If your lipstick or tinted lip balm causes your lips to peel, crack, or swell, you are likely experiencing an allergic reaction to carmine. The skin on your lips is incredibly thin, making it highly susceptible to contact dermatitis caused by the animal proteins in this insect-derived red dye.

The Thin Skin Barrier of Your Lips

Many people can tolerate certain makeup ingredients on their cheeks but experience severe reactions when applying those same ingredients to their lips. This is because your lips do not have the same protective stratum corneum (outer layer of skin) as the rest of your face.

When you apply a lipstick formulated with carmine, the insect proteins penetrate the delicate mucous membranes of your lips almost instantly.

Signs Your Lip Product is Triggering an Allergy

Chronic Peeling: Your lips constantly shed layers of skin, no matter how much lip balm you apply.

• Burning or Tingling: A hot, uncomfortable sensation immediately after applying your lipstick.
• Swelling: Your lips look puffy, but feel tight and painful.

Fluency Beauty: Safe for Cheeks and Lips

Because Fluency Beauty creates multisticks and blushes meant to be worn safely all over the face, we refuse to use known allergens like carmine. Our shades like the bold, "I am. Powerful.", deliver incredible, rich lip color using only hydrating, plant-based superfoods. You get a gorgeous, bold lip without the peeling, burning, or cracking.