Works for
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 2 UV filters · Partial spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.
MoisturizingPetrolatum, Lanolin + 4 moreWorks well
“Bursting with the original flavour, CARMEX Lip Balm protects and moisturises dry lips and contains added protection of SPF 15.”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: cera alba, theobroma cacao seed butter.
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
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · Salicylic acidWorks well
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Camphor + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Petrolatum~23–34%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 PetrolatumLanolin~5.5–8.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 LanolinEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.7–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 methoxycinnamateCandelilla cera~4.2–6.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Benzophenone-3~3.3–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
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-3Ozokerite~2–2.9%
Cetyl esters~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften upper layer of the skin and can enhance penetration of other ingredients into the upper layer of the skin
More about Cetyl estersTheobroma cacao seed butter~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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 butterCera alba~1.5–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 Cera albaParaffin~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Prevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency
More about ParaffinCamphor~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Menthol~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Salicylic acid~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidAroma~0.1–0.35%
Benzophenone-3~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
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-3Ingredient list view
Petrolatum, Lanolin, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Candelilla cera, Benzophenone-3, Ozokerite, Cetyl esters, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Cera alba, Paraffin, Camphor, Menthol, Salicylic acid, Aroma, Unknown, Benzophenone-3
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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.
| CarmexLip Stick SPF15YOUR PRODUCT | UnknownCarmex Everyday Ultra Smooth Lip Balm SPF 15 Pomegranate | Paula's choiceSkin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 15 | BlistexDCT Daily Conditioning Treatment SPF 20 Lip Balm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 82% | 57% | 56% |
| Price | — | — | $31.04 | $13.37 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 7 | 2 of 7 | 5 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Homosalate | Niacinamide | Retinyl Palmitate |
| Irritancy | High | High | Medium | High |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 15 | SPF 15 | SPF 20 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Equate Beauty Oil-Free Sunscreen Stick, SPF 70Skin79 Water Wrapping Moist Cool Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++
Product summary
"Carmex - Lip Stick SPF15" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.
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. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: oxybenzone 3.30% - 4.90% and octinoxate 4.70% - 7.10%.
Irritation risk
It contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this lip product 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 for 1.98£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4On Photostability of Oxybenzonecore.ac.uk
- 5
- 6
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