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Carmex CLASSIC LIP BALM Classic Original Stick
Carmex

Carmex CLASSIC LIP BALM Classic Original Stick

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing
7 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: beeswax, limnanthes alba seed oil.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: lanolin, petrolatum

Limnanthes alba seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighThis oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient~1.5–2.3%
PetrolatumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss35%
Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~6.6–9.9%
LanolinHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSebum of wool-bearing animals (most commonly sheep). Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce the skin water loss. In rare cases could be an allergen. Not suitable for vegans~23–34%
BeeswaxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~4.2–6.3%
Cetyl estersKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften upper layer of the skin and can enhance penetration of other ingredients into the upper layer of the skin~3.1–4.6%
Paraffin· OcclusiveEffect: LowPrevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency~1.5–2.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Camphor + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 7 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritatingHigh7.5%
Benzophenone-3Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorptionHigh4%
Camphor—High~0.9–1.4%est.
Menthol—High~0.45–1.1%est.
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.4–0.9%est.
PhenolA harsh exfoliant and preservative. It is banned from using in cosmetics in the EUHigh~0.3–0.7%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~6.6–9.9%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating

More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
Benzophenone-34%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption

More about Benzophenone-3
White
Not recognized
Petrolatum35%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss

More about Petrolatum
Lanolin~23–34%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansing

Sebum of wool-bearing animals (most commonly sheep). Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce the skin water loss. In rare cases could be an allergen. Not suitable for vegans

More about Lanolin
Theobroma cacao seed butter~6.6–9.9%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter
Euphorbia cerifera wax~5.6–8.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Euphorbia cerifera wax
Beeswax~4.2–6.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Beeswax
Cetyl esters~3.1–4.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften upper layer of the skin and can enhance penetration of other ingredients into the upper layer of the skin

More about Cetyl esters
Ozokerite~2–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Ozokerite
Paraffin~1.5–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Prevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency

More about Paraffin
Limnanthes alba seed oil~1.5–2.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

This oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient

More about Limnanthes alba seed oil
Camphor~0.9–1.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Camphor
Menthol~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Menthol
Salicylic acid~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Phenol~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Exfoliation

A harsh exfoliant and preservative. It is banned from using in cosmetics in the EU

More about Phenol
Parfum~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Vanillin~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Vanillin
Ingredient list view

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Unknown, Petrolatum, Lanolin, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Euphorbia cerifera wax, Beeswax, Cetyl esters, Ozokerite, Paraffin, Limnanthes alba seed oil, Camphor, Menthol, Salicylic acid, Phenol, Parfum, Vanillin

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
CarmexCLASSIC LIP BALM Classic Original StickYOUR PRODUCTElizabeth ArdenEight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Fragrance FreeKerasalIntensive Foot Repair Skin Healing Ointment for Cracked Heels and Dry FeetCliniqueiD™: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion™ + ACC for Fatigue
Match—72%60%60%
Price$11.89$19.20+$7.31$8.84−$3.05$41.00+$29.11
Shared key ingredients—3 of 82 of 82 of 8
Key difference—Mineral OilUreaMineral Oil
Irritancy High Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Carmex - CLASSIC LIP BALM Classic Original Stick" is effective for: Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

  • Salicylic acid (0.40% - 0.90%) in this product will have an exfoliating effect and help smooth the skin. We, however, do not recommend using a moisturizer with Salicylic Acid daily to avoid over-exfoliating.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone‐3onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  2. 2
    Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients A Randomized Clinical Trialjamanetwork.com
  3. 3
    On Photostability of Oxybenzonecore.ac.uk
  4. 4
    The lanolin paradox revisited Matiz, Catalina et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 64, Issue 1, 197jaad.org
  5. 5
    Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Comparison of skin calming effects of cosmetic products containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol or acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester on capsaicin-induced facial stinging in volunteers with sensitive skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Carmex CLASSIC LIP BALM Classic Original Stick
CarmexCLASSIC LIP BALM Classic Original Stick
Buy at CarmexCheck priceAmazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at CarmexCheck priceAmazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.