why don't we use [_] in THE [balm]?

[mango butter]: this is a good ingredient, however, it is high in oil. This means it may clog pores. Our founder is also allergic to mangoes! Inflamed lips and breakouts? No thanks!


[jojoba oil]: this is a very good ingredient. It is also great for the skin. However, it is not safe for human consumption! This is a balm intended for use on the lips. It is meant to be a safe alternative to the balms on the market, not a health hazard. [our founder also has a sensitivity to this ingredient].


[cocoa/cacao butter]: our founder wanted to use this ingredient because it smells great and has many skin benefits... but it is comedogenic. Once we learned this, we looked at it this way: some people break out just from eating chocolate [which typically has cocoa butter in it]. Imagine putting that on your lips!


[apricot kernel oil]: this ingredient is known to cause allergic reactions. It also contains an ingredient called amygdalin. This chemical is converted to cyanide in the body. There is not enough reliable evidence to prove this is safe; for our standards. The benefit of this ingredient is vitamin E... but other amazing oils such as castor and avocado oil also contain vitamin E... we'd rather add it separately and ensure everyone's safety. 


[beeswax]: this ingredient is not vegan! There are many deaths during the harvest of beeswax. Some additional concerns are its potential to cause severe, uncomfortable allergic reactions. Botulism toxins are also found in this ingredient.


[soy wax]: allergen! Soy is a top 8 allergen. Commercial soybean farm practices also damage the environment. Traces of herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer have also been found in this wax.


[sweet almond oil/other nut oils]: allergen! Peanuts and tree nuts are both on the list of top 8 allergens. [Our founder is also severely allergic to tree nuts]. 


[lanolin]: this ingredient is not vegan... it's sheep grease... also called "wool yolk..." It is a secretion from the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals, typically sheep... this ingredient may also cause allergic reactions.


[canola oil]: this is a bad ingredient. Those allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to canola oil. Canola is also the GMO version of rapeseed, which is in the cabbage and mustard family-aka-priority allergens.


[vegetable oil]: this is a bad ingredient. In our quest to find the best ingredients, we researched and reviewed the labels on several vegetable oils and found... the only ingredient was soy! This is an allergen!


[sea buckthorn oil]: there is not enough reliable information to determine if this ingredient is safe or effective to use. However, we do know that this ingredient can be stinky. Though the fruit is safe for consumption [packed with vitamin C but has an unpleasant taste], it is also an allergen, which can cause red or itchy skin for some people. Erring on the side of caution, we will not allow this ingredient near anyone's lips-aka-it's staying out of our balms.


[petroleum]: though a favorable ingredient, it comes from the same place as gasoline. We view it as a filler ingredient, as it does not add moisture. It darkens lips. It is carcinogenic unless refined properly i.e. carcinogenics are removed. This is not worth the risk to us. If this is not enough, it may also cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals. After learning this, we will absolutely not be using petroleum!