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Carmex Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm Vanilla SPF15
Carmex

Carmex Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm Vanilla SPF15

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 irritating~5.9–8.8%
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~3.9–5.8%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Moisturizing
9 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm Vanilla SPF15”
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

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~2.2–3.3%
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~1.1–1.7%
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~1.5–2.2%
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~2.1–3.1%
Euphorbia cerifera ceraKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and thickens the product's texture~0.15–0.65%
Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~0.45–1.1%
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~23–34%
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~2.9–4.4%
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~0.55–1.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Camphor + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 10 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~5.9–8.8%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~3.9–5.8%est.
Camphor—High~0.85–1.3%est.
Menthol—High~0.2–0.75%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~0.15–0.65%est.
Ethyl vanillinUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.25%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~2.1–3.1%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~0.55–1.3%est.
Euphorbia cerifera ceraHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and thickens the product's textureMedium~0.15–0.65%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 effect3/5~2.2–3.3%est.
Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.45–1.1%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Lanolin~23–34%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansing

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
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~5.9–8.8%
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~4.5–6.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Ozokerite
Benzophenone-3~3.9–5.8%
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
Cetyl esters~2.9–4.4%
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~2.2–3.3%
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~2.1–3.1%
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~1.5–2.2%
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
Limnanthes alba seed oil~1.1–1.7%
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~0.85–1.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Camphor
Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate~0.85–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.55–1.3%
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~0.45–1.1%
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~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Menthol
Salicylic acid~0.15–0.65%
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
Vanillin~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Vanillin
Ethyl vanillin~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Ethyl vanillin
Parfum~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Euphorbia cerifera cera~0.15–0.65%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and thickens the product's texture

More about Euphorbia cerifera cera
Ingredient list view

Lanolin, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ozokerite, Benzophenone-3, Cetyl esters, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Cera alba, Beeswax, Limnanthes alba seed oil, Camphor, Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Isopropyl myristate, Menthol, Salicylic acid, Vanillin, Ethyl vanillin, Parfum, Euphorbia cerifera cera

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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 Vanilla SPF15YOUR PRODUCTPaula's choiceSkin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 15SVRSEBIACLEAR Crème SPF50CliniqueEven Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 CN 58 Honey
Match—59%56%56%
Price$4.61$64.78+$60.17—$15.99+$11.38
Shared key ingredients—3 of 112 of 112 of 11
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
SPFSPF 15SPF 15SPF 50SPF 15
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

We do not recommend "Carmex - Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm Vanilla SPF15" 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 3.90% - 5.80% and octinoxate 5.90% - 8.80%.

Irritation risk

We assess the overall irritancy of this lip sunscreen 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 13 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
    Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone‐3onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  3. 3
    Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients A Randomized Clinical Trialjamanetwork.com
  4. 4
    On Photostability of Oxybenzonecore.ac.uk
  5. 5
    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
  6. 6
    Amended Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
Carmex Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm Vanilla SPF15
CarmexUltra Moisturising Lip Balm Vanilla SPF15
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