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Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm Cherry SPF 15
Carmex

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm Cherry SPF 15

SPF 15Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh·2 UV filters
See all ingredients

Works for

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 irritating~4–6%
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 absorption~1.5–2.2%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Moisturizing
Petrolatum, Lanolin + 4 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Moisturising Lip Balm Cherry SPF 15”
From product name

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

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

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 loss~22–33%
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~5.3–8%
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~3–4.5%
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~2.2–3.4%
Cera albaKey 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~2.2–3.3%
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~1.5–2.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
7 strong irritants: Aroma, Benzophenone-3 + 5 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
AromaAn unspecified blend of fragrant irritating ingredientsHigh~4.7–7.1%est.
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 irritatingHigh~4–6%est.
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 absorptionHigh~1.5–2.2%est.
Camphor—High~0.85–1.25%est.
Menthol—High~0.45–1%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Benzyl cinnamateFragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Cera albaForms 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 allergenMedium~2.2–3.3%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 effect3/5~2.2–3.4%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Lip Cream SPF 20 - 2 Types
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$7.40
Lip Balm SPF 50
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Petrolatum~22–33%
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~5.3–8%
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
Aroma~4.7–7.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An unspecified blend of fragrant irritating ingredients

More about Aroma
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4–6%
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
Cetyl esters~3–4.5%
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
Theobroma cacao seed butter~2.2–3.4%
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
Cera alba~2.2–3.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingCleansing

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 alba
Beeswax~1.5–2.3%
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
Benzophenone-3~1.5–2.2%
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
Camphor~0.85–1.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Camphor
Menthol~0.45–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Menthol
Vanillin~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Vanillin
Linalool~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Benzyl cinnamate~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl cinnamate
Geraniol~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Benzophenone-3~0.1–0.35%
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
Ingredient list view

Petrolatum, Lanolin, Aroma, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Cetyl esters, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Cera alba, Beeswax, Benzophenone-3, Camphor, Menthol, Vanillin, Linalool, Benzyl cinnamate, Geraniol, Benzophenone-3

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🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)Price as of 11/9 00:00 GMT
≈ $9.47
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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
CarmexMoisturising Lip Balm Cherry SPF 15YOUR PRODUCTJack BlackLimited Edition ULTAmint Lip TherapyElizabeth ArdenEight Hour Nourishing Lip Balm SPF20ChapStickSkin Protectant With SPF 15 & Moisturizer, 3 ea
Match—58%56%55%
Price——$14.95$12.11
Shared key ingredients—5 of 74 of 75 of 7
Key difference—AvobenzoneRetinyl PalmitateMineral Oil
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
SPFSPF 15SPF 25SPF 20SPF 15
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Carmex - Moisturising Lip Balm Cherry SPF 15" 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. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: oxybenzone 0.10% - 0.35% and octinoxate 4.00% - 6.00%.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive 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.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    The lanolin paradox revisited Matiz, Catalina et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 64, Issue 1, 197jaad.org
  2. 2
    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
  3. 3
    Amended Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  4. 4
    Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Efficacy of barrier creams in comparison to skin care products in dental laboratory technicians--a controlled trialncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone‐3onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm Cherry SPF 15
CarmexMoisturising Lip Balm Cherry SPF 15
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.