Cosmetics—the art and science of beautifying and caring for the body—have a history that stretches back thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to the present day, human beings have sought ways to enhance their appearance and express their identity through makeup—but at what cost today?
Cosmetics in Antiquity
The first evidence of cosmetic use dates back more than 6,000 years. In civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley, men and women used natural pigments and ointments for many purposes.
In Egypt, for instance, makeup was fundamental to culture: it wasn’t just for beauty but was considered sacred, protective, and deeply symbolic. Their elaborate style carried spiritual, social, and medicinal meaning. Both men and women used kohl—an eyeliner made with minerals like galena (lead sulfide)—not only to adorn themselves but also to shield their eyes from the sun and infection.
Ancient cosmetics were made from minerals, vegetable oils, animal fats, and plant and flower extracts. Yet some ingredients were dangerous—lead and mercury were common in pigments and powders, even though these metals are highly toxic. Lacking today’s science and technology, they didn’t know the risks. In our time we have no excuse: every product carries a label and an ingredient list.
Luxurious and Trendy—with toxic ingredients
Wearing lipstick is part of many women’s daily routine. But have you ever read and analyzed the ingredient list of your favorite lipstick? Here’s an example from a famous (and very expensive) brand:
Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Polysilicone‑11, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Nylon‑12, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis‑PEG‑12 Dimethicone Beeswax, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Mica, Parfum/Fragrance, Laureth‑12, Pentaerythrityl Tetra‑Di‑T‑Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Alpha‑Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Dicalcium Phosphate, Tin Oxide, [May Contain: Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
Can you recognize or even pronounce any of these ingredients? Then why eat them?
Petroleum Derivatives… on Your Lips?
Sadly, most ingredients used in the cosmetics industry are petroleum‑derived. Names like paraffin, octyldodecanol, microcrystalline wax, or hydrogenated polyisobutene may sound sophisticated, but they are basically petro‑industry by‑products. They add texture and shine but don’t nourish the skin, can contain toxic impurities, seal the skin so it can’t breathe, and worst of all—you end up ingesting them!
Silicones: Basically Plastic—the Illusion of Soft Lips
Silicones such as dimethicone or polysilicone‑11 leave lips feeling silky but don’t truly hydrate. They create an artificial film that only feels smooth. Over time they can upset the skin’s natural balance, causing dryness or irritation. They’re also non‑biodegradable, so they pollute the environment.
Microplastics: What You Don’t See Still Enters Your Body
Many lipsticks contain plastic particles like polyethylene or nylon‑12. These tiny bits can settle on your lips, be swallowed without notice, and gradually accumulate in your body. Recent studies link them to inflammation, hormonal disruption, and even cellular damage.
Artificial Colorants: Pretty but Toxic
Bold reds, pinks, or corals come from synthetic dyes such as Red 7 Lake or Yellow 5 Lake. Derived from coal tar, some are associated with skin irritation, hormonal imbalances, and possible carcinogenic effects when they build up in the body.
Fragrances and Perfumes: No One Knows What’s Inside
Seen the word “fragrance” on a label? It sounds harmless, but it hides a blend of up to 3,000 undisclosed chemicals. Many can trigger allergies, migraines, and act as endocrine disruptors. In products that go straight on your mouth (and into your bloodstream!)… it’s worth a double‑take.
Synthetic Antioxidants and Heavy Metals
Ingredients like aluminum hydroxide or synthetic antioxidants such as pentaerythrityl tetra‑di‑T‑butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate are added as preservatives, yet they’ve been flagged for potential hormonal or neurological toxicity.
Environmental Impact
Beyond harming your body, these ingredients pollute water, don’t biodegrade, and damage marine life and ecosystems.
Luxury? More Like a Chemical Cocktail
Marketing sells these lipsticks as “clean luxury,” but in truth they’re loaded with cheap synthetics offering no real benefit for your skin or health.
Remember
What you put on your lips goes into your body. If you eat healthy, exercise, and watch what you consume… why not do the same with your cosmetics? The makeup industry still hides plenty, but you have the power to choose better. It’s not about giving up color or style—it’s about choosing real, pure, life‑filled ingredients that boost your skin’s health.
A Quick & Easy Recipe for an Ultra‑Nourishing Lipstick
Here are the benefits of this amazing lipstick—can you see the difference compared to commercial cosmetics?
Ingredient |
Main Composition | Benefits for the Lips (Nutritional & Medicinal) |
| Cacao Butter | Fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, oleic), polyphenols, phytosterols |
• Intensive nourishment: Replenishes lipids and prevents dehydration. • Antioxidant: Polyphenols neutralize free radicals and slow skin aging. • Soothing: Relieves cracks and minor irritations caused by cold or dryness. |
| Shea Butter | Oleic acid (≈ 40%), stearic acid (≈ 45%), vitamins A & E, triterpenes |
• Regenerative: Stimulates repair of the skin barrier. • Anti-inflammatory: Triterpenes reduce redness and stinging. • Softening: Provides elasticity and a creamy finish. |
| Beeswax | Waxy esters, mono-/di-esters, residual propolis |
• Protective film: Seals in moisture and extends wear time. • Mild antibacterial: Propolis traces help inhibit microbes. • Solid consistency: Adds body and thermal stability. |
| Coconut Oil | Lauric acid (≈ 50%), caprylic, caproic acids, phenolic antioxidants |
• Natural antimicrobial: Lauric acid combats Candida and oral bacteria. • Quick emollient: Melts at body temperature and smooths cracks. • Cooling effect: Gently relieves itching |
| Grass-fed Beef Tallow | Saturated & monounsaturated fats (palmitic, stearic, oleic), fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K2) |
• Ancestral skin compatibility: Fat profile closely mimics human sebum, aiding absorption. • Deep repair: Strengthens the barrier and improves elasticity. • Rich in vitamin A (natural retinol): Supports cell renewal. |
| Vitamin E | Tocopherols and tocotrienols |
• Powerful antioxidant: Protects fats from rancidity and the skin from oxidative stress. • Healing: Speeds up microcrack repair. • Natural preservative: Extends balm shelf life. |
| Rose Petal Powder | Flavonoids (quercetin), vitamin C, tannins, volatile oils |
• Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory: Soothes irritation and reduces inflammation. • Gentle aromatherapy: Floral scent promotes a sense of well-being. • Soft, natural color: Adds pigment without synthetic dyes. |
