Lip Balm - Carmex or Vaseline

Posted by Dan Florio Jun 23, 2006

I use lip balm several times a day. After I eat, definately after I brush my teeth and before bed. My lips get really chapped if I don't have balm on them.

I prefer the tubes that are squeezable; they travel really well, and if I forget to bring mine along, they are found on every gas station counter across North America. Cheap, too.

Anyway, these are the two balms I found in my travel kit:

Carmex - I used it because it was common in Tuscon when I worked there, and I got in the habit of buying it. I really do think it's too thick, waxy and greasy.

NOTE on CARMEX: The smell of menthol and camphor is strong, like fumes, almost. Both of those ingredients are counter-irrants and should only be used sparingly, when lips are inflamed. I am also concerned about the phenol in Carmex. That's a pretty strong and cytotoxic (cell-killing) substance to slather on skin and lick from lips.

I understand that Carmex is actually intended as a medicinal for cold sores - not for every day, daily use. I would say this is a suitable first aid kit item, or a maybe more of a necessity with people with viral lip issues. There is also aspirin in the product, which probably explains why it feels soothing on very cracked lips.

Vaseline Lip Therapy - Vaseline is just a nicer product. Smoother, not waxy, no strong fumes, no dangerous toxins. Gentle and it lasts for hours. I would call this a daily product for normal lips (ie - not very chapped, not bearing a sore).

OVERALL: Neither of these balms have a sunscreen component, which I should probably consider taking care of. Soon. But these are what I travel with right now. I don't have to worry about the tubes melting, like I would with a screw-up lip balm....very useful for keeping in your pocket, or for leaving on the dash in the sun.