When your lips are so dry that it hurts to smile, lip balm is your sal(ve)ation—simply so long as you utilize the best method. In any other case, your kissers would possibly find yourself thirstier than they did earlier than, which defeats the complete function of utilizing a balm within the first place. That’s why dermatologists suggest lip balms for dry lips made with substances that impart and lock hydration into your pout, maintaining it there lengthy after your preliminary swipe.
With so many choices that promise to ship the right kiss of moisture, trying to find your lip balm BFF might be tough. Thankfully, you don’t must look far and extensive to seek out “the one.” Beneath, dermatologists share every thing you’ll want to learn about purchasing for hydrating lip care and, higher but, their suggestions that they personally use themselves. Scroll to kiss dry lips goodbye for good.
Consultants In This Article
- Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founding father of FACET Dermatology
- Jaimie DeRosa, MD, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder and lead facial plastic surgeon of the DeRosa Middle Plastic Surgical procedure and Med Spa
- Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York
- Shereene Idriss, MD, board-certified dermatologist
The perfect lip balms for dry lips, at a look:
- Greatest total: Vaseline, Lip Remedy Balm, $7
- Greatest runner-up: Paula’s Alternative, Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster, $33
- Greatest finances: Aquaphor, Lip Restore Ointment, $5
- Greatest light-weight: La Roche-Posay, Cicaplast Lip Balm B5, $10
- Greatest pure: Farmarcy, Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm, $12
- Greatest tinted: Kjaer Weis, Tinted Lip Balm, $35
- Greatest gloss: Rhode, Peptide Lip Therapy, $16
- Greatest with SPF: Cay Pores and skin, Isle Lip Balm, $15
- Greatest with retinol: Verso, Lip Serum, $65
- Greatest for eczema: Marin, Lip Therapy, $18
- Greatest in a single day: Tatcha, Kissu Lip Masks, $29
- Greatest lip balm various: Weleda, Pores and skin Meals Unique Extremely-Wealthy Cream, $20
How does lip balm assist dry lips?
“The pores and skin on our lips is a number of the thinnest discovered wherever on the physique, and in contrast to the pores and skin on the remainder of our face, doesn’t have sebaceous glands, which suggests our lips want extra care to remain nourished,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founding father of Aspect Dermatology. Plus, our lips are at fixed threat of shedding moisture. Solar publicity, chilly and dry air, dehydration, and unhealthy habits like fixed lip licking can contribute to your parchedness. Suffice to say, your lips want all of the moisture and safety that they’ll get—and the very best lip balms shall be as much as the duty.
That stated, there are some cases wherein lip balms is probably not adequate in staving off dry lips. In keeping with board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD, in case you discover that you’ve got painful or itchy lips or pores and skin, cracked corners, or if, regardless of utilizing lip balm, your pout is dry for greater than per week, it could be as a consequence of an underlying difficulty that you just’ll need to handle with a dermatologist.
Elements to search for
In keeping with dermatologists, choosing a perfect possibility all comes all the way down to the substances. For one, you’ll need to search for choices formulated with humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which draw water into your pores and skin to ship moisture to the pores and skin barrier. Dr. Yadav additionally recommends searching for lip balms containing occlusives—petroleum, lanolin, shea butter, and squalane—that create a protecting layer on the pores and skin’s floor that seals and locks in moisture.
Needless to say you’ll desire a lip balm that incorporates each humectants and occlusives in case your lips are very dry. “Lip balms that solely have substances that draw moisture—humectants—however don’t have substances that stop the evaporation of the moisture can set off a vicious cycle: water is being drawn into the pores and skin, then evaporated,” says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD. “This makes you extra depending on the lip balm to exchange the hydration.” The identical applies, conversely, to lip balms containing occlusives and no humectants. “If you happen to simply apply occlusives to dry lips, you’ll simply be trapping in dryness,” says Dr. Yadav.
Along with these substances, Dr. Greenfield recommends choosing an possibility with emollients, which work to melt and easy the lips whereas serving to to restore the lip pores and skin barrier; prime examples of emollients embrace butters, oils, lipids, and fatty acids. Along with humectants and occlusives, you’ll have a successful method that helps to moisturize and restore even the driest of pouts.
Elements to keep away from
Everybody reacts in a different way to substances, however in order for you a lip balm that stands the very best likelihood of not drying your lips even additional, Dr. Greenfield and Dr. Nazarian each counsel avoiding formulation containing alcohol and fragrances, as each might be irritating, particularly when your lips are already dry. “I’d keep away from something utilizing camphor or menthol,” provides Dr. Yadav. “These substances are sometimes utilized in medicated lip balms as a result of they’ve a cooling impact, however they can be irritating or drying.”
As you store, think about your private preferences, too. You will see lip balms that are available clear or tinted formulation, in a number of codecs like sizable jars and sticks and squeeze tubes that enable for mess-free utility, and with extra advantages, like SPF to offer UV safety or antioxidants to guard towards free radical harm.
The 12 greatest lip balms for dry lips
![Vaseline Lip Therapy Balm](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vaseline-Lip-Therapy-Balm_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest total: Vaseline, Lip Remedy Balm — $7.00
Key substances: petrolatum, shea butter, vitamin E
Our total greatest decide is the Lip Remedy Balm from Vaseline, a humble however ever-dependable magnificence model that’s beloved by Dr. Greenfield, Dr. Nazarian., and Dr. Yadav. Just like the basic Vaseline method, it has a base of petroleum jelly, an occlusive and pores and skin protectant to assist provide moisture to dry lips whereas making a seal on the pores and skin, which is right for shielding parched kissers from shedding that hydration. Shea butter and vitamin E spherical out the method to impart long-lasting hydration. We love this balm’s buildable method (you’ll be able to layer on as a lot as you want with out it turning into goopy) and alcohol- and fragrance-free substances checklist, which makes it appropriate for all pores and skin sorts.
Scented? No (fragrance-free)
Shades: N/A
Out there sizes: 0.6 oz.
- Dermatologist-approved
- Offers long-lasting moisture
- Freed from alcohol and perfume
- Inexpensive
- Pot packaging isn’t as handy as stick and tube codecs
![Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Paulas-Choice-Hyaluronic-Acid-Peptide-Lip-Booster_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Runner-up: Paula’s Alternative, Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster — $33.00
Key substances: hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalane
This lip product from Paula’s Alternative is among the pricier choices on the checklist, however its potent mixture of moisturizing substances makes it effectively price it. “The hyaluronic acid attracts in moisture, as does the squalane, and [it] improves hydration over time,” says Dr. Nazarian. It incorporates different helpful substances as effectively, like lip-smoothening peptides and cocoa and shea butters for a punch of hydration. Because it’s an alcohol- and fragrance-free method, it caters to delicate pores and skin, too. We additionally love its applicator tip, which delivers the product onto each inch of the lips and that it spreads with zero fuss.
Scented? No (fragrance-free)
Shades: N/A
Out there sizes: 0.33 fl. oz.
- Dermatologist-approved
- Offers and improves moisture
- Freed from alcohol and fragrances
- Mess-free packaging
![Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Aquaphor-Lip-Repair-Ointment_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest finances: Aquaphor, Lip Restore Ointment — $5.00
Key substances: petrolatum, shea butter, chamomile essence
The Aquaphor Lip Restore Ointment comes advisable by Dr. Nazarian because of its substances that moisturize and lock hydration into the lips. The petrolatum-based balm has a method much like that of the Aquaphor Therapeutic Ointment, solely it additionally incorporates shea butter to maintain lips moisturized lengthy after the primary swipe, plus chamomile essence, which may soothe current irritation. It skips out on alcohol and fragrances, too—one thing that folk with delicate pores and skin can recognize. I personally use and love this product as a result of it’s not too thick for day by day use however not too light-weight so as to be ineffective. (Simply keep in mind that it leaves a barely wax-y movie on the lips). Better of all: It’s underneath $5.
Scented? No (fragrance-free)
Shades: N/A
Out there sizes: 0.35 fl. oz.
- Dermatologist-approved
- Moisturizes and soothes dry lips
- Freed from alcohol and fragrances
- Mess-free packaging
- Inexpensive
- Leaves a waxy movie on the lips
![La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm B5](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/La-Roche-Posay-Cicaplast-Lip-Balm-B5_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest light-weight: La Roche-Posay, Cicaplast Lip Balm B5 — $10.00
Key substances: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, vitamin B5, shea butter
A moisturizing lip balm doesn’t must be thick to be efficient—La Roche-Posay is proof of that. “The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm is a lighter formulation with shea butter and vegetable oil that feels easy and creamy [on the lips] whereas additionally offering nourishing hydration,” says Dr. Greenfield. It additionally incorporates panthenol, or vitamin B5, an ingredient that works to attract moisture into the lips and lock it in, together with the model’s distinctive thermal spring water, which is chock stuffed with skin-soothing minerals. Simply remember the fact that because it’s a lighter-weight method, Dr. Greenfield notes that you’ll have to reapply it all through the day.
Scented? No (fragrance-free)
Shades: N/A
Out there sizes: 0.25 fl. oz.
- Dermatologist-approved
- Light-weight however moisturizing method
- Alcohol- and fragrance-free
- Mess-free packaging
- Inexpensive
- Requires reapplication all through the day
![Farmarcy Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Farmarcy-Honey-Butter-Beeswax-Lip-Balm_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest pure: Farmarcy, Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm — $12.00
Key substances: beeswax, proprietary honey mix, cupuaçu butter, cocoa butter
The Farmacy Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm is made with—shock, shock—beeswax, an ingredient that Dr. Nazarian is a fan for its capacity to “seal in moisture.” In addition to beeswax, the all-natural substances checklist additionally boasts honey to assist appeal to moisture to the lips, plus cupuaçu and cocoa butters to melt and easy your pout. This decide is formulated with aromatic oils that lend it a delicate citrusy scent, so hold that in thoughts in case you’re delicate or allergic to fragrances. You should use it on naked lips, or as a moisturizing base in case you plan on carrying different lip merchandise through the day—it layers superbly beneath lipsticks, lip glosses, and even thicker lip balms.
Scented? Sure
Shades: N/A
Out there sizes: 0.12 fl. oz.
- Made with pure substances
- Offers and seals in moisture
- Wearable beneath different lip merchandise
- Mess-free packaging
- Inexpensive
- Formulated with perfume
![Kjaer Weis Tinted Lip Balm](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kjaer-Weis-Tinted-Lip-Balm_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest tinted: Kjaer Weis, Tinted Lip Balm — $35.00
Key substances: natural oils, hyaluronic acid, squalane
These tinted lip balms from Kjaer Weis are a favourite of W+G Commerce Editor Francesca Krempa, who says “they’re so mushy and luscious on lips.” Made with hyaluronic and squalane, plus 10(!) moisturizing oils, together with olive and Brazilian nut, the tinted lip balms promise to ship a kiss of long-lasting moisture, one thing to which she will attest.
“Kjaer Weis Tinted Lip Balms actually final all day, quenching lips for actually hours on finish,” she stated, however what stole her coronary heart have been the delicate however beautiful colours, which she proclaimed “offer you that ‘your lips however higher’ look.” Simply hold in thoughts that this lip balm has perfume, which could be unsuitable for these with a sensitivity or an allergy to added fragrances in cosmetics.
Learn the total evaluation of the Kjaer Weis Tinted Lip Balm right here.
Scented? Sure
Shades: 6
Out there sizes: 4 ml.
- Offers long-lasting moisture
- Number of shades
- Made with natural substances
- Mess-free packaging
- Refillable packaging
- Formulated with perfume
![Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Rhode-Peptide-Lip-Treatment_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest gloss: Rhode, Peptide Lip Therapy — $16.00
Key substances: shea butter, peptides, cupuaçu butter, babassu
If you happen to just like the look of intense shine, Rhode’s now-iconic Peptide Lip Therapy will make your lips look like a glazed donut—the complete ethos behind Hailey Beiber’s skin-care line. The method is full of substances that increase moisture and go away lips trying luminously easy together with shea butter for long-lasting moisture, peptides to fill in tremendous traces, cupuaçu butter to promote bounciness, and babassu, an ingredient that helps the general pores and skin microbiome and will increase moisture ranges over time. With continued use, you’re prone to see—and really feel!—a marked distinction in your lips, however the shiny sheen will undoubtedly give you immediate gratification.
Scented? No
Shades: 4
Out there sizes: 0.35 oz.
- Tremendous-shiny end
- Unscented and scented varieties
- A number of shades
- Mess-free packaging
- Restricted shade choices
- Stickier than conventional balms
![Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cay-Skin-Isle-Lip-Balm_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest with SPF: Cay Pores and skin, Isle Lip Balm — $15.00
Key substances: sea moss, aloe stem cells, vitamin E
If you happen to spend quite a lot of time outdoor, you may want a lip balm with SPF—and the Cay Pores and skin Isle Lip Balm will match the invoice. The W+G SPF Award Winner is formulated with SPF 30 to offer solar safety whereas a potent mixture of substances—sea moss, aloe stem cells, and vitamin E—will deeply nourish and moisturize your pout. It is available in a transparent model and three shades, Irie Rose, Dangerous Gyal Berry, and Nude Ting, all of which can impart a shiny (however not sticky!) sheen in your lips. If something, it’s necessary to notice that it incorporates lower than one % of artificial perfume, which be a tradeoff for people with significantly delicate or dry pores and skin.
Scented? Sure
Shades: 4
Out there sizes: 0.35 oz.
- SPF 30
- A number of shades
- Luminous end
- Mess-free packaging
- Formulated with perfume
- Stickier than conventional balms
![Verso Lip Serum](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Verso-Lip-Serum_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest with retinol: Verso, Lip Serum — $65.00
Key substances: retinol 8, hyaluronic acid, peptides
There are a couple of the explanation why double board-certified plastic surgeon Jaimie DeRosa, MD, recommends this retinol lip balm from Verso. “It’s constructed from a gentler retinol (retinol 8) and in addition incorporates nourishing and hydrating substances, together with hyaluronic acid and peptides,” she says, the latter of which is not going to solely moisture dry lips but in addition offset the potential irritation attributable to retinol. Over time, this lip product may also help cut back pigmentation and slough off useless pores and skin cells to disclose a softer and smoother pout—and, not like most retinol for the face, you need to use this lip product morning and evening. The method has a consistency much like that of Vaseline, which implies that it’s thicker and just a little tackier than another choices.
Scented? Sure
Shades: N/A
Out there sizes: 0.5 fl. oz.
- Dermatologist-approved
- Makes use of a delicate skin-friendly retinol
- Moisturizing substances offset potential irritation from retinol
- Mess-free packaging
- Formulated with perfume
- Costly
![Marin Lip Treatment](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Marin-Lip-Treatment_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest for eczema: Marin, Lip Therapy — $18.00
Key substances: marine glycoproteins
The Marin Lip Therapy adheres to the Nationwide Eczema Affiliation’s ingredient pointers, making it secure for anybody with eczema or atopic dermatitis. A favourite of Dr. Yadav, it soothes irritation, nourishes harassed pores and skin, and replenishes the moisture barrier.
“The method incorporates marine glycoproteins derived from lobster, which helps hydrate, soothe, and promote your pores and skin’s pure regenerative course of,” she says. And that’s not all: “It additionally incorporates squalane, coconut oil, and artificial beeswax to situation, moisturize, and shield.” We love that it is available in a large tube (so it’ll final some time) and in an unscented possibility for people who find themselves delicate to perfume. If you happen to like scented merchandise, it additionally is available in a Blueberry French Toast possibility. (Yum.)
Scented? Sure
Shades: N/A
Out there sizes: 0.5 oz.
- Dermatologist-approved
- Elements are perfect for delicate pores and skin
- Scented and unscented varieties
- Mess-free packaging
- Not for folks with a shellfish allergy
![](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kissu-Lip-mask-_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest in a single day: Tatcha, Kissu Lip Masks — $29.00
Key substances: Japanese peach extract, Japanese camellia oil, squalane
Tatcha Kissu Lip Masks isn’t technically a lip balm, however we’d be remiss to not point out it on this checklist. Superb for people seeking to complement a day by day lip balm or a deep dose of moisture, the method works whilst you sleep, leaving you with smoother, softer lips within the morning. With this hydrating method, it’s love at first swipe. If you happen to do need to put on it through the day, it is available in a tinted model that kisses lips with a contact of purplish coloration. Higher but, the method is fragrance-free to make it appropriate for even probably the most delicate pores and skin sorts.
Scented? No (fragrance-free)
Shades: 2
Out there sizes: 0.32 oz.
- Offers deep moisturization
- Made with occlusive substances
- Reduces flakiness
- Alcohol- and fragrance-free
- Stickier than conventional balms
![Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Weleda-Skin-Food-Original-Ultra-Rich-Cream_falsexfalse_true_70.webp)
Greatest lip balm various: Weleda, Pores and skin Meals Unique Extremely-Wealthy Cream — $18.00
Key substances: gentle viola tricolor, calendula, chamomile, beeswax, almond oil
Board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, prefers utilizing ointments to lip balms, and this feature from Weleda is one she personally makes use of. “With lip balm, I discovered myself reapplying a number of occasions—and an extreme variety of occasions a day. Nonetheless, once I use the Weleda Pores and skin Meals within the morning, my lips keep hydrated for a considerably longer interval,” she says. The method boasts a mix of soothing calendula and chamomile, alongside beeswax and pure oils that serve to lock in moisture. Higher but, you can apply it to extra than simply your lips—you need to use the fragrance-free method on elbows, and arms, toes.
Scented? No (fragrance-free)
Shades: N/A
Out there sizes: 2.5 fl. oz.
- Dermatologist-approved
- Offers long-lasting moisture
- Alcohol- and fragrance-free
- Multipurpose
- Packaging isn’t as travel-friendly as different choices
- Not technically a lip balm
FAQS
What’s the greatest remedy for very dry lips?
Many house treatments for dry, chapped lips will quench a parched kisser, like ensuring to drink loads of water or making use of frequent pantry staples like honey or coconut oil to your pout. Exfoliation can even assist, says Dr. Idriss, which is a part of her “lip blasting” method. The 2-step method first includes exfoliating the lips with a 5-10 % glycolic acid (or when you have delicate pores and skin, mandelic acid), after which as soon as absolutely absorbed, slathering on a thick layer of ointment. If something, she warns that you just’ll need to keep away from step one altogether when you have a historical past of chilly sores or an energetic irritation. After all, there may be additionally lip balm, which may also help to stop dry lips within the first place, as long as you’re utilizing one which’s made with the best substances.
If, regardless of your greatest efforts, your lips are nonetheless dry, you would possibly need to communicate to your dermatologist to find out whether or not it’s attributable to an underlying difficulty.
Is it OK to place lip balm each day?
The brief reply is sure. “It’s not unhealthy to use lip balm all through the day,” says Dr. Nazarian. “There’s no such factor as a lip balm ‘overdose’ so long as the lip balm doesn’t comprise irritating substances and so long as it incorporates an occlusive ingredient to stop moisture loss.”
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