Lip plumping is a simple and cost-effective way to plump your lips, and there are dozens of options on the market right now. However, if you’re familiar with the tingling sensation caused by these lip plumping products, you may be wondering if it’s really safe to use them regularly.
What Is a Volumizing Lip Gloss?
The formula of the Lip Plumping Lip Gloss temporarily enhances the appearance of the lips, making them appear fuller and fuller. They often contain ingredients that cause a slight tingling or cooling sensation in the lips, which causes the blood vessels to dilate and create a temporary swelling effect.
Some plumping lip glosses, especially formulas from years ago, may contain spicy extracts such as cinnamon, menthol, or even cayenne pepper (often labeled capsaicin) to stimulate blood flow, resulting in a swollen appearance. Some plumping lip glosses may even contain bee venom, which can also trigger swollen lips. What is the reason behind this? Applying irritants to the lips promotes blood flow to the surface of the skin, resulting in a slight and brief feeling of fullness on the lips due to brief swelling.
Is Plumping Lip Gloss Bad for You?
Experts say it depends on the ingredients used in the lip gloss. Volumizing lip gloss is generally safe to use unless you are allergic to any of the ingredients in it. When it comes to lip gloss with spicy extracts like cinnamon, menthol, and capsaicin, they’re not dangerous on their own, but be careful not to overdo it. Frequent use may cause an irritating rash around the lips. The stinging, minty flavor, or tingling doesn’t mean that these lip glosses actually add real volume to your lips. These feelings can make us mistakenly think that they are working.
If you want something to dilate your blood vessels without stinging, experts recommend lip plumpers with caffeine or niacin. However, it is important to note that the effects of topical caffeine and niacin have not been well studied, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these ingredients as lip plumpers.
The safest ingredients for daily use (even during pregnancy) are hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen, vitamin E, and natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter, and castor oil.
How Long Do the Effects of the Plumping Lip Gloss Last?
The effects of a plumping lip gloss can usually last for a few hours. The duration may vary depending on the specific product and the individual using it. Some plumping lip glosses may provide more pronounced, longer-lasting results than others.
An Alternative to Plumping Lip Gloss
Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, Versa, and RHA, are alternatives to plumping lip gloss. Lip fillers are more potentiating than lip gloss and can often last for months before touch-ups are needed. The downside may be that there will be some pain during the procedure, and swelling and bruising will occur a few days after the procedure. Generally, lip fillers can last for 3 to 12 months.
Another alternative to plumping lip gloss is to use lip scrubs, lip balms, and masks that contain natural ingredients like sugar, honey, and coconut oil to exfoliate and moisturize the lips. Other ingredients to look for are peptides that help boost collagen, hyaluronic acid and shea butter, Jariman says. Proper hydration can help improve the overall appearance of your lips, making them look plumper and younger.
At Last
Thankfully, most volumizing lip glosses, such as Maybelline lip gloss, are considered safe to use. But as with any cosmetic product, it’s a good idea to read the ingredient list and do a patch test on the product before using it on your lips, as some lip plumping products contain irritants or allergens. Remember, regardless of the instructions on the package, discontinue use immediately if you experience any redness, itching, or other adverse reactions.
