What's In My Jar
MARA Sea Silk Lip Balm
MARA

MARA Sea Silk Lip Balm

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients
Edit

Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
Ricinus communis seed oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil + 14 more
Good evidence
What the product description says
“A hydrating lip balm that moisturizes and soothes with active algae for lips like silk.”
Source: Sephora

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, caprylyl glycol.

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: helianthus annuus seed oil, ricinus communis seed oil.

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~6.4–9.5%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~4.4–6.6%
Helianthus annuus extractKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.5%
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~0.55–1.3%
Helianthus annuus seed waxKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency~1.3–2%
Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~2.2–3.3%
Mangifera indica seed butterKey activeEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.4–0.95%
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~0.3–0.75%
Hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglyceridesKey active· EmollientEffect: Medium~23–34%
Oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglyceridesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~5.3–8%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.4–0.9%
Moringa oleifera seed oil· EmollientEffect: LowA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid~0.35–0.85%
Orbignya oleifera seed oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighA plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in calming down inflammation in skin~0.35–0.85%
Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedEffect: 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~0.45–1.05%
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~0.9–1.35%
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~0.15–0.5%
Anti-aging
Algae extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 1 more
Weak evidence
What the product description says
“Plumps look of lips and visibly improves fullness and wrinkles. . Hydrating Seed Butters.”
Source: Sephora

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Algae extractEffect: LowPlant 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~0.3–0.75%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.45–1.05%
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~0.15–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
9 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil + 7 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.8%est.
Citrus aurantium amara flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil—High~0.2–0.75%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Citrus paradisi peel oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%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~6.4–9.5%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~4.4–6.6%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~1.8–2.7%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~0.9–1.35%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~0.45–1%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Moringa oleifera seed oilA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acidMedium~0.35–0.85%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
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 radicals3/5~0.45–1.05%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 yet3/5~0.3–0.75%est.
Edit

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides~23–34%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides
Ricinus communis seed oil~6.4–9.5%
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
Oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides~5.3–8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides
Vitis vinifera seed oil~4.4–6.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Euphorbia cerifera wax~3.8–5.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Euphorbia cerifera wax
Candelilla cera~2.9–4.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Candelilla cera
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~2.2–3.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Polyhydroxystearic acid~1.8–2.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Helianthus annuus extract~1.7–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Helianthus annuus extract
Helianthus annuus seed wax~1.3–2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency

More about Helianthus annuus seed wax
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.9–1.35%
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
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.55–1.3%
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
Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–1%
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
Mangifera indica seed butter~0.4–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Mangifera indica seed butter
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.45–1.05%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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
Platonia insignis seed butter~0.4–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Platonia insignis seed butter
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Caprylyl glycol~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Moringa oleifera seed oil~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid

More about Moringa oleifera seed oil
Citrullus lanatus seed oil~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Citrullus lanatus seed oil
Orbignya oleifera seed oil~0.35–0.85%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in calming down inflammation in skin

More about Orbignya oleifera seed oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Citrus aurantium amara flower oil~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium amara flower oil
Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
Citrus paradisi peel oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus paradisi peel oil
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Hypnea musciformis (red algae) extractundaria pinnatifida
Not recognized
Algae extract~0.3–0.75%
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
Dictyopteris polypodioides extract~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Dictyopteris polypodioides extract
Tocopherol~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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
Limonene~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Geraniol~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Titanium dioxide~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide
Ci 77891~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Ingredient list view

Hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides, Ricinus communis seed oil, Oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Euphorbia cerifera wax, Candelilla cera, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Helianthus annuus extract, Helianthus annuus seed wax, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Mangifera indica seed butter, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Platonia insignis seed butter, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl glycol, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Citrullus lanatus seed oil, Orbignya oleifera seed oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Citrus paradisi peel oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Unknown, Algae extract, Dictyopteris polypodioides extract, Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77891

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 10/20/2026 15:12 GMT
$26.00
Buy

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Ricinoleate SE, Ricinoleic Acid, Potassium Ricinoleate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Ethyl Ricinoleate, Glycol Ricinoleate, Isopropyl Ricinoleate, Methyl Ricinoleate, and Octyldodecyl Ricinoleatencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Productionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammationncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
  6. 6
    Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
MARA Sea Silk Lip Balm
MARASea Silk Lip Balm
Buy on Amazon$26.00 · as of 10/20 15:12 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$26.00 · as of 10/20 15:12 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.