Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 Review

Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30
7.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.2 out of 10.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Key Benefits of Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 4.3 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Sulfated Castor Oil (est. ≈4.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (est. ≈40.0%) and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈22.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very dry skin. The occlusive profile of Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain effectiveness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 contains a moderate level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Ascorbyl Palmitate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Ascorbyl Palmitate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
  • Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates

Cons: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
40
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.15
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Sulfated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Garcinia Indica Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ximenia Americana Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Stevia Rebaudiana Extract
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
Lauroyl Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:
Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)
Function:
Origin:
Red 30 Lake (CI 73360)
Function:
Origin:
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Function:
Origin:
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Function:
Origin:
Barium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.3
4
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
84.2
40.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.3 10
4.3
4
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 84.2 20
10.0
40.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
All humectants 4.3 10
4.3
All humectants
4.3
4
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
40
22
11
6
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 84.2 20
10.0
All occlusives
84.2
40.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Tocopherol
0.3
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %40
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Beeswax
Est. %11
Function
Origin
BeeswaxA waxy substance made by bees while they are building their honeycombs. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient with wound healing and antimicrobial properties similar to those of honey. Its bleached, purified form is called Cera alba.
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) WaxA thick wax obtained from the stems of the Candelilla, or wax plant that is native to Mexico and the southern USA. Its stems are covered in wax to protect the plant from water loss. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient.
Sulfated Castor Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Sulfated Castor Oil
Octocrylene
Est. %3
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Octinoxate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
OctinoxateA chemical sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. It protects against UVB, which causes the skin to burn and tan and can lead to certain types of skin cancers. For broad-spectrum protection claims, octinoxate should be paired with a UVA sunscreen.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ButterAlso known as cocoa seed butter, it is a popular emollient and occlusive moisturizer. Skincare products with cocoa butter as their main ingredient have a sweet, chocolatey scent. Cocoa butter is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Coco-GlyceridesA vegetable-derived stabilized oily solid that can act as an alternative to petroleum jelly. Like petroleum jelly it can bring creaminess to a formula.
Avobenzone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Garcinia Indica Seed Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Garcinia Indica Seed Butter
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from the seeds of meadowfoam. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Vegetable OilA solid, butter-like substance that is a highly occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It is a mixture of various plant oils (such as soy, olive, corn, canola, peanut, and many others) which has been refined.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil extracted from the rind or peel of a lemon. It is mainly comprised of limonene (up to 70%) and has a fresh, citrusy scent. Lemon peel oil may cause a sun-induced skin rash in people with a sensitivity towards citrus fruits.

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Ximenia Americana Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ximenia Americana Seed Oil
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract

Derived from lemon peels, this fresh and citrusy extract contains mostly fragrant limonene, but also antioxidant flavonoids and organic acids.

Stevia Rebaudiana Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stevia Rebaudiana Extract
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
PEG-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
Lauroyl Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauroyl LysineA synthetic insoluble powder that improves the texture of a product, leaving the skin silky smooth and absorbing oils and sweat.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.
Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)
Red 30 Lake (CI 73360)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 30 Lake (CI 73360)
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 33 (CI 17200)Also known as D&C Red 33 or Acid Red 33, this ingredient is a synthetic azo used to color skincare products. It produces a cool red hue, with undertones of blue that lead to a hint of purple.
Barium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Barium Sulfate
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.