Vaseline

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip Therapy Balm Sticks

Name: Vaseline - Cocoa Butter Lip Therapy Balm Sticks
Brand: Vaseline

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Caprylic/capric triglyceride, C10-18 triglycerides + 9 more

Works

What the product description says

“This Vaseline lip is non-sticky, non-greasy formula locks in moisture and helps lips recover from discomfort.”

Source: Feelunique

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, cera alba.

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~5.8–8.7%

C10-18 triglyceridesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture~4.7–7.1%

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~2.7–4%

Euphorbia cerifera ceraKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and thickens the product's texture~2–2.9%

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~1–1.5%

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~0.5–1.2%

Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~22–33%

Peg-8 beeswaxEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)~3.5–5.2%

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~0.15–0.6%

PetrolatumUnder-dosedOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss~0.85–1.3%

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~0.6–1.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Aroma, Benzyl benzoate + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 14 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~1.8–2.6%est.

AromaAn unspecified blend of fragrant irritating ingredientsHigh~0.35–0.8%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Benzyl cinnamateFragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.3%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~5.8–8.7%est.

Peg-8 beeswaxHelps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)Medium~3.5–5.2%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~2.7–4%est.

Euphorbia cerifera ceraHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and thickens the product's textureMedium~2–2.9%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~1.5–2.2%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.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

BhtA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.6%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 radicals3/5~0.6–1.4%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 effect3/5~0.5–1.2%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

ISDIN Reparador Labial

Higher efficacy · 100/10050% match

Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm Nourishing Lip Treatment

Higher efficacy · 100/10050% match

$28.00

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Octyldodecanol~22–33%

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

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~5.8–8.7%

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

C10-18 triglycerides~4.7–7.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture

More about C10-18 triglycerides

Peg-8 beeswax~3.5–5.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)

More about Peg-8 beeswax

Polyethylene~3.1–4.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken the product's texture

More about Polyethylene

Cera alba~2.7–4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

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

Euphorbia cerifera cera~2–2.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and thickens the product's texture

More about Euphorbia cerifera cera

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~1.8–2.6%

Irritant · 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

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~1.5–2.2%

Irritant · 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

Glycerin~1–1.5%

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

Petrolatum~0.85–1.3%

Under-dosed

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

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.6–1.4%

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

Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.5–1.2%

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

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

Citric acid~0.4–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Aroma~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An unspecified blend of fragrant irritating ingredients

More about Aroma

Bht~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Bht

Tocopherol~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-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

Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl benzoate~0.1–0.35%

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

Benzyl cinnamate~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl cinnamate

Limonene~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Iron oxides~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides

Ingredient list view

Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, C10-18 triglycerides, Peg-8 beeswax, Polyethylene, Cera alba, Euphorbia cerifera cera, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Tocopheryl acetate, Citric acid, Aroma, Bht, Tocopherol, Benzyl alcohol, Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl cinnamate, Limonene, Iron oxides

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 12:02 GMT

$12.55

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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
	VaselineCocoa Butter Lip Therapy Balm SticksYOUR PRODUCT	CliniqueRepairwear™ Intensive Lip Treatment	ISDINReparador Labial	Too FacedHangover Pillow Balm Nourishing Lip Treatment
Match	—	51%	50%	50%
Price	$12.55	$29.07+$16.52	—	$28.00+$15.45
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 9	3 of 9	3 of 9
Key difference	—	Linoleic Acid	Mineral Oil	Cholesterol
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.

1
Efficacy of barrier creams in comparison to skin care products in dental laboratory technicians--a controlled trialncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Japan Wax, and Beeswax purelyprofessional.dk
3
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu

VaselineCocoa Butter Lip Therapy Balm Sticks

Buy on Amazon$12.55 · as of 11/6 12:02 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$12.55 · as of 11/6 12:02 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.