Carmex Cold Sore Reliever And Lip Moisturizer By Cindy Leggett on Sep 26, 2007 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

I used to use Carmex exclusively for chapped lips. I guess something about my body chemistry changed, because whenever I try to use it now, after it's been on my lips a while, they seem to feel drier than ever. I'll reapply the Carmex, and the same thing happens again. It's a vicious cycle! I then discovered that there are ingredients in Carmex - namely, Menthol, Camphor, and Phenol - that actually can dry and irritate your lips! This would be just right for healing a fever blister, but not for everyday use on your lips. No wonder I had to keep applying and reapplying the product - it was drying out my lips! It felt pretty good when first applied, making the lips have a slght tingle. I didn't care too much for the smell, but I thought I was doing my lips a favor by using Carmex. I will still buy this product, but not very often, as it will only be used for the occasional fever blister - not on my lips!