CARMEX — Lip Care Since 1937

What began in a kitchen in Wisconsin in 1937 is now one of the world’s most famous lip care brands: CARMEX. Alfred Woelbing’s original formula combines beeswax, lanolin, and cocoa butter with camphor and menthol—the result is that famous tingling sensation that almost every CARMEX fan recognizes instantly.

Whether in a jar, tube, or stick, whether classic or flavored, with or without sun protection — CARMEX soothes dry and chapped lips with a formula that has worked for over 85 years.

What makes CARMEX CARMEX?

The tingling sensation. When you apply CARMEX Classic, Cherry, Strawberry, or another classic variety, you immediately feel a slight cooling effect—that comes from the camphor and menthol in the formula. If you don’t like the tingling sensation, there are still two options in the lineup: Sun Defense SPF 30 and the Naturally line (Berry, Watermelon) are both formulated without menthol or camphor.

Which CARMEX format is right for me?

• Stick (4.25 g) — slim, hygienic, perfect for your pocket or purse. Apply directly to the lips. Ideal for on the go.
• Tube (10 g) — more product than the stick, available with SPF 15 sun protection or in Cherry/Strawberry/Peach Mango variants. Apply with your finger or squeeze directly onto your lips.
• Jar (7.5 g) — the original look from 1937. Apply with your finger; ideal as a bedtime restore layer or for your nighttime routine.

The flavors in the range

• Classic — the original CARMEX (jar, tube, stick with SPF 15)
• Cherry — the best-selling flavor worldwide, fruity and sweet
• Strawberry — strawberry freshness in a tube
• Peach Mango — fruity and tropical
• Lime — zesty citrus in a stick with SPF 15
• Pomegranate — pomegranate in a stick with SPF 15
• Vanilla — warm and sweet in a stick with SPF 15
• Passion Fruit — Exotic in a stick with SPF 15
• Sun Defense SPF 30 — higher sun protection, no tingling
• Naturally Berry & Watermelon — 93% natural ingredients, no tingling sensation, with castor oil, cupuaçu butter, and murumuru butter

How to use

1. Apply CARMEX to clean, dry lips — directly from the stick, or with your finger if using a tube or jar
2. Reapply as often as you like, especially in windy, cold, or sunny conditions
3. For SPF variants: reapply every 2 hours during the day for lasting sun protection
4. Tip: Stick or tube for on the go, jar on the nightstand for bedtime care

FAQ about CARMEX

Why does CARMEX tingle?
The tingling sensation comes from camphor and menthol — both traditional ingredients in the original formula since 1937. Many CARMEX fans love this refreshing sensation. If you don’t like it: the Sun Defense SPF 30 and the Naturally line are formulated without menthol or camphor.

Which CARMEX is right for me?
To start with, we recommend CARMEX Classic in a jar or tube. If you like flavor: Cherry, Strawberry, Vanilla. If you need sun protection: all stick variants have SPF 15, and the Sun Defense Stick even has SPF 30. If you don’t like the tingling sensation: Sun Defense or the Naturally line.

Is CARMEX vegan?
No. The classic CARMEX formulas contain beeswax and lanolin (from sheep), which contribute to the characteristic moisturizing effect. The Naturally line also contains beeswax.

Does CARMEX have sun protection?
Yes. All stick variants and the tube variants Cherry, Strawberry, and Minis have SPF 15. The Sun Defense Stick variant has SPF 30 and is specially formulated for outdoor activities.

What is the difference between the stick, tube, and jar?
Functionally the same—the moisturizing result is the same. The difference is in application: the stick and tube are convenient for on-the-go use, while the jar features the original 1937 design and is applied with a finger—many use it as a nighttime treatment.

How long does a CARMEX last?
With normal use, 2–4 months, depending on frequency. CARMEX has a long shelf life when stored properly (cool, dry).

Who invented CARMEX?
Alfred Woelbing developed the original formula in 1937 in his kitchen in Wisconsin (USA). He initially filled small glass jars by hand and sold them to pharmacies in the region. Today, CARMEX is sold worldwide and is still family-owned.

For Retailers

CARMEX is a classic impulse purchase with high turnover: small shelf space, big sales. The brand is known worldwide and requires no explanation at the POS. Ideal for pharmacies, drugstores, gas stations, kiosks, travel retail, and concept stores. The wide range of formats (stick, tube, jar) plus the flavor varieties enable effective cross-selling.

BONSANA is the exclusive distributor for CARMEX in Switzerland and provides a free counter display upon request. Become a retailer or contact us.