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About Us
Carmex Started in a Kitchen in 1937
Now, over 85 years later, we ship lip care products to over 60 countries worldwide! Our products range from medicated to natural and everything in between. As a small, family brand, we care deeply about our customers and are committed to helping you look and feel your very best!
The History of Carmex
1937 - From Kitchen to Classic
Alfred Woelbing created Carmex lip balm in his cozy Wauwatosa, Wisconsin kitchen to soothe his own lips. With his background in cosmetics and a knack for crafting products people loved, he quickly knew Carmex was something special. Alfred would hand-fill each opal glass jar, carefully sealing it with a black lid and applying a paper label. Soon, people were raving about it, and the very first jars sold for just 29 cents each!
1940's - Paused and Perfected
During World War II, Carmex production paused since lanolin, one of its key ingredients, was needed by the U.S. Army to protect equipment from rust. Once the war was over, Alfred went right back to work, stirring up batches of Carmex at home in a 12-quart pot on his trusty hot plate.
1950's & 60's - Bursting With Success
As word spread, Carmex’s reputation soared and demand grew! After 20 of making Carmex in his house, Alfred’s kitchen could no longer keep up with the orders. That being the case, he moved the business to a dedicated space in Wauwatosa. Throughout the 1960’s, he continued to grow the business by visiting pharmacies within a day’s drive and leaving behind samples and pre-paid order postcards. Alfred’s goal was to sell 20 dozen jars in a day to keep his growing business thriving!
1970's - Pouring Innovation
In 1973, Alfred’s son Don brought fresh ideas to Carmex, cleverly transforming a Bunn coffee maker into a pouring machine. This innovation changed the game, ending the nearly 40-year tradition of hand-pouring each jar. At the same time, the brand got a bold new look, swapping the yellow paper label for a yellow metal lid with ‘CARMEX’ front and center. The brand also invested in its first advertising – a vanity license plate! As the business continued to grow, Carma Laboratories started construction on a new production facility and the first employees joined the company! From the start, Alfred made it a priority to create a workplace culture where everyone felt welcome and at home.
1980's - Squeezing into New Places
With a new production facility in Franklin, Carmex had more room to grow. The first big innovation was the squeeze tube, featuring a red and white logo and matching red cap. Soon thereafter, Carmex’s journey to global popularity began with its first international market—Australia!
1990's - Clicking With Consumers
Alfred and Don, along with Don’s sons Eric and Paul were all committed to listening to consumers. That’s how the Classic lip balm stick was born, complete with its unique clicking sound. Consumers and pharmacists couldn’t get enough of Carmex! In 1999, Carmex earned the title of #1 Pharmacist Recommended Lip Balm Brand—a huge honor for this small, family-run company.
2000's - To A Billion And Beyond
With Don, Eric, and Paul at the helm, Carmex began introducing delicious new flavors around the world—like Strawberry and Cherry in the US, and Green Apple in Asia. By 2008, over a billion jars were sold – a major milestone that was celebrated with a feature on a national TV talkshow!
2010's - New Look, New Products
Carmex’s evolution continued with a fresh, pebble-shaped logo debuting in the United States, along with several new product launches. The first limited edition jar was introduced in the United Kingdom, sparking excitement, building brand love and paving the way for many more special designs to come!
2020's - Spreading Smiles
Carmex continues to drive innovation, expanding its product lineup and entering new markets. With a brand new facility and more than 250 employees, Carma Laboratories is now officially named a Great Place to Work—something Alfred would surely be proud of!
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