We often wonder what is the white layering or powdery substance on the lipstick. We notice this even if the lipstick is not too old, not used much, and not even near to expiry. We hear people saying that it is a wax bloom or a wax mold.
But the question most people fail to answer is-
Wax bloom vs mold on lipstick
Wax bloom occurs as a result of fluctuating temperatures and if the lipstick is exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat or cold. Blooming is a coating of whitish powder or film. Molds develop on the lipsticks as a result of improper practices for the storage of the product. Mostly, the products that are expired or near to the date of expiry develop mold. Molds are observed in the form of outgrowths on the lipstick.
Why is there a whitish film on the lipstick?
The advancements in the beauty industry are a result of the increasing demand for beauty products among people. With the progress of time and prevalent conditions of more health-related disorders, people have become quite concerned about their health.
They keenly notice everything they use or consume to keep a note of whether it is healthy or not. The same is the case with even make-up products. People have started shifting their focus towards natural or plant-based ingredients in their diets as well as beauty products.
Due to this priority of purely natural ingredients among people, beauty companies are substituting the chemicals used in their products with natural ingredients.
It’s extremely obvious that natural products do not last in their native state for long and tend to show one or the other reactions after some time.
This is obviously not very harmful but reduces the applicability of the products. This is one of the reasons why a whitish film or mold deposits on the lipsticks.
Common ingredients in lipsticks
The different varieties of lipsticks of varied types are unique in some of the ingredients they possess but some ingredients are common to all lipsticks. The common ingredients in lipsticks are listed below-
1. Carnauba Wax
It is present in a part of 1-5% that provides rigidity and hardness to the lipsticks. It raises its melting point and provides the stability to tolerate higher temperatures. It is quite greasy and an expensive ingredient.
2. Candelilla Wax
It is present in a part of 5-15% and contributes to giving shine to the lipstick. It also provides rigidity and hardness and is less greasy and less expensive as compared to carnauba wax.
3. Castor Oil
It is present in a part of 20-45% that acts as a color dispersant. It gives limited stability and is greasy. Also, it is less compatible with natural oils but available at a reasonable price.
4. Silicon derivatives
Its amount in the Lipstick depends on its type and manufacturing. It is the film-forming agent that provides a characteristic quality to the lipsticks. This ingredient needs airtight packaging.
5. Ozokerite
These are present in a part of 2-10% which raises the melting point in association with carnauba wax. This ingredient is not compatible with petroleum-based waxes.
6. Lanolin Derivatives
These are present in a percentage of 10-40% that causes the wetting effect in the lipsticks. This ingredient moisturizes the lips and is used in the coupling effect.
Which ingredients cause a wax bloom on the lipstick?
The use of natural butter in the lipsticks is the most common reason due to which the lipsticks bloom. They alter the structure of the lipsticks and cause the wax to bloom and cause blooming in lipsticks.
The most common ingredients which trigger a wax bloom on the lipstick are-
1. Mango Butter
It is added to the lipsticks to hydrate them. It is a source of hydration that smoothens the lips’ lines and makes the lipstick look even while moisturizing the lips.
It also protects the lips and helps in the regeneration of cells. Thus, they also help to aid the cracked lips easily and quickly.
2 . Shea Butter
It is a wonderful moisturizer that is used in body lotions as well. It gives deep hydration to the lips because of the rich amounts of multivitamins it possesses.
Shea butter has the property of protecting the lips from UV rays and is extensively used in making lipsticks.
3. Cocoa Butter
This ingredient instantly smoothens the lips and gives them an even and fine finish upon application.
This leaves the lips buttery soft due to their amazing moisturizing qualities.
Though these ingredients are full of qualities our lips require, they trigger blooming on the lipsticks. It is therefore advised not to buy lipsticks having these ingredients.
How to remove a mold from the lipstick?
It is generally advised not to use lipsticks with a mold. However, if the lipstick is brand new or the expiry date is nowhere around the corner, one can think of disinfecting the lipstick with the help of an alcohol-based solution.
The mold appears on the outer part and can be removed. Removing the mold from the outer layer does not ensure that the mold is completely removed from the lipstick because it may have spores inside and regrow.
But we never know what is there inside the lipstick. It is therefore recommended not to use lipstick that has even a single tiny mold.
How to take care of your lipstick to prevent blooming or molding?
Blooming and molding are a result of improper handling of the products. The more you take care of them, the more you maintain hygiene, the more they will last longer. Follow the given simple tips and tricks to make your lipsticks last longer.
1. Keeping lipsticks in their fridge increases their shelf life and prevents them from melting. The lipsticks which aren’t used often should be kept in a separate compartment in the refrigerator to prevent any contact with other products.
2. Heat and direct sunlight break the properties of the lipstick. Humidity leads to the growth of molds and also causes melting. They should thus be stored in a place that is away from direct light, dry, and cool.
3. Place your lipstick in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before you apply it. This would not break it or disturb its properties.
4. Do not leave your lipstick here and there, especially in the car, or bags inside the cupboard. Lipsticks cannot withstand heat.
5. If you do not wish to use lipstick often or have not been using it for a long time, rub the lipstick on your palm to prevent it from drying. It may derive moisture from the palm.
6. Keep your lipsticks covered always. Close the lid immediately as you apply them to prevent them from contamination.
Blooming and mold are common concerns, especially in warm environments. One must not use lipsticks that have blooms or molds but we can protect our lipsticks from getting damaged by their growth.
