Unknown

Unknown Carmex Everyday Ultra Smooth Lip Balm SPF 15 Pomegranate

Name: Unknown - Carmex Everyday Ultra Smooth Lip Balm SPF 15 Pomegranate
Brand: Unknown

SPF 15Efficacy66/100IrritancyHigh·4 UV filters

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Works for

1 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 15 · 4 UV filters · Broad spectrum

Weak protectionSPF under 30

SPF 15Broad spectrumChemical filtersWater-resistantNo 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.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum

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

Homosalate

Octocrylene

Octisalate

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

HomosalateUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation5%

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" sunscreen4%

OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen3%

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.2.5%

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Moisturizing

Lanolin, Petrolatum + 8 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Carmex Everyday Ultra Smooth Lip Balm SPF 15 Pomegranate”

From product name

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: beeswax, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

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).

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

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~0.95–1.4%

LanolinHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSebum of wool-bearing animals (most commonly sheep). Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce the skin water loss. In rare cases could be an allergen. Not suitable for vegans~5.5–8.3%

Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~0.4–0.9%

PetrolatumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss~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~0.55–1.35%

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~4.4–6.6%

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~1.6–2.3%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: 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~0.45–1.1%

Cetyl estersKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften upper layer of the skin and can enhance penetration of other ingredients into the upper layer of the skin~2–3%

Paraffin· OcclusiveEffect: LowPrevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency~1.3–1.9%

Anti-aging

Limnanthes alba seed oil

Limited evidence

What the product description says

“If used as directed with other sun protection measures (see directions), decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.”

Source: Walmart

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

Limnanthes alba seed oilEffect: LowThis oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient~0.95–1.4%

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · Salicylic acid, Phenol

Strong evidence

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: salicylic acid.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.15–0.5%

PhenolEffect: LowA harsh exfoliant and preservative. It is banned from using in cosmetics in the EU~0.1–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Parfum, Camphor + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.9–1.35%est.

Camphor—High~0.15–0.55%est.

Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.15–0.5%est.

Menthol—High~0.1–0.3%est.

PhenolA harsh exfoliant and preservative. It is banned from using in cosmetics in the EUHigh~0.1–0.4%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.Medium2.5%

HomosalateA weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulationMedium5%

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" sunscreenMedium4%

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~0.55–1.35%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~0.45–1.1%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

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 effect3/5~4.4–6.6%est.

Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.4–0.9%est.

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Carmex Cherry Moisturizing Lip Balm Stick, SPF 15

Higher efficacy · 75/10094% match

$8.09

Equate Beauty Oil-Free Sunscreen Stick, SPF 70

CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10065% match

$4.48

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane2.5%

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

Ethylhexyl salicylate3%

UV filter

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate

Homosalate5%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Homosalate

Octocrylene4%

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

Petrolatum~22–33%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss

More about Petrolatum

Lanolin~5.5–8.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Sebum of wool-bearing animals (most commonly sheep). Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce the skin water loss. In rare cases could be an allergen. Not suitable for vegans

More about Lanolin

Theobroma cacao seed butter~4.4–6.6%

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

Euphorbia cerifera wax~3.8–5.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Euphorbia cerifera wax

Ozokerite~2.5–3.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Ozokerite

Cetyl esters~2–3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften upper layer of the skin and can enhance penetration of other ingredients into the upper layer of the skin

More about Cetyl esters

Beeswax~1.6–2.3%

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

Paraffin~1.3–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Prevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency

More about Paraffin

Parfum~0.9–1.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Limnanthes alba seed oil~0.95–1.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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

Ricinus communis seed oil~0.55–1.35%

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

Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate~0.55–1.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.45–1.1%

Key activeIrritant · 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

Isopropyl myristate~0.4–0.9%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic

More about Isopropyl myristate

Camphor~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Camphor

Salicylic acid~0.15–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid

Saccharin~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Saccharin

Menthol~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Menthol

Phenol~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Exfoliation

A harsh exfoliant and preservative. It is banned from using in cosmetics in the EU

More about Phenol

Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Petrolatum, Lanolin, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Euphorbia cerifera wax, Ozokerite, Cetyl esters, Beeswax, Paraffin, Parfum, Limnanthes alba seed oil, Ricinus communis seed oil, Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Isopropyl myristate, Camphor, Salicylic acid, Saccharin, Menthol, Phenol

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$6.37

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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
	UnknownCarmex Everyday Ultra Smooth Lip Balm SPF 15 PomegranateYOUR PRODUCT	CarmexCherry Moisturizing Lip Balm Stick, SPF 15	EquateBeauty Oil-Free Sunscreen Stick, SPF 70	Hampton SunSPF50 Continuous Mist
Match	—	94%	65%	64%
Price	$6.37	$8.09+$1.72	$4.48−$1.89	$30.88+$24.51
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 12	5 of 12	5 of 12
Key difference	—	Oxybenzone	Oxybenzone	Retinyl Palmitate
Irritancy	High	High	Medium	Medium
SPF	SPF 15	SPF 15	SPF 70	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Unknown - Carmex Everyday Ultra Smooth Lip Balm SPF 15 Pomegranate" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this lip product is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: avobenzone 2.50% (declared), octisalate 3.00% (declared), homosalate 5.00% (declared) and octocrylene 4.00% (declared).

Irritation risk

This lip product contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it 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.

Price

The product retails for 6.37$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.

UnknownCarmex Everyday Ultra Smooth Lip Balm SPF 15 Pomegranate

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