Regardless of the season, we continuously find ourselves reaching for our most hydrating skin care products to keep our skin in optimal health. But with winter nearing, the search for these types of products grows exponentially to help beat the dryness that comes with the colder months — and that includes lip balm.
If you’ve found yourself needing more and more balm to soothe chapped lips, we have some news: the one you’re using might actually be doing more harm than good.
To learn more, we consulted three experts — associate clinical professor of dermatology Dr. Mona Gohara and board-certified dermatologists Dr. Brendan Camp and Dr. David Kim — to find out why certain lip balms dry out your lips and which ones you should be reaching for instead.
Keep reading to have all your lip balm questions answered and shop expert- and editor-approved picks.
What causes chapped lips? | Lip balm ingredients to look for | Best dermatologist-approved lip balms for dry lips | Editor-loved lip balms | How we chose | Meet our experts
What causes chapped lips?
There are several reasons why your lips might be feeling dry and irritated, especially at this time of the year. As you may already know, the cold weather can have an effect on your pout, as your lips are very thin-skinned, so they're much more likely to dry out, Gohara says.
Everyday factors like the enzymes in saliva, yeast or bacteria or certain ingredients in skin care products or food, can also cause irritation, Camp explained.
It also might be a matter of not giving them enough attention. "A lot of people don't give love to their lips," Gohara says. "They'll moisturize their face, but they're not moisturizing their lips."
Though, if you are giving them plenty of love, but find that they're ending up chapped and dry not long after you apply a balm, it could be because you're using what Gohara calls the "wrong balm."
Lip balm ingredients to look for
So now that you're well-versed on what you should avoid, the question remains: How do you choose a lip balm that's actually going to help your lips, instead of hurting them?
To maximize hydration, you want to look for ingredients that will help trap water in the skin while keeping it moisturized for a long period of time, Camp says. "Ingredients like beeswax, olive oil, castor oil, coconut oil and shea butter are often used for this purpose." Kim also notes that "petroleum...and squalane are great ingredients" for treating dry lips.
But for the ideal formula, Gohara says that a combination of humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), which draw moisture into the skin as well as occlusives (such as shea butter and mineral oil), which work to lock the moisture in.
Both Camp and Kim also recommend getting a formula with SPF to help protect the area from the sun.
The best lip balms for dry lips, according to dermatologists
Most loved by dermatologists: Vaseline Lip Therapy Lip Balm
- Fits in a purse
- Helps with irritated skin
- Product can get under nails
Size: 0.25 oz | Key ingredients: Petrolatum | About: Non-sticky, non-greasy formula; free of parabens, fragrance, phthalate-free, aluminum, sulfate
Both Kim and Gohara suggested Vaseline's lip balm. The non-greasy formula is designed to lock in moisture to soothe dry lips and prevent them from getting chapped later on.
"A lot of lip balms feel nice initially, but dry out your lips soon after," Kim says. "Vaseline Lip Therapy keeps your lips occluded so it’s hydrated and moisturized and allows your lips to heal."
"Has so many uses": Cetaphil Healing Ointment
- Can be used on different areas
- It's hypoallergenic
- Can feel slightly greasy
Size: 3.4 oz | Key ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin E | About: Hypoallergenic formula; free of fragrance, parabens, mineral oil, lanolin, preservatives
“This ointment has many uses, aside from being a lip balm,” Camp says. “It can be used on dry, cracked skin, rough cuticles and cuts and scrapes. It also contains shea butter and vitamin E.”
Hydrating for cracked lips: Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer
- It has a glossy texture
- Coats lips with small amount
- Can feel a bit sticky
Size: 0.3 oz | Key ingredients: Fatty acid blend | About: Free of fragrance, flavor, gluten, sulfates, phthalates, PEGs, mineral oils, parabens
Camp says that this lip moisturizer from Malin + Goetz is "smooth" and "hydrating" and is designed to keep your lips nourished for hours.
Best SPF lip balm: EltaMD UV Lip Balm
- It has SPF protection
- Can leave a white cast
Size: 0.28 oz | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, glycerin, vitamin C and E, hydromanil | About: SPF of 36; non-comedogenic; free of parabens
"This lip balm offers SPF 36 protection and contains vitamins C and E, antioxidants along with glycerin to keep lips protected and soft," Camp says.
The best lip balms for dry lips, according to editors
Best affordable lip balm: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm Peppermint
- Moisturizes quickly
- It feels refreshing
- Extremely small
Size: .15 oz | Key ingredients: Beeswax, jojoba, avocado, hemp oil | About: Peppermint-scented; free of synthetic ingredients
When the weather is extremely cold, protect your lips with this beeswax-infused lip balm. Senior editor Jess Bender loves this one.
“I’ve used (and lost) dozens of lip balms in my days, with most making my lips more chapped than they were prior. Dr. Bronner’s is probably the first that has actually delivered on its promise of relieving sore, peeling lips. It utilizes various oils (hemp, avocaco, jojoba) that moisturize, plus it has a soothing peppermint aroma!”
All about the scent: Tree Hut Sugarlips Lip Butter
- Afforable
- Easy to apply
- Very subtle flavor/scent
- Formula can get grainy
Size: .52 oz | Key ingredients: Shea butter, rosehip oil, chinaberry extract | About: Free of parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde donors
Formulated with shea butter, rosehip oil and chinaberry, production coordinator Camryn Privette can’t get enough of this lip butter from TikTok-loved brand Tree Hut. “I love how it has subtle hints of mango and vanilla but they’re not overwhelmingly sweet or anything. It’s become my new go-to!”
Most eco-friendly: eos Vanilla Bean Plant-Based Lip Salve
- Natural formula
- Glides on super smooth
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Have to apply with finger
Size: 0.42 oz; equal to three of their stick lip balms | Key ingredients: Olive squalane, sustainable shea butter and rich cocoa butter | About: Natural, vegan
One word to describe this lip balm is texture. And I [San Miguel] don’t mean that it’s tough or gritty — it’s the complete opposite. When I first dipped into eos’s Plant-Based Lip Salve, I instantly loved how creamy it was. It transferred beautifully to my lips, gliding on so, so smooth.
The creaminess makes sense, though, since it has olive squalane, sustainable shea butter and rich cocoa butter as its core ingredients. It’s hard to believe they’re all natural, too — even the packaging is recyclable and reusable!
A classic: Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve Tin
- Has a light scent
- Application can get messy
Size: 0.8 oz | Key ingredients: Cotton seed oil | About: Vegan formula
According to commerce writer Danielle Murphy, this long-time consumer favorite “NEVER fails me. I use this practically every night and I have yet to have chapped lips this season.” It can also be used on other dry spots on the skin, including the cuticles.
Most multi-use: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- It has multiple uses
- Protects minor cuts and burns
- Can feel greasy in big amounts
Size: 1.75 oz | Key ingredients: Glycerin, lanolil | About: Free of preservatives, fragrance
According to associate editor Kamari Stewart, this ointment works better than the Aquaphor Lip Repair.
“This is my tried-and-true lip balm. I love it because it’s a multi-use product. I’ve also used it for dry skin and for healing tattoos. A little goes a long way so this tube will last you quite a while. I recently introduced my mom to using Aquaphor on your lips and she couldn’t believe how moisturizing it was!”
For a little bit of flavor: Poppy & Pout All Natural Lip Balm
- Doesn't feel sticky
- Moisturizes fast
- Cardboard packaging
Size: 0.15 oz | Key ingredients: Beeswax, vitamin E, organic coconut oil | About: Free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, sodium lauryl sulfate
If you want a little flavor on your lips, this product is the right one. It’s formulated with natural ingredients like beeswax, sunflower oil and coconut oil to deliver a soothing texture. According to social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo, “It feels instantly moisturizing, smells nice and lasts a long time without having to re-apply.
For a hydrated, glowing finish: Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm
- Glowy finish
- Comes in four shades
- Small packaging
Size: 0.34 oz | Key ingredients: Phyto-derived esters, shea butter, cupuaçu butter, plant squalane | About: Vegan; free of parabens
The best way to describe Naturium's Phyto-Glow Lip Balm? It's all in the name: The finish is glow-y and the formula is plush, so I don't have to worry about applying a gloss on top when I [San Miguel] have this product on hand.
I first saw it on TikTok, then the Target aisles and was instantly drawn to the glowing results. While the balm is highly moisturizing, the shine is worth noting.
Best variety: Glossier Balm Dotcom
- Beloved scents and shades
- Upgraded packaging
- Rich, emollient formula
- Applicator can be messy
Size: 0.5 oz | Key ingredients: Castor seed oil, beeswax, lanolin | About: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, more
With over nine scents and shades to choose from, production associate Audrey Ekman says she nearly owns them all. "It’s that good," she boasts. "Whether I’m pairing it with a liner or wearing it solo, this always leaves my lips feeling moisturized and looking plump and glossy."
For tons of glow: Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
- Doubles as a lip gloss
- Sheer but flattering tints
- Flavor fades
Size: 0.35 oz | Key ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru seed butter | About: Free of gluten, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, more
While the Lip Sleeping Mask has a cult-like following, Laneige’s lip balm doesn’t get the credit it truly deserves. Privette also loves this product because of the soothing ingredients (murumuru and shea butter) and how it provides a radiant glow and peak hydration.
For instant relief: Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Lip Balm
- Vegan formula
- Non-greasy
- Have to apply to fingertip
Size: 0.4 oz | Key ingredients: Shea butter, rosehip, jojoba, sweet almond oils | About: Vegan, non-toxic
I [San Miguel] use this Grown Alchemist lip balm specifically when I need quick relief and/or notice my lips aren't as smooth as usual. If you love to wear tinted lip products like me, but deal with textured lips, this product is a great base for other lip balms and other lip products like lip glosses and lipsticks, especially matte formulas. It prevents my lips from looking patchy because the formula absorbs pretty quickly.
Plump it up: Teoxane 3D Lip Hydrating Smoothing Gel
- Hydrating
- Very smooth
- Hard to find
Size: 0.3 oz | Key ingredients: 100% hyaluronic acid-based TEOSYAL | About: Anti-aging formula
While this lip balm has a gloss effect, the actual texture feel hydrating. "This has become my favorite lip balm and use it exclusively at night. It offers a plumping effect with that extra dose of hydration from the hyaluronic acid. I've used it for the past three weeks and my lips feel super smooth," says commerce writer Jannely Espinal.
The lip balm is meant for an anti-aging skin care routine and for those who use injectables.
Most trending: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
- Long-lasting hydration
- Smells good; unscented options
- Higher price tag
Size: .5 oz | Key ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru seed butter, vegan waxes | About: Vegan; free of gluten
Aside from delivering hydration, this lip balm comes in different shades — a great alternative if you want to give your lipsticks a break.
“This TikTok-viral lip balm has quickly become one of my favorites to use. It’s not only hydrating, but also moisturizing and leaves your lips feeling super soft and smooth. It’s an investment but I think it’s worth it. I keep (at least) one on me at all times,” shares Stewart.
Hold up moisture: Nécessaire The Lip Balm Multi-Ceramide
- Smells like mint
- Doesn't freeze or clump
- Applicator gets cold
Size: 0.5 oz | Key ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, omega 6/9 and centella asiatica extract | About: Vegan
Shigo says this lip balm is easy to use and has a nice scent. "I have been wearing this in the cold and it really holds up and stops my lips from cracking and keeps them moisturized even on super cold days. You don't need to use a ton of it to keep your lips moisturized," says Shigo.
It delivers a fresh sensation and meant to soothe chapped lips at instant glide.
Treat dry lips overnight: Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask in Kiku
- Helps with flakes
- Comes with applicator
- Plumping
- A little goes a long way
Size: 0.32 oz | Key ingredients: Japanese peach extract, three rose extract, Japanese camellia oil | About: Gel texture
I [San Miguel] have always had issues with overly dry lips. If not properly moisturized, they get uncomfortably chapped, often leading to flakes and cuts in crevices — it's never fun. I've been loving this Tatcha lip mask because it seems to 'lock in' moisture to keep them hydrated and soothed overnight, up until the next day.
During a recent bout with chapped lips, I noticed that this balm calmed the irritation and pain I felt every time I moved my mouth. Plus, the packaging is too cute — it even comes with an applicator that stays put on the lid.
How we chose
We leaned on the expertise of board-certified dermatologists and got their recommendations on the best ingredients and lip balms to soothe dry, chapped lips. We also tapped into the knowledge of Shop TODAY editors, asking them to share the tried-and-true products they use to keep their pouts soft and supple on a daily basis.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut in Hamden. She is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine and vice president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. He is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology.
- Dr. David Kim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatologist in New York City. He is also a fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist.
