How I finally grabbed The Ordinary's new lip balm from the US and shipped it to China

Why I was obsessed with the new Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm

I have been a fan of DECIEM for years, so when I heard the rumors about The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm in early 2026, I knew I had to have it. Unlike their previous balm, this one uses a clinical approach to hydration that has gone absolutely viral on social media over the last week. The combination of squalane for moisture and amino acids for barrier repair is a match made in heaven for my dry lips.

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The problem I faced was that it sold out in minutes across international markets. I checked every local site in China, but the stock was non-existent. I realized that the US market remains the most reliable source for these clinical releases, but getting it from a US warehouse to my door in Shanghai required a bit of a strategy.

My experience buying from US stores

To get my hands on this balm, I decided to shop US store options directly. Stores like Sephora and the official DECIEM US site are usually the first to restock. I found that having a tax-free US address is the only way to make this cost-effective, as it saves me from paying US sales tax on top of the product price.

I used my comGateway account to get a dedicated US shipping address. If you are new to this, you can check out this how it works guide which explains the process of getting your own address and using it at checkout. It makes the US store think you are a local buyer.

How I handled the international shipping to China

Once my lip balm arrived at the warehouse, I had to decide on the best way to get it home. Since skincare items are small but valuable, I always look for international shipping options that provide good tracking. I used the shipping calculator to see whether FedEx international shipping or DHL international shipping would be cheaper for a small package.

Because I am located in China, I specifically looked for the best way to ship to China. I've found that using a reliable freight forwarder is much safer than relying on standard postal services, which can often lose small items like a single tube of lip balm during the long transit across the Pacific.

My secret for stores that block international cards

I want to share a specific hurdle I ran into. While trying to buy from certain US retailers, my order was repeatedly cancelled. I found out that many high-demand stores like Sephora often block international credit cards or refuse to ship to addresses they associate with logistics hubs. This is a common headache for those of us trying to do proxy shopping from abroad.

We found the perfect solution through the comGateway "BuyForMe" service. Here is how it works: instead of me trying to use my own card, I tell them what I want, and they buy the item on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. This is the safest way to guarantee that my order doesn't get flagged or cancelled by strict store filters. If you are struggling with a store that won't accept your payment, this service is a lifesaver for getting limited edition items like The Ordinary's latest drops.

What I learned about China import tax in 2026

Before you ship your haul, you need to be aware of the local regulations. In 2026, China has specific thresholds for personal imports. I always make sure to check the latest updates on import tax to avoid any surprises when the package hits customs in Beijing or Shanghai. Generally, keeping your total order value within personal use limits helps keep the import tax manageable.

Also, don't forget to check the list of prohibited items. While lip balm is generally safe, some pressurized skincare canisters or alcohol-heavy products can be restricted. It is always better to check before you buy. My experience with the Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm was smooth because it's a simple cream formula, making it easy to pass through customs and arrive at my door without a hitch.