Lipstick gives me coldsores!

[smoothieooo]

Does this happen to anyone else? I've tried a fair few different brands and the only thing I can wear without breaking out is Burt's Bees tinted lip balm which is fine for during the day but I feel a bit half-dressed if I go out of an evening with bare lips.

Any suggestions?

It's definitely a thing. I just tried googleing it because I've noticed it aswell. Every single time I use lipstick or lip balm (brand new so I know there's nothing wrong with them) I break out in a cold sore. I currently have one now actually. First time in a year and I opened a brand new lip balm 2 days ago.

Someone told me the same thing a few years ago though, that there's a certain ingredient in them that causes "some" people to experience this. I can't remember what the name of it was though. I just never wear lipstick/ balm at all. Saves the issues.... xx

I can use Juicy Tubes, plain Lanolips or 8hr cream on my lips. Anything else brings me out in itchy, spotty lips. I'm not sure what I react to. I have bought a Burts Bees balm but have been a bit scared to try it!
I can wear the tinted Lanolips once in a while without a reaction.

Me too with lip balms. My lips blow up like I've had bad plastic surgery, they look ridiculous and are very sore. The only thing I can tolerate on them is Blistex medicated cream. Strangely lipsticks are fine.

This is a really interesting thread. About 10 years ago maybe less I couldn't really wear any lipsticks as they'd make my lips sore and peel, no matter what brand, and then I ventured out and bought a Mac lipstick and it was fine, now I wear almost any brand and I'm ok, some are less drying then others but none really cause me the discomfort I use to have. I think there are ingredients that trigger problems and the one that used to cause me issues is now outdated and not used. I know this is no help to the Op but thought I'd share my thoughts in it! . Also I heard licorice lip balm can help halt cold sores!

@smoothieooo Same thing happens to me any time I use a Lip balm or something with a lot of oils. I can wear lipsticks, but never use them during an outbreak. As soon as I get a cold sore I begin a round of Valcyclovir. I take 2 - three times a day. Heads it off if I catch it before it breaks open.

YES!!!! All lipsticks i've tried (other than loreal) give me cold sores! There is something in a lipstick i am allergic to... i don't know what it is, but i can smell it if it's in the lippie.

I have ONLY been able to wear loreal. Which isn't bad, but i'm kinda limited to their colours only

I can wear lipgloss though, so that is a saving grace

has anyone found what ingredient it is that causes them to break out?