Lip Barrier
Definition
The protective outermost layer of lip skin that prevents moisture loss and protects against environmental damage. Unlike regular skin, the lip barrier is much thinner and lacks oil glands, making it more vulnerable to drying and damage. Lip balm ingredients like beeswax supplement and strengthen this barrier, while oils like coconut and jojoba support its natural function.
Related Terms
Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
The process by which water passes through the skin from the inside and evaporates from the surface. Lips have a very thin skin barrier and no oil glands, making them particularly susceptible to TEWL. Occlusives like beeswax reduce TEWL by creating a barrier, while emollients like coconut and jojoba oils help maintain the skin's own moisture retention capacity.
Occlusive
An ingredient that forms a physical barrier on the skin surface to prevent water loss through evaporation. Petroleum jelly is the most common occlusive, but it creates a fully airtight seal that prevents skin from breathing. Beeswax is a natural occlusive that creates a breathable barrier — it reduces water loss while still allowing skin to function naturally. This is why Numbrrrz uses beeswax instead of petroleum.
Beeswax
A natural wax produced by honeybees to build their honeycomb. In lip care, beeswax serves as a breathable protective barrier that locks in moisture without suffocating the skin. Unlike petroleum, beeswax allows air and moisture vapor to pass through while shielding lips from wind, cold, and environmental stressors. It also contains natural vitamin A which supports skin cell turnover.