Blistex Medicated Lip Balm
Summary
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm scores 8/100. Four 'medicated' actives: Camphor 0.5%, Menthol 0.6%, Petrolatum 31%, Phenol 0.5%. Phenol on lips is the most concerning -- it is a corrosive caustic at higher concentrations, and chronic low-dose application to a permeable mucosal surface raises real questions. The inactive list adds methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance, lanolin + lanolin oil (allergens), mineral oil, paraffin, and saccharin. The 'medicated' tingle is the menthol + camphor + phenol combination, which is sensory but provides no actual lip-repair benefit beyond the petrolatum occlusion. The phenol + paraben + fragrance combo is why this scores lower than ChapStick. Privately held.
At a glance
Key ingredients 10
Petrolatum (31%)Bad
Petroleum jelly occlusive at active concentration.
See more about Petrolatum (31%) →Phenol (0.5%)Very Bad
Phenol is a corrosive caustic agent that is concerning on a permeable mucosal lip surface. Chronic application raises real questions about safety despite low concentration.
See more about Phenol (0.5%) →Camphor (0.5%)
Topical analgesic at active concentration. Sensory 'tingle' is from camphor; FDA restricts oral ingestion of camphor.
See more about Camphor (0.5%) →Menthol (0.6%)
Topical analgesic. Sensory cooling effect; some users report increased lip drying with repeated use (rebound dryness).
See more about Menthol (0.6%) →MethylparabenVery Bad
Paraben preservative classified by the EU as an endocrine disruptor under review. Mimics estrogen and detected in human breast tissue.
See more about Methylparaben →PropylparabenVery Bad
Long-chain paraben restricted in the EU due to endocrine-disruption concerns. Banned at any concentration in Denmark in children's products under 3.
See more about Propylparaben →Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Undisclosed proprietary blend that can legally contain 1000+ chemicals including phthalate carriers and EU-26 allergens. Top trigger for cosmetic contact dermatitis.
See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →Lanolin / Lanolin Alcohol
Wool-grease emollient. Effective moisturizer but well-documented contact allergen -- a top-50 cosmetic sensitizer.
See more about Lanolin / Lanolin Alcohol →Mineral OilBad
Petroleum distillate occlusive. Cosmetic-grade is refined but Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbon (MOAH) contamination remains a documented industry concern.
See more about Mineral Oil →SaccharinNeutral
Artificial sweetener used as flavoring.
See more about Saccharin →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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