Carmex Classic Lip Balm Medicated SPF 15
Summary
Carmex Classic Lip Balm Medicated SPF 15 scores 8/100. The SPF 15 stick version contains Octinoxate 7.5% + Oxybenzone 4% + White Petrolatum 35%. Oxybenzone on lips is the major concern: it's banned in Hawaii, Key West, and parts of the Caribbean as a reef toxin, the CDC has detected it in 96% of Americans tested, and it's an endocrine disruptor linked to hormone disruption -- and on lips, ingestion is essentially unavoidable. Octinoxate has been similarly banned in Hawaii. The inactive list adds lanolin, salicylic acid (an exfoliant on permanently exposed skin), phenol, camphor, menthol, flavor, and vanillin. This is the SPF stick variant -- the SPF-free Carmex Original Jar has different chemistry but other lanolin/menthol/camphor issues. Privately held.
At a glance
Key ingredients 11
Octinoxate (7.5%)Very Bad
Chemical UV filter banned in Hawaii as a reef toxin. Endocrine disruptor with thyroid-hormone interference signal -- and on lips ingestion is essentially unavoidable.
See more about Octinoxate (7.5%) →Oxybenzone (4%)Very Bad
Chemical UV filter banned in Hawaii, Key West, and parts of the Caribbean as a reef toxin. CDC has detected it in 96% of Americans tested. Endocrine disruptor linked to hormone disruption in adolescents. On lips, ingestion is essentially unavoidable.
See more about Oxybenzone (4%) →White Petrolatum (35%)Bad
Petroleum jelly occlusive at active concentration.
See more about White Petrolatum (35%) →Salicylic Acid
Beta-hydroxy acid exfoliant. Constant low-dose exfoliation of lip skin (a delicate mucosal surface) can compromise the natural barrier.
See more about Salicylic Acid →PhenolVery Bad
Phenol is a corrosive caustic agent. Concerning on a permeable mucosal lip surface.
See more about Phenol →Camphor
Topical analgesic. FDA restricts oral ingestion.
See more about Camphor →Menthol
Topical analgesic. Some users report rebound dryness with repeated use.
See more about Menthol →Lanolin / Lanolin Alcohol
Wool-grease emollient. Effective moisturizer but well-documented contact allergen -- a top-50 cosmetic sensitizer.
See more about Lanolin / Lanolin Alcohol →Theobroma Cacao Seed ButterVery Good
Cocoa butter -- plant-derived emollient. Safe and beneficial.
See more about Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter →FlavorBad
Undisclosed flavor blend designed to be ingested. Limited disclosure on lip-balm flavor ingredients.
See more about Flavor →Vanillin
Vanilla flavoring -- can be a contact allergen in some users.
See more about Vanillin →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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