A Review on the Role of Herbal Colorants and Natural Additives in Lip Balm Formulation

Abstract

Cosmetics made from natural and herbal ingredients have drawn a lot of interest lately because of their biocompatibility, safety, and effectiveness.The most popular of them are herbal lip balms, which moisturise, protect, and enhance the appearance of lips.The function of herbal colourants and natural additives in lip balm formulations is the main focus of this review, which highlights four key components: vitamin E, a natural antioxidant and preservative; kokum butter, a moisturising emollient; candelilla wax, a natural base and stabiliser; and hibiscus flower powder, a natural colourant.By combining these components, lip balms’ protective, functional, and sensory benefits are improved while providing a greener substitute for artificial colouring and chemicals.

Keywords

Introduction

One of the most delicate areas of the face, the lips need to be constantly cared for to avoid drying out, cracking, and being harmed by environmental stressors. Long-term usage of conventional lip balms may cause irritation or darkening of the lips due to the synthetic waxes, colours, and preservatives they frequently include. As a result, natural ingredients and colorants produced from plants are increasingly being used to create herbal formulations that are safe, efficient, and ecologically friendly. Herbal lip balms offer a smooth texture, a natural hue, and a pleasing sensation in addition to lip protection. While natural waxes and butters like candelilla wax and kokum butter give the product a smooth and firm texture, natural colorants like hibiscus powder, which is high in anthocyanins, give it a gentle red hue. Vitamin E further stabilizes the formulation by preventing oxidation of oils and enhancing lip nourishment.

Types of lip balm: -

1. UV Filter lip balm: - Although this type of lip balm is suitable for all seasons, it is particularly helpful during the summer or when travelling to regions with higher levels of sunlight.

2. Nourishing lip balm: - This type work in winter.

3. Mistering lip balm: - Your lips may split if you use this lip balm in the cold since it absorbs too quickly. For dry lips, this kind of lip balm is beneficial. You can use moisturizing lip balm all year long.

4. Medicated lip balm: - It should be applied with care. It acts as a softening and antiseptic medication.

5. Tinted lip balm: - You can wear tinted lip balm year-round.

Role Of Herbal Colorants and Additives

1.Hibiscus Flower Powder

Fig.1.1

Scientific Name:- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Synonym:- China rose

Biological Source:- Obtained from flowering plant of hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

Family:- Malvaceae

Therapeutic activity:- Natural colourant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.

Uses:-

• Used as a natural coloring agent for attractive lip tint.
• Helps moisturize and soften dry, rough lips.
• Protects lips from environmental damage and sunlight.
• Promotes healing of cracked or damaged lips.
• Enhances appearance and smoothness of lips.

2.Candelilla wax

Fig.1.2Candelilla wax

Scientific Name: Euphorbia cerifera.

Synonyms: Candelilla cera.

Biological Source: Candelilla wax is derived from the leaves and stems of the candelilla shrub.

Family: Euphorbiaceae.

Therapeutic activity: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Support Wound Healing, Support Carrier

Uses:-

• Provides firmness and shape.
• Moisturizes and soft lips.
• Forms protective barrier.
• Vegan alternative to beeswax.
• Stabilizes oils and ingredients.

3.Kokum butter

Fig:1.2 Kokum Butter

Scientific Name:-Garcinia indica

Synonym:-Kokum, Goan Butter Tree.

Biological Source:-Kokum butter is obtained from the seeds of the fruits of Garcinia indica Choisy.

Family:-Clusiaceae (previously Guttiferae).

Therapeutic activity:-Emollient (deeply moisturizing), Skin regenerative and healing.Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant (rich in vitamin E and polyphenols), Protective barrier against dryness and chapping.

Uses:-

• Provides long-lasting moisturization without greasiness.
• Helps in repairing cracked and chapped lips.
• Improves lip softness and smoothness.
• Protects lips from oxidative stress and sun-induced damage.

4.Vitamin E

Fig.1:4 vitamin E

Scientific Name:- Tocopherol (Fat-soluble vitamin).

Synonym:- Eprolin.

Biological Source:-Vitamin E is obtained from various foods and oils.

Family:- Tocopherols.

Therapeutic activity:- Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, skin healing.

Uses:-  

• Preserves oils and prevents rancidity.
• Softens and nourishes lips.
• Protects lips from free radicals and environmental damage.
• Herbal colorants like Hibiscus powder add natural pigmentation to lip balm, providing a light tint without synthetic dyes. The anthocyanin pigments also exhibit antioxidant and soothing effects that protect the lips from environmental damage.
• Candelilla wax, a plant-based wax, contributes to lip balm structure, improving firmness and Spreadability while forming a thin protective layer that prevents moisture loss.
• Kokum butter is an excellent emollient known for its non-greasy, highly moisturizing nature. It helps in repairing dry, chapped lips and enhances the overall texture of the balm.
• Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, prevents oxidation of oils in the formulation and provides additional nourishment to lips by improving elasticity and healing micro-cracks.
• Together, these ingredients make the lip balm smoother, naturally tinted, and more stable—offering both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits.

Fig.2 Lip Balm

Benefits Of Herbal Colorants and Additives in Lip Balm

- Free from harmful synthetic colors and chemicals

- Provide mild, natural tint suitable for daily use

- Enhance moisturization and smoothness

- Prevent oxidation and increase shelf life

- Offer antioxidant and healing benefits

- Eco-friendly and skin-safe

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of herbal colorants and natural additives in lip balm formulations ensures safety, efficacy, and sustainability. Ingredients such as Hibiscus powder, Candelilla wax, Kokum butter, and Vitamin E enhance the product’s functional quality, aesthetic appeal, and stability. They provide moisturizing, healing, and protective properties while maintaining natural beauty. The trend toward herbal cosmetics highlights the growing preference for natural ingredients that support both consumer health and environmental well-being.

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