Clinique Almost Lipstick Pink Honey: Moisturizing Balm, Semi-Sheer Finish, Single Container
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This lip balm contains beneficial natural ingredients like castor seed oil and tocopheryl acetate, which provide moisturizing and antioxidant benefits. However, the presence of polyethylene, a synthetic polymer and microplastic, raises environmental concerns. Additionally, the use of multiple synthetic colorants contributes to a moderate processing level, impacting the overall score.
Key ingredients 23
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilVery Good
Castor seed oil is a natural oil known for its moisturizing properties, making it beneficial for lip care. It helps to lock in moisture and provides a protective barrier on the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with castor seed oil, though some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions.
Benefits
It is rich in fatty acids, which nourish and hydrate the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for lip products.
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
Tocopheryl acetate is a form of vitamin E, used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It supports skin health by providing antioxidant protection and enhancing moisture retention.
MicaGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though ethical sourcing is a concern.
Benefits
It enhances the visual appeal of the product by adding a shimmering effect.
Glyceryl Triacetyl RicinoleateNeutral
This ingredient is an ester derived from castor oil, used for its emollient properties. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides a smooth application and enhances the moisturizing effect of the product.
Cetyl RicinoleateNeutral
Cetyl Ricinoleate is an ester of cetyl alcohol and ricinoleic acid, used as an emollient in cosmetics. It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It contributes to the moisturizing properties of the product, enhancing skin feel.
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) WaxNeutral
Candelilla wax is a plant-derived wax used to provide structure and stability to cosmetic products. It helps to form a protective barrier on the skin.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with candelilla wax.
Benefits
It is a natural alternative to synthetic waxes, offering a glossy finish and enhancing product stability.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxNeutral
Carnauba wax is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm. It is used to increase the hardness and melting point of cosmetic products.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It provides a glossy finish and helps to stabilize the product formulation.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateNeutral
This ingredient is an antioxidant used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to prevent the degradation of the product.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It extends the shelf life of the product by preventing oxidation.
Barium SulfateNeutral
Barium sulfate is used as a pigment and opacifying agent in cosmetics. It provides a white color and enhances product opacity.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it should not be inhaled in powder form.
Benefits
It contributes to the color and opacity of the product without significant health concerns.
Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)Neutral
Yellow 5 Lake is a synthetic dye used to impart color to cosmetics. It is commonly used in lip products for its vibrant hue.
Risks
There are potential allergenic concerns, though it is generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides bright, consistent color to the product.
Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090)Neutral
Blue 1 Lake is a synthetic dye used for coloring cosmetics. It is widely used for its stability and vibrant color.
Risks
There are potential allergenic concerns, though it is generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a stable, vibrant blue color to the product.
Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499)Neutral
Iron oxides are natural pigments used to provide color in cosmetics. They are valued for their stability and non-reactivity.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though they should be used in regulated amounts.
Benefits
They provide a range of natural colors and are considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850)Neutral
Red 7 Lake is a synthetic dye used to impart red color to cosmetics. It is commonly used for its vibrant hue.
Risks
There are potential allergenic concerns, though it is generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a bright, consistent red color to the product.
Carmine (Ci 75470)Neutral
Carmine is a natural red pigment derived from cochineal insects. It is used for its vibrant color and stability.
Risks
There are ethical and allergenic concerns associated with its use.
Benefits
It provides a stable, natural red color to the product.
Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)Neutral
Titanium dioxide is used as a pigment and opacifying agent in cosmetics. It provides whiteness and opacity to products.
Risks
There are inhalation concerns in powder form, though it is safe in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It enhances the color and opacity of the product, providing UV protection in some formulations.
Red 6 (Ci 15850)Neutral
Red 6 is a synthetic dye used to impart red color to cosmetics. It is commonly used for its vibrant hue.
Risks
There are potential allergenic concerns, though it is generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a bright, consistent red color to the product.
Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380)Neutral
Red 22 Lake is a synthetic dye used for coloring cosmetics. It is valued for its vibrant color and stability.
Risks
There are potential allergenic concerns, though it is generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a stable, vibrant red color to the product.
Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360)Neutral
Red 30 Lake is a synthetic dye used to impart red color to cosmetics. It is commonly used for its vibrant hue.
Risks
There are potential allergenic concerns, though it is generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a bright, consistent red color to the product.
Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)Neutral
Yellow 6 Lake is a synthetic dye used for coloring cosmetics. It is valued for its vibrant color and stability.
Risks
There are potential allergenic concerns, though it is generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a stable, vibrant yellow color to the product.
Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163)Neutral
Bismuth oxychloride is used as a pigment and texturizer in cosmetics. It provides a pearlescent finish and enhances product texture.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It adds a pearlescent sheen and improves the texture of the product.
Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200)Neutral
Red 33 Lake is a synthetic dye used for coloring cosmetics. It is valued for its vibrant color and stability.
Risks
There are potential allergenic concerns, though it is generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a stable, vibrant red color to the product.
Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410)Neutral
Red 28 Lake is a synthetic dye used to impart red color to cosmetics. It is commonly used for its vibrant hue.
Risks
There are potential allergenic concerns, though it is generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a bright, consistent red color to the product.
PolyethyleneVery Bad
Polyethylene is a synthetic polymer used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It is a microplastic, which raises environmental concerns.
Risks
The primary risk is environmental, as polyethylene contributes to microplastic pollution.
Benefits
It provides texture and stability to the product, though alternatives are preferred due to environmental impact.
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