The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm — Efficacy 4.2/5.0, Safety 4.8/5.0 | DemythSkin
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[ DemythSkin Verdict ]
The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm
The Ordinary

The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm

Lip CareLip Care
Efficacy
Strong
4.2 / 5.0
Safety
Excellent
4.8 / 5.0
System Verdict
Solid, well-built lip balm with real hydration support, not fluff. The efficacy score is driven by a strong emollient base (squalane, jojoba esters, waxes, triglycerides) plus multiple proven humectants/NMF components (betaine, sodium PCA, PCA, amino acids, sodium lactate) that can genuinely reduce lip dryness; there is no pH-dependent active to worry about, and the formula is appropriately simple for a leave-on lip product.
Active Ingredients Detected
A Tier: Good BasicsProven Results
SqualaneBetaineSodium PCASerineAlanineProlineGlycineLysine HClThreoninePolyglycerin-3TocopherolGluconolactone
B Tier: Supporting IngredientsPromising Ingredients
TrihydrostearinJojoba EstersHelianthus Annuus Seed WaxPCAGlutamic AcidAcacia Decurrens Flower WaxHydroxymethoxyphenyl DecanoneCalcium Gluconate
D Tier: Potential IrritantsBe Cautious
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
What Each Ingredient Does
Squalane
emollient; barrier support
Sorbitan Olivate
emulsifier; texture aid
Aqua (Water)
solvent; formula base
Trihydrostearin
thickener; texture structuring
Betaine
humectant; osmolyte
Jojoba Esters
emollient; slip enhancer
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
wax; structure agent
Sodium PCA
humectant; NMF component
PCA
humectant; NMF component
Serine
amino acid humectant
Alanine
amino acid humectant
Arginine
amino acid humectant
Proline
amino acid humectant
Glycine
amino acid humectant
Glutamic Acid
amino acid humectant
Lysine HCl
amino acid humectant
Threonine
amino acid humectant
Sodium Lactate
humectant; NMF component
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
emollient; lipid support
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
emollient; spreadability
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
wax; texture structuring
Polyglycerin-3
humectant; dispersant
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
antioxidant; scent modifier
Tocopherol
antioxidant; oil protectant
Full Ingredient List (INCI)

Squalane, Sorbitan Olivate, Aqua (Water), Trihydrostearin, 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.

Frequently Asked

Is The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm worth it?

The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm scores 4.2 out of 5.0 for efficacy (Strong) and 4.8 out of 5.0 for safety (Excellent) on DemythSkin's independent ingredient analysis. Solid, well-built lip balm with real hydration support, not fluff. The efficacy score is driven by a strong emollient base (squalane, jojoba esters, waxes, triglycerides) plus multiple proven humectants/NMF components (b

What are the key active ingredients in The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm?

The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm contains no gold-standard actives — its formula is built on supporting and base ingredients rather than clinically transformative actives.

Does The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm contain fragrance or known irritants?

DemythSkin flags these ingredients in The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm as potential irritants: Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil.

How is The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm scored?

DemythSkin grades every product on two independent axes: efficacy (whether the ingredients have clinical evidence of working) and safety (irritation and sensitisation risk). Ingredients are classified S through D against a database of over 3,000 compounds. No brand pays for a score.

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Analysis last updated: 2026-10-06. DemythSkin is an independent ingredient analyzer. Scores are computed by a deterministic rubric from published clinical evidence — no brand pays for a score. DemythSkin earns commission from affiliate links (Amazon Associates and others). Scores are computed before any commercial relationship — the link follows the verdict, never the other way around.