Microplastics in Lipstick and Lip Balm: What You Swallow Every Day
Quick Answer
The average woman who wears lipstick daily ingests an estimated 24 mg per day, or 8.7 g per year — over a lifetime of lipstick wearing, that adds up to several pounds of cosmetics swallowed. Many conventional lipsticks contain polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and acrylates copolymeras binders and film-formers. Lip balms are similar. The Beat the Microbead project found microplastics in dozens of mainstream lipstick brands. Safer alternatives: Ilia, RMS Beauty, Kosas, Axiology, Burt's Bees (some lines), Hurraw (lip balm).
Key Takeaways
- Average daily ingestion of lipstick: ~24 mg/day, ~8.7 g/year, several pounds over a lifetime of daily wear.
- Microplastic-relevant ingredients to scan for: polyethylene, PET, acrylates copolymer, polyquaternium, nylon-12, carbomer, PEG-(any number).
- Beat the Microbead project found microplastics in major lipstick brands worldwide.
- Lip-skin absorbs more easily than skin elsewhere — chemical migration is meaningful.
- Cleanest brands: Ilia, RMS Beauty, Kosas, Axiology, Lily Lolo, Burt's Bees Natural lines, Hurraw lip balms.
Why lipstick ingestion matters
Of all cosmetic products, lipstick is the most directly ingested. Studies estimate the average daily wearer ingests roughly 24 mg of lipstick per day through eating, drinking, and licking lips. Over a year, that's nearly 9 grams. Over a lifetime of daily wear, that's several pounds of cosmetic product swallowed. Whatever ingredients are in your lipstick are effectively in your diet.
Lip skin is also thinner and more permeable than skin elsewhere on the body, meaning chemical absorption is meaningfully higher per gram of product contact.
The plastic ingredients to scan for
| Ingredient name | Function in product | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene | Texture, film former | Direct microplastic; common in matte lipsticks |
| Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) | Glitter, shimmer | Direct microplastic; metallic / glossy formulas |
| Acrylates copolymer / crosspolymer | Long-wear film former | Synthetic polymer; common in "long-lasting" lipsticks |
| Nylon-12 | Texture, slip | Direct microplastic |
| Carbomer | Thickener | Cross-linked polyacrylic acid |
| Polyquaternium-(any number) | Conditioning agent | Synthetic polymer family |
| PEG (any number) | Humectant, surfactant | Petroleum-derived polymer; may have 1,4-dioxane contamination |
| Microcrystalline wax | Texture | Petroleum-derived; not a polymer but petrochemical origin |
Other concerning lipstick ingredients
- Heavy metals — FDA testing has found lead, cadmium, aluminium in some lipsticks (not added intentionally but present as contaminants).
- Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben) — endocrine disruptors.
- Synthetic fragrance — often a mixture of phthalates and PEG-derivatives not disclosed individually.
- FD&C Red 27, Red 30 — petroleum-derived synthetic dyes.
- Mineral oil / paraffinum liquidum — petroleum derivative; depending on grade, may contain MOSH/MOAH contaminants.
Recommended polymer-free lipstick brands
| Brand | Standout product | Certifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilia Beauty | Color Block Lipstick | EWG VERIFIED some products | $32-36 |
| RMS Beauty | Wild with Desire Lipstick | EWG VERIFIED | $28-32 |
| Kosas | Weightless Lip Color | Vegan, cruelty-free, polymer-free | $28-32 |
| Axiology | Multi-Use Lip + Cheek (Balmies) | Vegan, plastic-free packaging | $15-20 |
| Lily Lolo | Natural Lipsticks | EWG VERIFIED, cruelty-free | $22 |
| Burt's Bees Lipstick (Natural line) | Natural Lipsticks (verify ingredient list) | Some products certified natural | $10 |
| Hurraw Lip Balm | Original / Vanilla | Organic, vegan, raw | $5 |
| Eco Lips | Lip Balm | USDA Organic | $3-5 |
| Conventional drugstore lipstick (Maybelline, Revlon, Covergirl) | Various | Generally polymer-containing | $5-15 |
| Long-wear / matte / "24-hour" lipstick (most brands) | Various | Polymer-heavy for staying power | $10-25 |
How to read a lipstick label
- Scan the ingredient list for polyethylene, PET, acrylates copolymer, polyquaternium, nylon-12, carbomer, and PEG.
- Avoid “long-wear”, “24-hour”, “transfer-proof” products — these rely heavily on synthetic polymer film-formers.
- Avoid glittery / metallic / shimmer products — typically contain PET glitter.
- Look for “fragrance-free” — “fragrance” often hides phthalates.
- Look for third-party certifications: EWG VERIFIED, MADE SAFE, COSMOS Organic, USDA Organic.
- Beat the Microbead app — scan products for microplastic ingredients in their database.
See related: microplastics in cosmetics, microplastics in toothpaste, and worst microplastic ingredients.
What the MicroPlastics app checks
- Ingredient list parsed from the product label or barcode.
- Flagged ingredients — polyethylene, acrylates, carbomer, PEG, fragrance, parabens.
- Product category — leave-on vs rinse-off; risk weighted differently.
- Brand and product line — clean certifications (EWG VERIFIED, MADE SAFE).
- Cited research and regulatory references for each scan.
Use the App
Scan personal-care products before buying
The MicroPlastics app reads the ingredient list, flags microplastic polymers and additives, and points to cleaner alternatives in the same category.
Scan cosmetics in the appFrequently Asked Questions
Does lipstick contain microplastics?
Many lipsticks contain polyethylene, PET (especially glitter / shimmer formulas), acrylates copolymer, nylon-12, and other synthetic polymers as binders, film-formers, and texture agents. The Beat the Microbead project found microplastics in dozens of major lipstick brands worldwide.
How much lipstick do you swallow?
Average estimates: 24 mg/day for daily wearers, ~8.7 g/year, accumulating to several pounds over a lifetime. Reapplication frequency, eating and drinking, and licking lips all contribute.
What is the safest lipstick brand?
Ilia, RMS Beauty, Kosas, Axiology, Lily Lolo, and Hurraw (lip balm) are among the cleanest mainstream brands — most are polymer-free, vegan, and EWG-verified or certified natural. Conventional drugstore lipsticks and long-wear formulations typically contain multiple synthetic polymers.
Is long-wear lipstick worse for microplastics?
Yes — "long-wear", "24-hour", "transfer-proof" lipsticks rely heavily on synthetic polymer film-formers (acrylates copolymer, polyquaternium, polyethylene). Standard non-transfer-proof lipsticks are easier to reformulate without polymers.
Is lip balm safer than lipstick?
Often yes, since lip balms have simpler formulations. Hurraw, Eco Lips, Burt's Bees (Original), Cocokind, and Henne are evidence-supported plant-based lip balm choices. Avoid lip balms with parabens, PEG, polyethylene, or "fragrance".
Are lipsticks really tested for microplastics?
Lipsticks have been independently tested by Beat the Microbead, NoMoreMicroplastics, EWG, and various consumer groups. The Plastic Soup Foundation's Beat the Microbead app scans products for known microplastic ingredients via a public database.
Sources
- Beat the Microbead / Plastic Soup Foundation (2024). Lipstick full of microplastics — testing project. Plastic Soup Foundation.
- Hepp NM, Mindak WR, Cheng J (2009). Determination of total lead in lipstick: development and validation of a microwave-assisted digestion, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric method. Journal of Cosmetic Science.
- US Food and Drug Administration (2022). Lead in Cosmetic Lip Products and Externally Applied Cosmetics. FDA.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) (2023). Restriction on intentionally added microplastics. ECHA.
Start Scanning Your Products Today
Download the MicroPlastics app and instantly check any product for microplastic content. Free to start with 5 scans.
Download for iOSRelated Research
Microplastics and Skin Absorption: What Can Actually Cross the Skin?
Most microplastic particles cannot cross intact skin — but the chemicals they carry (BPA, phthalates, PFAS) can. Here is what science actually shows.
Read moreBest Microplastic-Free Toothpaste 2026: Brands Ranked
Most toothpastes still contain polyethylene, PEG, acrylates copolymer, or carbomer. Here are the best truly microplastic-free toothpaste brands for 2026.
Read moreMicroplastics in Cosmetics: 87% of Products Contain Them
A shocking 87% of cosmetic products from major brands contain microplastics. Learn which ingredients to watch for and discover cleaner alternatives.
Read more