This article was taken from the September 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
Every month Wired's chemist Dr John Emsley deconstructs an everyday product. He is the author of 110 research papers and 12 books, including Nature's Building Blocks, 2nd edition (OUP).
<span class="s1">Ingredients
Pentaerythrityl
Madecassoside
BHT
Methicone
Geraniol
Octyldodecyl stearate
Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax
Macadamia seed oil
Hydrogenated castor oil
Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate
Calcium aluminium borosilicate
Tocopheryl acetate
Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol
Citronellol
Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine
Pentaerythrityl
A fatty-acid derivative that moisturises the lips. It is also found in the explosive PETN, as a compound molecule.
Madecassoside
This plant extract is said to possess anti-ageing properties. It also counteracts inflammation.
BHT
An antioxidant also used as a food additive, it stops the oils in the lipstick turning rancid when exposed to air.
Methicone
A form of silicone polymer, it serves to make the lipstick water-repellent, and so longer-lasting.
Geraniol
The main fragrance of citronellol and rose oil. Together these disguise the scent of the other components of the lipstick, and they also act as an insect repellent.
Octydodecyl stearate
A viscous liquid which slows down water-loss from the lips, making them appear plumper. It also absorbs skin-damaging UV rays.
Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax
Chemically modified beeswax that provides structural support and bulks out the lipstick.
Macadamia seed oil
This adds a smooth, silky feel and comes from the nut of an Australian tree.
Hydrogenated castor oil
This ensures that the dye molecules in the lipstick remain evenly dispersed on the lips.
Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate
A grease based on natural oils and fats. It acts as an emollient and a thickening agent.
Calcium aluminium borosilicate
A type of glass, this adds shine to the lipstick. It is also found in high-gloss and glittery paints.
Tocopheryl acetate
AKA vitamin E, it protects the lips and also acts as an antioxidant.
<span class="s1">Hydroxypropyl <span class="s1">tetrahydro-pyrantriol
Strengthens the skin by stimulating its connective tissue.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
