The Legacy of Carmex: Alfred Woelbing’s Lip Balm Revolution

Carmex lip balm has been a trusted companion for generations. Your grandparents probably introduced your parents to Carmex and your parents probably introduced it to you… but do you know the story behind this legendary lip balm? Carmex, known simply as “the one that works”, has been made continuously by Carma Laboratories for over 85 years.

The Carmex story dates back to the early 1930s, when Alfred Woelbing was working on a solution to treat his own chapped lips and cold sores. Drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of homemade remedies, Alfred started experimenting in his kitchen in Milwaukee, carefully crafting and testing formulas. After a few weeks of research and experimentation, Alfred created a winning recipe that became the cornerstone of Carmex. His formula, a blend of natural ingredients including menthol, camphor, and beeswax, proved to be exceptionally effective at moisturizing, soothing, and protecting lips.

In 1937, Alfred’s passion project became a reality when he officially launched Carmex as a lip balm for sale to the public. He initially sold it door-to-door to pharmacies within a day’s drive of his house, emphasizing its exceptional healing properties and affordability. If the store owner hesitated to make a purchase, Alfred would leave a 12-pack of Carmex jars with them along with an order form. Word quickly spread about this wonder balm and it wasn’t long before the demand for Carmex grew beyond this limited region and Alfred had himself a booming business!

Alfred’s commitment to providing high-quality lip care didn’t stop with him. He passed down his passion and knowledge to his son and grandsons, and together, they continued to innovate and expand the Carmex product line which is now sold in over 65 countries worldwide! Carma Laboratories remains entirely family-owned and operated by the Woelbing family and their dedication to preserving the integrity of the original formula has been a key factor in the brand’s enduring success.

The next time you reach for that familiar yellow jar, stick or tube of Carmex, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and legacy of this iconic lip balm and thank Alfred for his vision and dedication to creating great products that have left an indelible mark on the world.

Source: This blog post was written in part by OpenAI’s ChatGPT (Oct 2023)