Herbal Lip Balm: A Comprehensive Review on Types, Raw Materials, Preparation Methods, and Evaluation Parameters

Abstract

Lip balm is one of the most frequently used cosmetic items. Its primary purpose is to hydrate, so and protect them from drying out. It is widely used and comes in a variety of forms; nonetheless, it has significant drawbacks. Chemical-based lip balm, for example, has adverse effects and has a short-term hydrating effect. As a result, we develop a novel lip balm concept that not only contains herbal elements to decrease negative effects, but also maintains the moisturising effect throughout time. The concept behind our product is a long-lasting moisturising herbal lip balm containing honey, hyaluronic acid, and SPF.

Keywords

Lipbalm, Durable, Herbal, Moisturing, Hyaluronic Acid

Introduction

Organic words are an indication of safety as to human health. Cosmetics with physiologically active ingredients, sometimes known as "cosmeceuticals," are supposed to provide therapeutic or drug-like benefits. These chemicals have healing properties that show up as beneficial topical effects and provide protection from worsening skin problems. The goal of the current research was to develop an organic lipstick with fewer negative consequences. Lip balms are products that are used to moisturize lips rather than to accentuate them. They create an oily layer that is pliable, sticky, and moisture-resistant. Typically, they don't contain dye.. Herbal Lip Balm is a natural cosmetic product made from plant-based ingredients that help moisturize, nourish, and protect the lips from dryness, cracking, and environmental damage. A herbal lip balm is a formulation prepared using herbal or natural ingredients such as plant oils, waxes, and extracts, without synthetic chemicals. It provides hydration and healing to the lips while being safe and gentle for daily use ^[1].

Fig.1. Lip Balm

DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIP BALM:

There are 6 kinds of lip balms to choose from

1. Tinted Lip Balm

 A type of lip balm used to hydrate and colorize the lips called tinted. If the user doesn't want to wear a heavy coat of lipstick, tinted lip balms are a perfect alternative. Users use tinted lip balm to moisturize their lips as well as to give them a brilliant wash of color. Just apply the colored lip balm directly to the lips to use it^[2].

2. Medicated Lip Balm

Medicated lip balms are most likely to be the least soothing and irritating lip balms amongest the others. This lip balm is usually prescribed by dermatologists in medication for chapped lips and other conditions regarding the lips^[3].

3. Flavoured Lip Balm

The flavoured lip balm is a kind of lip balm which has flavourings. Flavoured lip balms are lip balms that are added with flavour such as vanilla, mint, mango and many more fruity flavours. This lip balm is made for moisturizing and is also added with special flavours in order to entice the taste buds and smell of the users^[4].

4. Organic Lip Balm

The organic lip balm is a kind of lip balm which have organic or natural ingredients. While there are other lip balms which has chemical ingredients that may harm the lips and skin, the organic lip balm is usually made from organic ingredients such as avocado oils, jojoba oils, beeswax, vitamin E, hemp, and cocoa butter. The organic lip balm still functions like any other lip balms, which provides moisture and protection from dry and chapped lips^[5].

5. SPF Lip Balm

The SPF lip balm are a kind of lip balm which contains ingredients that protect the lips from the harmful effects of the Sun rays. The SPF lip balm functions like a sunscreen to protect the lips from sun damage, burning, and even skin cancer^[6].

IDEAL PROPERTIES OF HERBAL LIP BALM ^[7]:

• Smooth and non-greasy texture
• Easy to apply and spread evenly
• Provides long-lasting moisturization
• Contains natural, non-toxic ingredients
• Has pleasant natural flavor and aroma
• Stable and non-irritant to lips
• Offers sun protection (SPF)
• Free from synthetic colors, fragrances, and preservatives
• Good shelf life and aesthetic appeal.

APPLICATIONS OF HERBAL LIP BALMS^[8]:

1. Moisturization: Herbal lip balms often contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax, which provide deep hydration and prevent dryness.

2. Protection: Ingredients such as natural oils (e.g., jojoba oil, olive oil) form a barrier against environmental factors like wind and sun.

3. Healing: Herbal lip balms with calendula, chamomile, or vitamin E promote healing of chapped or cracked lips.

4. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated lips.

5. Antioxidant Effects: Herbal lip balms often include botanical extracts rich in antioxidants, which protect the lips from oxidative stress.

6. Natural Fragrance and Flavour: Essential oils like peppermint or lavender are often added for their pleasant aroma an experience.

7. Skin Repair: Herbal formulations may support skin regeneration, helping to restore the natural barrier of the lips.

RAW MATERIAL

1. Bees wax^[9]:

Fig.2 Bees Wax

• Synonym: Yellow wax, Cera Alba
• Biological Source: It is obtained from the honey comb of bees Apis Mellifera and other species of Apis.
• Chemical Constituent: The main chemical constituents are carbon (73.3%), hydrogen (13.2%) and oxygen (7.5%)
• Family: Apidae
• Use:

1. It is used in preparation of ointment, plasters and polishes.
2. It is used in cosmetics for preparation of face cream and lipsticks.

2. SHEA BUTTER ^[10]

Fig.3 Shea Butter

• Synonym: African butter, Vitellaria butter.
• Biological Source: Shea butter is a fat obtained from the kernels of the nuts of Vitellaria paradoxa.
• Chemical Constituent: Shea contains Triglycerides (95–98%), Triglycerides (95–98%), Oleic acid (40–60%), Palmitic acid (2–9%), Linoleic acid (1–5%), Arachidic acid (0–2%)
• Family: Sapotaceae
• Use: Help to treat dry skin, used in Hair conditioners

3. ROSE OIL ^[11]

Fig.4 Rose Oil

• Synonym: Attar of Roses, Rose Essential oil, Rose Perfume oil
• Biological Source: Rose oil is obtained From the fresh petals of rosa damascena Mill. (Damask rose) and Rosa centifolia.
• Chemical Constituent: Rose oil mainly contains:- Citronellol, Nerol, Phenylethyl alcohol, Heneicosane, Stearoptene (paraffins), Eugenol
• Family: Rosaceae
• Uses: Used in perfumery and cosmetics for its fragrance Used in aromatherapy for stress relief, lip balm.

4. BEETROOT POWDER ^[12]

Fig5. Beetroot Powder

• Synonym: Red beet powder, Garden beet Powder, Table beet powder
• Biological Source: Beetroot powder is obtained from the roots of beta vulgaris linn.
• Chemical Constituent: Beetroot powder mainly contains:
• Family: Oleaceae
• Use: Used as a natural food colorant and flavouring agent. Acts as antioxidant and detoxifying agent.

5. VITAMIN E ^[13]

Fig.6 Vitamin E

• Synonym: Tocopherol, Antisterility vitamin
• Biological Source: Natural sources: Wheat germ oil, Sunflower oil, Almonds And peanuts, Avocado
• Chemical Constituent: α-Tocopherol, β-Tocopherol, γ-Tocopherol, δ-Tocopherol, α-, β-, γ-, δ-Tocotrienols
• Family: Tocotrienol
• Use: Helps in maintaining healthy skin and hair Supports immune function, Prevents oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids

6. COCONUT OIL ^[14]

Fig.7 Coconut oil Uses Synonym: Coconut Fat, Copra oil, Cocos oil

• Biological Source: Obtained from the dried kernel (copra) of Cocos nucifera Linn.
• Chemical Constituent: Coconut Oil Mainly contains medium chain fatty acids (MACAs) Lauric acid (C12:0) – 45–55%, Myristic acid (C14:0) – 16–20%, Palmitic acid (C16:0) – 8–10%
• Family: Arecaceae (Palm Family)
• Uses: Cosmetic use: Moisturizer for skin and hair, Base for creams, lotions, and lip balms, Helps reduce dandruff and dryness.

7. APPLE ^[15]

Fig.8 Apple

• Synonym: Malus domestica, Common apple
• Biological Source: The fruit of Malus domestica Borkh., a deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Cultivated widely in temperate regions worldwide (e.g., India, USA,).
• Chemical Constituent: Apples contain a wide range of nutrients and phytochemicals, including;

• Carbohydrates: Fructose, glucose, sucrose, pectin,
• Vitamins: Vitamins A,E,K,B-comlex
• Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, phosporus, Magnesium, iron

• Family: Rosaceae
• Use: Apple extract is used in skin care products for its antioxidant and brightening effcts.

8. ALMOND OIL ^[16]

Fig.9.Almond Oil

• Synonyms: Sweet almond oil, Prunus oil, Badam tel
• Family: Rosaceae
• Chemical Constituents: Almond oil mainly contains fatty acids and small amounts of vitamins and phytochemicals:

Oleic acid (C18:1) – 60–80%, Linoleic acid (C18:2) – 10–30%, Palmitic acid (C16:0) – 5–10%, Stearic acid (C18:0) – 1–3%, Myristic acid – trace, Vitamins: Vitamin E.

• Biological Source:

• Obtained from the dried kernels (seeds) of Prunus amygdalus Batsch. (syn. Prunus dulcis), family Rosaceae.
• The oil is extracted by cold pressing of sweet almond seeds.
• Bitter almond oil (from Prunus amara) differs — it contains toxic benzaldehyde

• Cosmetic Uses:

• Used in skin care and hair care formulations (lotions, creams, lip balms). Acts as an emollient, moisturizer, and softening agent.
• Helps reduce dark circles and dryness.

PREPARATION OF LIP BALM ^[17]

Fig.10. Preparation

1. A water bath is kept on the burner and is filled with water for boiling.
2. Bees wax filled in china dish is kept on the boiling water.
3. The beeswax is heated till it melts properly.
4. To the molten beeswax, cocoa/shea butter and honey/vitamin E are added and is made homogeneous with
5. slow stirring with glass rod.
6. In the mixture rose infused oil is added and mixed properly.
7. After homogeneous mixture is obtained, colouring agent and perfume is added.
8. The mixture is poured in the container.
9. Then the mixture is cooled in the ice bath or dried in the sunlight.

Table 1. INGEDIENTS USED IN HERBAL LIP BALM ^[18]

SR. NO.	COMMON NAME	ROLE
1	Bees Wax	Thickening Agent
2	Shea Butter	Moisture and protects
3	Rose Oil	Hydrates, Nourishes
4	Beetroot Powder	Colouring Agent
5	Coconut Oil	Soothing dry, Hydrating Agent
6	Vitamin E	Powerful Antioxidant
7	Apple	Flavouring Agent
8	Almond Oil	Deep Hydration, Anti- inflammatory

EVALUATION OF LIPBALM:

1. Melting Point:

For melting point, the sample of lip balm was taken in a glass capillary whose one end was sealed by flame ^[19]. The capillary containing drug was dipped in liquid paraffin inside the melting point apparatus which was equipped with magnetic stirring facility. Melting was determined visually, and melting point was reported ^[20].

2. Organoleptic Properties:

The lip balm was studied for the basic organoleptic characters such as colour, odour, taste and appearance ^[21].

3. Test of spreadability:

The product was applied (at room temperature) repeatedly onto a glass slide to visually observe the uniformity in the formation of the protective layer and whether the stick fragmented, deformed or broke during application ^[22].

4. pH measurement:

The pH study was carried out by dissolving 1 gm of sample into 100 ml water ^[23]. The pH measurement was done using pH paper ^[24].

5. Stability studies:

Prepared lip balm was placed for accelerated stability studies at room temperature (25.0 ± 3.0 ºC), refrigeration (4± 2.0 ºC) and oven temperature (40.0 ± 2.0 ºC) for 30 days^[25]. After 30 days, it was again characterized for organoleptic properties, melting point, spreadability and pH ^[26].

CONCLUSION:

Whether the formulation was kept at ambient temperature or in a refrigerator, it demonstrated the same stability behavior. It was determined that the spreadability was "good" and that the organoleptic characteristics were stable. Storage under these conditions was deemed sufficient because the product's functionality was maintained. With a sufficient melting temperature (mean of 63°C), the lip balm made from natural ingredients passed the stability test. It was found that natural ingredients are safe to use in lip balm and are a superior alternative for the composition of lip balm. Excipients can be altered or combined in unusual ways to produce a brand- new formulation with superior quality. The current research indicates that the formulation will not change.

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