Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30

Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30

SPF 30Efficacy95/100IrritancyHighยท3 UV filters
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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 30 ยท 3 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 30Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

UV spectrum
UVB290โ€“320 nmUVA II320โ€“340 nmUVA I340โ€“400 nm
Octocrylene
Octinoxate
Avobenzone
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen~2.4โ€“3.6%
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~1.9โ€“2.8%
AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.~0.9โ€“1.4%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Moisturizing
18 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
โ€œInfused with coconut oil, lemon butter, and SPF 30, this balm helps keep lips hydrated for up to 12 hours.โ€
Source: Sephora

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: butyrospermum parkii butter, 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).

Theobroma cacao seed butterKey activeยท 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~1.1โ€“1.6%
Cera albaKey activeยท 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~3.2โ€“4.9%
Limnanthes alba seed oilKey activeยท EmollientEffect: HighThis oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient~0.35โ€“0.8%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey activeยท Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1.5โ€“2.2%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey activeยท Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~4โ€“6.1%
Euphorbia cerifera ceraKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and thickens the product's texture~3.6โ€“5.4%
Glycine soja oilKey activeยท EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.15โ€“0.55%
Ricinus communis seed oilKey activeยท 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~2.8โ€“4.3%
SqualaneKey activeยท 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.~0.4โ€“0.9%
Cocos nucifera oilKey activeยท Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~22โ€“33%
Garcinia indica seed butterKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. It mostly contains oleic acid which is not the most effective emollient to prevent water loss, but might have an anti-inflammatory effect~0.35โ€“0.8%
Hydrogenated vegetable oilKey activeยท EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35โ€“0.8%
Lauroyl lysineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture~0.1โ€“0.45%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilKey activeยท EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens the skin~0.3โ€“0.7%
Copernicia cerifera ceraKey activeยท EmollientEffect: MediumBrazilian palm wax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5โ€“1.2%
Stevia rebaudiana extractEffect: LowA plant extract that adds a sweat taste to products (for example, for lip products). Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect~0.1โ€“0.45%
Peg-8ยท HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency~0.1โ€“0.45%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2โ€“0.75%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand ยท 6 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1.5โ€“2.2%
Limnanthes alba seed oilEffect: LowThis oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient~0.35โ€“0.8%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin~0.3โ€“0.7%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.15โ€“0.6%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2โ€“0.75%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.15โ€“0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Citrus limon peel oil, Limonene + 2 more โ€” patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 22 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~1.9โ€“2.8%est.
Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.15โ€“0.65%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15โ€“0.55%est.
Citrus medica acida peel extractโ€”High~0.1โ€“0.45%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.1โ€“0.4%est.
Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.15โ€“0.6%est.
Ci 45410A red colorantHigh~0.1โ€“0.45%est.
Ci 73360A red (pink) dyeHigh~0.1โ€“0.4%est.
Ci 15850A red colorantHigh~0.1โ€“0.35%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.05โ€“0.3%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~3.2โ€“4.9%est.
Euphorbia cerifera ceraHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and thickens the product's textureMedium~3.6โ€“5.4%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~2.8โ€“4.3%est.
OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium~2.4โ€“3.6%est.
Hydrogenated coco-glyceridesHelps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skinMedium~0.9โ€“1.3%est.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium~0.9โ€“1.4%est.
Stevia rebaudiana extractA plant extract that adds a sweat taste to products (for example, for lip products). Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effectMedium~0.1โ€“0.45%est.
Peg-8Used to create a nice product consistencyMedium~0.1โ€“0.45%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~0.15โ€“0.55%est.
Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.15โ€“0.6%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1โ€“0.45%est.
Ci 17200A red colorantMedium~0.1โ€“0.35%est.
Comedogenic
7 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0โ€“5 pore-clogging scale
7 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0โ€“5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~22โ€“33%est.
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~1.5โ€“2.2%est.
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 effect3/5~1.1โ€“1.6%est.
Ci 45410A red colorant3/5~0.1โ€“0.45%est.
Hydrogenated vegetable oilAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~0.35โ€“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.2/5~0.15โ€“0.55%est.
Ci 73360A red (pink) dye2/5~0.1โ€“0.4%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Cocos nucifera oil~22โ€“33%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil
Helianthus annuus seed oil~4โ€“6.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Cera alba~3.2โ€“4.9%
Key activeIrritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

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
Euphorbia cerifera cera~3.6โ€“5.4%
Key activeIrritant ยท 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
Ricinus communis seed oil~2.8โ€“4.3%
Key activeIrritant ยท 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
Octocrylene~2.4โ€“3.6%
UV filterKey activeIrritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~1.9โ€“2.8%
UV filterKey activeIrritant ยท 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
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.5โ€“2.2%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Theobroma cacao seed butter~1.1โ€“1.6%
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
Hydrogenated coco-glycerides~0.9โ€“1.3%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skin

More about Hydrogenated coco-glycerides
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~0.9โ€“1.4%
UV filterKey activeIrritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Copernicia cerifera cera~0.5โ€“1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Brazilian palm wax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Copernicia cerifera cera
Garcinia indica seed butter~0.35โ€“0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It mostly contains oleic acid which is not the most effective emollient to prevent water loss, but might have an anti-inflammatory effect

More about Garcinia indica seed butter
Squalane~0.4โ€“0.9%
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
Limnanthes alba seed oil~0.35โ€“0.8%
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
Hydrogenated vegetable oil~0.35โ€“0.8%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated vegetable oil
Citrus limon peel oil~0.15โ€“0.65%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil~0.3โ€“0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

An emollient that softens the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil
Limonene~0.15โ€“0.55%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Tocopherol~0.2โ€“0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Ximenia americana seed oil~0.15โ€“0.65%
Formula
Citrus medica acida peel extract~0.1โ€“0.45%
Irritant ยท high
Stevia rebaudiana extract~0.1โ€“0.45%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that adds a sweat taste to products (for example, for lip products). Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Stevia rebaudiana extract
Alumina~0.2โ€“0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products

More about Alumina
Peg-8~0.1โ€“0.45%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-8
Lauroyl lysine~0.1โ€“0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Lauroyl lysine
Glycine soja oil~0.15โ€“0.55%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant ยท 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
Citral~0.1โ€“0.4%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Ascorbyl palmitate~0.15โ€“0.6%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-oxidation

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate
Citric acid~0.1โ€“0.45%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Ascorbic acid~0.15โ€“0.6%
Under-dosedIrritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid
Ci 77891~0.15โ€“0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Mica~0.2โ€“0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica
Ci 77491~0.15โ€“0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491
Ci 77492~0.15โ€“0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant. Usually well-tolerated

More about Ci 77492
Ci 77499~0.15โ€“0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

An iron oxide. Used as a colorant. Is usually well tolerated

More about Ci 77499
Ci 45410~0.1โ€“0.45%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High
Comedogenicity
3/5

A red colorant

More about Ci 45410
Ci 73360~0.1โ€“0.4%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High
Comedogenicity
2/5

A red (pink) dye

More about Ci 73360
Ci 15850~0.1โ€“0.35%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High

A red colorant

More about Ci 15850
Ci 17200~0.1โ€“0.35%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A red colorant

More about Ci 17200
Ci 77120~0.05โ€“0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77120
Ci 19140~0.05โ€“0.3%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Ingredient list view

Cocos nucifera oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Cera alba, Euphorbia cerifera cera, Ricinus communis seed oil, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Copernicia cerifera cera, Garcinia indica seed butter, Squalane, Limnanthes alba seed oil, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Citrus limon peel oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, Limonene, Tocopherol, Ximenia americana seed oil, Citrus medica acida peel extract, Stevia rebaudiana extract, Alumina, Peg-8, Lauroyl lysine, Glycine soja oil, Citral, Ascorbyl palmitate, Citric acid, Ascorbic acid, Ci 77891, Mica, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499, Ci 45410, Ci 73360, Ci 15850, Ci 17200, Ci 77120, Ci 19140

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

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  6. 6
Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30
Kiehl'sButterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30

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