Growing consumer demand for products labeled all-natural or organic isn’t restricted to just the food we eat; a number of cosmetic and personal grooming products are marketed in the same manner. One item that falls into the latter category is a mass-market lip balm (eos) that is widely available, affordable, and attractively packed, making it a popular choice among consumers interested in preservative-free products. But many ingredients with intimidating, chemically-sounding names serve a relatively important function for personal care products, such as inhibiting growth of mold and other undesirable (but organic) organisms. While preservative-free food is often opened and wholly consumed shortly after purchase, grooming products can be used (and contaminated by bacteria on skin) for months at a time
In January 2015, one such complaint about mold in eos lip balm involving black mold circulated widely online and created the impression similar issues with the product were recent or common. In response to the rumor’s circulation, many eos lip balm users checked their own products and discovered they too possessed what looked to be contaminated product.
Complaints of mold in eos lip balm did not first appear in January 2015. A number of intermittent reports involving black or green mold either on the lid of the balm or the balm itself can be found on the Internet dating back at least as far as 2013. Eos users have reported finding rings of mold spots in the cap of the balm, or occasionally a spot of mold growing in the product itself. One Amazon reviewer complained:
One factor in the deluge of eos lip balm mold complaints was what appeared to be an increased focus on the issue. Users who spotted warnings about mold in lip balm more carefully scrutinized their own products, and those affected subsequently reported their own issues with moldy balm.
The product in question is marketed as primarily natural and organic, likely lacking preservatives commonly used to inhibit mold growth in similar lip treatments. On Facebook, eos replied to one user complaint and explained how to prevent mold from growing on lip balm:
Eos advised consumers to send an e-mail with a picture of the affected product to the company for a replacement. So while eos lip balm product can become moldy in some instances, the issue is neither new or widespread. The company explained keeping the balm dry could prevent mold growth, and if they receive a complaint about moldy product they will replace it.