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Mario Badescu Mint Lip Balm
Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu Mint Lip Balm

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing
21 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“Infused with Peppermint and enriched with Vitamin E, this ultra-rich balm moisturizes dry lips with a cooling, comforting blend of botanicals and nutrient-dense butters.”
Source: Bluemercury

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.

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, cera alba.

Linolenic acidKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation~0.2–0.7%
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%
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~0.3–0.7%
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~0.15–0.5%
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%
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%
Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~0.55–1.3%
Polyglycerin-3Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%
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~0.45–1%
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%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens the skin~0.35–0.85%
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~0.1–0.5%
Olea europaea oil unsaponifiablesKey activeEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.5%
Acacia decurrens flower ceraKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumMimosa flower fax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It adds a nice smell, but could be irritating~0.15–0.7%
Hydrogenated vegetable oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.6%
Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~23–34%
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%
Linoleic acidUnder-dosedEffect: 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~0.2–0.75%
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~0.35–0.85%
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~0.1–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Parfum, Limonene + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 13 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~0.8–1.2%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Acacia decurrens flower ceraMimosa flower fax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It adds a nice smell, but could be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%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~0.55–1.3%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~0.45–1%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~0.2–0.7%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
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 radicals3/5~0.35–0.85%est.
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.15–0.5%est.
Hydrogenated vegetable oilAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~0.15–0.6%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Hydrogenated polydecene~23–34%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Hydrogenated polydecene
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~2.9–4.3%
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
Parfum~0.8–1.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Jojoba esters~0.55–1.3%
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
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
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil~0.35–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

An emollient that softens the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil
Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.35–0.85%
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
Silica silylate~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica silylate
Silica~0.4–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Cera alba~0.45–1%
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
Beeswax~0.3–0.7%
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
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.15–0.55%
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~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Raspberry seed oil/tocopheryl succinate aminopropanediol esters
Dimethicone crosspolymer~0.1–0.5%
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
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer
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
Cocos nucifera oil~0.15–0.5%
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
Glyceryl rosinate~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Glyceryl rosinate
Hydrogenated vegetable oil~0.15–0.6%
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
Olea europaea oil unsaponifiables~0.1–0.5%
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 cera~0.15–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Mimosa flower fax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It adds a nice smell, but could be irritating

More about Acacia decurrens flower cera
Tocopherol~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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
Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a gel-like product texture

More about Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer
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
Linoleic acid~0.2–0.75%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansingAnti-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
Linolenic acid~0.2–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

An emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation

More about Linolenic acid
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Limonene~0.05–0.25%
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~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Hydrogenated polydecene, Cocoglycerides, Ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer, Dimethicone, Brassica glycerides, Persea gratissima oil, Glyceryl behenate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Parfum, Jojoba esters, Helianthus annuus seed wax, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Silica silylate, Silica, Cera alba, Beeswax, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Raspberry seed oil/tocopheryl succinate aminopropanediol esters, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Cocos nucifera oil, Glyceryl rosinate, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Olea europaea oil unsaponifiables, Acacia decurrens flower cera, Tocopherol, Butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer, Polyglycerin-3, Linoleic acid, Linolenic acid, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Limonene, Linalool

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Safety Assessment of Polyene Group as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  2. 2
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  3. 3
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  4. 4
    Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oilsmdpi.com
Mario Badescu Mint Lip Balm
Mario BadescuMint Lip Balm
Buy at Bluemercury$8.00$8.00as of 10/15 06:12 GMT

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

Buy at Bluemercury$8.00$8.00as of 10/15 06:12 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.