As soon as you hear someone claim that lip gloss is made out of whale sperm, you can’t help but start looking it up. You will also hear that lip balm and various other lip products are made out of whale sperm, but does lip gloss have whale sperm in it?
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Does Lip Gloss Have Whale Sperm In It?
No, lip gloss does not have whale sperm in it. It does not contain sperm from any animal, and it never has. However, once you learn why everyone thinks lip gloss has whale sperm in it, it makes sense.
So, Why Do People Say Lip Gloss Has Whale Sperm In It?
This tale started years ago and tends to resurface occasionally. Quite a few things contribute to this rumor.
Whale Intestines Used To Be Used In Cosmetics
Long ago, a waxy substance found in the intestines of whales was used to make cosmetics, but it is usually not anymore. It’s been years and YEARS since this happened. This was the beginning of the rumor that lip gloss has whale sperm.
Whale Sperm In Perfume
A waxy substance found in whale sperm is used to make perfume. When people discovered this was a popular perfume ingredient, it quickly made headlines, and people began to boycott brands.
It makes sense that because most lip glosses and lip balms are made using a waxy substance, and some cosmetics companies have zero problems using whale sperm in their perfumes, it would make its way into lip gloss or lip balm.
Spermaceti
Combine this knowledge with the fact that lip gloss was previously made from spermaceti, a fatty substance found in the head of sperm whales, and it’s understandable why so many people thought that whale sperm was a key ingredient in lip gloss. The ingredient name has explicitly the word “sperm” in the beginning.
Fun fact: They accidentally named this ingredient spermaceti because they thought it was the coagulated semen from the whale. After discovering it, they started using it in more beauty products, like ointments, but never changed the name.
Typically, the waxy substance used is not a whale product. It’s usually an oil, such as jojoba oil, or wax, such as beeswax.
Check The Ingredient List
If you’re still wondering whether you’re accidentally smearing whale sperm across your lips, I can assure you you’re not. Check the ingredient list. You won’t find ingredients that come from the intestines of sperm whales, whale vomit, whale blubber, or any other whale ingredients in your favorite gloss.
What Is Lip Gloss Made Of?
So, if they’re not packing your lip gloss with whale sperm, what are they putting in it? Well, there are quite a few things and quite a few variations.
Wax
Wax is a common ingredient in lip gloss and one of the main ingredients in lip balms. It helps spread the product across your lips. Beeswax, carnauba wax, and other waxes are common.
Oil
Oils make lip products moisturizing and also help them spread easily across the lips. Jojoba oil, coconut oil, and petroleum jelly are popular ingredients.
Petroleum jelly is the main ingredient in homemade lip gloss!
Other Ingredients
Wax and oil comprise over half of most lip glosses and lip balms. Additives, flavoring, fragrance, and color make up the rest of your favorite lip gloss products.
How To Make Homemade Lip Gloss
If you’re still concerned about the ingredients in your lip gloss, consider making some of your own.
You only need petroleum jelly, something for color, such as Kool-Aid. Melt one tablespoon of petroleum jelly in the microwave. Then, simply mix in the Kool-Aid, and you’re good to go.
This is one of the most straightforward and basic lip gloss recipes available.
A Few Of Our Favorite Lip Glosses
Lancome Juicy Tubes Original Lip Gloss
This gorgeous lip gloss tube is available in four cream shades, each color delivering the perfect pigment to make your lips pop! That’s not all you’ll love about this lip gloss, though!
Highlights
- It can be worn alone or over top of lip gloss
- Moisturizes lips
- Delivers a potent dose of hydration
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy application
- Formula is available in shimmer, etc., so you can find something you love
- Smells delicious
Plump Shot Peptides Lip Serum
This gorgeous lip gloss is packed with peptides, plumping ingredients, and moisturizing botanicals to deliver your smoothest kiss yet. It’s available in over twenty shades, ensuring you can find the perfect shade to match your look, including sheer and multi-chrome tints.
Why You’ll Love It
- Cruelty-free
- Shades for everyone
- Lip plumping
For more cool facts, fantastic products, and the latest from the beauty industry, check out the rest of the articles!
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