What's In My Jar
Mario Badescu Lip Balm
Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu Lip Balm

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Linoleic acid, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin) + 18 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Nourishes with a blend of nutrient-dense butters and moisturizing oils.”
Source: Mario Badescu

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: polyglycerin-3, hydrolyzed corn starch.

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: beeswax, cocos nucifera oil.

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

Linoleic acidHero· EmollientEffect: 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~0.2–0.7%
Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Key active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~22–33%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~3.9–5.9%
Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~2.1–3.2%
Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~0.9–1.35%
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~0.5–1.2%
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~0.45–1.05%
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~0.4–0.95%
Linolenic acidKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation~0.2–0.75%
Dimethicone crosspolymerKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface~0.2–0.8%
Hydrogenated vegetable oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%
BeeswaxKey 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~0.15–0.7%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis seedKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.55%
Polyglycerin-3Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%
Olea europaea oil unsaponifiablesKey activeEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
Cocoglycerides· EmollientEffect: LowHelp soften the upper layer of the skin and make it easier for oil and water mix together. Recently, a rising number of allergic reactions to cocoglycerides and other coconut-derived surfactants has been reported. As there is a significant overlap between frequent irritants and allergens, we flag this ingredient for attention of those with very sensitive, reactive skin~4–6%
Hydrolyzed corn starch· HumectantEffect: LowHelps improve the product texture~0.1–0.45%
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~0.15–0.7%
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~0.05–0.25%
Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedA 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~0.4–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
CocoglyceridesHelp soften the upper layer of the skin and make it easier for oil and water mix together. Recently, a rising number of allergic reactions to cocoglycerides and other coconut-derived surfactants has been reported. As there is a significant overlap between frequent irritants and allergens, we flag this ingredient for attention of those with very sensitive, reactive skinHigh~4–6%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
Acacia decurrens flower waxUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.5%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~2.1–3.2%est.
Glyceryl behenateUsed to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~1.7–2.5%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~1.1–1.6%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~0.9–1.35%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~0.15–0.7%est.
Linolenic acidAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammationMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Comedogenic
4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
4 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 comedogenic3/5~0.5–1.2%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 effect3/5~0.4–0.95%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 radicals3/5~0.4–0.9%est.
Hydrogenated vegetable oilAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~0.2–0.75%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~22–33%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)
Cocoglycerides~4–6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin and make it easier for oil and water mix together. Recently, a rising number of allergic reactions to cocoglycerides and other coconut-derived surfactants has been reported. As there is a significant overlap between frequent irritants and allergens, we flag this ingredient for attention of those with very sensitive, reactive skin

More about Cocoglycerides
Ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer~4.6–6.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer
Dimethicone~3.9–5.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Brassica glycerides~2.8–4.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Brassica glycerides
Persea gratissima oil~2.1–3.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil
Glyceryl behenate~1.7–2.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl behenate
Microcrystalline cellulose~1.4–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Exfoliation
More about Microcrystalline cellulose
Polyhydroxystearic acid~1.1–1.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Jojoba esters~0.9–1.35%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
Cocos nucifera oil~0.5–1.2%
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 wax~0.45–1.05%
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
Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.4–0.95%
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
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.4–0.9%
Under-dosedComedogenic 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
Dimethicone crosspolymer~0.2–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface

More about Dimethicone crosspolymer
Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a gel-like product texture

More about Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer
Glyceryl rosinate~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Glyceryl rosinate
Parfum~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Hydrogenated vegetable oil~0.2–0.75%
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
Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed~0.15–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed
Beeswax~0.15–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Beeswax
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer
Olea europaea oil unsaponifiables~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Olea europaea oil unsaponifiables
Acacia decurrens flower wax~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Acacia decurrens flower wax
Polyglycerin-3~0.1–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglycerin-3
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.15–0.7%
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
Linoleic acid~0.2–0.7%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingAnti-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
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Hydrolyzed corn starch~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps improve the product texture

More about Hydrolyzed corn starch
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Raspberry seed oil/tocopheryl succinate aminopropanediol esters~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Raspberry seed oil/tocopheryl succinate aminopropanediol esters
Silica~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Silica silylate~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica silylate
Linolenic acid~0.2–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingCleansingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

An emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation

More about Linolenic acid
Sucralose~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sucralose
Polysorbate 80~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Euphorbia cerifera wax~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Euphorbia cerifera wax
Hydrated silica~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying
More about Hydrated silica
Tocopherol~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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
Ingredient list view

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Cocoglycerides, Ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer, Dimethicone, Brassica glycerides, Persea gratissima oil, Glyceryl behenate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Jojoba esters, Cocos nucifera oil, Helianthus annuus seed wax, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer, Glyceryl rosinate, Parfum, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed, Beeswax, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Olea europaea oil unsaponifiables, Acacia decurrens flower wax, Polyglycerin-3, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Linoleic acid, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hydrolyzed corn starch, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Raspberry seed oil/tocopheryl succinate aminopropanediol esters, Silica, Silica silylate, Linolenic acid, Sucralose, Polysorbate 80, Euphorbia cerifera wax, Hydrated silica, Tocopherol

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/2 18:08 GMT
$5.60
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$8.00
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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
Mario BadescuLip BalmYOUR PRODUCTNécessaireThe Lip Balm – Instant Relief For Dry, Chapped LipsPillowtalkDermMajor Fade Active Seal MoisturizerINNBEAUTY PROJECT10+10 Daily Moisturizer
Match—49%37%37%
Price$8.00$28.00+$20.00—$42.00+$34.00
Shared key ingredients—4 of 133 of 133 of 13
Key difference—NiacinamideHexapeptide-23-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  2. 2
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  3. 3
    Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Safety Assessment of Styrene and Vinyl-type Styrene Copolymers as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  6. 6
    Final Report of the Safety Assessment of Acacia Catechu Gum, Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract, Acacia Dealbata Leaf Extract, Acacia Dealbata Leaf Wax, Acacia Decurrens Extract, Acacia Farnesiana Extract, Acacia Farnesiana Flower Wax, Acacia Farnesiana Gum, Acacia Senegal Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, and Acacia Senegal Gum Extract1journals.sagepub.com
Mario Badescu Lip Balm
Mario BadescuLip Balm
Buy at Mario Badescu$8.00$5.60as of 11/2 18:08 GMT

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Buy at Mario Badescu$8.00$5.60as of 11/2 18:08 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.