Ah, lip balms. The refreshing, thirst-quenching and hydrating addition to your puckers you didn’t know you needed until the colder months start to creep in.
While SPF is great for your lips all year round, a nourishing lip balm can alleviate the uncomfortable cracked and chapped feeling. And, with some thicker formulas, you’ll soon fall in love.
While clear lip glosses add a nice shimmer to your lips, some of the 32 lip balms in this edit provide that same sheen (well, with the added hydrating, creamy feel).
We spent weeks trying out dozens of lip balms, ointments, oils and scrubs to deliver the best ones to deliver unmatched refreshment to your lips. From Burt’s Bees to Laneige, you’re sure to find one that sparks your attention.
Oh, and we’re totally putting all our money on the fact that your new go-to purse essential is sitting somewhere in this list below. Prepare for the brunt of winter, lip-forward.
Click to skip our FAQs and go straight to the best lip balms we tried by category:
Which brand is best for lip balm?
Lanolips is often regarded as one of the best brands for lip balms by many users and beauty enthusiasts. Here’s why it’s a brand that stood out to us in testing:
Key ingredient: Lanolips lip balms are formulated with lanolin, a natural substance derived from sheep’s wool. Lanolin is known for its moisturizing and emollient properties, making it highly effective in soothing and hydrating dry lips.
Long-lasting moisture: Lanolips lip balms are known for providing long-lasting moisture to the lips. The rich and creamy texture of their products helps to create a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the lips hydrated for an extended period.
Versatile formulas: Lanolips offers a range of lip balms with different formulations that cater to a variety of needs. Whether you prefer tinted balms, glossy finishes, or treatment-focused formulations, Lanolips has a product for you.
Natural ingredients: In addition to lanolin, Lanolips lip balms often include other natural ingredients that contribute to the overall health of the lips. These may include botanical extracts, oils, and vitamins, providing additional benefits beyond basic hydration.
Cruelty-free: Many users appreciate Lanolips for its commitment to cruelty-free practices. The brand is known for not testing its products on animals, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize ethical considerations in their beauty purchases.
Of course, individual preferences always vary, and what works best for us may not be the best for you. However, based on Lanolips’ positive reputation, quality ingredients, and overall effectiveness, we definitely count this brand as one of the top choices on the market today.
What is the safest or healthiest lip balm?
When it comes to determining the safest or healthiest lip balms, there are some general criteria that we let guide us to some of our favorites, such as those from Burt’s Bees and Khiel’s. Read on for our guide to finding the best lip balms that are also safe and healthy to use.
Natural and organic ingredients: Look for lip balms that use natural and organic ingredients, as they are often gentler on the skin. Avoid products with synthetic fragrances, colors, and preservatives, as these could potentially lead to irritation.
Hypoallergenic formulas: Opting for lip balms labeled as hypoallergenic minimizes risks of allergic reactions. These products are generally safer for individuals with sensitive skin as well.
Free of harmful chemicals: Choose lip balms that are free from potentially harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and petrolatum. These substances can be irritating or even have more serious health implications. Ick.
SPF protection: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sun protection is important for overall lip health and can help prevent issues like sunburn and premature aging.
Non-comedogenic: If you are prone to acne or breakouts around the mouth, select a lip balm labeled as non-comedogenic. This means it won’t clog pores and is less likely to contribute to acne.
Dermatologist-recommended: Lip balms that are recommended or approved by dermatologists may be considered safer for use, as they are formulated with skin health in mind.
Cruelty-free: If ethical considerations are important to you, choose lip balms from brands that are cruelty-free, meaning they do not test their products on animals.
Is lip balm or Vaseline better for lips?
An age old question. The most important thing to note when discerning the differences between lip balms and Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is that Vaseline is more of an emollient top coat, protecting the moisture and hydration already on and in your skin. Lip balms, while they can also be more protective of existing hydration than able to impart it depending on ingredient hierarchy, tend to have ingredients like hyaluronic acid or lanolin, as we discussed, which infuse the skin with moisture.
Essentially, Vaseline can be helpful for protecting the lips, but if it’s real hydration you’re after, opt for a balm with a variety of hydrating ingredients.
Best Lip Balms
Best overall: Lano Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm
While we stand by all of the lip balms in this list, the Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm is my go-to for everyday use. I’ve spoken with dozens of people who all rave about it so when put to the test, it surely met the hype. It provides a hydrating sheen without it being too goopy to eat or apply lipstick after.
Best runner-up Alpyn Beauty Willow & Sweet Agave Plumping Lip Mask
Don’t walk to Sephora — run for the Alpyn Beauty Willow & Sweet Agave Plumping Lip Mask.
In a travel-friendly pot with a hydrating formula, it’s no surprise the product offers much-needed moisture. It sits on my nightstand and doesn’t leave too. You’ll also love using the brand’s Creamy Bubbling Cleanser with Fruit Enzymes & AHAs ($36).
Best cult-favorite: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Meet the holy grail of the lip game. Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask has a cult following and is the perfect product to apply right before bed. It sits on top of my nightstand and, when I wake up, my lips don’t feel cracked or dry; it’s simple, hydrating and effective.
Best tinted: Glossier ‘Ultralip’
Kill two birds with one stone — a hydrating balm with a subtle tint. Glossier’s ‘Ultralip’ is one of my favorites (especially if I don’t want stains on my coffee mug) and the shades ‘Lucite’ (a soft peony pink), ‘Fête’ (a watermelon red) and ‘Trench’ (a toffee brown) complement a variety of skin tones.
Plus, how cute is the packaging?
Best vegan: LYS Beauty Speak Love Glossy Lip Treatment Oil
As a certified Clean at Sephora product, LYS Beauty’s Speak Love Glossy Lip Treatment Oil gives your lips a natural feel, shine and hydration. Plus, it’s infused with vitamin E, chia seed oil and sunflower, carrot, sweet almond and macadamia nut oils for extra nourishment.
Best pigmented: Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balm
Charlotte Tilbury did it again with its Happikiss Lipstick Balm in the much-loved ‘Pillowtalk’ shade. That said, it’s perfect to nourishingly prime and pair with the iconic lipstick and lip liner to match.
Best subtle hydrator: Laneige Lip Treatment Balm
If you want a lip balm with practically no color or gloss, Laneige’s Lip Treatment Balm does the nourishing job of not leaving a trace. And, it’s a great mini tub to throw in your mini bag.
Best for winter: Caudalie Lip Conditioner
Caudalie is one of my favorite skincare brands, especially for its Vinopure cleanser, serum and moisturizer trio). Remaining consistent with quality, its Lip Conditioner is a clear-show stick that is particularly great on your upper lip area and even right under your nose for the colder months.
And, it has a subtle flavor of grape oil and shea butter.
Best tube: Laneige Gummy Bear Lip Glowy Balm
Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm is pure nostalgia from middle school days. Juicy and coming in many scents, it’s a perfect quencher to any dry lip and a fun carry essential in your purse.
Best lipstick replacement: NARS Afterglow Lip Balm
The NARS Afterglow Lip Balm is perfect if you always have to have a tint of color on your lips — and if the traditional balm isn’t your thing. It’s mini, gives you more of a pigment than others in this list and fits nicely in a clutch.
Best value: Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack
The Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack has been the lip balm in my purse for the longest time and is a definite dupe to Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask. However, this one has more of a sheen and a slightly goopier texture than Laneige’s blendable formula.
Best scented: Mario Badescu Lip Balm
Helloooo coconut. For just $8, we’re not even allowing you to think twice about picking up Mario Badescu’s Lip Balm. It’s the perfect tube that provides hours-long nourishment.
And, while you’re at it, shopping the brand’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater ($12) is the perfect complement to smelling like coconut all day long (and, one of our favorite, refreshing products).
Best gloss replacement: Lawless Forget The Filler Lip Plumping Line Smoothing Gloss
Okay, you caught us red-handed. While Lawless’ Forget The Filler is technically a gloss — and, one the best clear lip glosses we reviewed — it applies so translucently and it’s so hydrating that it doubles as a balm.
Best lip oil: Joeur Essential Hydrating Lip Oil
If you’re on the market for a watery-based lip product that still provides rejuvenation, look no further than Joeur’s Essential Hydrating Lip Oil. It’s a luxe treatment that’s only $20 at Amazon, too.
Best subtle plumper: Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Balm
Not into lip oils? No sweat — Jouer’s Essential Lip Enhancer Balm provides similar nourishment in a tube that even provides a slight plump to your puckers.
Best value pack: Softlips Vanilla Lip Balm Protectant with SPF 20 (5-Pack)
Oh, Sottlips. I have one in practically every place I need it: my purse, my vanity, my car console and more. You get the drill. But seriously, it’s the skinniest tube that offers affordable hydration. And, you can grab five of them for $10.
Best budget: Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment
Storytime: When I was in middle school, I tested a bunch of drugstore skincare brands on Petri dishes to see which ones were the most hydrating (long story short, gelatin served as the skin). Well, Aquaphor tested the best and ever since, I’ve been using the brand’s lotions and lip products.
Its Lip Repair Ointment is a no-frills tube that does the job for less than $5 — a total steal.
Best splurge: Dior ‘Dior Addict’ Lip Glow
Looking for a luxe lip balm? The Dior Addict Lip Glow comes in the prettiest packaging ever, is a universal lip color and is super hydrating for days out in the cold.
Best with hyaluronic acid: Biossance Squalane+ Rose Vegan Lip Balm
Looking for hydration? Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate super ingredient and it’s infused into Biossance’s Squalene+ Rose Vegan Lip Balm. With a nourishing feel and subtle plumping effect, it’s a lovely option to refresh your puckers.
Best jumbo: Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm
When first unboxed, I was surprised Drunk Elephant’s Lippe Balm was unscented. But, when I applied it, I knew what the hype was all about — its obtuse size fully covered my lips in one swipe and it’s the cutest size we’ve ever seen.
Plus, with a name like Drunk Elephant, it adds a bit of flair to any stocking stuffer.
Best flavor options: Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm
This edit would be incomplete without Fresh’s Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm. Popular in holiday sets nationwide, it truly is worth the hype for flavorful nourishment that’s well worth the price.
Best primer: Glow Recipe Glow Lip Pop Lip Balm
Glow Recipe’s incredibly smelling Glow Lip Pop Lip Balm isn’t just fabulous for its watermelon and blueberry scents. It cured my chapped lips in minutes and served as a lightweight, smooth primer to apply before lipstick. If you want fruity, it’s fruity quality.
Best for sensitive lips: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy
I swear by First Aid Beauty, and its Ultra Repair Lip Therapy is the only balm on this list with a buttery texture. If you’re blessed with dry or chronically dry skin — I unfortunately was — then this is the balm you need. No questions asked.
Best refreshing: Lancôme L’Absolu Mademoiselle Lip Balm
Not only is Lancôme’s L’Absolu Mademoiselle Lip Balm clad in sleek, shiny packaging, but it has a surprising cooling effect that works wonders on chapped lips. Hence, its wonderful shade in ‘Ice Cold Pink.’ And, it gives your lips a hint of color.
Best versatile: Too Faced Peach Bloom Color Blossoming Lip & Cheek Tint
If you love fruity balms, Too Faced’s Peach Bloom Color Blossoming Lip & Cheek Tint is an all-around fabulous product. It was revitalizing and even doubles as a cheek flush.
For a personal favorite, the ‘Strawberry Glow’ flavor is immaculate.
Best shimmer: RMS Beauty Hydrating Tinted Daily Lip Balm
What’s great about RMS Beauty’s Hydrating Tinted Daily Lip Balm is the subtle sparkle it leaves behind — a rare find for a lip balm. And, if you’re not into shine too much, the shade ‘Simply Cocoa‘ leaves your lips hydrated without a trace.
Best rich: Belif Aqua Bomb Overnight Lip Mask
Belif has been one of my recent loves in the skincare industry. The products are so creamy and luscious that I had to try its Overnight Lip Mask — and I was far from disappointed. With a soothing texture, it’s a good investment with colder days ahead.
Best long-lasting: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir
Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir was like getting a facial on my lips. Infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and plant extracts, it’s an all-natural product that’ll give your lips a refresh in the colder months.
Best ingredients: Kiehl’s Since 1851 Buttermask Intense Repair Lip Treatment
Kiehl’s Since 1851’s Buttermask Intense Repair Lip Treatment is a standout product because of its mango butter infusion. Mixed with coconut oil (like many other balms in this edit), the addition of mango butter makes it a double-weighted hydrator that’s worth every penny.
Best drugstore: Burt’s Bee’s Beeswax Lip Balm Variety Pack
Truth be told, I didn’t find Burt’s Bee’s lip balms terribly hydrating, but it is a good solution that’s affordable and a drugstore offering with some subtle flavor. Its strawberry flavor is a personal favorite.
Best creamy: Lano Coconutter Lanostick
Upon applying, I was automatically taken to a tropical island. The Lano Coconutter Lanostick is the most indulgent feel on your lips, too, thanks to its unmatched creaminess. And, you’ll have a hint of summer even in the cold.
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