Aim/Background: Cheiloscopy is the study of lip prints. Lip prints are unique for individuals. Lip prints can be visible or latent. Lip prints not leaving a visible smear are considered as latent lip prints. These can be present on different porous and nonporous surfaces. Various dyes have been used for the development of latent lip prints on different surfaces. This paper compares the efficacy of naturally available Vermilion powder with that of a lysochrome dye, Sudan III for the development of latent lip prints on different porous and nonporous surfaces. Materials and Methods: Two sets of latent lip prints were made on eight different porous and nonporous surfaces. These latent prints were developed by applying Vermilion powder and Sudan III and evaluated for clarity of lip grooves. Results: Latent lip prints were developed on majority of surfaces. Lip prints developed with Vermilion powder were comparable to those developed with Sudan III on porous surfaces, while they were better visualised on nonporous surfaces. The lip prints could be appreciated more clearly on nonporous surfaces compared to the porous ones.

Keywords: Cheiloscopy; Latent Lip Prints; Vermilion; Sudan III.