We often joke that we are "addicted" to our lip balm, as we smear on the Burts Bees for the twentieth time that hour. However, the real reason we can't seem to put it down has made us a little uncomfortable. According to The Cut, the truth is that you are probably allergic to it. Three dermatologists were interviewed, and warned that ingredients irritating your skin make you reach for the balm, which worsens the problem... and it's a vicious circle. People who find wool jumpers irritating will likely experience the same irritation when using products like Carmex due to a particularly allergenic ingredient, lanolin. Other ingredients you may be reacting to are salicylic acid, beeswax and benzocaine, so look out for these ingredients if your lips tend to get uncomfortable shortly after applying balm. This is why we can't have nice things.