Chapstick is not edible, though it isn’t considered toxic.
Chapsticks are known to replenish the moisture that has been lost from your lips, especially when they are exposed to wind, dry air, and colder climates. With a variety of fun flavors and forms to choose from, many are big fans of this item, they can’t go even a few hours without applying and reapplying chapsticks.
Now, many of you have gone through this if you are a fan of chapsticks. Sometimes you lick your lips with chapsticks on. At times, you even wonder whether the fruity chapstick you’re using is edible or not, and try some.
Whether you have accidentally or intentionally eaten chapsticks, the question is if chapsticks are actually eaten, how safe it is, and what the possible health risks are.
Get your answers here!
Is Chapstick Edible?
No, chapstick is not edible. It’s ideal for external applications, but should not be consumed owing to potential health hazards
Chapstick is not a food item, it neither has taste nor any nutritional value. Although it contains mostly natural products that won’t cause much harm to your body if eaten, you should avoid eating chapsticks overall. Though it is considered non-toxic in small amounts, If you eat chapstick in excessive amounts, the compounds included in chapstick can upset the stomach or make you feel sick.
Moreover, a few chapsticks can contain ingredients that can have serious health effects, from possible allergic reactions to certain compounds used in it to the dangers of ingesting chemicals that your body isn’t meant to intake
What Are Chapsticks Made Of?
Depending on the kind and brand, ingredients in lip cosmetics can differ. They can be either scented or unscented, and flavored or natural. In general, the following ingredients are used in the making of chapsticks.
- Natural oils
- Beeswax or carnauba wax
- Lanolin
- Vitamin E
- Perfumes
- Antioxidants
- Emulsifying agents.
- Coloring agents
- Pigments
- Preservatives
Some people could be allergic to particular essential oils or flavors found in lip balms, whether they apply it externally or eat it. So, you should always check the label of your lip balm for any possible allergens if you have any concerns about the ingredients.
What Happens If You Eat Chapstick?
If you eat a small amount of chapstick, you are unlikely to experience any side effects or symptoms. The maximum reaction to eating only a small amount of chapstick can be nausea.
However, If you eat too much chapstick, you may experience side effects like a mild stomach ache, irritation in the mouth, or loose stools.
Another issue, if you eat a large amount of chapstick, is that it can be a choking hazard since it can block the airways, and you’ll find it difficult to breathe in this case. Also, eating chapstick may occasionally result in an allergic response. Itching, swelling, and breathing issues are some of the signs of an allergic reaction to chapsticks.
Can You Eat Or Drink With Chapsticks On Your Lips?
You can eat or drink with chapsticks on your lips, despite the fact that it does not taste pleasant. However, it should not be consumed straight from the tube.
Lipcare products like chapsticks are generally non-toxic if licked or swallowed in a small amount. You can put chapsticks on your lips before eating or drinking. However, it can affect the taste of whatever you are eating or drinking.
What To Do If My Child Eats Chapstick?
If your child eats only a small amount of chapstick you do not need to worry much. However, if you are still concerned about the safety of children, here’s what you can do:
- If you see any bit of chapstick in your child’s mouth after they swallow some, remove it immediately.
- Carefully check the chapstick label to look for any harmful ingredients. If ingested in excessive quantities, some components, such as salicylic acid or camphor, may cause symptoms that are more severe. If your chapstick contains such substances, call your doctor.
- Make an immediate call for emergency medical help if your child is choking. Give your child a little water to drink if they are not choking.
- Keep an eye out for any illness-related symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, or distress in your child, and get in touch with a doctor if they do.
Inducing vomiting in a child is not advisable when he/she accidentally swallows a chapstick as it could make the situation worse. Instead, give your child a little water to drink.
How To Make Edible Chapstick For Your Kindergartner?
Something about chapstick makes youngsters so attracted to it! They like to get the stick rolled down excessively, smear it on their lips every now and then, and sometimes even nibble on it when there’s a fruity or chocolatey smell.
If your kindergartner loves chapstick, you can make them some edible ones. It will nourish their lips and you’ll feel safe even if they nibble some!
What You’ll Need:
- Vegetable Shortening ( we used Crisco all-vegetable shortening)
- Jello Gelatin Mix (we used Jell-O Strawberry Gelatin Mix)
- Vitamin E capsules
- Plain Wax Shavings
How To Make:
- In a pan, melt the shortening and wax shavings. You’ll get your desired consistency based on the amount of wax shavings you’ve added.
- Now, Add 2-3 the vitamin E tablets and stir
- Add the jello mix when all the fats meltdown and keep stirring till the mix dissolves.
- Take the pan off the stove and pour the liquid into the chapstick container or tube.
- Finally, place the chapsticks in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to completely set, and it should be ready to apply!
Final Thought
If you mistakenly ate a small amount of the chapstick, you can rest easy knowing that nothing dangerous will happen.
However, remember that chapstick is not a food item, it includes a number of extra ingredients, alongside natural components like oils and waxes, that shouldn’t be consumed. And it’s better to keep it out of reach of the children who occasionally nibble on it.
Hope you got answers to all your queries! If you ever crave chapsticks, hope you’ll keep our advice in mind before approaching it.