Aquaphor Vs Carmex - Which Is Better? (Guide With User Reviews)
Karishmadevi K
Updated At 09 Jan 24
Chapped lips are a nightmare for many! For your lips to look hydrated and attractive, you need to choose wisely, or else your lips will get chapped. Because a regular lip balm might irritate. So, you need a lip balm with healing properties. The most recommended lip balms with those properties are Aquaphor Lip Repair and Carmex lip balm.
Which is better? Don't worry! Here's a complete guide comparing every element of both of those lip balms, to help you to choose the best one for you.
Table of Contents
Aquaphor Vs Carmex - Brand Comparison
Carmex has been a household name for decades, known for its distinctive packaging and medicated formulas. The brand originated in the 1930s and has since evolved to cater to various lip care needs. Its key ingredients often include menthol, camphor, and beeswax, providing a cooling sensation and effective moisturization.
It specializes in lip care and the only product they offer is a lip balm.
Aquaphor, on the other hand, is a multipurpose ointment with a broader scope beyond lip care. Developed by Eucerin, Aquaphor boasts a simple yet effective formula, mainly composed of petrolatum, mineral oil, and ceresin. Its versatility makes it a go-to product for dry skin, minor cuts, and chapped lips. The products they offer include lip, skin protectant, baby, and Aquaphor advanced therapy healing ointment. Aquaphor is recommended by health professionals for post-operative minor injuries or wounds.
A good lip balm is necessary to give your lips a glossy look and also prevent it from dryness. Here's the comparison between the two most commonly used lip balms to find which one is best.
Aquaphor Vs Carmex - Product Comparison
1) Ingredients And Safety
The whole ingredients list of Aquaphor and Carmex are listed below
Carmex Ingredients - Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Petrolatum, Benzophenone, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Lanolin, Ozokerite, Isopropyl Palmitate, Aroma, Cetyl Esters, Beeswax, Paraffin, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract and Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter.
Aquaphor Ingredients - Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Panthenol, Water, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, C20-40 Alkyl Stearate, Beeswax, Magnesium Sulfate, Magnesium Stearate and Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate.
Takeaway - The ingredients of Aquaphor and Carmex are similar, however, Aquaphor contains more ingredients which include antioxidants and cosmetic colorants. Both of these products are alcohol-free, silicon-free, paraben-free, and eu-allergen-safe. Additionally, Aquaphor is reef-safe and Carmex is sulfate-free.
Both of these products are safe to use, it solely depends on your preference. Aquaphor and Carmex protect your lips from cold weather. Many don't like the tingling effect of Carmex but some buy Carmex just for the same.
You can use Aquaphor as often as needed. Carmex shouldn't be used more than 3-4 times a day.
2) Packaging
Aquaphor is plain white and blue. Whereas, Carmex's color scheme is yellow and red. Both of these products are available in sticks, tubes, and tubs. Whatever you're comfortable with, you can use it. When it comes to attracting the attention of customers, Carmex packaging seems to do better due to its bold and vibratnt colors!
3) Texture and Consistency
Carmex tends to have a thicker consistency, offering a more pronounced layer on the lips. Aquaphor, while still emollient, generally feels lighter and less sticky.
4) Performance and Effectiveness
Aquaphor
Aquaphor lip repair is the most recommended lip balm due to its effectiveness. It is the ultimate skin and lip repair. It heals your chipped and cracked lips by softening them and keeping them hydrated. It works wonders on sensitive skin too.
Aquaphor works for various things like chapped lips, cuts, and burns, it almost treats anything, so it ranks very high on the versatility factor.
In one of studies done in clinical conditions, a ten-day trial of Aquaphor with a sample of 25 people aged between 18 and 50 was conducted. It was found out that Aquaphor helped in skin regeneration. In further studies, it was found that Aquaphor moisturizes dry skin, shows no allergic reaction, and does not block the pores in the skin( non-comedogenic).
Carmex
Carmex is one of the popular medicated lip balms. It has various ingredients that help us with dry & chapped lips, cold sores, and many more. As a result, you'll get soft and smooth lips. Carmex keeps your lips hydrated and it has a soothing effect. But because of some ingredients in Carmex, it may cause a tingling effect on sensitive lips and it can also cause inflammation. Ingredients like beeswax, and lanolin might cause lip irritation.
5) User reviews
Aquaphor
User reviews of Aquaphor are quite amazing as it's a game changer for dry lips. Even if you have sensitive skin, you don't have to worry as Aquaphor is great for skin care of all types.
It has a long-term effect, so you don't have to apply it often. Many experienced instant results after applying Aquaphor. Users love the product and the same is visible with the average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon. Many users highly recommend Aquaphor as it provides smooth and moisturized lips.
Carmex
Carmex is liked by many because of its packaging and use as it also treats chapped and dry lips by providing hydration. Many complained of having skin allergies after using Carmex. They have developed a red rash, little bumps, and intense itchiness around the lips after using it.
It makes many people's lips oily & greasy and the smell is not pleasant. Also, some started to have dryer lips after using Carmex. It needs more frequent touch-ups daily as it doesn't have a long-lasting effect. Users definitely love the product as it gets a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon.
6) Price Comparison
Both products are affordable. Comparatively, Carmex is affordable. Also, Aquaphor and Carmex offer their products in bundles. Even if one in a bundle goes missing, you would have a backup.
Aquaphor lip repair sticks cost around $6.5- $7. Carmex lip balm costs around $3 - $4.
Recommendations By Dermatologist
Based on their research on various lip balms, dermatologists recommend both Aquaphor lip repair and Carmex depending upon personal preferences. Carmex is often preferred for immediate relief due to its medicated formula, which includes ingredients like menthol and camphor. These components provide a tingling sensation and quick relief for chapped and dry lips. The cooling effect can be soothing, offering rapid comfort to users experiencing discomfort.
Aquaphor is known for its versatile skincare applications beyond lip care. Its simple yet effective formula, consisting of petrolatum, mineral oil, and ceresin, helps create a protective barrier on the skin. This barrier locks in moisture, promoting overall skin health and contributing to long-term benefits.
Final Recommendation
Ultimately, the "better" choice depends on individual preferences and specific skincare needs. Some users might find Carmex more satisfying for its rapid relief, while others may opt for Aquaphor's versatility and broader range of skin benefits.
- If you prioritize immediate relief and enjoy a tingling sensation, Carmex is a suitable choice.
- For long-term skin benefits and versatile skincare applications, Aquaphor emerges as the preferred option.