Crème de la Mer The Lip Balm

Crème de la Mer The Lip Balm

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing
Petrolatum, Phytosphingosine + 22 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“Chapped, dry and damaged lips need special and immediate attention and this velvety balm quickly calms and restores nourishment and softness back into the lips.The patented lip lipid complex helps to restore and fortify the natural moisture and protective barrier of the lips, while obstructing any further damage from the external environment taking any toll on your lips.”
Source: SpaceNK

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: algae extract, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, cera microcristallina.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: petrolatum, phytosphingosine

Sesamum indicum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function~0.45–1%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.65%
Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.55–1.25%
Chondrus crispus extractKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.9–1.3%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.2–0.7%
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.~0.2–0.75%
Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2Key active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface~2.2–3.4%
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%
Phenyl trimethiconeKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~1.5–2.2%
PhytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.3–0.75%
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~0.2–0.8%
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~3.9–5.8%
CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.3–0.75%
Medicago sativa seed powderKey activeEffect: MediumMight help soften the upper layer of the skin and help thicken the product formulation. It might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.35–0.8%
Potassium gluconateEffect: LowA mineral that might be able to support skin hydration, but convincing research on its effectiveness in topical skincare is lacking~0.2–0.75%
Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~4.3–6.4%
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowTraditionally 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~1.2–1.8%
Oleic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness~0.2–0.8%
Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.2–0.8%
Calcium gluconate· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product~0.2–0.75%
Magnesium gluconateEffect: LowA mineral that might be able to support skin hydration, but convincing research on its effectiveness in topical skincare is lacking~0.15–0.65%
Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.15–0.65%
Copper gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing~0.15–0.7%
NiacinUnder-dosedEffect: HighA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect~0.15–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Sorbitan sesquioleate + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
NiacinA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effectHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Sorbitan sesquioleateUsed to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.05–0.2%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~1.2–1.8%est.
Sesamum indicum seedCan be used as a physical exfoliatorMedium~0.45–1.1%est.
Medicago sativa seed powderMight help soften the upper layer of the skin and help thicken the product formulation. It might have some anti-oxidant effectMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Copper gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missingMedium~0.15–0.7%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Tocopheryl succinateUsed to preserve the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.7%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~0.2–0.8%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~0.2–0.75%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~0.15–0.7%est.
Oleic acidHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin drynessMedium~0.2–0.8%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Blue 1 lakeA colorantMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 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
Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.9–1.3%est.
Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~0.55–1.25%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.2/5~0.2–0.75%est.
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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
Octyldodecanol~4.3–6.4%
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~4.7–7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Microcrystalline wax
Cera microcristallina~3.9–5.8%
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
Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate~2.9–4.3%
Formula
Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2~2.2–3.4%
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
Polyglyceryl-10 pentaoleate~1.6–2.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Polyglyceryl-10 pentaoleate
Phenyl trimethicone~1.5–2.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture

More about Phenyl trimethicone
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~1.2–1.8%
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
Chondrus crispus extract~0.9–1.3%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus extract
Malachite~0.55–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Malachite
Algae extract~0.55–1.25%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract
Tourmaline~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Tourmaline
Sesamum indicum seed oil~0.45–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Sesamum indicum seed oil
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
Sesamum indicum seed~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can be used as a physical exfoliator

More about Sesamum indicum seed
Medicago sativa seed powder~0.35–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help soften the upper layer of the skin and help thicken the product formulation. It might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Medicago sativa seed powder
Helianthus annuus seedcake~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Helianthus annuus seedcake
Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps thicken the product texture

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal
Sodium gluconate~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium gluconate
Potassium gluconate~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A mineral that might be able to support skin hydration, but convincing research on its effectiveness in topical skincare is lacking

More about Potassium gluconate
Copper gluconate~0.15–0.7%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishExfoliationAnti-oxidation

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing

More about Copper gluconate
Calcium gluconate~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product

More about Calcium gluconate
Magnesium gluconate~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A mineral that might be able to support skin hydration, but convincing research on its effectiveness in topical skincare is lacking

More about Magnesium gluconate
Zinc gluconate~0.15–0.65%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishExfoliationAnti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Tocopheryl succinate~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to preserve the product formulation

More about Tocopheryl succinate
Niacin~0.15–0.65%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect

More about Niacin
Ricinus communis seed oil~0.2–0.8%
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
Glycine soja oil~0.2–0.75%
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
Phytosphingosine~0.3–0.75%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemish

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine
Trehalose~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Polybutene~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Polybutene
Tocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.7%
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
Cholesterol~0.3–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol
Glyceryl distearate~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Water~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~0.2–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Menthyl pca~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Menthyl pca
Oleic acid~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness

More about Oleic acid
Palmitic acid~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Sodium saccharin~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Sorbitan sesquioleate~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Used to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Sorbitan sesquioleate
Calcium carbonate~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps improve the product appearance

More about Calcium carbonate
Sodium bicarbonate~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps regulate the product pH

More about Sodium bicarbonate
Parfum~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Benzyl benzoate~0.1–0.3%
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
Limonene~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Bht~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Blue 1 lake~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant

More about Blue 1 lake
Ci 42090~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090
Ci 19140~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Ingredient list view

Petrolatum, Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline wax, Cera microcristallina, Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, Polyglyceryl-10 pentaoleate, Phenyl trimethicone, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Chondrus crispus extract, Malachite, Algae extract, Tourmaline, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Sesamum indicum seed, Medicago sativa seed powder, Helianthus annuus seedcake, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal, Sodium gluconate, Potassium gluconate, Copper gluconate, Calcium gluconate, Magnesium gluconate, Zinc gluconate, Tocopheryl succinate, Niacin, Ricinus communis seed oil, Glycine soja oil, Phytosphingosine, Trehalose, Polybutene, Tocopheryl acetate, Cholesterol, Glyceryl distearate, Water, Glycerin, Menthyl pca, Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Sodium saccharin, Sorbitan sesquioleate, Calcium carbonate, Sodium bicarbonate, Parfum, Benzyl benzoate, Limonene, Bht, Blue 1 lake, Ci 42090, Ci 19140

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Bluemercury
$75.00
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La mer
$75.00
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Sephora
$75.00
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SpaceNK US
$75.50
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La mer
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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
Crème de la MerThe Lip BalmYOUR PRODUCTToo FacedPeaches & Cream Lip BalmCliniqueRepairwear™ Intensive Lip Treatment
Match—64%52%
Price$73.53$29.00−$44.53$29.24−$44.29
Shared key ingredients—9 of 155 of 15
Key difference—Fig Fruit ExtractLinoleic Acid
Irritancy High Medium Medium
Drying alcohol———
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Product summary

"Crème de la Mer - The Lip Balm" is effective for: Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

  • Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.30% - 0.75%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.

Price

The product retails from 65.00$ up to 75.50$ in the United States, for 75.48A$ in Australia and from 55.00£ up to 68.00£ 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 22 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
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  5. 5
  6. 6
Crème de la Mer The Lip Balm
Crème de la MerThe Lip Balm

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