Carmex is a brand of lip balm that was originally formulated in 1937 by Alfred Woelbing. Since then, its popularity has grown exponentially and is now one of the most recognizable brands of lip balm in the world. Carmex products use natural ingredients including beeswax, lanolin and cocoa butter to provide a smooth and protective layer of moisture for lips. The brand offers a wide selection of products, including regular and medicated varieties, in various flavors and sizes. In addition to its lip balms, Carmex also offers other items such as lip moisturizers, sunscreens and colored lipsticks.
The appeal of Carmex lies in its effectiveness and affordability. Consumers have found that the formula seals in moisture and helps protect against windburn or chapping, while also providing some relief from common cold sores. Additionally, capping Carmex products are usually inexpensive, making them accessible to a wide range of customers. With an array of flavors and forms, Carmex provides an enjoyable experience for users and can aid in the healing process of cracked lips.
| Points | Information |
| Company Name | Carmex |
| Founder Name | Alfred Woelbing |
| Owner | Carma Laboratories, Inc. |
| Year of Establishment | 1937 |
| Headquarter | Wisconsin |
| Registered Address | 5801 West Airways Avenue Franklin, WI 53132 |
| Website | mycarmex.com |
History
Founded in Wisconsin in the early 1930s by Alfred Woelbing, Carma Laboratories, Inc. started out as a family-owned business making lip balm and other cosmetics on the stovetop. To meet the increasing demand for their products, the Woelbing family moved the business to a rented facility in Milwaukee’s Wauwatosa suburb in 1957.
Don Woelbing joined the business in 1973 and later set up assembly lines in 1975, which saw the construction of a new production facility in Franklin. To date, Carma Labs continues to be owned by the founding family and employs about 100 people.
In 1988, Carma Labs began producing their products in squeezable tubes, and in 1989 Carmex appeared in stick form, competing with ChapStick and Blistex. Nine years later, mint-flavored Carmex (SPF 30) lip balm was also available, and in 2002 distribution expanded to North America, Australia, Europe, Asia and Africa.
In 2006, through online voting, new flavor sticks in strawberry and cherry were added to the product line, as well as DailyCare Carmex with SPF 15. In 2017, Carmex Comfort Care Lip Balm won the “Product of the Year” award in the Lip Care category. Alfred Woelbing continued to work at the office until he suffered a stroke in 1997, but still visited weekly until his death in 2001 at the age of 100.
Milestones
1937
Alfred Woelbing began crafting the iconic Carmex® lip balm in his kitchen, aiming to alleviate the effects of his cold sores. He then went on to personally visit pharmacies in order to sell the product traditionally.
1940’s
Alfred’s Carmex® Classic Lip Balm sales rapidly increased until the outbreak of World War II, where the Army purchased lanolin, a necessary component in the product, to use for lubrication on their machinery and to prevent corrosion.
1950’s
As positive word of mouth about Carmex® spread, the product’s production grew to the point where Alfred’s kitchen was no longer able to accommodate it. As a result, in 1957, Carmex® was relocated to Wauwatosa, WI, which is a suburb of West Milwaukee.
1960’s
Alfred continues to make rounds from one pharmacy to the next, delivering product samples and order postcards that have already been paid for.
1970’s
Carma Labs, the manufacturer of Carmex®, experienced significant growth in the past decade, necessitating a move from their Wauwatosa facility to a larger factory in Franklin. The transition to the new location enabled the company to introduce mechanical pouring and further increase production.
1980’s
Carmex® has unveiled a new squeezable tube, signifying the brand’s first significant packaging transformation.
1990’s
For the past two decades, Carmex® has been a leader in the over-the-counter lip balm market. Pharmacy Times magazine’s surveys have consistently ranked it as the top-recommended brand by pharmacists since 1999. Moreover, the brand introduced its SPF 15 Click Stick applicator, making the product even more accessible and convenient for users.
2000’s
Carmex® is experiencing immense success, having become available in all 50 states and selling over one billion jars! To add to the celebration, Cherry and Strawberry flavors of the lip balm have been introduced, and were even featured on the Oprah Show in 2008.
2010’s
Two new lip balm product lines were introduced: Carmex® Comfort Care and Carmex® Daily Care! Carmex® Cold Sore Treatment was also launched.
2020’s
Carmex® Daily Care Minis were launched and brought BIG FLAVORS and BIG FUN to the product lineup!
Products
- Classic Lip Balm Original Jar
- Weather Guard Stick
- Fresh Cherry Tube
- Strawberry Tube
- Wintergreen Tube
- Fresh Cherry Stick
- Strawberry Stick
- Wintergreen Stick
- Cupcake Batter
Carmex Logo
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