‘I’m a dermatologist and I wish everyone would stop using these two products’

We adore Dr. Aamna Adel here at Her.ie for her honest advice to beauty enthusiasts who are swept up by trending products.

Burt’s Bees and Carmex are the latest brands on her hit list and she recently delved into some of the issues with these two products - and why they never seem to heal dry lips.

While these products are household names, Dr. Adel has explained why she strongly advises against their use.  

“For all the Burt’s Bees fanatics and Carmex lovers - and I know everyone is going to be coming for me in the comments - these are two products I just absolutely cannot get behind,” Dr. Adel stated.

“And I’m going to tell you why.”    

Dr. Adel explained that these lip balms, despite their popularity, can actually make the problem they claim to solve - dry, irritated lips -  worse.

Burt’s Bees, while known for its natural branding, contains beeswax, an ingredient Dr. Adel described as a common contact allergen. 

This means it can trigger irritation or allergic reactions in some users.  

As for Carmex, according to Dr. Adel, Carmex includes several irritants, notably menthol. 

“The problem with menthol is that when you keep applying it to your lips, they become more irritated,” she said. 

This creates a vicious cycle where users feel the need to reapply, leading to even drier, more irritated lips.  

For those struggling with ongoing dry lips at this time of year, Dr. Adel recommends keeping it simple. 

“Good old CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment or Vaseline - anything plain and simple - that’s what you basically need for your dry lips,” she advised.  

These products are free of potential irritants and focus on sealing in moisture, allowing the lips to heal naturally.  

Dr. Adel’s video serves as another reminder that not all popular products live up to the hype, despite what you may be told on social media.

READ MORE: