Are Flavoured Lip Balms Safe for Kids? A Paediatrician’s Advice for Parents
We all know how important lip balm is, especially during the chilly winter months. It keeps our lips from getting dry and cracked — and for kids, it's just as essential. But not all lip balms are created equal, and some might not be the best choice for your little ones.
Many popular flavoured lip balms — think strawberry 🍓, chocolate 🍫, and cotton candy — are packed with artificial ingredients. And let’s be honest, kids love to lick their lips (and the balm right along with it!), which means they might be swallowing small amounts of these chemicals without even realizing it.
As paediatricians (and parents too!), we encourage you to take a closer look at what’s inside that cute tube of lip balm before handing it over.
Why Kids Love Flavoured Lip Balms (and Why It Matters)
Those fun flavours aren’t just by accident. Brands often use a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients — including fragrances, sweeteners, and preservatives — to create those yummy scents. But here’s the catch: when kids constantly lick their lips, they’re also tasting and ingesting those ingredients. Over time, that could lead to irritation, allergies, or simply more exposure to things we’d rather they avoid.
Hidden Chemicals to Watch Out For 👀
Here’s a quick list of ingredients you’ll want to steer clear of:
Artificial Flavours & Fragrances – Can irritate sensitive little lips.
Petroleum-Based Ingredients – They coat the skin but don’t actually nourish it.
Preservatives & Parabens – Help products last longer but can be harsh on delicate skin.
Dyes & Colorants – Make lip balms look fun but aren't meant to be eaten.
Even if these are considered safe for skin, they weren’t made with frequent licking and swallowing in mind — something kids do without a second thought!
The Safer Swap: 100% Natural Lip Balms 🌿
When shopping for a lip balm that’s truly kid-friendly, look for natural, food-grade ingredients. Some wonderful options include:
🌿 Real Cocoa Powder — A chocolatey treat without the chemicals.
🌿 Saffron — Packed with antioxidants and soothing properties.
🌿 Beetroot Extract — Adds a gentle, safe pink tint.
🌿 Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax — Deeply moisturizing and completely natural.
🌿 No Preservatives Needed — Natural oils and butters can stay fresh on their own!
What Parents Should Look For 🛒
Read the Ingredient List — If you can’t pronounce it, maybe skip it!
Choose Edible-Grade Products — Because let’s be real, kids will taste it.
Say No to Artificial Flavours — Go for real fruit extracts or vanilla instead.
Avoid Petroleum-Based Balms — Natural oils work better and are safer.
Final Thoughts 💬
At the end of the day, kids' lip balms should be safe enough to eat — because, let's face it, some of it will end up in their mouths. Choosing a lip balm made with natural, nourishing ingredients is a simple but powerful way to care for your child’s health.
And if you’re feeling creative, why not make your own lip balm at home? 🍯 A mix of cocoa, beetroot, and coconut oil can be a fun (and safe!) DIY project you and your kids will both love.
When it comes to little lips, natural is always better. 💛