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While two people can never seem to agree on what the best lip balm really is, it’s safe to say this humble beauty product is adored by all, especially in the winter. A reliable formula—whether it’s tinted, formulated with SPF, or a hydrating wonder that borders on gloss—is a beauty essential. “Lips dry out faster than other parts of the skin since they don’t have the same oil glands that are present on the rest of the face,” Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, tells Glamour. We spoke with Glamour editors and dermatologists for their must-have balms to help you stave off chapped lips.
“Lips are thinner than the rest of the skin and as a result can be more susceptible to external trauma or injury.” Translation? Your lips are extra sensitive, and so they require TLC—especially in cold or dry climates. Dr. Garshick suggests using products with emollients, such as shea butter, as these help soften and smooth the skin; humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help draw moisture in; and occlusives, like petroleum jelly, that will provide a protective barrier to lock moisture in. “It is also important to look for lip products with SPF as an extra layer of protection from UV exposure,” says Dr. Garschick.
If you’re seeking medicated balms for chapped lips, however, the guidelines are a bit more specific. “Beware when lip balms are marketed as medicated and contain ingredients such as menthol or camphor,” Stacey Tull, MD, MPH, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in Cottleville, Missouri, tells Glamour. “Although they can initially feel soothing, they actually dry out the skin and can make chapped lips much worse.” That’s why her favorite for the job is a drugstore staple (more on that below).
Now that we’re all caught up with all things chapped lips and lip balm, let’s get to the good part: From hydrating salves to medicated balm to subtle lip tints, here are the best lip balm options we can’t live without.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
While Aquaphor isn’t technically medicated, board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, notes that it might as well be given how often it’s recommended by derms. “Excellent for all skin types including the most sensitive, the Aquaphor lip is highly occlusive to powerfully lock in moisture,” she says. It contains shea butter and beeswax to replenish and lock in moisture, but also vitamin E and chamomile to repair and soothe cracked dry lips.
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Azadeh Shirazi, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at and founder of La Jolla Dermatology in California, reiterates that when it comes to parched lips, you don’t always need to opt for the fancy stuff. “I favor Vaseline: It’s a classic staple and my go-to as it doesn’t contain any ingredients that may potentially cause irritation on thin, delicate lip mucosa,” she says. “It locks in moisture by preventing trans epidermal water loss, therefore hydrating the skin. It also protects the lips, allowing for self repair.”
Dr. Shirazi’s other preferred drugstore staple? CeraVe Healing Ointment. “It’s a favorite as it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to attract and hold onto water as well as ceramides to restore and maintain the moisture barrier,” she says. “The formula feels silky, giving lips a nice soft, shiny glow. It helps protect the delicate lip mucus and allow for repair.”
Silky, luxurious, and hydrating, this lip balm won a 2022 Glamour Beauty Award for a reason. “If you’re looking for a super-hydrating lip salve—or even something to replace slugging petroleum jelly or overnight lip mask—Mara’s Sea Silk Lip Balm might be it for you,” says Glamour associate beauty editor Danielle Sinay. “I know, because I was an ardent Aquaphor girlie until Sephora suggestions put this one on my radar, and I haven’t looked back since. I love it so much that I got two more so I could keep one by my bedside, one in my bag, and another for work. Formulated with algae plumping complex, hydrating seed butters, and vegan waxes (an alternative to beeswax), this vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free balm doesn’t just moisturize, but plumps, smooths, and soothes your lips too.”
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“I’ll admit this lip balm is fancy with a capital F,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco. “While I don’t think you need to splurge for a good lip balm, Augustinus Bader’s super-nourishing formula is certainly a worthy expenditure. Fortified with the brand’s signature TFC8 complex (a combination of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules), my lips are pillowy soft and hydrated after one swipe and even appear plumper, thanks to the plant-derived collagen.”
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Both NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, and Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro point to this balm as one of their favorites. “Castor, jojoba, and shea oils are infused with thermal spring water to calm, hydrate and protect lips in a very water-resistant formula,” says Dr. Camp. Navarro likes using it as an overnight lip treatment: “The creamy texture is different from a traditional lip balm and really helps lock in moisture overnight so when I wake up in the morning, my lips are soft and smooth to the touch.”
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Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein slathers this True Botanicals glossy lip balm on every morning before she leaves the house. “I like that it’s made with organic ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter that help nourish; my lips have yet to chap this winter, if that’s any indication,” she says. “The glossy finish also adds a nice shine to my lip without feeling too sticky or gunky.”
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Dr. Garshick, Dr. Camp, and Dr. Murphy-Rose all point to Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm as a medicated treatment for severely chapped, cracked, and dry lips. “Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm has rescued my lips and those of many patients,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “It contains 1% cortisone in beeswax, petrolatum, and mineral oil to impressively calm irritation while locking in moisture. It also has a delicious natural beeswax aroma.” Dr. Camp and Dr. Garshick like that it helps reduce inflammation. “It’s also hypoallergenic, making it good even for those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Garshick.
“I carry three things with me every single day: my keys, my wallet, and Burt’s Bees peppermint lip balm,” says Glamour commerce writer Jake Smith. “It has been this way for years; it will continue as long as I can still get my hands on the stuff. Why? The colorless balm is the perfect consistency, offering lasting coverage without making my lips feel sticky. It instantly smoothes over cracks and dry skin on my lips, face, and hands. Although I use it constantly, the stuff lasts forever (I probably only go through two tubes a year), and it’s so readily available that I don’t have to be precious about it.
If you’ve struggled to find an SPF-spiked balm you like, the search stops now. “I didn’t know it was possible for an SPF-infused lip balm to not leave that weird, sunscreen-y aftertaste until I tried Cay Skin’s Isle Lip Balm,” says Glamour’s Sinay. “It’s SPF 30, so it’s perfect for protecting your lips from UV rays but feels exactly like regular luscious lip balm that doesn’t smell or taste like chemicals. It’s amazing as a stand-alone lip balm too: Formulated with sea moss, aloe stem cells, and vitamin E, it hydrates, soothes, and protects the lips without a sticky finish. I love the clear option for when I’m going barefaced, and opt for the Irie Rose color for a pop of lip color. Neither have left my bag since I bought them.”
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Fresh’s Sugar Lip Balm Hydrating Treatment has been Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz’s longtime go-to lip balm. “This treatment leaves my lips feeling utterly nourished for hours,” she says. “Unlike the countless other products I’ve tried, this one doesn’t need to be reapplied every 20 minutes in order for your lips to keep feeling hydrated. A word of caution, though: It will melt in the sun, so if you’re toting it along to the beach, pop it in the cooler.”
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“I used to think Lanolips’ Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm was one of the best things ever—’til I tried it in stick form,” says Glamour contributor Talia Abbas. “I only ever used the lanolin-based balm for my lips, in honesty, so switching wasn’t a drawback. In fact, this comes through with all the hydration my dry, chapped lips need—without the sticky, frustrating goop that ended up all over my fingers.”
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EltaMD’s face sunscreen is a well-known cult-favorite, but did you know it came in a lip balm version too? Now you do—and it’s one of Dr. Camp’s favorites for dry lips. “To protect your lips from the sun, this broad-spectrum SPF 36 lip balm contains a proprietary ingredient called Hydromanil, which captures and retains water in the skin,” he says.
“Most lip balms that promise a natural flush and a slight plump are nonsense, in my opinion, but this one truly delivers,” says Glamour digital director Perrie Samotin. “I see a noticeable difference in the tone of my lips. They look much more…vibrant, I guess, is the word…without looking like I put on any type of tint or lipstick, which isn’t my thing. It’s also not terribly shiny, so I’m in no danger of blinding my colleagues on Zoom with over-shimmered lips.”
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Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is really is worth the hype. “I tried it and loved it without even knowing what it was,” Glamour’s Sinay says. “A makeup artist applied it to my lips when I was getting my glam done, and it felt so good, I asked what it was. She pulled the Rhode Skin tube out of her kit, and that’s when I knew I was a forever fan. It’s super hydrating, smells amazing, and has a high-shine finish similar to a Y2K-era gloss.”
Cosmetic Glass Bottle Dr. Camp also points to Paula’s Choice super-moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Treatment Booster as a top balm for chapped lips. “Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and squalane are featured in this lip balm that prevents moisture loss and improves lines and flaking,” he says.