But you can get hooked on the feeling of a newly slicked lip, and there are certain ingredients that can exacerbate dryness. Many balms contain fragrances, preservatives, phenol, menthol and camphor. While some people deal fine with these ingredients, others get a negative reaction called contact dermatitis that can lead to cracking and drying—exactly the things you were trying to combat. That can be a vicious cycle, so check the label if you think you’re sensitive, and avoid flavored products, especially mint and cinnamon.
Balm Threat
