Maybe it’s age or perhaps it’s just how things work out, but in the past few years, I’ve developed an allergy to a few substances used in various skincare products. I’m a fool for great skincare, but even some of the most highly touted products have made my skin freak out, so I recently pushed everything aside and had a comprehensive patch test done by a dermatologist.
Now that I know what I’m actually allergic to, it’s easier to determine what will work for me. But the one product I kept searching for was a lip balm with SPF that didn’t make my allergies flare. Finally, my dermatologist recommended Cotz Lip Balm.
I was ready to be disappointed, because nothing else seemed to work. But in a few weeks of using this lip balm, it’s my new go-to solution. It offers mineral sun protection in a moisturizing balm with no chemical sunscreens, oil, lanolin, or gluten. It’s gluten free, preservative free, animal testing free, and reef friendly.
Often, sunscreen products with titanium and zinc have a whitening effect on your skin, but this lip balm is lightly tinted that prevents whitening. Use it alone, or underneath your favorite lip color to moisturize and protect your lips from the sun. It’s advertised as being water resistant (up to 80 minutes), but I have yet to test it in the water (though I will soon). Since water eventually washes things off, it’s best to remember to reapply if you’ll be spending a lot of time in a pool, lake, river, or the ocean.
One of the best things I’ve learned through discovering what affects my skin is that there are few products that are perfect for everyone. People have different skin care needs and preferences, so the best thing to do for yourself is to read labels and test until you find your ideal item.
Cotz Lip Balm is subtly tinted and has a 45 SPF rating. It lists for $10 on the Cotz Skincare site.