Lip balms are more than vanity today; they are part of our everyday essentials. However, traditional lip products are not replaced by solution-oriented offerings that are infused with modern ingredients and advanced formulation. If you are looking for long lasting hydration and tackle dry lips, The Ordinary has now forayed into the lip category with its first Squalane _ Amino Acids Lip balm. After the recent launch, we spoke to Prudvi Kaka, Chief Scientific Officer, DECIEM, about what makes it different. “We had to find an amino acid blend that was not only identical to the lips' own, but also odourless and flavourless,” says Prudvi. Along with amino acids, the lip balm has squalane as the main ingredient. “normally lightweight in texture, squalane was joined by waxier ingredients such as sunflower wax to create a balm-like consistency that feels lightweight when applied,” he adds. Here are some excepts from the interview:

How do you think The Ordinary’s lip balm will be different from others in the market?

Lips are often overlooked in daily skincare regimens, yet they require just as much care and attention. In formulating our Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm, we aimed to create a product using proven, science-backed ingredients in high-quality, effective formulations. Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm is made of skin-identical ingredients like hydrating squalane and amino acids for all-day lip hydration and softening and nourishing lips, elbows and cuticles.

What kind of people this product is for?

Everyone has lips, and part of the magic of The Ordinary is that it belongs to everyone. We never create products based on a specific target audience, as skin care should be available to all regardless of  gender identity, age, and economic status. At the end of the day, we want to bring high quality, science-focused formulations through an educational lens to all humans - so I guess we could say our target demo is anyone looking to take care of their skin, and in this case of their lips. 

How is this product going to be a problem-solver for men?

I believe that our consumer base, specifically when it comes to men, is mainly comprised by those that care for their skin on a daily basis, and have experimented at least a bit with their skincare beyond staple products that can be found in just about every shop. However, I believe that this product really is for everybody, as everyone has experienced dry lips at least once in their lives. People who do not have a skincare routine tend to only reach out to specialised products when their skin feels uncomfortable or dry, and this product is a great, simple yet science-backed solution for dry lips.

What kind of reaction the product has received from male consumers globally?

This product has been well received by people of all genders, and its simple yet effective formulation, alongside a minimalistic packaging, ensures that it is not put in a gender-specific bucket. It was made for everybody, and can be used by everybody.

Do you think this category is essential for men and it will be received well in India?

Definitely! Lip skin is thinner and more susceptible to damage and moisture loss than the skin of the rest of the face. And when lip skin becomes dry, not only its appearance is affected - due to a higher concentration of nerve endings on the lips, any feelings of discomfort due to dryness will be heightened. For this reason, hydration for the lips is essential for everybody.