Our Story

3 Ingredients Secretly Drying Out Your Lips

"I used to think I was just cursed with dry lips. I’d reapply lip balm over and over, sometimes every hour, and still wake up with my lips cracked and peeling.

 

I used to joke that lip balm companies must be in on some conspiracy to keep us hooked.

 

Turns out... I wasn’t completely wrong."

 

- Amanda

What's hiding in your lip balm? 

Most people think dry lips are their fault — that they need to drink more water or apply more balm.


But it’s not about how often you reapply.


It’s about what you’re applying.

 

Many lip balms contain hidden ingredients that make your lips feel better temporarily… but actually block moisture, irritate skin, or worse — interfere with your hormones.

The 3 Lip Balm Ingredients Doing More Harm Than Good

You’d expect lip balm to moisturize your lips. But some of the most common ingredients in top-selling lip products actually work against your skin — creating a temporary feeling of relief while making dryness worse over time. We call this the lip balm trap — and once you’re in it, it’s hard to get out.

 

Let’s break down the three types of ingredients that are secretly drying out your lips and why they’re so commonly used despite the long-term harm they may cause.

1. Petroleum Jelly
Coats lips but blocks real moisture

Petroleum jelly feels rich at first — but it forms a barrier that traps skin underneath instead of nourishing it.
 

Over time, this can prevent lips from breathing and lead to dependence (aka that constant reapplying cycle).

 

❌ Watch out for: Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

1. Petroleum Jelly
Coats lips but blocks real moisture

Petroleum jelly feels rich at first — but it forms a barrier that traps skin underneath instead of nourishing it.
Over time, this can prevent lips from breathing and lead to dependence (aka that constant reapplying cycle).

 

❌ Watch out for: Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

2. Synthetic Waxes
Can cause buildup and irritation

Paraffin and microcrystalline wax are byproducts of crude oil. They’re used to give lip balms their firm texture — but don’t actually hydrate.


They can clog pores, trigger irritation, and lead to more frequent chapping.

 

❌ Watch out for: Paraffin, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene

2. Synthetic Waxes
Can cause buildup and irritation

Paraffin and microcrystalline wax are byproducts of crude oil. They’re used to give lip balms their firm texture — but don’t actually hydrate.


They can clog pores, trigger irritation, and lead to more frequent chapping.

 

❌ Watch out for: Paraffin, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene

3. Synthetic Fragrances & Dyes
Linked to sensitivity, dryness & hormone disruption

Fragrance formulas are considered "trade secrets" — meaning companies don’t have to tell you what’s in them.
 

But many synthetic scents and dyes have been linked to skin irritation and endocrine disruption, especially for young people.

 

❌ Watch out for: Fragrance, Parfum, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, D&C Red 7

3. Synthetic Fragrances & Dyes
Linked to sensitivity, dryness & hormone disruption

Fragrance formulas are considered "trade secrets" — meaning companies don’t have to tell you what’s in them.
 

But many synthetic scents and dyes have been linked to skin irritation and endocrine disruption, especially for young people.

 

❌ Watch out for: Fragrance, Parfum, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, D&C Red 7

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Avenella Lip Balms

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4.9 Star Rating

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I couldn't find a safe lip balm for my daughter - so we made our own

When my daughter started experimenting with lip balms and beauty products, I wanted to make sure what I was giving her was safe - so I read the label. What I found shocked me.

 

Even the products that looked clean on the outside were packed with ingredients I couldn’t pronounce. Many claimed to be "natural" or "gentle," but still used things like synthetic dyes, petrolatum, and artificial fragrances - ingredients that could cause health issues for my daughter just at a time when her body was developing.

 

As a parent, I just wanted something I could feel good about giving to my daughter. But I couldn’t find it.

 

So we created Avenella. A clean, science-backed lip balm that doesn’t cut corners. Because we knew we weren’t the only family feeling this way.

Meet our best selling lip balms

We set out to create lip balms that are as safe as they are beautiful - formulated with young skin in mind and loved by all ages.

 

Our Rose and Vanilla lip balms are handmade in small batches here in the USA using only ultra-clean, skin-safe ingredients and free from the harsh chemicals found in most mainstream products.

What's inside? 

Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Mango Butter for deep, lasting hydration and a smooth, never-sticky finish.

Organic Vanilla Bean Extract for a soft, natural scent that feels cozy, never overpowering.

Rose Oil distilled from hand-harvested petals grown in Bulgaria, Morocco, and Turkey, giving our Rose balm a subtle floral aroma with a luxurious feel.

Beetroot & Radish Extracts to give our Rose balm its beautiful natural tint - no synthetic dyes here. These powerful plant pigments do double duty by delivering antioxidant benefits to help protect delicate lips.

Hyaluronic Acid to attract moisture and lock it in, keeping lips soft and plump all day long.

What we leave out matters just as much

It took more than a year, but we finally made a high-performance lip balm without industry shortcuts.

 

✅ No petroleum-derived ingredients
✅ No parabens or phthalates
✅ No synthetic fragrances or dyes
✅ No microplastics
✅ No SLS/SLES
✅ No shortcuts. Ever.

 

From the cooling metal applicator to the lush, silky feel, every detail of our lip balms is designed to elevate your lip care routine - without compromising your health.

 

Because safe should still feel special.


And because no girl - and no woman - should ever have to choose between beauty and her health.

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100% Risk FREE - Lifetime No Questions Asked Return Policy

4.9 Star Rating

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Plus: Free Shipping & Free Makeup Bag with 2 or more lip balms (while supplies last)

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Experience Lip Care That Actually Works

Why Avenella is Different 

Our formula flips the industry standard: no petrochemicals, no microplastics — just skin-safe ingredients that work.

You and Avenella 💖

From TikTok shoutouts to glowing messages in our inbox — it has meant the world to see so many of you falling in love with Avenella. 

Loved by Moms, Daughters, & Everyone In Between 💕 

Avenella is becoming the go-to balm for healthy, happy lips — without the junk.

Shop the Lip Balm Everyone’s Talking About

Formulated with safe, skin-loving ingredients — without the junk.

 

Shipping & Returns

- Ships next business day 

- Free worldwide shipping on orders over $50

- Lifetime Guarantee: If you're ever unhappy, we’ll make it right — no time limits, no fine print, no fuss

Packaging & Materials

- Lip balm tube is made from sustainable, plant-based material

- Outer box is fully recyclable

- Ethically sourced and always cruelty-free

How to Use

- Gently squeeze the tube and glide the cooling metal applicator across your lips

- Apply as often as needed for soft, hydrated lips

- Use under or over your favorite lip color for added moisture and shine

4.9 Average Rating

Avenella Lip Balms - Vanilla & Rose

Safe. Clean. Ultra-hydrating.

4.9 Average Rating

$27.00
$20.00
26% OFF
26% OFF
Flavor
Long-Lasting
Hydration
No Synthetic
Fragrance
Non-Sticky
Finish
Vegan & 
Cruelty Free
Ultra-Clean 
Ingredients
Perfect for 
All Ages

Soothe and hydrate your lips with a nourishing balm designed for everyday comfort. Infused with organic vanilla bean extract, this silky formula delivers lasting moisture without the stickiness - leaving your lips soft, smooth, and protected all day long.

Key Ingredients

Full Ingredient List

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Stevia, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Our Lifetime Guarantee

We stand by every Avenella lip balm — for life. If you're ever unhappy for any reason, we’ll refund it, replace it, or do whatever it takes to make it right. No time limits, no hassle. Just a promise that puts your health and happiness first.

Frequently asked questions

Title

How do you protect against endocrine-disruptors in your products?

We take endocrine-disruptor safety seriously. That’s why we never use synthetic fragrances or dyes, phthalates, parabens, SLS/SLES, or other harmful chemicals. Our ingredients are screened against trusted industry standards like Credo Beauty’s The Dirty List, EU ingredient bans, and EWG guidelines. We also require comprehensive safety data from suppliers and hold both our suppliers and manufacturers to the highest clean beauty standards.

Do your lip balms contain synthetic fragrances or dyes? 

Never. Instead of synthetic fragrances, we harness the natural aroma of organic vanilla extract and pure rose oil, which offer a subtle yet rich scent experience - never overpowering, always clean. For color, we utilize beetroot and radish extracts, along with ethically sourced mica, ensuring a subtle tint without the use of synthetic dyes. This approach helps us avoid potential endocrine disruptors found in certain synthetic additives, aligning with our commitment to safe and clean beauty.

Are you lip balms safe for pre-teens and teens?

Absolutely! Our lip balms are made with non-toxic, gentle ingredients, perfect for young, sensitive skin.

Are your lip balms suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes! Our lip balms are crafted with gentle, natural ingredients that are suitable for sensitive skin. However, we recommend checking the ingredient list to ensure no personal allergens are included.

Can adults use Avenella lip balms too? 

Yes! Our formula is designed to be ultra-safe for young users, but adults love the smooth texture, nourishing ingredients, and subtle natural scent just as much.

How long does shipping take? 

We process and ship all orders within 24 hours. U.S. orders typically arrive within 2-5 business days. International orders usually take 4-7 business days, depending on the destination. You’ll receive a tracking number as soon as your order ships! 

Still Have a Question?

We’re here for you! Whether you’re curious about our ingredients, wondering which balm is best for your skin, or just want to say hi — we’d love to hear from you. Send us a message below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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Shipping & Returns

- Ships next business day 

- Free worldwide shipping on orders over $50

- Lifetime Guarantee: If you're ever unhappy, we’ll make it right — no time limits, no fine print, no fuss

Packaging & Materials

- Lip balm tube is made from sustainable, plant-based material

- Outer box is fully recyclable

- Ethically sourced and always cruelty-free

How to Use

- Gently squeeze the tube and glide the cooling metal applicator across your lips

- Apply as often as needed for soft, hydrated lips

- Use under or over your favorite lip color for added moisture and shine

4.9 Average Rating

Avenella Lip Balms - Vanilla & Rose

Safe. Clean. Ultra-hydrating.

4.9 Average Rating

$27.00
$20.00
26% OFF
26% OFF
Flavor
Long-Lasting
Hydration
No Synthetic
Fragrance
Non-Sticky
Finish
Vegan & 
Cruelty Free
Ultra-Clean 
Ingredients
Perfect for 
All Ages

Soothe and hydrate your lips with a nourishing balm designed for everyday comfort. Infused with organic vanilla bean extract, this silky formula delivers lasting moisture without the stickiness - leaving your lips soft, smooth, and protected all day long.

Key Ingredients

Full Ingredient List

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Stevia, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Our Lifetime Guarantee

We stand by every Avenella lip balm — for life. If you're ever unhappy for any reason, we’ll refund it, replace it, or do whatever it takes to make it right. No time limits, no hassle. Just a promise that puts your health and happiness first.

Today Only: 25% OFF + Free Gift & Free Shipping

Try Lip Care That Works