Carmex Daily Care Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15, Fresh Cherry

Carmex Daily Care Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15, Fresh Cherry

SPF 15Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh·2 UV filters
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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 15 · 2 UV filters · Partial spectrum
Weak protectionSPF under 30
SPF 15Partial spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Octinoxate
Oxybenzone
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctinoxateEthylhexyl MethoxycinnamateUVBOctinoxate. 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 irritating6.4%
OxybenzoneBenzophenone-3UVBUVA2Same 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 absorption5.4%
Moisturizing
Lanolin, Beeswax + 5 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“Daily Care Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15, Fresh Cherry”
From product name

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

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~23–34%
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~2.6–3.9%
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~0.2–0.7%
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~1.9–2.9%
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~4.4–6.7%
Paraffin· OcclusiveEffect: LowPrevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency~0.5–1.2%
PetrolatumUnder-dosedEffect: HighOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss~0.5–1.15%
Exfoliation
Not advertised by the brand · Salicylic acid, Phenol
Strong evidence

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: salicylic acid.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed 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)~0.15–0.55%
PhenolEffect: LowA harsh exfoliant and preservative. It is banned from using in cosmetics in the EU~0.2–0.8%

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 irritatingHigh6.4%
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 absorptionHigh5.4%
Camphor—High~5.7–8.5%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~2.4–3.6%est.
Menthol—High~1–1.5%est.
PhenolA harsh exfoliant and preservative. It is banned from using in cosmetics in the EUHigh~0.2–0.8%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~0.15–0.55%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 effect3/5~0.2–0.7%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate6.4%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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-35.4%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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
Beeswax~23–34%
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
Camphor~5.7–8.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Camphor
Cetyl esters~4.4–6.7%
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
Euphorbia cerifera wax~4.1–6.2%
Formula
Parfum~2.4–3.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Lanolin~2.6–3.9%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

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
Limnanthes alba seed oil~1.9–2.9%
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
Menthol~1–1.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Menthol
Ozokerite~1.1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Ozokerite
Paraffin~0.5–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Paraffin
Petrolatum~0.5–1.15%
Under-dosed
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
Phenol~0.2–0.8%
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
Salicylic acid~0.15–0.55%
Key activeIrritant · 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
Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.2–0.7%
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
Ingredient list view

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

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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
CarmexDaily Care Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15, Fresh CherryYOUR PRODUCTEquateBeauty Oil-Free Sunscreen Stick, SPF 70Paula's choiceSkin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 15Skin79Water Wrapping Moist Cool Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++
Match—58%56%55%
Price$8.54$4.48−$4.06$34.41+$25.87—
Shared key ingredients—3 of 83 of 82 of 8
Key difference—AvobenzoneNiacinamideUvinul A Plus
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
SPFSPF 15SPF 70SPF 15SPF 50
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

We do not recommend "Carmex - Daily Care Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15, Fresh Cherry" because it does not provide good UVA protection. UVA sun rays don't burn the skin, but they still lead to photoaging and hyperpigmentation.

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: oxybenzone 5.40% (declared) and octinoxate 6.40% (declared).

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

Price

The product retails from 8.54$ up to 13.23$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Carmex Daily Care Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15, Fresh Cherry
CarmexDaily Care Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15, Fresh Cherry

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.