Carmex is the brand that became a household name with its genius formula and its iconic packaging, roping in a 9% market share in the lip care segment.
But how safe is it for your lips? Well, in short – Yes, it is totally safe. The lip balm is formulated with regulated ingredients in safe proportions as approved by the FDA. The product was tested to be safe under different conditions before it made its entry into the market.
Table of Contents
Carmex lip balm ingredients
The lip balm contains active ingredients with therapeutic benefits and inactive ingredients with non-medicinal benefits.
- White Petrolatum – an active moisturizer, used in 45.30% concentration.
- Camphor – known for its healing properties, it is used in 1.70% concentration.
- Menthol – an antifungal that keeps the skin cool and hydrated.
- Lanolin – a medication used to treat skin problems like dryness and rashes.
- Paraffin – an inactive ingredient used to prevent the skin from water loss.
- Beeswax – commonly used in lip balms to create a protective layer on the skin.
- Salicylic Acid – an antiseptic that penetrates the skin deeply and removes dead cells.
The lip balm also has other ingredients like Phenol, Vanillin, Flavors, Tocopherol, Seed Oils, and Seed butter.
Do Carmex lip balms have SPF?
Yes, Carmex lip balms do have SPF in them. Sun Protection Factor is a preventive measure to protect the skin from sun damage. The UV rays from the sun can damage the skin cells on your lips as well.
Using lip balms without sun protection can cause the lips to dry out and darken. Too much exposure can also cause lip cancer. Wearing lip balms with SPF shields the lips and maintains their natural color.
Carmex lip balms contain SPF 15 which makes them suitable for daytime application. It is important to reapply the lip balm every hour to keep the sun protection intact.
Do Carmex lip balms have fiberglass?
No, Carmex lip balms do not contain fiberglass. The lip balm is completely made of ingredients that are safe for cosmetic application. Fiberglass can cut through the outer layer of the skin and cause redness, itching, swelling, etc. Using Carmex lip balms has not shown any of these side effects. When the product is used for the first time, it may cause the lips to swell mildly (due to the presence of ingredients like camphor), but this is not due to fiberglass. The lip balm only contains FDA-approved substances to achieve soft, healthy-looking lips.
Do Carmex lip balms have gluten?
No, Carmex lip balms do not contain any ingredients that are linked to gluten. When applied to the skin, gluten can cause inflammation and break out acne. Carmex lip balms do not upset the skin as they are free from gluten.
Though Carmex comes in oatmeal flavors, the grain is naturally free from gluten. Since the lip balm is made by mixing waxes and oils, none of its ingredients carry the risk of gluten contamination.
Does Carmex lip balm contain alcohol?
Carmex lip balms contain menthol. They also contain ingredients like Lanolin and Cetyl Esters that are related to alcohol in their wax forms. Alcohol can deplete the protective layer of the lips, making them vulnerable to sun exposure. Alcohol also dries out the lips and makes them appear harder.
Is Carmex lip balm addictive?
No, Carmex lip balms and their ingredients are not addictive. The lip balm contains camphor and menthol which may cause allergies in some people and make the lips bulge up. This is only an allergic reaction like any other. People who are found to be allergic to Carmex lip balms are advised to stop using the product immediately. Those who are not allergic can continue to use the product as per their requirement.
Is Carmex lip balm safe?
Yes, the lip balms are completely safe. The main ingredient used in the product is White Petrolatum and it is highly refined and purified. None of the ingredients are found to be toxic or carcinogenic.
Carmex contains a number of natural derivatives like beeswax, fatty oils, and seed butter that are harmless to the skin. The formula has gone through a series of medical trials only after which, it was considered to be fit for personal use. All of its ingredients are individually tested and proved to be skin-safe.
Can you use Carmex lip balms during pregnancy?
Yes, Carmex lip balms can be used during pregnancy. Carrying a good lip balm is essential for pregnant women as their lips are prone to dryness very often during pregnancy. The Carmex lip balm contains refined white petrolatum which is safe to use during pregnancy. The product also contains salicylic acid which can be used by pregnant women once or twice a day.
The formula does not contain any ingredients that are known to irritate the skin during pregnancy. Using the lip balm in moderate intervals is considered to be safe. However, it is very important to consult a physician before choosing to use Carmex lip balms during pregnancy.
Can you use Carmex lip balms on toddlers?
No, Carmex lip balms are not meant for children under the age of 3. As the product contains chemicals and petroleum byproducts, it is not recommended to be used on toddlers. The lip balm contains camphor and menthol that are known to irritate the eyes. This can cause severe discomfort like redness, tearing, and swelling of the eyes. The risk of kids ingesting the product is also unavoidable. Hence, it is best to keep the product away from children as they might get the product into their systems.
Can you use Carmex lip balm on your face?
Yes, you can use Carmex lip balm on your face. The lip balm is well-known for its moisturizing properties that work wonders even outside the lip region. It has ingredients like salicylic acid, aloe, cocoa butter, cranberry oil, and tocopherol that are suitable for the epidermal application. The SPF protects the skin from melanin damage and discoloration. Menthol used in the formula gives a cooling effect to the skin and stimulates the blood vessels.
The lip balm can also be used for its antifungal and antiseptic benefits. However, Carmex does contain camphor that can potentially irritate the eyes. It is advised to avoid applying the product to wounds and burns.
Can you use Carmex lip balm on cold sores?
Yes, you may use Carmex lip balms to help soothe the cold sores and promote their healing. Cold sores are caused by exposure to extreme temperatures, stress, and changing hormones.
The Carmex lip balm provides hydration to the sores and reduces their appearance. Ingredients like menthol are known to deliver a numbing effect on cold sores, making them less painful. The antiseptic properties of the lip balm reduce the itching sensation around sores. The brand also offers a special formula to treat cold sores which are found to be very effective in drying them out and completely curing them. However, this formula must not be used for regular application.
Can Carmex lip balms cause cancer?
No, the ingredients used in making Carmex lip balms are non-carcinogenic. The medical-grade Petrolatums used in the formula are well refined and are fit for topical application. Ingredients like paraffin, lanolin, and phenol are used in their highest qualities and are not known to be cancer-causing. Mineral oil hydrocarbons are restricted in some European countries for their potential link to cancer. Although the formula contains aromatic hydrocarbons like vanillin, they are used in low, prescribed quantities and are considered to be harmful only when burnt.
Side effects of Carmex lip balms
Carmex lip balms do have side effects of mild nature like warmth, redness, swelling of lips, inflammation, and a tingling sensation around the lip region. When applied to the skin, the lip balms may also cause slight skin irritation, rashes, and acne. Usually, these effects vanish after two or three days. But if the side effects continue for a long time, it is best to discontinue using the balm. People with sensitive skin are advised to consult a dermatologist before using Carmex lip balms.
Allergy to Carmex lip balms
Carmex lip balm can cause allergies as it contains known allergens like camphor, menthol, and lanolin. Some of the common signs of allergy include rashes, hives, blistering and peeling of the skin on lips, hoarseness of voice, swelling of the tongue, and difficulty in breathing.
Lanolin triggers allergic reactions in people with wool allergies. Menthol can cause the lips to appear bigger and rubbery. Camphor can irritate the nose and cause redness of the eyes. The scent of the lip balm may be sensitive to some people and cause continuous sneezing and runny nose. The lip balm is supposed to be used by only one person to avoid contracting any allergies.
Does Carmex lip balm burn or sting?
No, Carmex lip balms do not burn or sting. It only causes a slight tingling sensation and warmth when applied to cracked lips. This feeling will not be painful or irritating to the lips. It only indicates that the balm is trying to repair and heal the lips. However, the lip balms are not directed to be applied on wounds or sunburns as they may cause a severe burning sensation due to the presence of camphor.
Does Carmex lip balms make the lips plump?
No, Carmex lip balms are not formulated to make the lips look big or plumpy. Carmex lip balms are designed to only moisturize the lips and relieve dryness. If your lips appear slightly bulged after application, it is nothing but an allergic reaction to the menthol present in the balm.
Do Carmex lip balms expire?
Yes, Carmex lip balms come with an expiration date printed on their package. However, the lip balm does not contain any water molecules, restricting the growth of bacteria. The presence of wax and oils keeps the balm in its original condition for a long period of time and is safe to use for nearly two years.
It is only when the balm is contaminated with water during the application that it becomes prone to microorganism growth and may show signs of mold. In such cases, the lip balm is considered to have expired, and you must avoid using it.
How long does Carmex lip balm last?
One tube of Carmex is said to last for two months when applied as per usage instructions. As the lip balm is waxy in nature, it locks in moisture for a very long time. It is enough to wipe the balm three to four times a day to achieve the best results. If you are using the balm for its SPF properties, reapplication is expected to be more frequent. This may make the lip balm last only for a month or so.
Is Carmex lip balm good for chapped lips?
Yes, Carmex lip balm is ideal for dry and chapped lips. Lips are more sensitive compared to our skin and require constant care. They are known to dry out easily when exposed to hot or cold weather. Dehydration, medical conditions and even licking the lips can cause them to crack.
Chapped lips can cause extreme pain while talking and eating. Carmex lip balms are known to prevent the lips from drying out, seal in the moisture, and heal chapped lips. Regular use of lip balm keeps the lips soft, supple, and healthy.
Do Carmex lip balms work?
Yes, Carmex works very well on lips. The company has been dedicated to making only lip care products for over 80 years. The expertise of the brand and the potency of the product still remain unmatched. The lip balm does many jobs from keeping the lips moisturized to relieving cold sores. The product is highly recommended for regular use to achieve healthier-looking lips. Women use the product as a neutral base for their lip makeup as it holds the makeup well.
References:
- https://www.mycarmex.com/product-category/classic/
- https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/brands/1018-Carmex/
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