When used as directed, Carmex® Cold Sore Treatment is a safe and effective way to care for a cold sore for adults and children ages 2 and older. As with any medication, keep it out of the reach of children.

1937 Carmex was founded in 1937 by their grandfather Alred Woelbing, who made his first batch of lip balm in a 12-quart pot on the family stove. "It was frankly kind of scary for the family," said Carma Labs President Paul Woelbing.

After Alfred Woelbing lost his job as a shopper at a department store in Milwauukee, he began manufacturing Lyptone, a lip care product. He sold the rights for it for 2,500 dollars, at that time a proud sum. In 1937, Alfred Woelbing invented Carmex® and founded Carma Laboratories, Inc. to herald a new era in lip care.

Directions

Price and inventory may vary from online to in store.

• Herpecin-L Cold Sore Relief, Lip Balm Stick, SPF 30 & Lysine (0.1 oz )
• Carmex Medicated Lip Balm Sticks (0.15 oz )
• Blistex Medicated Lip Balm Stick SPF 15 Mint (0.15 oz )
• Aquaphor Lip Repair (0.35 oz )
• Blistex Deep Renewal Anti-Aging Lip Balm (0.13 oz )

As we've covered before, petroleum is actually an occlusive ingredient and seals in moisture. Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi says, “[Petroleum] doesn't 'pull' water anywhere,” and Dr. Bowe says that petroleum and mineral oil are actually two of the best, most soothing moisturizing ingredients in Carmex.

But it's also the only thing that really works for my lips. It contains menthol, camphor, petrolatum, beeswax, and some other ingredients that, all combined, provide a whoosh of freshness upon application, followed by a protected, moisturized feeling.

Pharmacist Charles Brown Fleet is credited with introducing the first dedicated lip care product in the early 1880s, which closely resembled today's lip balm. This product, later called "ChapStick," became a household name.

General directions: Directions: Apply to lips not more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Antiviral medication: Cold sores are caused by a virus, so antiviral medications are used to treat them. Your dermatologist may prescribe medication that you: Apply directly to the sores, such as docosanol cream or acyclovir cream. Take by mouth, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir.

6 of the best cold sore creams

• Best cold sore patch: Compeed Cold Sore Patches.
• Best cold sore cream: Abreva Cold Sore Cream.
• Best for early relief: Zilactin Cold Sore Gel.
• Best for kids: Cold Sores BeGone Stick.
• Best menthol treatment: Quantum Health Lip Clear Lysine+ Ointment.

As for the effect, Carmex is a classic staple and great for daytime use because it's the lightest between the three; Nivea is super effective in keeping lips supple while sleeping. But Vaseline kept my lips from dying in winter; the latter is the only one I've used under harsh weather so call me biased, but I love it!