ChapStick Classic Original Lip Balm
Summary
ChapStick Classic Original scores 18/100. Active is White Petrolatum 45%. The inactive ingredient list is the issue -- packed onto a tiny stick: methylparaben + propylparaben preservatives, undisclosed fragrance, phenyl trimethicone silicone, lanolin (contact allergen), isopropyl lanolate, mineral oil, paraffin, octyldodecanol, and red 6 lake dye. The Red 6 lake is the source of the iconic 'red ChapStick' tint and is a synthetic petroleum-derived dye. Has been on shelves since 1947 with essentially the same formulation -- a textbook example of how dated mainstream personal care has been allowed to stay. Owned by Haleon (GSK consumer health spinoff).
At a glance
Key ingredients 9
White Petrolatum (45%)Bad
Petroleum jelly occlusive at active concentration. Cosmetic-grade USP.
See more about White Petrolatum (45%) →Mineral OilBad
Petroleum distillate occlusive. Cosmetic-grade is refined but Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbon (MOAH) contamination remains a documented industry concern.
See more about Mineral Oil →MethylparabenVery Bad
Paraben preservative classified by the EU as an endocrine disruptor under review. Mimics estrogen and detected in human breast tissue.
See more about Methylparaben →PropylparabenVery Bad
Long-chain paraben restricted in the EU due to endocrine-disruption concerns. Banned at any concentration in Denmark in children's products under 3.
See more about Propylparaben →Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Undisclosed proprietary blend that can legally contain 1000+ chemicals including phthalate carriers and EU-26 allergens. Top trigger for cosmetic contact dermatitis.
See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →Phenyl TrimethiconeBad
Silicone polymer used for shine. Same environmental persistence concerns as the broader silicone family.
See more about Phenyl Trimethicone →Lanolin / Lanolin Alcohol
Wool-grease emollient. Effective moisturizer but well-documented contact allergen -- a top-50 cosmetic sensitizer.
See more about Lanolin / Lanolin Alcohol →Red 6 Lake
Synthetic petroleum-derived dye on an aluminum substrate. Source of the iconic tint. Restricted in some EU products.
See more about Red 6 Lake →SaccharinNeutral
Artificial sweetener used as flavoring. Considered safe topically.
See more about Saccharin →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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