The paucity of literature on dermatitis due to lip-stick does not indicate that the condition is rare, for the rôle that cosmetics generally play in the development of dermatitis is difficult to evaluate. As a routine I have questioned women in regard to irritation about the lips and have been surprised at the number who had noted irritation from certain brands of lip-stick which had disappeared after the substitution of another brand. It is in the exceptional case that the dermatologist is consulted. Dermatitis of the lips (cheilitis) produced by lip-stick has been mentioned by Lain,1 Miller and Taussig,2 Sutton,3 Ormsby4 and others. The specific factor in its production has not been definitely recognized, as the dye, the perfume and the various bases have been suspected. It is difficult to predict when a substance in constant use may act as an irritant. Sulzberger and Wise5