Beeswax is one of the most common animal ingredients in lip balms. It is extracted from beehives and creates a protective layer on the lips. But harvesting this sweet elixir is a not-so-sweet story. Beeswax is also referred to in ingredient lists as "Cera Alba," "Cera Flava" or "beeswax."

Honey is also popular as an ingredient in lip balms because of its moisturizing properties. But harvesting honey can deplete bee populations and affect their habitat (source). Tastes good, but then again, not using honey feels nicer. Honey is also referred to as "Mel" in ingredient lists.

Lanolin, a fatty substance extracted from sheep's wool, is also commonly found in lip balms. It has moisturizing properties and the ability to retain moisture. Sheep are used to produce the wool fat. By definition, exploiting sheep is not vegan.Whether the sheep in question are shorn in an animal-friendly manner is difficult to ascertain. Lanolin is also referred to as "lanolin" in ingredient lists.

Carmine, a red dye extracted from the Cochenille louse, can also be found in lip balms (and in pink cakes!). You read correctly, a louse. Carmine is also referred to in ingredient lists as: "carminic acid," "cochineal," "natural red 4," "E120," or "C.I. 75470."

Schellac, a natural resin extracted from the secretions of the Lacquer bug, is sometimes used in lip balms because of its glossy properties and ability to protect the lips. Bizarre idea: Around 300,000 insects are killed to produce 1 kg of shellac (source). Shellac is also referred to in ingredient lists as ''shellac'

Oleic Acid, is often (but not always!) derived from animal fats and is widely used in non-natural lip balms. You can always look for the vega(n) logo on the packaging if in doubt, or just ask the manufacturer if the oleic acid in question is vegan. Oleic acid and derivatives are also referred to in ingredient lists as "oleyl stearate," "oleyl oleate," "tallow" or "tallow."

Squalene and Squalane, usually derived from the livers of sharks and often found in lip balms. There is also vegetable squalane. This is usually olive- or grain-based. If it does not explicitly state whether the squalane is vegan, you can always ask. Squalene and squalane are also referred to as "squalene" in ingredient lists.