We all know makeup can include some funky ingredients, but how would you feel about putting whale sperm on your lips? There has been a rumor circulating around the beauty world for years that whale sperm is an ingredient in some lip glosses. But really, is whale sperm in lip gloss, or is it just an urban legend?
Is Whale Sperm in Lip Gloss?
The answer is no! Whale sperm is not used in lip gloss or any other beauty products. In fact, the use of whale sperm in any products has been banned since the 1970s due to conservation efforts to protect whale populations.
The term “whale sperm” can refer to two different things: the actual sperm of a whale, or the substance called “spermaceti” that was taken from the heads of sperm whales.
The sperm of a whale, like the sperm of any other animal, is used for reproduction. It is not commonly used for any other purposes or human consumption.
Spermaceti, on the other hand, was harvested from sperm whales in the past and was used for many different things. It is a waxy substance that was popularly used in candles, as it burned cleanly and was odorless.
It was also used in the production of ink, cosmetics, ointments, and lubricants, as well as in the textile industry to waterproof fabrics.
However, today, spermaceti is no longer harvested due to conservation concerns, and synthetic alternatives are used instead. So if you’re wondering is whale sperm in lip gloss you can be rest assured, no whales were harmed in creating your favorite lip glosses!
What Is Lip Gloss Made Of?
So if there’s no whale sperm in lip gloss, what is lip gloss made of? It’s actually pretty simple, so simple you can even make at home. Most lip glosses are made with 3 components: oils, waxes, and pigments.
Oils are used to give the lip gloss its glossy, moisturizing effect. Common oils used in lip gloss include jojoba oil, castor oil, and coconut oil. Waxes, such as beeswax and carnauba wax, help to thicken the lip gloss and keep it in place on your lips.
Pigments are added to give the lip gloss its color. Some lip glosses are clear, while others have a tint or shimmer to them. Pigments can be made from a variety of sources, including synthetic dyes, minerals, flowers, and fruit extracts.
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Best Lip Glosses That Don’t Include Animal Products
If you’re concerned about animal products in your beauty products, there are plenty of cruelty-free and vegan options available. Many brands now offer vegan lip glosses made with plant-based ingredients and without any animal-derived ingredients.
Glossier Lip Gloss Holographic Shine
A social media favorite, Glossier has several different lip glosses and their Holographic Shine gloss will keep your lips poppin’. This clear lip gloss will make your lips pouty and sparkly while nourishing and moisturizing your lips. Glossier lip glosses aren’t completely vegan but they are cruelty-free and don’t test any products on animals.
Milk Makeup Holographic Lip Gloss
Milk Makeup Holographic Lip Gloss is a vegan lip gloss with a high-shine finish and is made with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. It has a holographic, iridescent finish that color shifts according to the lighting. Great to wear on its own or as a top coat over your lip color.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, Queen Rihanna’s beauty brand, is one of the completely vegan products from the Fenty Beauty line (all Fenty products are cruelty-free and don’t test on animals). This popular lip gloss comes in several shades and is long-lasting without being sticky at all.
Bite Beauty Yaysayer Plumping Lip Gloss
The Bite Beauty Yaysayer Plumping Gloss provides a plumping effect while also hydrating and nourishing your lips. It contains only vegan ingredients like cinnamon oil and capsicum to create a tingling sensation that enhances the appearance of the lips, making them more plump.
Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish
Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish also provides both color and plumping effects. It contains a unique peptide complex that helps to plump the lips, while also delivering a cooling and tingling sensation. It is infused with vitamins A and E to provide nourishment and moisture to the lips and uses only vegan ingredients with no testing on animals. A popular choice among those looking for a fuller, more voluminous pout.
NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip
NYX Professional Makeup’s Tinted Lip Oil is a moisturizing and vegan lip gloss that provides a sheer wash of color while hydrating the lips. The vegan formula contains nourishing oils such as almond and jojoba oil to keep lips soft and supple. The applicator is designed for precise application, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
Kopari Coconut Vegan Lip Gloss
Kopari’s Coconut Lip Glossy is formulated with coconut oil and shea butter to provide hydration and nourishment to the lips. The gloss has a high-shine finish that gives the lips a fuller appearance, and it is available in a range of shades to suit different skin tones. The formula is also free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it a clean beauty option free from animal products.
How To Make DIY Lip Gloss
If you’d rather create your own lip gloss to ensure you include only the ingredients you prefer, you can always make a DIY lip gloss at home. It’s cheap and simple!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of wax in pellet or powder form (soy wax, paraffin wax, rice bran wax, sunflower wax, carnuba wax)
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil for scent and flavor, such as peppermint or lavender
Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the coconut oil and wax. Microwave for 30 seconds or until melted. Stir well.
- Add the honey and stir until well combined.
- Add a few drops of essential oil if desired and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a small container with a lid, such as a lip balm tin or a small glass jar.
- Let the lip gloss cool and solidify for at least 30 minutes before using.
To use your DIY lip gloss, simply apply a small amount to your lips with your finger or a lip brush. Enjoy your home made, all natural lip gloss!
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