Kiehl's

Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF30

Name: Kiehl's - Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF30
Brand: Kiehl's

SPF 30Efficacy95/100IrritancyHigh·3 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 30 · 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

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 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~2.4–3.7%

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~1.9–2.8%

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.~0.95–1.4%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Butyrospermum parkii butter, Limnanthes alba seed oil + 4 more

Works well

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~1.5–2.2%

Limnanthes alba seed oilEffect: LowThis oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient~0.35–0.8%

Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin~0.3–0.7%

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~0.2–0.75%

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.~0.15–0.6%

Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe 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~0.15–0.6%

Moisturizing

Side benefit the brand mentions · Cocos nucifera oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil + 15 more

Works

What the product description says

“A boost of fairly-traded coconut oil, rich in fatty acids, works to drench your lips in moisture.”

Source: Lookfantastic

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).

Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~23–34%

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· 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~4.4–6.6%

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~3.2–4.8%

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~2.8–4.3%

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· 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~1.5–2.2%

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~1.1–1.6%

Copernicia cerifera ceraKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumBrazilian palm wax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.2%

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.~0.4–0.9%

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~0.35–0.8%

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~0.35–0.8%

Hydrogenated vegetable oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.8%

Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens the skin~0.3–0.7%

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.~0.15–0.55%

Lauroyl lysineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.45%

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~0.1–0.5%

Peg-8· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency~0.1–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Citrus limon peel oil, Limonene + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 21 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~1.9–2.8%est.

Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.15–0.7%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.55%est.

Citrus medica acida peel extract—High~0.1–0.45%est.

CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.4%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~0.15–0.6%est.

Ci 45410A red colorantHigh~0.1–0.45%est.

Ci 73360A red (pink) dyeHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Ci 15850A red colorantHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.05–0.3%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~3.2–4.8%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~2.8–4.3%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~2.4–3.7%est.

Hydrogenated coco-glyceridesHelps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skinMedium~0.9–1.35%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~0.95–1.4%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~0.1–0.5%est.

Peg-8Used to create a nice product consistencyMedium~0.1–0.5%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~0.15–0.55%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~0.15–0.6%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Ci 17200A red colorantMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

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

7 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

Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~23–34%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 radicals3/5~1.5–2.2%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 effect3/5~1.1–1.6%est.

Ci 45410A red colorant3/5~0.1–0.45%est.

Hydrogenated vegetable oilAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~0.35–0.8%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.2/5~0.15–0.55%est.

Ci 73360A red (pink) dye2/5~0.1–0.4%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Cocos nucifera oil~23–34%

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~4.4–6.6%

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~3.2–4.8%

Key activeIrritant · 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

Candelilla cera~3.7–5.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Candelilla cera

Ricinus communis seed oil~2.8–4.3%

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

Octocrylene~2.4–3.7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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~1.9–2.8%

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

Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.5–2.2%

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~1.1–1.6%

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~0.9–1.35%

Irritant · 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~0.95–1.4%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · 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~0.5–1.2%

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~0.35–0.8%

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~0.4–0.9%

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~0.35–0.8%

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~0.35–0.8%

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~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil

Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil~0.3–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

An emollient that softens the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil

Limonene~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Tocopherol~0.2–0.75%

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~0.15–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ximenia americana seed oil

Citrus medica acida peel extract~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus medica acida peel extract

Stevia rebaudiana extract~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · 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~0.2–0.75%

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-8~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-8

Lauroyl lysine~0.1–0.45%

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~0.15–0.55%

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

Citral~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral

Ascorbyl palmitate~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · 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~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Ascorbic acid~0.15–0.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · 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 77891~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77891

Mica~0.2–0.75%

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 77491~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Ci 77491

Ci 77492~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant. Usually well-tolerated

More about Ci 77492

Ci 77499~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Ci 77499

Ci 45410~0.1–0.45%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High
Comedogenicity: 3/5

A red colorant

More about Ci 45410

Ci 73360~0.1–0.4%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High
Comedogenicity: 2/5

A red (pink) dye

More about Ci 73360

Ci 15850~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A red colorant

More about Ci 15850

Ci 17200~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A red colorant

More about Ci 17200

Ci 77120~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77120

Ci 19140~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140

Ingredient list view

Cocos nucifera oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Cera alba, Candelilla 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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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
	Kiehl'sButterstick Lip Treatment SPF30YOUR PRODUCT	LanolipsLip Ointment SPF30 - Rhubarb	Ultra VioletteBejewelled Sheen Screen SPF 50 Hydrating Lip Balm	REVOLUTION SKINCARESPF 30 Lip Balm
Match	—	39%	38%	36%
Price	—	—	$22.00	$7.94
Shared key ingredients	—	9 of 13	9 of 13	7 of 13
Key difference	—	Lanolin	Lanolin	Tinosorb S
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
SPF	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 50	SPF 30
Drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Kiehl's - Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF30" is using UV filters in a relatively low concentration. Because of this, it might not be able to provide reliable sun protection.

Sunscreen filters

This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: avobenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.

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 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.