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Novelty candy · 1950s

Wax lips

Big red lips molded from flavored wax. First made in the mid-1900s by John W. Glenn of J.W. Glenn Co., Buffalo, New York.

Still made mid-1900s

By Original Candy House editors · Updated · How we check our facts

Wax lipsFROM THE1900sSTILL MADE
Our illustration, not the real wrapper.
First mademid-1900s
Made by thenJohn W. Glenn of J.W. Glenn Co., Buffalo, New York
Made by nowTootsie Roll Industries (sold as Wack-O-Wax)
StatusStill made
TypeNovelty candy

What it is

Big red lips molded from flavored wax. Wear them for a laugh, then chew them like gum.

The story

  • mid-1900s: first made by John W. Glenn of J.W. Glenn Co., Buffalo, New York.

Fun facts

  • Most popular in the late 1970s.
  • Wax fangs and mustaches came from the same idea.

Are Wax lips still made?

Yes. Wax lips are still made, by Tootsie Roll Industries (sold as Wack-O-Wax). Look for it at candy shops that stock old-fashioned candy, or search for Wax lips on Amazon.

If you like Wax lips

  • Fun Dip (1940s): Flavored sugar powder in pouches with two candy sticks, the Lik-A-Stix, for dipping.
  • Candy necklace (1958): Little pastel candy rings strung on elastic to wear and nibble.
  • Pixy Stix (1959): Sweet and sour flavored powder in a paper straw.
  • Pop Rocks (1976): Hard candy with tiny pockets of pressurized carbon dioxide that crackle and pop on your tongue.

See every candy from the 1950s or all novelty candy.

Frequently asked questions

When did Wax lips come out?

Wax lips were first made in the mid-1900s, by John W. Glenn of J.W. Glenn Co., Buffalo, New York.

Who makes Wax lips now?

Tootsie Roll Industries (sold as Wack-O-Wax).

Are Wax lips discontinued?

No. Wax lips are still made by Tootsie Roll Industries (sold as Wack-O-Wax).

Questions and memories from readers

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Sources

Checked October 22, 2026. Wax lips is a trademark of its owner; this page is not connected to the maker. How we check our facts.

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