in that they do not produce melanin, which makes them more susceptible to burning from the sun’s rays. They do not produce sebum to keep them nourished, and they lack the skin’s oil glands (which keeps them moist).  For these reasons, lips have little protection from the environment and are more susceptible to drying out. These Lip Balms have a base of Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter, natural emollients that penetrate the lips' top layer and create a topical barrier that retains moisture, and the natural sun protection in Shea Butter (containing high amounts of cinnamic acid), as well as the Organic oils in our lip balms, decreases the impact of burning rays and offers protection from cold weather and wind.

The American Cancer Society recommends Shea Butter as a lip balm base and Cocoa Butter for moisturizing the lips of cancer patients. (In fact, their site recommends cocoa butter lip treatment to help with mouth sores that can appear after radiation and chemotherapy.) In addition to the soothing emollient properties of these butters and their ability to heal and seal dry and cracked lips, they also contain natural antioxidants to aid in the repair of damaged and delicate lips.

The American Cancer Society also recommends using “natural” lip balms regularly throughout the day for continuous protection.

 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rating system, SPF indicates how much more time you can spend in the sun without burning. For example, if a sunscreen is rated 2 a person who would normally turn red in 30 minutes would multiply that by 2 (60 minutes). If the SPF is rated a 15, the initial burning time would be 15 time longer (450 minutes). To protect your lips, the American Cancer Society recommends wearing lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever you will be outside.

 

While the newer “natural” lip and skin sunscreen products tout zinc oxide, titanium oxide and iron oxides to be natural, they are actually chemical compounds. Recently the use of “micronized” oxides are being marketed as providing better coverage but new research is showing that these particles themselves may be carcinogenic. (An internet search for their dangers or safety produces shocking results.)

Fortunately, many plants have developed their own UVR protection and can provide us with the same natural protection, and they are safe for us and for the environment. These are the ingredients that Finally Pure uses in all lip balms:

• Jojoba oil - SPF 4
• Macadamia oil - SPF 6
• Sesame seed oil - SPF 4
• Shea Butter (Cinnaminic Acid) – SPF 6
• Hemp seed oil - SPF 6
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The SPF ratings for these botanicals alone are not as high as synthetically produced products but blended together with the addition of Organic Beeswax, which adds extra UV protection because of it’s barrier properties, and wards off free radicals, they are a wonderful alternative to those who want safe, natural sun protection for their lips.