Editors And Dermatologists Tested Tons Of Lip Balms—This One Came Out On Top

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No matter how minimal or maximal your overall skincare routine is (or the order in which you apply your products), we can all agree that having a go-to lip balm within reach at all times is a necessity—even if it's just Aquaphor or Vaseline. Many dermatologists and skin experts will tell you that the skin on your lips is more sensitive than the skin anywhere else on your body apart from your undereye area (this is why you need lip balms with SPF). And because we spend so much time putting them to use—between talking, eating, and exposing them to UV rays and blue light—they're very prone to dryness and chapping.

"Chapped lips are characterized by peeling, fissuring, and cracking of the lip skin, and can be caused by a number of factors including cold, dry air, freezing temps and harsh winds, etc.," explains dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD. Dermatologist Stacey Tull, MD, Mohs surgeon at St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in Missouri, adds that dehydration, over-licking, sun damage, eczema, and menthol in lip balms can also cause dryness and irritation of the lips.

Best Lip Balms

• Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm B5

• Best Affordable: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Lip Gloss

• Best Cult-Classic: Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment

• Best With SPF: Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30 with Mint

• Best Stick: Caudalie Vinotherapist Repairing Lip Balm

The bottom line: You need something that's going to keep your pout hydrated and supple all year long. Thankfully, we tapped nine skincare experts, from estheticians to dermatologists, to get their input on what to look for in the best lip balms and which ones they recommend to their clientele. Then, we took matters into our own hands and tested them all ourselves, narrowing down our list to the 14 best lip balms for a wide range of different concerns. Before diving into our list, keep reading to discover what to look for when shopping for your new balm.

What to consider

Key Ingredients

According to esthetician Ivey Rogers, the most important things to look for in a lip balm are moisturizing and soothing ingredients. However, because the lips have the thinnest skin on the body, you want to avoid products that are overloaded with ingredients. Here are the main ones to keep an eye out for:

If you have dry, cracked, or peeling lips, you should look for lip balms that have humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. According to Rogers, these ingredients help draw moisture into the skin. You also want to look for more occlusive ingredients that help lock your humectants in, like squalane, shea butter, or avocado oil, she adds, noting that it's also important to look for conditioning ingredients like vitamin E and sunscreen, if possible. "The sun isn't the only culprit when it comes to UV exposure, and with so many people working remotely, it's important to protect against blue light exposure from the technology we use every day as well."

Flavor

If you already lick your lips a lot, Rogers notes that flavored lip balms may make you want to lick them even more, causing excessive dryness and irritation—especially if your lips are already dry and cracked—so it's okay to skip those if they're not for you. However, if you love a good flavor, there are tons of options on this list to choose from (one of our faves being from Laneige!).

How we chose

To find the best lip balms to hydrate dry, cracked lips, we consulted nine skincare experts and asked our in-house editors and team of anonymous testers what products they use and love. From there, we re-tested all the products, narrowing down our final list to include different types of top-rated lip balms, including tinted balms, lightweight glosses, and everyday hydrators that deliver serious moisture and last for hours.

Ahead, you'll find a guide to the best lip balms, tested by dermatologists and skin experts.

Cicaplast Lip Balm B5

This non-greasy, fragrance-free lip balm is a winner in our book for many reasons: It applies smoothly, it soothes dry, chapped lips, and it never feels greasy or oily on the lips. And, that's thanks to three main ingredients: the brand's patented thermal spring water, which is rich in the antioxidant selenium, restorative shea butter, and moisturizing vitamin B5.

One of our testers, who says she has extremely dry lips, tells us that this formula has transformed her lips within just one week of use. They no longer feel dry, cracked, and dry and she notes that her lipstick glides on so much easier when applied on top of this product.

As mentioned, we love that this formula never feels thick or greasy, which is not typically common with lip balms. However, it does have a nice, rich consistency, so we found that it lasts for hours without needing to be re-applied. It's also super affordable, which is a welcome plus for such a hard-hitting product.

We do think there are better options if you're looking for a nighttime product to deeply repair the lips, but this option is our all-time favorite for day-to-day wear that lasts long and makes your lips feel taken care of and moisturized.

Read More: Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin

Hydro Boost Moisturizing Lip Gloss

This tinted lip gloss is under $10, comes in a variety of colors, and is a favorite of dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD. "Unlike most lip glosses, this product instantly quenches, conditions, and soothes even dry lips, leaving them feeling and looking hydrated for a full 24 hours while also improving the softness and condition of your lips over time," she says. And, that's all thanks to moisturizing hyaluronic acid.

Back to the color selection—there are eight neutral but flattering shades this balm-gloss combo comes in, and we love them all. From a deep cherry shade to a peachy-coral hue, there's a perfect match for your exact lip color somewhere in the mix.

The tinted formula offers complete coverage, making it perfect for wearing as a lip color while secretly delivering deep hydration. It's the most discreet option on the list, and it's impressively lightweight.

Another pro? It feels soft and never goopy. However, since it's a more lightweight gloss, it may not be as hydrating as some of the thicker options on this list.

Lip Repair Ointment

This one is a tried-and-true classic that you can't go wrong with—and it helps that it's a dermatologist-favorite. "It's infused with glycerin and shea butter to ensure deep hydration and prolonged relief," says dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD. Plus, it's fragrance-free, so you don't have to worry about any unwanted scents.

Before using this product, our tester was suffering from cracked lips on the corners of her mouth that were extremely hard to heal. After two weeks of regular application with Aquaphor, her lips were finally able to heal. It also reduced the discomfort she had, prevented the cracked areas from reopening, and allowed her to go about her daily life with confidence.

While this ointment is unflavored, it does have a petroleum taste, which we're not huge fans of. It's also quite slick and greasy feeling, so you may want to opt for something else if that's not your thing.

PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30

I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten to use SPF on my lips, and I've had my fair share of pout burns from it. Safe to say, I've learned my lesson. Supergoop Play Lip Balm, which has SPF 30, is now always in my beach bag.

"I'm all about sunscreen, and it's important to recognize that lips should be protected during the day, too," says Rogers. "This balm is great because it's clear, can easily be paired with my other lip products if needed, and has the recommended amount of sun protection by dermatologists." She adds that she's a sucker for ingredients, and this one has shea butter and honey with a hint of mint for freshness, which she loves. If mint isn't your thing, this balm also comes in an acai flavor if you prefer something slightly fruitier.

While it def lasts long on the lips, we agree that it feels a bit thick and sticky, which lowered it down on our list.

Vinotherapist Repairing Lip Balm

According to dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, this lip conditioning treatment "provides antioxidant protection with grape polyphenols and nourishes lips with grapeseed oil to lock in moisture." It also has a very subtle orange and vanilla fragrance that's sweet without being overpowering.

After testing, we found that this balm leaves our lips feeling perfectly smooth and hydrated. It glides so smoothly onto the lips and leaves a lasting, glossy feel you experience every time you rub your lips together.

As mentioned, it does have a bit of a perfume-like scent, so if that's not your thing we recommend opting for something fragrance-free.

Lip Sleeping Mask

Ask anyone what their favorite moisturizing lip products are and you're almost guaranteed to hear this one as a common response—just ask Dr. Shokeen, who tells us it's one of her all-time favorites. "This balm is packed with a mixture of hyaluronic acid, minerals, and antioxidants," she says. "It works to mend and revitalize dry, chapped lips and is perfect for overnight hydration."

This is the product to go for if you're looking for that deep moisture while you snooze. Trust us, we've tried it ourselves. Not only do we love how thick and moisturizing it is, but we love how juicy it makes our lips feel come morning. And, we love this product so much that we wear it all day long, too. It really makes our lips look that good.

We personally love all the fun flavors it comes in (there are six options on Amazon), but, if fragrances aren't your thing, you might not love this product as much as we do.

Peptide Lip Treatment

Both Hailey Bieber and her skincare brand, Rhode, have become synonymous with "glazed donut skin," and with this moisturizing lip treatment, you can give your lips that same effect.

"It’s formulated with shea butter to nourish the lips and peptides to plump and support lip collagen," says dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD. "Its rich texture helps hydrate and protect dry lips."

While the option linked here is the unscented version, you can buy the balm in three additional flavors: watermelon, salted caramel, and vanilla.

During testing, we noticed that this lip balm felt super hydrating and moisturizing, but we did notice there were tiny beads in the lip balm, which made it feel a tad grainy (that's a major no-no).

Original Healing Jelly

"Tried and true, this drugstore favorite not only helps to lock moisture in, but also provides a protective barrier helping to protect the skin from external irritants," explains dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD. "This can be applied multiple times throughout the day as well as at bedtime."

It's made out of 100 percent petroleum, which is great for eczema and preventing chafing, dry patches, and, of course, cracked lips. So, it can be used on dry skin on other parts of the body as well—not just your lips. We even use it on top of our moisturizer to lock in all of the hard-hitting ingredients in our skincare while we snooze. However, it is super thick, so you only need to use a touch.

Like the Aquaphor product, this jelly has that strong petroleum taste and smell that we don't love, so just be aware of that before buying.

Lip Butter Balm

Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends this glossy (but non-sticky) formula packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and murumuru seed butter. It works as an everyday balm or an overnight treatment and comes in seven flavors, including vanilla, cherry, mint, and brown sugar. Each flavor has a different tint, with a clear option called Vanilla, making it versatile enough for a night out if you want a brighter lip. Keep this in mind: The shades are definitely tinted.

While it's one of the pricier options on this list, we appreciate how pigmented each balm is and how moisturizing the formula feels on the lips. However, some flavors have a slightly artificial scent, so we prefer the mint or vanilla options for their more neutral fragrance. Just note that these flavors are not tinted.

Moisture Lock Glossy Lip Balm

For maximum hydration, dermatologist Daniel Butler, MD, recommends the True Botanicals Moisture Lock Glossy Lip Balm, which locks in moisture while fighting signs of aging. "Patients love how this makes their lips feel because of its unique formulation with two molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, which gives you super moisturized, glossy lips" he says.

Our tester used this lip balm after suffering from a sunburn on her lips and said it immediately made them feel better and more moisturized and healed. And, that's thanks to the antioxidants in the pomegranate seed oil within the formula, which work to strengthen the skin's barrier. Also included in the healing mix: spilanthes, a flowering herb, which may help strengthen and firm lips for a more youthful-looking appearance.

In our experience, the packaging for this balm makes applying it a bit messy, so we wish it came in a tube for easier application without having to touch it with our fingers. However, we do love that it has a very natural, floral scent that's not overpowering at all.

Lip Balm

If you want to go the natural route, we have just the pick for you: evolvetogether's plant-powered lip balm, which taps coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to coat the lips in a smooth, buttery veil. The best part? There's zero thick or sticky residue left behind. Just the smooth feeling of the natural butters and oils. I mean, who doesn't want that?

We love that this balm is available in two different scents (evolvetogether is sorta known for making their products in many different amazing scents), all which smell gorgeous and fresh—never overpowering.

Something to note: This formula contains beeswax, so it's not a great option for the vegans out there.

Sugar Lip Balm

If you want to add a little color to your lips, but you also want something soothing and hydrating, reach for this editor-loved product. "It's formulated with sugar, which is a natural humectant, grapeseed oil for hydration, and antioxidants to help protect skin," says Rogers. She also loves that she can layer it with other products for shine while doubling up on hydration.

Us editors love this balm because it adds a nice tint to the lips, but it doesn't have that thick, glossy finish, so you never have to worry about your hair getting stuck on your lips while you walk (!!). However, it still offers the perfect amount of moisture to feel hydrated all day long.

We will say that if you want something super pigmented, this option isn't for you because it offers more of a transparent glow. It has a super natural rose-like scent that didn't bother us at all during testing.

Read More: Best Lip Stains

Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment

We know there are other overnight treatments on this list, but this one from Ilia is totally unscented, so it's better for those of you with sensitive skin (or a sensitive nose, for that matter!). "This overnight treatment mask combines salicornia, which is a type of flowering plant, with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and support the skin barrier," says Dr. Garshick. It also contains papaya enzymes which help to exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells. Now that's something we're interested in!

Our tester says that this is the best lip mask she's ever tried. Why? Because when she applies it at night, she wakes up feeling super moisturized and never chapped, which is a huge plus. I personally keep this formula in my bag all day because I love that it doesn't have a scent (sometimes I'm not always in the mood for that!), but it also never slacks on deep hydration. However, I do wish it came in a squeezable tube to keep things more clean.

The Pout

Okay, we know this is pricey for a lip balm—but we're here to tell you that, after testing it, the $$$ is totally worthwhile. The only volumizing, plumping option on this list, this lip serum is made with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter that coats your lips in shine and makes them look fuller. If the word "plumper" scares you, don't worry—this one doesn't have menthol in it, so it won't cause that uncomfortable tingly feeling. It just makes your lips look super shiny and, if we do say so ourselves, kissable.

Another plus? The applicator for this balm is metal, so it has a cooling sensation when applied to the lips.

We will say this formula is on the stickier side, which means it stays on for quite a long time. However, if you don't like something that feels thick like we do, opt for a more lightweight option like the evolvetogether balm.

Meet the experts

• Shari Marchbein, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

• Stacey Tull, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in Missouri.

• Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Ocean Skin and Vein Institute in Manhattan Beach, CA.

• Ivey Rogers is an esthetician for Urban Skin Rx.

• Lauren Penzi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.

• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Laser Skin & Surgery Center in New York, NY.

• Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare.

• Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY.

• Daniel Butler, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Tuscon, AZ.

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