Good to know
There's an explanationfor everything. Even the tingle.
Ingredients
Are there any preservatives in CARMEX® products?
While we do on occasion use antioxidants to help preserve freshness, we do not intentionally add conventional preservatives to our products, such as parabens, which are known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Does CARMEX® contain sulphur, substitutes or traces of sulphur?
We do not intentionally add sulphur or sulphur containing ingredients to our products.
Does CARMEX® contain palm oil?
None of the flavours currently used in Carmex products contain palm oils.
Does CARMEX® contain mineral oil?
Carma Laboratories uses only purified, high-grade ingredients. The ingredients used in CARMEX® products are always purified, refined grades that are safe for use and meet specifications appropriate for their inclusion in pharmaceuticals, foods, or cosmetics.
You may have read that mineral oil is sometimes considered an impure ingredient. However, the mineral oil used in CARMEX® products is comprised of White Mineral Oil USP/NF, of which has been highly refined and tested to be appropriate for use in a wide variety of cosmetics and personal care products in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and other countries. The mineral oil used in CARMEX® products complies with Cosmetics Europe 2018, Mineral Hydrocarbons in Cosmetic Lip Care Products Recommendation No. 14, which specifies the acceptable daily intake (ADI) values as defined by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) to ensure its safe use.
You may have read that petrolatum is sometimes considered an impure ingredient. However, the petrolatum used in CARMEX® products is comprised of USP Snow-White Petrolatum, of which has been highly refined and tested to be appropriate for use in a wide variety of cosmetics and personal care products in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and other countries. The USP Snow-White Petrolatum used in CARMEX® products complies with Cosmetics Europe 2004, No. 15: Petrolatum. Carma Laboratories only uses suppliers of petrolatum that can guarantee that the that the petrolatum is produced from substances that are not carcinogens according to the Dangerous Substances Directive and of which the full refining history is known
We take the safety of our customer seriously and continuously monitor and stay apprised of studies, information and regulations to ensure the highest quality product.
Does CARMEX® have phthalates?
We do not intentionally add phthalates or phthalate containing ingredients to our products
Do CARMEX® lip balms contain any ingredients derived from bovine, caprine, porcine, or ovine?
With regards to BSE and TSE, CARMEX® products are not manufactured using ingredients which are derived from bovine (cattle), caprine (goats), porcine (swine) or BSE/TSE related ingredients of animal origin. With regard to ovine (sheep), the product list of ingredients includes lanolin, where applicable. The lanolin used in CARMEX® products is USP grade and does not contain any ovine material other than lanolin. The lanolin ingredient used in CARMEX® products is not obtained from high-risk countries and complies with the requirements stipulated in the note of guidance Section 6.7 Wool Derivatives (Ref 1) and so presents minimal risk transmitting TSE
Does CARMEX® contain alcohol?
Alcohol is not utilized or intentionally added during the manufacturing of CARMEX® products.
Are CARMEX® products safe to use if I have a nut allergy?
While Carma Laboratories conducts safety testing on all of CARMEX® products, we cannot guarantee that our ingredients have not come into contact with allergens during manufacturing by our suppliers. We recommend that you seek the advice of a physician before using any of our products when allergies are a concern.
Is CARMEX® gluten free?
CARMEX® does not claim to be gluten free. This is a claim commonly associated with food and not with cosmetics
Does the formula change for the different forms of CARMEX®?
Depending on the applicator of your CARMEX® product (jar, tube, or stick) each product has a slightly different formula variation. This is to ensure the product functions properly with the applicator. All CARMEX® products provide the same level of trusted performance that has been optimized for the various package forms.
Has CARMEX® changed formula recently?
Occasionally, we make small adjustments to our formulas for a variety of reasons, such as updates to cosmetic guidelines, regulations, or input from our trusted ingredient suppliers. We put a lot of effort into testing the modified formula to make sure it gives you the same or even better results. So, you can trust that it is clinically proven to deliver long-lasting hydration, protection, fast relief, and restoration from dryness — giving your lips a great look and feel!
Why does CARMEX® tingle when you put it on?
Two natural ingredients in CARMEX® Classic Lip Balm—camphor and menthol—give it a cooling effect and help relieve the irritation of dry, chapped lips.
Applies to Carmex with camphor and menthol in the ingredient list. Peach / Mango is Tingle Free and contains neither.
Is CARMEX® tested on animals?
We never test on animals; only humans. CARMEX® founder Alfred Woelbing believed animal testing to be uselessly and needlessly cruel, and that stance against animal testing has remained a part of our culture.
Negative Ingredient List
Carma Laboratories CARMEX® products either do not contain the listed substances outlined in this Negative Ingredient List as cited in EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, prohibited substances, Annex II or as cited in EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, restricted substances, Annex III, substances listed in the Negative Ingredient List are within the allowable concentration for leave-on lip products.
The ingredient Methyl Salicylate (CAS 119-36-8) will go from an accepted level of 0.06% to 0.03% on the 17th of December 2023. Are CARMEX® products under that level?
Methyl Salicylate (CAS 119-36-8) is not currently found in any CARMEX® products.
Use and shelf life
CARMEX® stained my clothes in the wash. What do I do?
We recommend spot-treating with a powerful stain removing laundry detergent or degreasing dish soap, allowing it to soak for about 30 minutes. Launder as usual and repeat if necessary. You can also take your clothes to a dry cleaner. Be sure to tell them that the grease-based stains are petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, and beeswax.
Does CARMEX® dry out my lips?
CARMEX® lip balms do not dry out lips. In fact, when used according to directions, lips feel more hydrated and comfortable alleviating the need for constant reapplication. CARMEX® lip balm products contain only the highest quality ingredients. Pure skin conditioning ingredients such as cocoa seed butter, lanolin, beeswax, and petrolatum provide deep emollience and help keep lips feeling hydrated and looking healthy throughout the year.
Is CARMEX® addictive?
CARMEX® Lip Balm does not contain any ingredients that are considered addictive but many of our loyal users find its moisturizing and soothing properties to be irresistibly good.
What are temperature recommendations for storing and shipping CARMEX®?
We recommend storing the product away from heat and out of the sun. Temperatures between 10°C – 30°C (50°F – 85°F) are preferred. Note that our products can endure 40°C (104°F) for up to several months and maintain the quality of the product. However, anything beyond that may begin to degrade some of the ingredients so please store appropriately.
How can I find the expiration date of my CARMEX® lip balm?
The location of the expiration date depends on the type of applicator you have. The expiration date is inked onto the bottom of the stick, embossed in the crimped end of the tube, or inked onto the side of the jars. Once your CARMEX® is opened, the Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months, which means it is only recommended to use the product for 12 months after it has been opened.
Do CARMEX® lip balms expire?
Yes, CARMEX® lip balms do expire. Once your CARMEX® is opened, the Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months, which means it is only recommended to use the product 12 months after it has been opened.
Sun
Is there SPF in the CARMEX® Classic lip balms?
CARMEX® Classic sticks contain SPF 15. CARMEX® Classic tubes and jars do not contain any SPF.
What does SPF mean?
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor), FPS (Facteur de Protection Solaire) or IP (Protection Index) of a sunscreen is a measure of how well it protects the skin from UVB-induced sunburn. The number rating or protection index is the ratio between the time of exposure necessary to induce a sunburn with and without protection. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Is Benzophenone (CAS: 119-61-9) in our products?
No, Benzophenone is not present in any of our products. CARMEX® products with sunscreen (SPF) contain Benzophenone-3 (CAS 131-57-7), which is allowable according to Annex VI of 1223/2009 EU Cosmetics Regulation and UK Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 at a concentration of not more than 6%.
Is Benzophenone-3 safe in our products?
In the EU and UK, it is allowable in cosmetic products at a concentration of no more than 6%. CARMEX® products with sunscreen (SPF) contain Benzophenone-3 (CAS 131-57-7), a common sunscreen ingredient throughout the world. It is allowed per Annex VI of 1223/2009 EU Cosmetics Regulation and UK Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 at a concentration of no more than 6%.
Buying and authenticity
Has the packaging changed recently?
Yes, you may notice that CARMEX® Lip Balm products have a new look. We recently incorporated a fresh graphic update to our portfolio across Europe and Australia. The packaging features a sleek design, updated claims, and back panel copy that conveys the CARMEX® story and benefits in a more friendly manner
Has the shape of the jar changed?
We are constantly on the lookout for ways we can bring CARMEX® to you while being environmentally friendly. In 2010 we developed a “greener” CARMEX® jar, which uses 20% less plastic in every jar. Now, there is simply less jar plastic but the same amount of product. This small reduction adds up quickly: we reduced our plastic by 70,000 pounds each year, and that annual reduction of 35 tons of plastic equates to less plastic to ship, which means less fuel will be used. Our favorite yellow jar is making the world a little greener!
Where can I buy CARMEX® lip balm?
CARMEX® lip balm can be purchased at various retailers both in-store and online. Some common places where you can buy CARMEX® lip balm include drugstores, pharmacies, convenience stores, supermarkets, beauty supply stores, and online retailers. Check out our website to find out where to purchase in your local market:
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