La Mer The Lip Balm

La Mer The Lip Balm
6.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does La Mer The Lip Balm work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using La Mer The Lip Balm:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.8 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for dry to very dry skin, ideally to be used with extra humectants

According to CreamScan analysis, La Mer The Lip Balm is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 3.7 out of 10 and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Petrolatum (est. ≈40.0%) and Microcrystalline Wax (est. ≈11.0%).

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 skin. The occlusive profile of La Mer The Lip Balm suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

However, it contains a relatively low level of humectants, and 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.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, La Mer The Lip Balm has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that La Mer The Lip Balm is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈1.5%), Algae Extract (est. ≈1.0%), Malachite (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

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
0.3
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Petrolatum
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaoleate
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Algae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malachite
Function:
Origin:
Tourmaline
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder
Function:
Origin:
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Copper Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
Niacin
Function:
Origin:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Polybutene
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Menthyl PCA
Function:
Origin:
Oleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Saccharin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Function:
Origin:
CI 77220
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Bicarbonate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.7
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
100.5
40.0 x 2
11.0
6.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.7 10
3.7
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 100.5 20
10.0
40.0 x 2
11.0
6.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.7 10
3.7
All humectants
3.7
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
40 x 2
11
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 100.5 20
10.0
All occlusives
100.5
40.0 x 2
11.0
6.0
2.0
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
Copper Gluconate
-
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
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
1.5
Algae Extract
1
Malachite
0.3
Magnesium Gluconate
0.3
Tocopheryl Succinate
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.4 5 No
All soothing
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Petrolatum
Est. %40
Function
Origin
PetrolatumAlso known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.
Octyldodecanol
Est. %22
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline WaxA white, highly purified, solid substance consisting of petroleum hydrocarbons. It is used in skincare as a strong occlusive and emollient similar to Petrolatum, and also as a formula helper that thickens and stabilizes the product.
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2An emollient ester that is used as a non-animal substitute for lanolin. Similar to lanolin, it melts at body temperature, making it ideal for use in body butters, lip balms, and ointments.
Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaoleate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaoleate
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Algae Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Algae ExtractThe name describes any extract made from any kind of algae. Algae extracts are moisturizing humectants – the gelatin-like polysaccharides bind and retain water, thereby hydrating the skin. Algae is a rich source of emollient and antioxidant compounds.
Malachite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malachite
Tourmaline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tourmaline
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed OilAn emollient fatty oil expressed from sesame seeds. It is made up majorly of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (up to 45%), and oleic acid (up to 38%). Sesame oil is an occlusive moisturizer that is rich in antioxidant compounds.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilAn essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus globulus, a tall, evergreen, Australian tree with waxy leaves. It mostly consists of cineole – which has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed PowderA gentle abrasive powder obtained from milled sesame seeds with a fatty emollient oil, humectant moisturizing proteins, amino acids, and fragrant compounds.
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed PowderA finely milled powder made from alfalfa seeds that contains humectant moisturizing oligosaccharides. It also acts as a gentle abrasive.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) SeedcakeThe solid remaining after the oil pressing of sunflower seeds. The seed cake is used in skincare for its grainy structure as an abrasive ingredient in peelings. It leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft due to the sunflower oil content.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed MealMade by grinding sweet almonds into a relatively coarse powder, this seed meal is gently abrasive as well as occlusive moisturizing (because the particles still contain a bit of sweet almond oil).
Sodium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
Copper Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper GluconateAn organic salt of copper that can aid in the wound healing process. The manufacturer claims it also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, although this has yet to be confirmed. Copper gluconate is also a perspective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Calcium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium GluconateA white crystalline powder that can act as a humectant when dissolved into water. It is also a chelating agent.
Magnesium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium GluconateMagnesium gluconate is used to supply magnesium to the skin in the form of an organic salt, which is better tolerated and slightly better absorbed than inorganic magnesium salts.
Zinc Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc GluconateOne of the most commonly used ingredients in anti-acne products. It is an organic salt of zinc that helps to combat microbial infections, soothes and heals inflamed pimples, and regulates hormones in the skin.
Tocopheryl Succinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Succinate
Niacin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
NiacinAn active form of vitamin B3 that is used to support and restore the healthy appearance of the skin, although it is less effective than Niacinamide.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilA fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant with very unique fatty acid composition. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
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.
Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Polybutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolybuteneA petro-based ingredient that thickens and hold products together.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Glyceryl Distearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl DistearateGlyceryl distearate is an ester of glycerol and two molecules of stearic acid. This ingredient is used in skincare formulations as an emollient and thickener.
Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Menthyl PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Menthyl PCA
Oleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleic AcidAn omega-9 fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils. It is occlusive moisturizing, emollient and emulsifying.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
Sodium Saccharin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Saccharin
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan SesquioleateA natural liquid ingredient that is yellow to amber in color and completely transparent. It supports oil and water mixtures and disperses minerals into oils.
CI 77220
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CI 77220
Sodium Bicarbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BicarbonateA sodium salt that increases pH and removes dead skin cells.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
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.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 (CI 42090)A synthetic dye commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF that produces rich blue colors for various cosmetic uses. FD&C Blue #1 can also be found in foods, medications, and dietary supplements, as it is considered non-toxic and safe for use.
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.