What is a tinted lip oil composed of?

Generally, tinted oil possesses the characteristics of a gloss, but offers the properties of a lip balm. Indeed, it colours the lips while repairing them in case of dryness or other discomforts. Its texture can be thin or thick while its colour can be transparent, slightly tinted or highly pigmented. Upon application, it leaves a shiny veil that does not stick to the surface of the lips. As a result, the lips appear plumped, defined and/or sculpted, while being nourished and protected from external aggressions and dehydration.

The tinted lip oils are single-phase oily products, meaning they are composed solely of lipophilic compounds (fatty substances). Among the ingredients typically found are one or more vegetable oils, one or more vegetable waxes to provide consistency, as well as active ingredients and preservatives in smaller quantities. The active molecules can function to plump the lips, provide a warming effect to the care, or even smooth the fine lines around the mouth. Vegetable oils are generally added to these formulas to nourish the lips. They also act preventively, that is, they deposit a protective film on the surface of the lips to prevent them from dehydrating or to protect them from external aggressions. Furthermore, tinted lip oils also contain pigments, which are responsible for the colour upon application.

Note : Some tinted lip oils contain oils and/or mineral waxes derived from petrochemicals. Their extraction process (refining) is harmful to the environment and they provide no cosmetic benefit. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid such ingredients when purchasing a lip oil. Mineral substances can be identified on INCI lists by the following terms: Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, Cera Microcristallina, Ozokerite, Ceresin, Mineral Oil, words with -methicone or -siloxane, polybutene... Furthermore, it is also advisable to avoid using tinted oils containing colourants in the form of nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide (I.N.C.I.: CI 77891). In 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the group of substances "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B): when inhaled, regardless of the particle size (nano or not).