Is Burt's Bees Lip Balm Safe?

The Short Answer

Burt's Bees Lip Balm is Acceptable, but it isn't the holy grail of clean beauty many assume it to be.

Compared to Is Chapstick Safe|ChapStick or Blistex, it is a significant improvement because it uses beeswax and plant oils instead of petrolatum and parabens. However, the classic formula relies heavily on peppermint oil, a potent essential oil that causes that famous "cooling" sensation. While it feels refreshing, that tingle is actually a sign of mild irritation, which can disrupt your skin barrier and lead to a cycle of re-application—essentially making your lips dependent on the product.

Furthermore, the brand (owned by Clorox since 2007) has faced scrutiny for potential PFAS contamination in its cosmetics line, though the classic balm generally tests cleaner than their shimmers and mascaras.

Why This Matters

Your lips are unique compared to the rest of your skin. They have no oil glands and a much thinner outer layer (stratum corneum), making them incredibly absorbent. Whatever you put on your lips is also inevitably ingested—the average person swallows pounds of lip product over their lifetime.

This makes ingredient safety critical. A "natural" product that contains irritants like peppermint or allergens like lanolin (sheep wool grease) can cause allergic contact cheilitis, a condition where the lips become red, itchy, and chronically dry—ironically leading you to apply more of the balm that's causing the problem. This is a key reason why Can Lip Balm Be Addictive|Lip Balm Can Feel Addictive.

What's Actually In Burt's Bees

The classic "Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E & Peppermint" has a short, mostly recognizable list. Here is the breakdown:

• Beeswax (Cera Alba) — A natural occlusive that seals in moisture. Generally safe and effective.
• Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil — A moisturizing oil, though it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) if it migrates to the skin around your mouth.
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil — Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids; excellent for skin barrier repair.
• Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil — The problem ingredient. Contains menthol, which cools the skin but is a known sensitizer. It causes vasodilation (increased blood flow) and irritation.
• Lanolin — A waxy substance derived from sheep's wool. It's an incredible moisturizer but a top skin allergen. If you are sensitive to wool, this will irritate your lips.
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E) — A safe antioxidant that preserves the product and helps skin health.
• Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract — Natural antioxidant used as a preservative.
• Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil & Canola Oil — Cheap carrier oils. Safe, but often criticized for being potential GMO crops (though Burt's claims non-GMO sourcing).

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• 100% Natural Origin — No synthetic preservatives or petrochemicals.
• Leaping Bunny Certified — The brand does not test on animals (though their parent company, Clorox, is not cruelty-free).
• Widely Accessible — You can find a petrolatum-free option at almost any gas station or grocery store.

Red Flags:

• Peppermint Oil — Causes the "tingle" which is actually inflammation. Avoid if you have chronically chapped lips.
• "Flavor" (Aroma) — Found in the fruit versions (Strawberry, Pomegranate). This is a vague term that can hide synthetic compounds or processing aids.
• Lanolin — Not vegan and a common trigger for eczema sufferers.
• PFAS Lawsuits — A 2022 class action alleged some Burt's Bees products contained markers for "forever chemicals," casting doubt on their supply chain purity.

The Best Options

If you want the convenience of a stick balm without the irritation of peppermint or the risk of hidden toxins, there are cleaner alternatives.

The Bottom Line

1. Skip the Peppermint: If your lips are constantly dry, the peppermint oil in the classic yellow tube might be the culprit. Switch to an unscented or "sensitive" version.

2. Watch for Allergies: If you get a rash around your mouth, check if your balm contains lanolin. It's a common hidden allergen.

3. Choose Organic: Since you eat your lip balm, look for the USDA Organic seal. Burt's Bees is "natural" but not certified organic.

FAQ

Is Burt's Bees lip balm bad for your lips?

It depends. For most people with healthy skin, it's fine. However, if you have sensitive skin or chronic chapping, the peppermint oil and lanolin can cause irritation and allergic reactions, making the dryness worse over time.

Does Burt's Bees contain PFAS?

A 2022 class-action lawsuit alleged that certain Burt's Bees products (specifically mascaras and lip shimmers) contained markers for PFAS. While the classic lip balm was not the primary target, independent testing of the brand has shown inconsistent results, leading to a "Caution" status from some watchdogs.

Is Burt's Bees actually natural?

Yes, the classic lip balm is 100% natural origin. However, "natural" is not a regulated term like "organic." This means the ingredients come from nature but may still be processed or contain allergens.

Is Burt's Bees vegan?

No. The primary ingredient is beeswax, and many formulas contain lanolin (from sheep wool) or carmine (a red pigment from insects).

Is Burt's Bees owned by Clorox?

Yes. The Clorox Company acquired Burt's Bees in 2007. While the brand operates somewhat independently and maintains its Leaping Bunny cruelty-free status, many purists argue the acquisition diluted the brand's original "crunchy" ethos.

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