In terms of talked-about beauty categories that continue to explode in popularity, lip balm and lip care may just rival blush in new releases lining the shelves.
Keeping lips in soft, luscious (may we say, kissable) shape is now a key priority for many of us.
Now, popular skincare brand The Ordinary has jumped into the category with its first foray into lip products – The Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm.
The launch comes days after the brand’s pop-up boutique in Paris – created to look like an apartment all in white – caused lines to form around the block.
The Ordinary revolutionised skincare routines when it introduced its no-frills serums and other skincare products boasting transparent ingredient lists, science-based formulas and respectably affordable prices back in 2016.
It’s still hugely popular, particularly with a verging-on-fanatical following on social media like TikTok where product tips are enthusiastically shared.
In 2022, the brand extended its approach to a whole new category – hair – with the launch of three equally affordable products: a shampoo, conditioner and scalp serum.
More recent facial releases this year have included a gentle, non-acid exfoliating toner called Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner and Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, a retinal for experienced users, to target the signs of skin aging and texture.
Now, the new lip release has some great science behind it too. If you’ve studied up on why we need lip balm, you’ll know the best releases return moisture to lips as well as using lipids to help prevent more hydration loss over time.
This is where the new product aims to shine. Lip skin has a higher rate of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) than facial skin. With its inclusion of squalane and amino acids, the new lip balm provides both immediate hydration and barrier support to reduce TEWL for long-lasting moisture and softness.
“The amino acid blend used in this formulation is biomimetic which means that the formulation seeks to mimic the natural processes and components of the skin,” explains Prudvi Kaka, Chief Scientific Officer at The Ordinary.
“Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm includes a combination of amino acids that are identical to the composition of amino acid components of natural moisturizing factors (NMF) found within the skin which allows it to provide long-lasting hydration,” he says.
Wonder ingredient squalane is also exceptional at hydrating as softening, so the new lip balm is also recommended to be used on dry spots elsewhere like your elbows, as well as improving your nail health by softening dry cuticles around your nails.
We love a multi-tasker!
