Carmex

Carmex Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm Pomegranate SPF 15

Name: Carmex - Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm Pomegranate SPF 15
Brand: Carmex

SPF 15Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh·2 UV filters

See all ingredients

Edit

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 irritating~4.5–6.8%

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~3.2–4.8%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Moisturizing

10 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm Pomegranate 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

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~0.35–0.85%

Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~0.3–0.7%

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~22–33%

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~1.3–2%

Ricinus communis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~0.4–0.9%

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~0.9–1.35%

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~1.6–2.3%

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~1.6–2.3%

Paraffin· OcclusiveEffect: LowPrevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency~0.45–1.05%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.35–0.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

10 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Aroma + 8 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 15 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 irritatingHigh~4.5–6.8%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~3.2–4.8%est.

AromaAn unspecified blend of fragrant irritating ingredientsHigh~1.9–2.9%est.

Camphor—High~0.2–0.75%est.

Menthol—High~0.15–0.55%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~0.1–0.45%est.

Ethyl vanillinUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

Benzyl cinnamateFragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.15%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~1.6–2.3%est.

Ricinus communis seed oilA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistencyMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 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 effect3/5~1.3–2%est.

Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.3–0.7%est.

Edit

Cheaper Alternatives

Similar formulations, better price

No cheaper similar product found.

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Lanolin~22–33%

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

Candelilla cera~5.2–7.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Candelilla cera

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~4.5–6.8%

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

Ozokerite~3.6–5.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Ozokerite

Benzophenone-3~3.2–4.8%

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

Aroma~1.9–2.9%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An unspecified blend of fragrant irritating ingredients

More about Aroma

Cetyl esters~1.6–2.3%

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~1.3–2%

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~1.6–2.3%

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~0.9–1.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Beeswax

Paraffin~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Paraffin

Aroma~0.4–0.9%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An unspecified blend of fragrant irritating ingredients

More about Aroma

Ricinus communis seed oil~0.4–0.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency

More about Ricinus communis seed oil

Limnanthes alba seed oil~0.35–0.85%

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~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Camphor

Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.35–0.8%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Isopropyl myristate~0.3–0.7%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic

More about Isopropyl myristate

Menthol~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Menthol

Salicylic acid~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens 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

Ethyl vanillin~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance

More about Ethyl vanillin

Vanillin~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Vanillin

Saccharin~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Saccharin

Benzyl benzoate~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate

Alcohol~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Linalool~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Benzyl cinnamate~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl cinnamate

Limonene~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Benzophenone-3~0.05–0.25%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

More about Benzophenone-3

Ingredient list view

Lanolin, Candelilla cera, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ozokerite, Benzophenone-3, Aroma, Cetyl esters, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Cera alba, Beeswax, Paraffin, Aroma, Ricinus communis seed oil, Limnanthes alba seed oil, Camphor, Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Isopropyl myristate, Menthol, Salicylic acid, Ethyl vanillin, Vanillin, Saccharin, Benzyl benzoate, Alcohol, Linalool, Benzyl cinnamate, Limonene, Benzophenone-3

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

No pricing data available yet for this product.

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
	CarmexUltra Moisturising Lip Balm Pomegranate SPF 15YOUR PRODUCT	Paula's choiceSkin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 15	SVRSEBIACLEAR Crème SPF50	EquateBeauty Oil-Free Sunscreen Stick, SPF 70
Match	—	62%	60%	58%
Price	$3.61	$64.78+$61.17	—	$4.48+$0.87
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 11	2 of 11	3 of 11
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Niacinamide	Avobenzone
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
SPF	SPF 15	SPF 15	SPF 50	SPF 70
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

We do not recommend "Carmex - Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm Pomegranate SPF 15" 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 sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: oxybenzone 0.05% - 0.25% and octinoxate 4.50% - 6.80%.

Irritation risk

This lip sunscreen contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. 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.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

CarmexUltra Moisturising Lip Balm Pomegranate SPF 15

Find on Amazon

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

Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.