1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
The Ordinary
Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm
lips balm
The Ordinary
lips balm
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testA multi-use moisturizing balm designed to soften feel, nourish, and boost moisture within the lips, elbows, and cuticles
Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm is a cushioning balm from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 27 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Betaine, Sodium PCA and Polyglycerin-3, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Betaine, Sodium PCA, Polyglycerin-3 and Squalane.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Squalane.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Sodium Benzoate, Sodium PCA, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil and Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily) and Oily skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, oil control, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
Use it in the morning. In a routine it goes taken with food. Follow the dose on the pack and check interactions with anything you already take.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriyl tris(12-hydroxyoctadecanoate)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Jojoba Esters is a complex mixture of esters produced by the transesterification/interesterification of Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil (q.v.), Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil (q.v.), or a mixture of the two
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Sodium 5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
L-2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2-Amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Alanine
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
L-Arginine
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, (S)-
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycine
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
(S)-2-Aminopentanedioic acid
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 27 ingredients on the label.
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Calms visible redness and irritation
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Dissolves and carries everything else
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
D-Glucitol, 1,4-Anhydro-, 6-monoester with olive oil fatty acids
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Water
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriyl tris(12-hydroxyoctadecanoate)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Jojoba Esters is a complex mixture of esters produced by the transesterification/interesterification of Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil (q.v.), Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil (q.v.), or a mixture of the two
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Helianthus Annus Seed Wax
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Sodium 5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
L-2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2-Amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Alanine
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
L-Arginine
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, (S)-
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycine
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
(S)-2-Aminopentanedioic acid
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sodium lactate
19th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil is the oil expressd from the seeds of the Monkey Bread Tree or the Baobab, Adansonia digitata L., Bombacaceae
20th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
21st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax is the wax obtained from the flowers of Acacia decurrens, Leguminosae
22nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Triglycerol
23rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
3-Decanone, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-,[6]-Gingerone
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Calcium gluconate
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucono-1,5-lactone
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium benzoate
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
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innisfree
Shares 2 key ingredients with Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm: Jojoba Esters, Trihydroxystearin
innisfree
Shares 2 key ingredients with Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm: Jojoba Esters, Trihydroxystearin
LA MER
Shares 2 key ingredients with Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm: Sodium PCA, Squalane
LA MER
Shares 2 key ingredients with Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm: Sodium PCA, Squalane
LA MER
Shares 2 key ingredients with Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm: Sodium PCA, Squalane
SQUALANE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, AQUA, TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN, BETAINE, JOJOBA ESTERS, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED WAX, SODIUM PCA, PCA, SERINE, ALANINE, ARGININE, PROLINE, GLYCINE, GLUTAMIC ACID, LYSINE HCL, THREONINE, SODIUM LACTATE, ADANSONIA DIGITATA SEED OIL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, ACACIA DECURRENS FLOWER WAX, POLYGLYCERIN-3, HYDROXYMETHOXYPHENYL DECANONE, TOCOPHEROL, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, GLUCONOLACTONE, SODIUM BENZOATE.
GLUCONOLACTONE.
-Apply to lips, cuticles, and elbows as needed
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily), Oily skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Sorbitan Olivate, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Benzoyl peroxide, Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone) — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it in the morning, taken with food.
It lists 27 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.
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