e.l.f. Cosmetics Essential Lip Kiss Balm

Judging from the ingredient list, "e. L. F. Cosmetics - Essential Lip Kiss Balm" works well for improving skin hydration To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. E. L. F. Cosmetics - Essential Lip Kiss Balm ticks this box. Humectants in this product (caprylyl glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Petrolatum, vitis vinifera seed oil, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, cera microcristallina and copernicia cerifera wax in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.

Ingredient callouts

• it includes a form of retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.45% - 1.05%, but this type of vitamin A is not very effective. It could in theory help with fine lines and wrinkles, but the effect is most likely minimal.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this lip sunscreen to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.