Dry, chapped lips can be a nuisance at any time of the year, but the problem becomes more pronounced in autumn and winter.
Thanks to cold temperatures and less humidity in the air, any natural moisture on your lips simply evaporates, leaving you with dry, cracked and scaly skin.
Unlike the rest of the skin, which has a thick stratum corneum (a layer of dead cells) for extra protection, the lips do not have, so they are even more prone to winter dryness.
In addition to seasonal changes, your dry lips can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as antihistamines (common if you have allergies) or isotretinoin (used in severe acne).
There is also a condition called allergic contact cheilitis, which can occur as a result of the use of certain toothpastes, cosmetics and other ingredients in personal care products.
As tempting as it may seem, the last thing you want to do is lick or moisturize your lips to try to find relief. This will make things even worse, because that moisture will evaporate as well, and you will remain even drier lips.
That’s where the moisturizing lip treatment comes in. Chances are that you have a few lip balms somewhere in your bag, drawer or next to your bed, which are forgotten because they just don’t work – so keep in mind the following tips when looking for that cream again, i.e. a balm that will quickly heal your lips.
How to choose a good balm for sensitive lips?
- Choose soothing ingredients: Look for products that contain occlusive ingredients, which create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. Petrolatum, silicone, squalene, lanolin, shea butter and waxes all fit the problem. Humaktants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin (which pull water into the skin like a sponge) are also helpful. A mild steroid, such as 1% hydrocortisone, can reduce inflammation for more painful lips.
- Beware of irritants: Although coolants such as camphor and menthol feel good after application, but afterwards it can hurt. Exfoliating ingredients (such as salicylic acid or physical granules in peels) should also be avoided if your lips are clogged, as this will not fix the underlying problem and can make your lips feel dry. Components like capsaicin are not a great idea because they will cause swelling.
- Keep your reaction in mind: Even some traditionally useful ingredients, such as beeswax, can cause allergic reactions in humans. Lanolin, peppermint and coconut oil, propylene glycol, fragrances, dyes and more can also trigger irritation, so if you feel that lip balm makes things worse for you, it may be time to see a dermatologist.
- Know when to see a doctor: If you only have ‘chapped lip’ stains that are permanent, don’t assume it’s just dryness. In this case, you could have actinic keratosis – a precancerous skin condition caused by excessive sun. A lip balm containing SPF can help protect you from harmful UV rays.
12 Best Balms for The Care of Dry and Chapped Lips
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to find the best lip balm that will suit you. Here are 12 options that will turn your lips from dry and chapped to smooth and supple.
1. Original Vaseline
Vaseline is a favorite of dermatologists because of its simple formula of 100% Vaseline. It’s affordable, great for sensitive skin types and does the job.
You can also use it as a preventive treatment: stick it on your lips if you know you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors in cooler temperatures – say, before you go skiing or hiking – to protect your skin from the wind.
2. First Aid Beauty Ultra – Restorative Lip Therapy
This nutrient formula is enriched with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter and glycerin for the ultimate soothing and smoothing trifecta, in addition to hyaluronic acid and squamous for extra moisture. Lip balm feels slightly thicker after application, but it quickly absorbs into the skin to shrink and hydrate.
The best part? It does not contain alcohol that dries out the skin and irritant dyes or odors.
3. Jack Black – Lip Balm Intensive Therapy SPF 25
With more than 1,700 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, it’s clear that Jack Black did something right with this ultra-conditioning lip balm, which includes beeswax, shea butter, green tea extract, lanolin, cocoa seed butter, and SPF 25.
One reviewer posted: “I applied a very small amount and my lips improved considerably after three days.
I’ve never had really dry lips, but anyway it was a big difference after I applied it, and the total healing time was about a week. If you have dry lips all the time, you need to try this balm.”
4. Aquaphor – Lip repair
Aquaphor is a reason for a reason. It contains glycerin that is drawn into moisture, shea butter and beeswax for protection, chamomile essence to relieve dryness and cracks, as well as castor seed oil for additional hydration.
Moreover, Aquaphor is odorless, color-free and preservative-free, so it’s a great option if you have sensitive lips.
5. Caudalie lip balm
Caudalie is also a good choice, as it is soothing and moisturizing, thanks to shea butter, beeswax, a few vegetable oils and grapefruit extract. Not only does it repair and protect dry, chapped lips, but it’s also a nice cosmetic treatment itself.
If you find that your lip makeup never adheres smoothly, apply this balm 10 to 15 minutes before to ensure a smooth and even application.
6. Fix My Skin – Healing Body Balm
Fix My Skin Lip Balm is ideal for irritated lips, as it contains 1% hydrocortisone, a mild steroid, to reduce inflammation.
The odorless formula also contains occlusive agents such as shea butter and beeswax, and can also be used to alleviate skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or even unpleasant insect bites.
7. Kiehl’s Lip Balm # 1
This classic Kiehl’s lip balm feels more like a light oil than a traditional labello. It comes out of the solid mass, but it immediately melts into the skin when you apply it to your lips.
Enriched with petroleum jelly and squalene that protects the skin, soothing aloe vera and nourishing vitamin E, this simple balm will leave softer lips in a short time.
8. ChapStick – Total Hydration Lip Balm
The chapstick lip moisturizer is a total winner for those who want to boost hydration without crowding the extra lip color.
The extremely nutritious formula is packed with coconut, argan, pomegranate and jojoba oil for smooth and creamy application, while shea butter firms moisture in place.
The best part? It is available in a range of flattering and different shades – from warm nude to dreamy merlot.
9. Bag Balm Skin Moisturizer
For very chapped lips we recommend Bag balm because it contains occlusive ingredients such as petroleum jelly and lanolin with antiseptic preservative. Seals lips well overnight.
In addition, you can use this balm on any part of the body that is dry or cracked. It is especially great with cut edges on the nose when you often sneeze or blow in wipes.
10. Neosporin – Night Renewal Therapy
Neosporin may be known for its antibacterial ointment – but their healing protective lip protector should get just as much love.
With the help of lanolin, cocoa butter and vitamin E, this petrol-based lip treatment reduces dryness and scalyness, while nourishing the skin to repair all cracks. Free from preservatives, parabens and artificial flavors, it is especially great for chapped lips that are easily irritated by other formulas.
11. Coola Suncare Liplux Sport – Lip Treatment SPF 30
Highly recommended lip balm with SPF 30 sample for sun protection.
It contains moisturizing fats of raspberry fruits, shea and avocados, as well as nutritious and protective vitamins and antioxidants. It glides smoothly and instantly hydrates exhausted lips.
12. Dill coconut lip gloss
This coconut oil-based hybrid, balsam-gloss, is the perfect product for those who like a little shine while healing lips. Shea butter and squalane enhance hydration for a smooth and nourished brain – all excluding parabens, silicones and strong chemicals.
A cruelty-free vegan formula also never feels sticky.