Camphor.
Also known as: synthetic camphor, 2-bornanone, camphor synthetic, D-camphor
A waxy, aromatic compound used in lip balms and medicated products for its cooling sensation and mild analgesic properties. Camphor dries out lips with repeated use, creating a cycle of dependency.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with Camphor.
Minor risk; temporary cooling effect without lasting damage.
Daily use on lips causes drying and irritation, leading to increased reapplication.
Creates a clear dependency cycle. Lips become drier with each application, prompting more use.
What the research says.
Dries and irritates lips with repeated use, creating a dependency cycle where users reapply constantly.
Toxic if ingested in significant amounts; particularly dangerous for children.
Poison Control Centers report camphor as a leading cause of childhood poisoning from topical products.
Can cause contact dermatitis and chemical burns at higher concentrations.
Global status.
How camphor is regulated in cosmetics around the world.
91% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 11% in certain products under Annex III; prohibited in aerosols.
Details
Mirrors EU; restricted concentration limits.
Details
Hotlist restricts concentration by product type.
Details
Permitted with limits under MHLW standards.
Details
Permitted with concentration limits.
Details
Scheduled substance; restricted depending on concentration.
Details
Permitted with limits per Safety Technical Standards.
Details
Permitted with limits per ANVISA.
Details
Restricted under BIS standards with concentration limits.
Details
Restricted with limits, harmonized with EU Annex III.
The reason brands include it.
Provides a cooling, tingling sensation that consumers associate with a product 'working.' Also used as a mild pain reliever and anti-itch agent.
9
products in our database
3
brands use it
1
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose camphor because it’s cheap and effective, but safer options like peppermint oil (diluted), eucalyptus oil (diluted), cocoa butter deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Camphor in product types.
Click a category to see every product containing camphor.
Products Containing Camphor
These popular products list camphor in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full breakdown.
Compared to Numbrrrz.
Here’s how the lowest-scoring product containing camphor compares.
Carmex Cherry Lip Balm
Carmex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
Get Your Free Ingredient Safety Report
Enter your email and we'll send you a personalized breakdown of the most common harmful ingredients in your daily products.
What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz lip products provide soothing hydration without camphor or other drying agents that create dependency.
Quick answers.
Does camphor in lip balm dry out your lips?
Why do companies put camphor in lip balm?
Is camphor toxic if swallowed?
Is camphor the reason I'm addicted to lip balm?
What lip balms don't contain camphor?
Does Numbrrrz lip balm contain camphor?
How these brands stack up.
Brands that use camphor — see how they compare.