chesebrough patented a new formulation that used petroleum jelly—which we know today as the ubiquitous Vaseline. 

By the early 1900s, in regions across the world, such as in Japan and Sweden, ingredients like yuzu (Japanese citrus fruit), camellia oil, and tea had become popular remedies for dry lips. These ingredients provided essential fatty acids that helped nourish and moisturize the lips. And the evolution of ingredients only continued from there.

The Emergence of Lip Balm in the United States

In America, the "American Frugal Housewife" book (originally published in 1829) mentioned the use of wax and other emollients to protect and soothe cracked lips. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that lip care began its commercial journey.

Pharmacist Charles Brown Fleet is credited with introducing the first dedicated lip care product in the early 1880s, which closely resembled today's lip balm. This product, later called "ChapStick," became a household name. Soon after, in the 1930s, Alfred Woelbing created Carmex, a lip balm intended to treat chapped lips and cold sores, recognizing the breadth of conditions and sensitivities that lips can face.

The Evolution of Ingredients

The early versions of lip balm as we know it used petroleum jelly as a base—thanks, in part, to the rising popularity of Vaseline throughout the early 1900s. Over the years, though, as our collective knowledge of skin health expanded and evolved, many more beneficial ingredients soon began to emerge. And those developing lip care products took note.

Nowadays, lip balms boast a variety of soothing and protective ingredients providing essential hydration along with a barrier against the elements. Modern lip balms also cater to flavor preferences, and the most versatile of these—such as ours—provide crucial sun protection as well. 

The Future of Lip Care

From ancient concoctions of beeswax, olive oil, and animal fat to the flavored and protective products of today, the history of lip balm tells a tale of our collective and continuous effort to protect and beautify one of our most expressive features. As we continue to understand more about skin health and sun care, there’s no doubt we’ll see new ingredients and formulations continue to enter the scene in the years to come.

In the meantime, we can kick back and enjoy the outdoors year-round, knowing that our SPF 45 lip balms are at the very cutting edge of moisturization and sun protection—and even better, they’re available in multi-packs so you’ll never be without. Here's to the future of happy, healthy lips—and bring on the sunshine!

Lip balms have a long-standing history dating back centuries, serving as a vital tool in maintaining the health and nourishment of our lips. These humble products act as a protective shield, safeguarding our delicate lips against the unforgiving elements of nature, including the sun, wind, and cold temperatures. In addition to shielding our lips, lip balms combat dryness and cracking caused by weather conditions and dehydration. With an extensive range of lip balms available in the market today, tailored to various needs, everyone can find their perfect match.

The history of lip balms traces back to ancient Egypt, where people utilized them to soften their lips and shield them from the harsh climate. As time progressed, lip balms evolved, with the addition of beeswax during the Middle Ages, providing enhanced protection. By the 19th century, lip balms gained popularity as remedies for soothing chapped lips resulting from exposure to cold temperatures or sunburns.

The early 20th century witnessed a significant milestone in the lip balm industry as petroleum jelly took centre stage due to its remarkable ability to lock in moisture and create a barrier against environmental elements like wind and sun exposure. One notable milestone occurred in 1912 with the introduction of ChapStick by Dr Charles Browne Fleet. This innovative lip balm featured camphor as an active ingredient, infusing it with a refreshing minty aroma.

Today, the market offers an extensive array of lip balm varieties, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Natural lip balms embrace ingredients such as shea butter or coconut oil, offering a gentle and nurturing touch. Medicated lip balms provide relief for cold sores, while tinted versions combine hydration with a touch of colour, adding vibrancy to your lips. You can even find flavoured lip balms, boasting unique tastes like strawberry or cherry. Lip balm has become an indispensable part of countless individuals’ beauty routines, with some relying on it multiple times throughout the day.

The uses and benefits of lip balms extend far beyond mere aesthetics. They play a crucial role in keeping our lips hydrated and protected. Lip balms are available in various formulations, including petroleum-based, beeswax-based, and mineral oil-based options. These balms moisturize and shield the delicate skin on our lips from sun damage, cold weather, windburn, chapping, dryness, and more. Furthermore, lip balms can serve as a preventative measure against wrinkles around the mouth area, providing an additional layer of defence.

The primary purpose of lip balm is to deliver moisture by sealing in existing hydration while preventing further drying or cracking of the skin on the lips. Many lip balms incorporate ingredients like petrolatum or mineral oil, establishing a barrier that safeguards lips from environmental irritants like windburn or cold air exposure. This barrier retains moisture while allowing oxygen to circulate, enabling the skin to breathe naturally. Additionally, lip balms often include ingredients such as shea butter, which enriches the lips with vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids that promote healthy cell growth, resulting in softer and healthier-looking lips over time.

Beyond their moisturizing properties, lip balms possess the ability to alleviate pain caused by conditions like cold sores or dry, cracked lips. They offer a soothing sensation, providing temporary relief and comfort. The application of lip balm can help alleviate discomfort and expedite the healing process, leaving your lips feeling rejuvenated.

When it comes to selecting the right lip balm for your needs, several factors come into play. Understanding the ingredients is paramount. Look for natural components such as shea butter, beeswax, cocoa butter, and essential oils, as these provide deep moisturization and protection against chapping and cracking. Avoid lip balms containing toxic ingredients like artificial fragrances and flavours that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.

If you seek protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, ensure that your chosen lip balm has an SPF rating of 15 or higher. This additional feature will safeguard your lips from sunburn during warmer weather conditions or outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding, where UV rays can be particularly intense due to reflection on snow surfaces.

Consider the texture of the lip balm as well. Lip balms come in various forms, ranging from smooth waxy formulas to thick creams and lightweight lotions. Select the texture that feels most comfortable on your lips, as it will enhance the overall application experience.

In conclusion, lip balms play a vital role in keeping our lips moisturized and healthy. They offer a wide range of scents and flavours to suit individual preferences. Lip balms are affordable, easy to apply, and provide long-lasting protection against the elements. With regular use, your lips will feel softer and smoother than ever before. Embrace the power of lip balm and unlock the secret to beautifully nourished lips.