Best pH Lipsticks & Balms- How Do they Work & Are they Safe
pH lipsticks are all the rage, but how do they work? What is so special about them? And most importantly, are they safe? However, this trend is not new.
Color-changing lip products have been around since as early as the 1920s.
But, let’s see if it has the potential to stick around with this generation or whether it will be one of those products we just try for the fun of it.
What Are pH Lipsticks & Lip Balms
pH lipsticks and lip balms are also called color-changing lipsticks and lip balms. They are one color in the package but change color when they are applied to the skin.
The color you get will vary depending on your skin type and as the name suggests, the pH of your skin.
Related Articles:
Solid vs Liquid Lipstick- Which Looks Better & Last Longer
Matte Vs Glossy Lipstick- Which is Better & How to Choose
How Do pH Lipsticks Work
pH lipsticks and lip balms react with your skin’s pH to morph into a custom color when applied to your lips.
The most common colors are varying shades of reds, pinks, and peaches. However, every person will end up with a slightly or drastically different shade since every person’s skin will have a slightly or drastically different pH.
Another very cool fact is that many things can affect the pH of our skin like hydration, hormones, and even physical activity.
So, your pH lipstick might look different at different times of the day or week depending on how your pH has changed!
Video: Color Changing Lip Balm
Ingredients in pH Lipsticks
The main ingredient in pH lipsticks is a dye called Red 27.
This dye is listed by the FDA as being safe for use in drugs and cosmetics except those that are used on or close to the eyes.
It is colorless when dissolved in a waterless base (like lipstick or lip balm) and when exposed to moisture (like the moisture in your skin) it changes to various shades of red and pink.
The other ingredients in the lipstick or lip balm will depend on the manufacturers.
Related Articles –
Lipstick with SPF – What You Need to Know
Natural & Permanent Ways to Darken Lips: Lipstick Alternatives
Best Lipstick Sealers- Benefits, How to Use & Alternatives
Are pH Lipsticks & Lip Balms Safe
The dye, Red 27 is considered to be safe for use in cosmetics like lipsticks and is not shown to have side effects on the skin of the lips.
However, how your skin reacts to pH lipsticks or lip balms can also depend on the other ingredients in the products.
Some may be too drying, especially matte formulas. But, since these lipsticks need moisture to remain active, they are usually not as drying as traditional lipsticks, and lip balms are generally moisturizing.
Your biggest concern could be how the dye will affect the pH of your skin. But, your skin’s pH affects the dye more than the dye will affect your skin’s pH. It will only react and change color.
Related Article – 7 Tips on How to Keep Lipstick & Gloss on While Eating
Possible Side Effects of pH Lipsticks & Lip Balms
pH or color-changing lipsticks and lip balms are generally well tolerated. However, like all skin products, there is always a possibility of irritation and allergic reactions when using products.
Your skin can be sensitive to the Red 27 dye or any of the other compounds and ingredients used to make the lipstick or lip balm. Also, check for products in the ingredients list that you could be allergic to.
If you notice that your lips become itchy, swollen, or painful, remove the lip product and seek medical help.
Related Articles –
Does Lipstick Darken Lips & Can it be Bad for Your Lips
Lipstick Allergies: How to Spot and Treat
Long-term Safety Of Using pH Lipsticks & Lip Balms
pH or color-changing lipsticks and lip balms appear to be safe for long-term use.
They are just like regular lip colors except for the pH-dependent dye. Therefore, many are designed to be used on your lips every day without causing injury or side effects, much like regular lipsticks and lip balms.
Clean brands have even found ways to make them just as non-toxic as their other lip products, which makes them pretty safe.
Related Article – Do Lipstick Expire & Is it Safe to use – Possible Dangers
Can pH Lipsticks Be Used While Pregnant and/or Breastfeeding?
Depending on the brand of lipstick or lip balm you are using, I recommend that you check the ingredients list with your doctor to be sure that it is safe for you to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
While Red 27 is listed as being safe for the general population, there is no specific guideline for its use or its direct effects on pregnancy.
Some studies suggest that ingesting red dyes can cause chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses, but you’re probably not going to be eating lipsticks or lip balm in amounts that can cause such an effect. However, it is best to check with your doctor first to make sure that you can use lip products that contain Red 27.
Related Article – Natural DIY Lip Stain with Food Coloring – Safe & Easy
Best pH Lipsticks & Lip Balms
Here are a few great and affordable lipsticks/lip balms that you can try out:
1- Winky Lux Glimmer Color Changing Lipstick and Tinted Lip Balm
This is vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free. It is also suitable for all skin types.
Click here to get the Winky Lux Glimmer Color Changing Lipstick and Tinted Lip Balm on Amazon.
2- Winky Lux Flower Color Changing Lip Balm and Lipstick
The flower lip balm/lipstick is also vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free.
The best thing about this (apart from being great for all skin types) is that the flower inside is a real chrysanthemum! Cool, right?!
Click here to see the Winky Lux Flower Color Changing Lip Balm and Lipstick on Amazon.
3- Aloe Vera Color Changing Lipstick/Lip Balm
This is said to be long-lasting, hydrating and nourishing for your lips while giving you that fun color-changing effect based on your skin’s pH. It contains aloe vera, avocado, jojoba oil, olive oil, castor oil, and other essential oils and nutrients.
You can click here to check out the Aloe Vera Color Changing Lipstick/Lip Balm on Amazon.
4- evpct Color Changing Lipstick/Lip Balm Set
This is a set of three shades all of which are designed to transform with the pH of your lips. They each give a different shade of pinkish-red depending on your skin. Reviews claim that they are very moisturizing and comfortable to wear.
Click here to see the evpct Color Changing Lipstick/Lip Balm Set on Amazon.
5- CATKIN Color Changing Ultra Hydrating Lipstick/Chapstick
This lipstick/lip balm claims to adapt to the pH of lips to reveal a custom glow for up to six hours.
It contains Phytosterols, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Mint Essential Oil, and Vitamin E for lip care. It comes in a very cute case and different shades.
Click here to see the CATKIN Color Changing Hydrating Lipstick/Chapstick on Amazon.
Sources
Color-Changing Lipsticks Are Trending Now—Here’s How They Work
The Magic Behind Color Changing Lipsticks – Into The | Into The Gloss
How does colour-change lipstick work? | BBC Science Focus Magazine
Everything you need to know about colour-changing lipstick – beautyheaven
Color Additive Status List | FDA
D&C Red No. 27 (Inactive Ingredient) – Drugs.com
Red 27 Lake and Pregnancy | MotherfigurePregnancy Safe Makeup: What to Use? When to Worry? – 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic
