Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment

Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing
13 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Working to hydrate and nourish, the lip balm with rich emollients delivers an intense veil of moisture onto wanting lips, repairing dryness whilst replenishing moisture to leave lips feeling soft and comforted. . K. N.”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, cera microcristallina.

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: petrolatum

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.4–0.95%
Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2Key active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface~3.9–5.8%
Cera microcristallinaKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from its surface and create a thicker product consistency~1.7–2.5%
CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.55–1.3%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.2–0.8%
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~22–34%
Stearyl glycyrrhetinateKey activeEffect: MediumA fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammation~0.1–0.5%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.35%
Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~2.7–4%
Polyglyceryl-2 triisostearateEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1–1.5%
Linoleic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores~0.45–1%
Triticum vulgare germ extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance~0.45–1%
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.95–1.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Retinyl palmitate, Salvia sclarea extract + 1 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
Retinyl palmitateThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effectHigh~0.2–0.8%est.
Salvia sclarea extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Rosa damascena extractOil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.High~0.1–0.35%est.
Ci 15850A red colorantHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~1.1–1.7%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.95–1.4%est.
Hordeum vulgare extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to glutenMedium~0.45–1.1%est.
Triticum vulgare germ extractPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intoleranceMedium~0.45–1%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.2–0.8%est.
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.Medium~0.15–0.55%est.
Stearyl glycyrrhetinateA fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammationMedium~0.1–0.5%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Potassium sulfateUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.35%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
Triticum vulgare germ extractPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance3/5~0.45–1%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.2–0.8%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Petrolatum~22–34%
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
Polybutene~4.9–7.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Polybutene
Polydecene~4.5–6.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Polydecene
Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2~3.9–5.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface

More about Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2
Octyldodecanol~2.7–4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol
Microcrystalline wax~1.9–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Microcrystalline wax
Cera microcristallina~1.7–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from its surface and create a thicker product consistency

More about Cera microcristallina
Tocopheryl acetate~1.1–1.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate~1–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.95–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extract
Cholesterol~0.55–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol
Hordeum vulgare extract~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to gluten

More about Hordeum vulgare extract
Triticum vulgare germ extract~0.45–1%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Plant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance

More about Triticum vulgare germ extract
Squalane~0.4–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Linoleic acid~0.45–1%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansingAnti-blemish

An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores

More about Linoleic acid
Retinyl palmitate~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemishExfoliation

Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect

More about Retinyl palmitate
Salvia sclarea extract~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Salvia sclarea extract
Glycine soja oil~0.2–0.8%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.

More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Stearyl glycyrrhetinate~0.1–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin toneReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

A fatty acid derived from licorice. Works as an emollient and can help calm down inflammation

More about Stearyl glycyrrhetinate
Betula alba juice~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Rosa damascena extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.

More about Rosa damascena extract
Hexylene glycol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Potassium sulfate~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Potassium sulfate
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ci 15850~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A red colorant

More about Ci 15850
Ci 19140~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Ingredient list view

Petrolatum, Polybutene, Polydecene, Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline wax, Cera microcristallina, Tocopheryl acetate, Polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Cholesterol, Hordeum vulgare extract, Triticum vulgare germ extract, Squalane, Linoleic acid, Retinyl palmitate, Salvia sclarea extract, Glycine soja oil, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Stearyl glycyrrhetinate, Betula alba juice, Rosa damascena extract, Hexylene glycol, Potassium sulfate, Caprylyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 15850, Ci 19140

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$24.00
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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "Clinique - Superbalm Lip Treatment" works well for moisturizing the skin. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (caprylyl glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Petrolatum, cholesterol, glycine soja oil, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2 and cera microcristallina in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.

Ingredient callouts

  • this lip product includes a form of retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.20% - 0.80%, but this type of vitamin A is not very effective. It could in theory help with fine lines and wrinkles, but the effect is most likely minimal.
  • Another helpful ingredient in it is Linoleic Acid. It is one of the fatty acids naturally present in skin. It is part of the skin barrier. Preliminary research shows that it might be able to reduce clogged pores.

Irritation risk

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.

Price

The product retails for 28.06CA$ in Canada, for 32.00A$ in Australia, from 14.00$ up to 18.50$ in the United States and from 13.00£ up to 15.20£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment
CliniqueSuperbalm Lip Treatment

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.