Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
MoisturizingLanolin, Paraffinum liquidum + 3 moreStrong evidence
“Medicated lip protection formula helps soothe dry, chapped lips Multi-purpose Carmex lip balm helps protect your lips against cold, wind and dry weather Moisturizing lip balm contains cocoa butter, camphor and menthol for a soothing, cooling feel in a formula that glides on your lips smoothly Classic lip balm tubes make this lip moisturizer easy to take with you Made in UNITED STATES Directions.”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: beeswax, 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, paraffinum liquidum
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · Salicylic acid, PhenolStrong 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Menthol, Phenol + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Lanolin~23–35%
- 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 LanolinBeeswax~10–15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 BeeswaxCetyl esters~5.6–8.4%
- 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 estersParaffinum liquidum~4.3–6.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function
More about Paraffinum liquidumTheobroma cacao seed butter~3.2–4.7%
- 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 butterMenthol~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Salicylic acid~0.6–1.4%
- 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 acidPhenol~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A harsh exfoliant and preservative. It is banned from using in cosmetics in the EU
More about PhenolVanillin~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Parfum~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Lanolin, Beeswax, Cetyl esters, Paraffinum liquidum, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Menthol, Salicylic acid, Phenol, Vanillin, Parfum
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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.
| CarmexMedicated Lip Balm TubeYOUR PRODUCT | Elizabeth ArdenEight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Fragrance Free | AvèneCicalfate Cream | Blue Lagoon SkincareLip Balm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 87% | 66% | 64% |
| Price | $1.99 | $27.84+$25.85 | $16.80+$14.81 | $29.75+$27.76 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Petrolatum | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Bisabolol |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Low | High |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
"Carmex - Medicated Lip Balm Tube" is a well-rounded moisturizing product.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this lip product to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 16.99CA$ in Canada, from 1.99$ up to 8.79$ in the United States and for 5.09£ 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 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oilncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5
- 6Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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