Nivea

Nivea Lip Balm Soothe & Protect SPF15 For Dry Lips

Name: Nivea - Lip Balm Soothe & Protect SPF15 For Dry Lips
Brand: Nivea

SPF 15Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh·2 UV filters

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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 15 · 2 UV filters · Broad spectrum

Weak protectionSPF under 30

SPF 15Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octinoxate

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

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~2.6–3.9%

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.~0.5–1.2%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Triticum vulgare germ oil + 15 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Lip Balm Soothe & Protect SPF15 For Dry Lips”

From product name

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: glycerin.

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: bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, cera alba.

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

Triticum vulgare germ oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emoillient. Contains vitamin E which can help neutralise free radicals, however the oil is unstable. Avoid if you have gluten or wheat sensitivity (including food allergies).~0.35–0.85%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.5–1.1%

Myristyl myristateKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic~1.8–2.7%

Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2Key active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface~1–1.5%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.55–1.3%

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~0.45–1.05%

Cera microcristallinaKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from its surface and create a thicker product consistency~22–33%

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~3.9–5.8%

Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.35–0.85%

Cetyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability~2.8–4.2%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.2–1.8%

Copernicia cerifera ceraKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumBrazilian palm wax. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–1.3%

Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~4.4–6.6%

Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~4.5–6.8%

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~0.45–1.1%

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~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~0.35–0.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

5 strong irritants: Benzyl benzoate, Citral + 3 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 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~2.6–3.9%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.

Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.

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

Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.3%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~3.9–5.8%est.

Myristyl myristateAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenicMedium~1.8–2.7%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.3–2%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~0.5–1.2%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.45–1.05%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~0.35–0.85%est.

Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.35–0.85%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~0.45–1.05%est.

BhtA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Comedogenic

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

5 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

Myristyl myristateAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic3/5~1.8–2.7%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix together3/5~1.3–2%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 radicals3/5~0.45–1.1%est.

Triticum vulgare germ oilA good emoillient. Contains vitamin E which can help neutralise free radicals, however the oil is unstable. Avoid if you have gluten or wheat sensitivity (including food allergies).3/5~0.35–0.85%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.2–1.8%est.

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Aquaphor Lip Protectant and Sunscreen, SPF 30, Lip Balm For Chapped Lips

Higher efficacy · 100/10051% match

$7.97

FOTOPROTECTOR Protector Labial SPF 30

Higher efficacy · 100/10051% match

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Cera microcristallina~22–33%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss from its surface and create a thicker product consistency

More about Cera microcristallina

Octyldodecanol~4.5–6.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol

Hydrogenated polydecene~4.4–6.6%

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

Ricinus communis seed oil~3.9–5.8%

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

Cetyl palmitate~2.8–4.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability

More about Cetyl palmitate

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~2.6–3.9%

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

Myristyl myristate~1.8–2.7%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic

More about Myristyl myristate

Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate~1.3–2%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate

Cetearyl alcohol~1.2–1.8%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2~1–1.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface

More about Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2

Panthenol~0.55–1.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

C20-40 alkyl stearate~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about C20-40 alkyl stearate

Glycerin~0.5–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Copernicia cerifera cera~0.55–1.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Copernicia cerifera cera

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~0.5–1.2%

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

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.45–1.1%

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

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.45–1.05%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

Tocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.85%

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

Tocopherol~0.35–0.8%

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

Bisabolol~0.3–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol

Vitis vinifera seed oil~0.35–0.85%

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

Triticum vulgare germ oil~0.35–0.85%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A good emoillient. Contains vitamin E which can help neutralise free radicals, however the oil is unstable. Avoid if you have gluten or wheat sensitivity (including food allergies).

More about Triticum vulgare germ oil

Cera alba~0.45–1.05%

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

Zea mays

Not recognized

Water~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Bht~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Bht

Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl benzoate~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate

Citral~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral

Hexyl cinnamal~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal

Hydroxycitronellal~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal

Parfum~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ci 40800~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 40800

Ingredient list view

Cera microcristallina, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated polydecene, Ricinus communis seed oil, Cetyl palmitate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Myristyl myristate, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, Panthenol, C20-40 alkyl stearate, Glycerin, Copernicia cerifera cera, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Triticum vulgare germ oil, Cera alba, Unknown, Water, Bht, Benzyl alcohol, Benzyl benzoate, Citral, Hexyl cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Parfum, Ci 40800

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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
	NiveaLip Balm Soothe & Protect SPF15 For Dry LipsYOUR PRODUCT	EucerinLip Active Active Lips Care SPF15 4	AquaphorLip Protectant and Sunscreen, SPF 30, Lip Balm For Chapped Lips	LabelloProtect+ Lip Sticks SPF15 Lot of 4
Match	—	54%	51%	51%
Price	$4.43	$5.20+$0.77	$7.97+$3.54	$4.31
Shared key ingredients	—	8 of 15	6 of 15	5 of 15
Key difference	—	Uvinul T	Petrolatum	Uvinul T
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
SPF	SPF 15	SPF 15	SPF 30	SPF 15
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Nivea - Lip Balm Soothe & Protect SPF15 For Dry Lips" "is a broad spectrum lip sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this lip sunscreen does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called" chemical "sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: avobenzone 0.50% - 1.20% and octinoxate 2.60% - 3.90%.

Irritation risk

This lip product 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.