Carmex and Chapstick are probably the standard lip balms on the market today. They both treat your lips, keep them moistened during the cold winter months.
Both products look almost identical in their packaging. However, one is pinkish-red, and the other is white. While they share certain similarities, it’s no doubt that they also have some differences and distinguishing features.
In this post, you will know more about them and how they differ. Read on to find out from the subsequent sections.
What is Carmex?
Carmex is a balm with many uses. It was first introduced in 1937 and has been popular ever since. It comes in tins of 3 or 4 oz or small jars containing 0.5 to 1 oz enough for about 20 applications. It can either be in a red and white tin. Sometimes in black and yellow.
It is applicable on lips, chapped areas of the skin, cuts, bug bites, and poison ivy. Carmex has a smooth consistency that is greasy to the touch but quickly sinks in when applied.
Elements Found in Carmex
The ingredients are:
- Cocoa butter (a thickener).
- Mineral oil for its moisturizing properties (2nd ingredient).
- Paraffin wax to thicken the product further.
- Beeswax for emollient properties.
It is also colored with natural red wax. The paraffin makes it waterproof and helps keep it from melting if exposed to heat.
Carmex does not contain any of the following ingredients: lanolin, petroleum jelly, artificial flavors or colorings, animal fats, GMO, or gluten. It does not burn off in the sun.
Who Can Use Carmex?
Anyone can use Carmex. But it is especially beneficial for those who tend to get dry lips. The product is also helpful during and after chemo or radiation treatment. Those in winter weather conditions or geographic locations are known for dry air (high altitude) can also use it.
It is also beneficial to those who go swimming regularly or working out heavily. That’s because it keeps skin flexible and moist. This product is a must for those who experience dehydrated skin and lips during the winter months.
Where Else Can Carmex Be Used?
It’s also applicable to wet or dry lips and skin. You will be surprised that it works immediately to relieve any irritation or pain caused by windburn, acne, or any other skin problem you may have.
Where to Find Carmex
Carmex is available in the U.S, U.K, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Germany markets. You can also purchase it online through some retailers such as amazon. If you are lucky enough to live in Canada, it can be found in most drugstores, in the cosmetics section.
Disadvantages of Carmex
Carmex was discontinued for one year in 2009 because of low sales. But that did not last long but due to consumer demand. They brought it back in early 2010. The bottom line is that there are more than 100 varieties of Carmex sold in various countries.
What You Should Know About Chapstick
Chapstick is a brand of lip balm that was made by the company Smith’s. It was first invented in 1900 under Dr. Reads’ Blistex Lip Ointment at his drug store in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.
Chapstick Ingredients
Chapstick has a wide range of ingredients such as beeswax, carnauba wax, castor oil, cocoa butter, lanolin, paraffin wax, and petrolatum.
Chapstick manufacturers use different chemicals in their products, such as BHA’s (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), BHT’s (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), citric acid, glycol stearate, lanolin alcohols, and petroleum. The chemicals help treat the lips by moisturizing them.
Surprisingly, not many people know ingredients such as castor oil, glycol stearate, and BHA’s are part of the Chapstick ingredients.
Chapstick can be made from a hard or soft formula depending on your preference; for example, the Chapstick brand of lip balm is soft and made from a high range of waxes such as beeswax, petrolatum, and paraffin wax.
Is it Available in the market?
Today, you can find Chapstick in different flavors. Some of them are Wintergreen, cherry, cool spearmint, almond, and peppermint. That allows you to find a flavor that suits your taste buds.
There are many different types of Chapstick out on the market, and they are available in places like Walmart, Target, or Walgreens. They sell for $2 to $3 each.
There are many different types and brands of Chapstick on the market, but the Chapstick brand is one of the most popular.
You can use them to moisturize your lips. It is also helpful under your lipstick to add extra moisturizing effects.
How Long Can Your Chapstick Last?
The average Chapstick can last for about three years. But, if you take care of it well, it can last for 4 or 5 years before having to buy another one. Store it in a cool, dry place like your refrigerator to allow you to use it for the most extended period.
Who Can Use Chapstick?
Older individuals and children are the typical consumers of Chapstick. However, adults have not been limited from using it. They also enjoy its privileges.
Carmex Vs. Chapstick
The primary differences between Chapstick and Carmex seem to be that one is more inexpensive and another is less greasy. The only product ingredient difference between them is that Carmex contains menthol, making it a bit cooler than Chapstick when applied to the lips.
Which One is Easy to Use?
When using Carmex, you will only need to twist and push, then twist again. It would be best if you never got your fingers involved. Also, you don’t have to touch the lid.
Chapstick, on the other hand, requires a turn and twist. You have to use your finger again to close it and any other product using a cap. Chapstick products require sharpening skills too.
Both products are effective. If you are looking for the best one, it’s ideal for testing and finding the effective one.
