About petroleum, paraffin and other mineral oils used in many lip balms: Paraffin is a product of raw petroleum oil and used as a cheap filler in a number of skincare products including lip balms widely available on the Swedish market. It blocks pores and forms a membrane across the skin and while it doesn’t dry out the skin in itself, it prevents the skin from being able to absorb moisture and other nourishing substances. It has no nutritional value and as a result the lips can become dry and irritated over time where the product is used only periodically. The result is that your lips become dependent on on their balm. Instead, choose a lip balm made from natural plant oils. The richer the better. And remember to drink lots of water!