Are lip balm and chapstick the same thing?

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably used lip balm or chapstick at some point in your life. Maybe you keep a tube of it in your purse or pocket, maybe you use it religiously every day to keep your lips soft and smooth, or maybe you just buy one when your lips are feeling particularly dry and chapped.

But here’s the thing: even though we use these terms interchangeably all the time, lip balm and chapstick are actually two different things. So what’s the difference? And how can you tell which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look (get it? Because it’s about lips? Ha!)

The Basics

First things first: let’s talk about what exactly lip balm and chapstick are. Both products are designed to help moisturize our lips – an area that doesn’t have any oil glands of its own – so they don’t get dried out by wind, sun exposure, or other environmental factors. They typically come in small tubes or pots that can be easily carried around and applied as needed throughout the day.

So far so good – but this is where things start to diverge a bit:

What Is Chapstick?

Chapstick is actually a specific brand name for a type of lip balm that was invented way back in the early 1900s (we’ll get into more detail about that below). Over time, though, “chapstick” has become something of an umbrella term – kind of like how people often refer to tissues as Kleenexes regardless of brand.

What sets traditional chapsticks apart from other types of lip balms on the market today is their formula: they tend to be waxier than other options since they’re made with beeswax (or synthetic waxes) as their main ingredient. This gives them a thicker, heavier texture that can sometimes feel a bit greasy on the lips.

What Is Lip Balm?

Lip balm, on the other hand, is a broader category that includes all kinds of products designed to help keep your lips moisturized and healthy. Some lip balms may have similar formulas to chapsticks (i.e., beeswax-based), while others may be oilier or more gel-like in consistency.

In general, though, “lip balm” tends to be used as more of an umbrella term than “chapstick” – so if you’re not sure which product to buy at the store, looking for something labeled as “lip balm” will likely give you more options to choose from.

The History

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way – let’s dive into some fun facts about how these products came about!

Chapstick Origins

Way back in 1880s Wisconsin (no word on whether any cheese was involved), Dr. Charles Browne Fleet created what he called a lip pomade made with petroleum jelly and cottonseed oil(AKA not exactly appetizing ingredients). He later sold it under various names like Dr. C.B. Fleet’s Antiseptic Healing Salve before landing on “ChapStick” in 1912 (a nod to its intended use).

The original ChapStick design featured a cylindrical shape with no cap; instead, users would twist up little bits of product from within their tube as needed (which seems…less than hygienic?) In 1923, however,the company switched over to tubes with screw-on caps -and hasn’t looked back since.

Interestingly enough,Henry Ford himself played a role in popularizing lipbalm by being one of its early investors(!)

Over time (and after many mergers and acquisitions) ChapStick became a household name in the US, thanks in part to aggressive marketing tactics that included sponsorships of sports teams and events.

Lip Balm Origins

Lip balm has actually been around for much longer than chapstick!

Historical records suggest that Ancient Egyptian women used various oils and salves on their lips as far back as 5,000 years ago (so just think: Cleopatra herself may have worn something like Carmex). And while we don’t have quite so much documentation of lip care practices from other cultures throughout history, it’s safe to say that people have likely been looking for ways to keep their mouths soft and kissable since time immemorial.

Which One Should I Use?

So now we know what each product is – but how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are some factors to consider:

Texture

As mentioned above, chapsticks tend to be waxier than other types of lip balms – which means they can feel a bit heavier on your lips. If you prefer something with lighter texture, look for lip balms made with ingredients like jojoba oil or shea butter.

Scent/Taste

Some lip balms come in plain-old unflavored varieties; others (especially among newer products) take things up a notch by offering flavors ranging from simple mint or vanilla all the way up to more adventurous options like bacon or Sriracha. Deciding which flavor (if any) sounds best is totally up your alley!

Active Ingredients

If you’re specifically looking for a product with certain benefits- i.e., sun protection,a proven ability to help soothe really chapped lips…keep an eye out for those specific types when shopping around.

And at the end of the day – remembering this very important piece of advice: whether it’s lipstick,lip gloss,chapstick,or whatever else – whatever makes feel fabulous, whichever product has you strutting and sashaying like the fierce diva that we all know you are,that’s the right one for you!

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