The OCU has carried out an analysis of 12 lip balms which revealed a significant presence of impurities and toxins (MOSH) in two of them. These two products are Leti Balm Repair Fluid and Neutrogena Lip Balm Protector.
MOSH and MOAH are two types of hydrocarbons that can be found in cosmetic products, especially those containing mineral oils or petroleum derivatives. If ingested, MOSH can accumulate in the body because they have the ability to accumulate in fatty tissues. There is also a risk of toxicity and cancer, especially in the case of MOAHs, and they are considered potential carcinogens.
In the analysis carried out by the OCU, it refers exactly to a deficiency in the refinement of MOSH and MOAH oil and what is really worrying is that there is a very high possibility of being ingested since they are two products that are applied in the oral cavity. The OCu has made it clear that it advises against the use of LETIbalm Repair Fluid as it contains two petroleum-derived ingredients (Paraffinum Liquidum and Petrolatum) and Neutrógena Lip Protector, which contains two petroleum-derived oils (synthetic wax and microcrystalline wax).
In addition, the report also points out some ingredients that could be harmful to health such as the ultraviolet filter Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, questioned because it could alter the hormonal system and which is contained in Blistex Classic Lip protection balm. It also points out an inconsistency concerning fragrances: fragrances can cause allergies and need to be present on the labelling so that the consumer can identify them. The OCU concludes that all the products tested contained fragrances, but only four are free of allergenic fragrances: those of Avène, Yves Rocher, A-Derma and La Roche Posay.
The OCU urges the relevant authorities to set legal safety limits and recommends using as a reference the Cosmetics Europe recommendation that in the case of MOSH, lip care products should not contain more than 5% of hydrocarbons with a chain length of less than 25.
The Consumers and Users Organisation warns that it is advisable to avoid lip protectors that contain any of the following ingredients in their composition:
- Microcrystalline Wax
- Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax
- Ceresin
- Ozokerite
- Paraffin
- Paraffinum Liquidum
- Petrolatum
- Synthetic Wax
On the other hand, the OCU also claims that the labelling on several products could be much improved, as in the case of Yves Rocher Baume à Levres Karite, which does not include the list of ingredients and can only be consulted through the manufacturer's website or at a point of sale.