The Lip Service Alliance is a global nonprofit collective of industry insiders, scientists, legal experts, communicators and everyday consumers. We’re united by one truth: what goes on our lips goes in us – and the standards meant to protect us haven’t kept up.

We’re the infrastructure that makes collaboration and meaningful change possible.

No. We’re a resource hub and convener, not a watchdog. We don’t position regulators or the industry as our enemy; we work with them. Most brands don’t know the gap exists. Most regulators are working with tools that predate the current market reality.

Our job is to give everyone what they need to do better – together.

The LSA was founded by Laura DiGirolamo, a California-barred attorney and beauty industry innovator known as ‘The Brand Whisperer.’

After recognising that no regulator assessed the dual pathway of lip product absorption and ingestion on lip tissue itself, Laura spent two years assembling scientists and regulatory experts to pressure-test what she had found. She then founded the Alliance as a 501(c)(3) to close that gap in the open.

Lip products have always been classified and regulated as cosmetics. That means they’ve been formulated for external use only. But we don’t just wear them. We eat them and absorb them through uniquely permeable lip skin.

The exposure models underpinning most regulatory frameworks were created over 20 years ago. That’s before flavoured glosses, long-wear formulas and viral reapplication trends existed. The regulatory math simply doesn’t add up to real-world exposure.

The average person applies lip products around 2,300 times a year. And that’s just the average person. Think about lip product enthusiasts.

Most lip product formulas contain plastic polymers. That’s not minor exposure.

The honest answer: we don’t fully know yet, because the research hasn’t caught up. We’re saying it’s a serious situation that needs addressing.

And that’s exactly why the LSA exists: to fund and support the science that closes those knowledge gaps.

Regulatory bodies are working with tools and data that predate the current market reality. The industry isn’t the enemy either; most brands don’t actually know the gap exists. And consumers need accurate information – not fear – to drive demand for change.

The system needs everyone working together. And there hasn’t been an infrastructure to make that happen. Until now.

The reality that lip products enter the body both through incidental ingestion (licking, eating, drinking, while speaking) and through absorption via the thin, uniquely permeable mucosal tissue of the lips.

Most regulatory frameworks only partially account for one of these pathways, and at levels that are significantly underestimated.

We quantify the gap between regulatory assumptions and real-world exposure through rigorous research. We provide resources that help regulatory bodies modernise frameworks. We support the industry in understanding evolving standards. We educate consumers.

And we inspire innovation in 100% certified food grade, high-performance formulations that set a new standard for what’s possible.

Through membership fees, donations and partnerships with organisations committed to advancing lip product safety. Our annual report is publicly available and our financial transparency is non-negotiable.

The LSA was born out of the research that led to YOM Beauty™, but it is an independent nonprofit organisation.

YOM™ is one example of what’s possible when you formulate with real-world exposure in mind. The LSA’s work extends far beyond any single brand.

LipSafe™ is a rigorous benchmark for identifying lip products formulated for real-world use – not just external wear.

Every ingredient must pass both cosmetic grade and food grade certification standards. It’s the first step in giving consumers a way to make informed choices while broader standards catch up.

The LSA is organised into four collaborative houses. Each brings distinct expertise to the mission.

Big Mouths serve public awareness. Loud Mouths serve policy and advocacy. Smart Mouths serve science and innovation. Future Mouths serve the next generation. Most members join one house, though your skills might span more than one.

Think about where your skills and platform sit. If you’re a communicator, journalist or creator: Big Mouths. If you’re a lawyer, policy expert or industry insider: Loud Mouths. If you’re a scientist, researcher or formulator: Smart Mouths.

If you’re under 25 and looking to shape what comes next: Future Mouths. Your Future Mouths membership is always free.

Because young people are some of the heaviest lip product users. We believe they deserve better standards and a seat at the table to co-create them.

The future shouldn’t cost anything to join.

Mouth Mentors pairs Future Mouths members with established professionals across all four houses, creating career pathways and ensuring the movement’s continuity.

Future scientists get matched with Smart Mouth mentors. Future communicators with Big Mouth mentors. Future lawyers and advocates with Loud Mouth mentors.

Find your house and get in touch via the contact page. Each house has its own email and membership structure.

Yes. We have an open invitation for brands, suppliers and organisations committed to leading the transformation – not waiting for it.

Want to find out more? Get in touch: president@lipservicealliance.org

Get in touch and tell us about yourself. We’ll point you in the right direction.

The important thing is that you’re here.

Donations are welcome and deeply appreciated. Every contribution goes directly towards the research, resources and advocacy infrastructure that drives real change.