Inside Birchbox: ChapStick Hydration Lock Review

In case you missed my October Birchbox unboxing, I received this ChapStick in the Hydration Lock formula. I was pretty happy about it, as I can never have too many lip moisturizers - I always seem to lose them before I can finish them up. I was especially happy because of the Vanilla Creme scent. 

Let me start off by saying the ingredients are bad. I don't have the time to sit here, Google, and explain each and every harmful ingredient that is in this product but I would like to bring up two of them. This chapstick contains petrolatum which is featured on the "Dirty Dozen" list - a list of twelve ingredients that you should try to avoid. It can be contaminated with PAHs, which is linked to cancer (when the skin is exposed over long periods of time). The product also contains dimethicone, which is another Dirty Dozen ingredient. Dimethicone has the potential to coat whatever it is applied to (trapping bacteria underneath), disrupt the skin from performing its normal functions such as sweating and temperature regulation, and it can cause some serious skin irritation - which is terrible for those of us who have sensitive skin.

After using the ChapStick Hydration Lock for the sake of this review, it provided me with no substantial benefits. The vanilla scent was hardly noticeable, especially after a couple of uses. It was not much different, if not worse, than my usual chapsticks. It did apply smoothly, and because of the harmful ingredients it stayed put for hours. I would rather reapply a healthier organic balm every so often than put myself at risk for a few more hours of wear. I have seen better results, and longer lasting ones, with my other balms. Once it dissolved and faded away, I was left with no long term results.

Overall I would recommend skipping out on this product. Also, if you have any recommendations for healthier or organic lip balm alternatives please leave them in the comments below. Take care of your skin, people!