The 20 Best Lip Balms of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Our top pick is the Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm for its nourishing and hydrating formula
By
Jessie Quinn
Jessie Quinn
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE.com who writes about beauty, fashion, home, pets, DIY, and more.
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Published on October 13, 2023 07:15AM EDT
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People / Kevin Liang
Lip balms are one of those staple skincare products that seemingly everyone has in their arsenal. And while we love the soft and luscious shine they give off, there is so much more to lip balm than what meets the eye — which is why finding the best lip balm formulas matter.
“It is important to keep your lips hydrated and use lip balm often, as the skin on the lips is one of the thinnest layer on the face, making it most prone to dryness and chapping,” Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine, tells PEOPLE. “Lip balms can also provide a coating to lip skin to minimize the potential irritation caused by certain foods, such as citrus fruits and spicy foods.”
As one of the most popular skincare products probably ever, there are so many lip balms out there. While you’re probably okay to pick up any option at a local drugstore when in a pinch, we’re all about arming ourselves with formulas that provide even more hydration and nourishment so you can not only relieve the urgency of chapped, dry lips but also treat and protect them from future irritation.
With that in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team tried 29 top-recommended lip balm brands to find out which deep-conditioning formulas work best. Scroll on to find our top picks for the best lip balms on the market.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm at Nordstrom
Jump to Review
Best Overall, Less Expensive:
Nivea Smoothness Lip Care at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best Budget:
Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best Glossy:
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best with SPF:
Everyday Humans Big Mood Lip Balm at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best with SPF, Less Expensive:
Eos SPF Coconut Lip Balm at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best Value:
Glossier Balm Dotcom at Sephora
Jump to Review
Best Tinted:
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment at Nordstrom
Jump to Review
Best Tinted, Less Expensive:
Tower 28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm at Sephora
Jump to Review
Best Natural Shine:
Dior Addict Lip Glow at Nordstrom
Jump to Review
Best Overall
Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
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Sephora
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Our Ratings
Pros
The texture feels glossy but has a nourishing touch that hydrates and shields from the elements.
It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to help draw moisture to the lips.
The lip balm moisturized over time — not all at once — so the hydration lasted a long time.
Cons
While it’s not the most expensive on our list, this formula is on the pricier side for an everyday lip balm.
After testing 29 lip balm formulas, we were most impressed by the Illia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm. This formula is enhanced with hyaluronic acid and sea succulent to provide pouts with a burst of hydration while also soothing and protecting the moisture barrier. If you love Vaseline but are looking for something cleaner with a little more hydration, our tester says if Vaseline had a more luxe formula, this is what it would feel like.
With its nourishing ingredients, our lips felt hydrated immediately after application. But we also noticed that the hydrating ingredients worked overtime to provide longer-lasting moisture, so you don’t need to reapply often. We also love that this formula has a more glossy finish that slips across the lips without feeling sticky.
In addition to the formula, we were impressed by the application. The tube allows you to squeeze the formula out so you can use every last bit of it. Plus, the slanted ceramic applicator tip makes it easy to distribute product onto the pout, and it has a cooling effect that feels nice on dry, irritated lips.
Price at time of publish: $24
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea succulent | Size: 0.23 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best Overall, Less Expensive
Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15
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Walmart
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Our Ratings
Pros
The buttery feel conditions and nourishes while providing a smoothing effect on dry lips.
After just one application, we noticed a difference in hydration levels and concerns such as cracking and flakiness improved.
It’s a drugstore formula that is effective at nourishing lips with moisturizing ingredients while remaining relatively budget-friendly.
Cons
It has a creamy finish, so it’s not ideal for those who want a more glossy sheen look.
Formulated with a blend of nourishing shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil, the Nivea Smoothness Lip Care is another one of our top picks, but less expensive than the Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm. When testing this formula out, our team raved about the texture, which feels buttery soft and creamy on the lips. The formula has a more traditional lip balm finish, so it’s creamy instead of glossy and feels a little thicker on the lips.
The Nivea is designed to smooth the lips, and we felt like it lived fully up to its claims. After just one application, we saw a difference in hydration levels, and common concerns such as cracking and flakiness improved significantly. On top of that, the lip balm features SPF 15, so it protects the pout from the sun’s UV rays, making it a great option for all-day wear.
Price at time of publish: $16.06
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil | Size: 0.17 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best Budget
Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm
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Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
Formulated with a blend of beeswax and vitamin E, so it’s deeply nourishing and attracts moisture to the pout.
The addition of peppermint oil has a cooling effect that feels amazing on dry, chapped lips.
By feeling ultra thick on the lips, it creates a barrier from elements and treats chapped lips.
Cons
The minty cooling effect from the peppermint oil may leave your lips feeling too cold in the winter months.
Despite its classic formula, the Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm is anything but a basic lip balm. This budget-friendly option costs less than $4. It is formulated with a deeply nourishing blend of beeswax and vitamin E that not only soothes and protects the pout from drying elements but also attracts moisture to the lips for added hydration.
Additionally, the lip balm features peppermint oil for a nice cooling effect on dry, irritated, chapped lips. On the other hand, it may also make your lips feel too cold in the winter months, but there are other Burt’s Bees formulas that are made without peppermint oil if you’d rather avoid it.
When testing this formula out, we noted its thick texture and loved how it creates a barrier from the elements while treating chapped lips. On top of that, the formula stays in place, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around on the lips and wearing off easily.
Price at time of publish: $17.99 (pack of 4)
Key Ingredients: Beeswax, vitamin E, peppermint oil | Size: 0.15 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best Glossy
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
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Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
The lip balm provides a glossy finish that provides excellent coverage with just one layer.
The formula absorbs well and feels «like a glass of water for your lips.»
If you love the Laneige Lip Mask, this is the lip balm version ideal for daytime wear.
Cons
For a daytime lip balm, we wish this formula featured SPF for added sun protection.
If you love the Laneige Lip Mask, you’ll love this glossy lip balm version from Laneige. The Laneige Lip Glowy Balm features a base of murumuru butter with shea butter for deep nourishment and lasting hydration. Our tester even noted it felt «like a glass of water for your lips» and it offered her immediate relief and hydration upon first application. During the testing period, we found it offered lasting hydration even when the glossiness of the balm wore off.
Since this is essentially a daytime version of the Laneige Lip Mask, our tester wished it featured SPF in its formula for added sun protection, especially since she works at an outdoor pool in the summertime. However, the nourishing ingredients and the way it hydrates and smoothes the pout over time still makes it well worth the buy.
Price at time of publish: $18
Key Ingredients: Murumuru butter, shea butter | Size: 0.35 oz. | Shades: 4
Best with SPF
Everyday Humans Big Mood SPF 30 Milky Lip Balm
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Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
The formula features SPF 30, which is high for a lip balm.
The lip balm has a shea butter base enhanced by jojoba and argan oil for added nourishment.
It has a similar texture to the Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm so if you love that lip balm but want something with sun protection, this is it.
Cons
Because the lip balm features zinc, it can leave a slight pasty white residue.
Most lip balms with sun protection feature SPF 10 or 15, so if you’re shopping for something with a higher level of protection, we recommend the Everyday Humans Milky Lip Balm. Featuring SPF 30, this lip balm has a deep-conditioning shea butter base with jojoba and argan oil for added deep-conditioning.
During testing, we found that its waxy consistency is similar to the Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm, so if you love that formula but want something with sun protection, this is a great option. Since the formula features zinc-based sun protection, the lip balm can leave behind a slight pasty white reside which is not ideal but common for lip balms with sunscreen and worth it if added protection is what you’re seeking.
Price at time of publish: $6.99
Key Ingredients: Zinc, shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil | Size: 0.15 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best with SPF, Less Expensive
Eos SPF 30 Coconut Lip Balm
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Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
It’s formulated with SPF 30, which is on the higher side for a lip balm.
The lip balm provides lasting hydration with noticeable protection against the elements.
The formula is also sweat- and water-resistant, making it a great option if you’re doing outdoor activities like hiking or swimming.
At less than $4, it’s the most affordable option we tested.
Cons
The thick and sticky consistency sits on top of the lips instead of absorbing fully.
The formula has a coconut flavor, which some might not prefer.
The drugstore is stocked full of different lip balms to choose from, and after testing nearly two dozen formulas, we found the Eos Coconut Lip Balm to be another great pick with SPF that’s also super budget-friendly. This lip balm is enhanced with sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter and boasts a thicker consistency that feels thick on the lips for added protection.
Speaking of protection, the drugstore lip balm has SPF 30, which is on the higher side for a lip balm, making this one of the best options for daily protection against the sun’s UV rays. And since it has a thicker texture that sits on the surface of the lips, it stays put while swimming and sweating.
Price at time of publish: $3.49
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, shea butter | Size: 0.14 oz. | Shades: Clear
The 9 Best Moisturizers with SPF of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Value
Glossier Balm Dotcom
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Glossier
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Our Ratings
Pros
The mix of castor oil, shea butter, and synthetic beeswax gives it a long-lasting finish.
It has a glossy yet slightly creamy finish.
The formula features a synthetic beeswax, making it vegan-friendly.
Cons
We wish this formula had sun protection as well since it’s such a good option for everyday wear.
If you want a lip balm with fantastic stay power and an ultra-hydrating formula, you’ll find it in the Glossier Balm Dotcom. Available in nine tints and flavors, the lip balm features a blend of castor jelly, synthetic beeswax, and shea butter, so it’s not only deep-conditioning but also provides long-lasting hydration. We love this formula because it has a glossy yet slightly creamy finish, making it a good in between option for those looking for a lip balm that isn’t greasy but isn’t waxy either.
Additionally, the synthetic beeswax makes it vegan-friendly and a good alternative for those looking for a plant-based formula with the benefits of beeswax. While we wish the formula featured SPF, we appreciate that the thicker, creamy consistency protects the pout from the elements to prevent further damage caused by dry, windy climates. Overall, we were super impressed with the Glossier product and thought the value even exceeded the cost.
Price at time of publish: $14
Key Ingredients: Castor jelly, synthetic beeswax, shea butter | Size: 0.5 oz. | Shades: 9
Best Tinted
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
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Ulta
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Our Ratings
Pros
This lip balm features a smooth and slightly glossy texture, so it’s a good everyday option for those who don’t love the thick and waxy lip balm texture.
It comes in 14 color tints, including a clear option.
The formula features lots of nourishing ingredients to provide ample hydration while wearing,
Cons
The formula doesn’t really absorb into the lips as well as others we tested.
The Fresh Sugar Lip Balm is our top pick for the best tinted because it not only features 14 different color options but also provides that perfect kiss of color with a subtle and natural-looking finish. Additionally, this nourishing formula features lots of hydrating ingredients, including upcycled cranberry seed oil and rapeseed oil, along with sugar, which is scientifically proven to provide lasting moisturizing benefits.
Color and ingredients aside, we love this formula because it has a smooth and slightly glossy texture that glides across the lips easily and doesn’t feel sticky or waxy. Or tester described it as «so buttery» and how it was the perfect option if you want something with a bit more oomph than a regular lip balms but not quite a lipstick, either. Additionally, it has a slight plumping effect that provides lips with a fuller pout.
Price at time of publish: $25
Key Ingredients: Sugar, upcycled cranberry seed oil, grapeseed oil, vitamins C and E | Size: 0.15 oz. | Shades: 14
Best Tinted, Less Expensive
Tower 28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm
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Tower 28 Beauty
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Our Ratings
Pros
With its dewy finish, this looks and feels like a cross between a lip balm and a lip gloss.
Our lips felt hydrated as soon as we applied it.
The lip balm comes in four shades, so you can add a dose of pigment to your pout without needing a lipstick.
Cons
The pigment didn’t last very long, so we had to reapply often (however, the lips still felt moisturized even once the color went away).
The lip balm with the best pigment is definitely the Tower28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm. This conditioning formula is designed with a blend of shea butter, mango seed oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C and, immediately upon application, we noticed a difference in hydration.
In addition to its nourishing benefits, the lip balm comes in four highly pigmented shades that provide the pout with a lipstick-like pop of color with the hydration of a lip balm (we just wish it were available in more hues). Our only complaint is that the color didn’t have great staying power — we had to apply often throughout the day if we wanted the color to last. On the plus side, our lips still felt moisturized even after the color faded.
Price at time of publish: $16
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, mango seed oil, vitamin E, vitamin C | Size: 0.09 oz. | Shades: 4
Best Natural Shine
Dior Addict Lip Glow
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Sephora
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Our Ratings
Pros
It’s both a lip balm and a lip gloss, providing a nice glossy shine while also nourishing dry lips.
It comes in 28 different shades, plus a clear option for a natural «no-makeup» look.
The 28 shades provide a very subtle pop of color.
Cons
The lip balm feels moisturizing when wearing, but that disappears after taking it off.
At $40, it’s one of the most expensive options we tested.
If you want something with a little more shine (but not super glossy), we recommend the Dior Addict Glow Lip Balm. This formula features cherry oil, shea butter, sunflower wax, and rice wax to nourish the lips while on and provide a lip gloss-like finish. We love that this formula comes in a clear color for no-makeup days but also features 27 other shades for a subtle pop of color.
When testing this formula, we found that it’s highly effective at moisturizing the lips when wearing it, though the effect wears off when it’s removed so it’s not great for treating dry lips. Nonetheless, the lip balm is a fantastic option for those looking for a glass-like finish with more color options.
Price at time of publish: $40
Key Ingredients: Cherry oil, shea butter, sunflower wax, rice wax | Size: 0.12 oz. | Shades: 28
Best Color Payoff
Goop Beauty Clean Nourishing Lip Balm
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Goop
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Our Ratings
Pros
It has a slightly waxy finish but goes on smoothly and provides noticeable hydration.
The formula absorbs into the lips rather than sitting on top.
The lip balm comes in four rich shades (as well as a clear option) that are super pigmented and work well as a lipstick alternative.
Cons
The color is stronger than some of the other tinted options on our list, so if you want something with a more subtle color, we recommend Fresh Sugar Lip Balm.
If you need an extra punch of nourishment, Goop Beauty’s Clean Nourishing Lip Balm is the way to go. This formula features a blend of pomegranate extract and shea butter with coconut, argan, castor seed, jojoba, and sunflower oils for ultra-deep nourishment. The Goop lip balm comes in four shades — as well as clear for a no-makeup look — with a more pigmented tint, making this an excellent long-lasting lipstick alternative. (However, if you’re wanting the color to be a bit more subtle, we recommend the Fresh Sugar Lip Balms instead.)
While it has a slightly waxy finish, it applies smoothly and is barely noticeable, so it’s a great choice for those who don’t love the feel of thicker, waxier lip balms but don’t want to go too far into gloss territory. While $20 is on the higher end for a lip balm, our tester said the rich pigment and long-lasting color makes it worth the cost.
Price at time of publish: $19 (orig. $20)
Key Ingredients: Pomegranate extract, shea butter, plus coconut, argan, castor seed, jojoba, and sunflower oils | Size: 0.16 oz. | Shades: 5
Best Matte Finish
Kaike Lip Frosting
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Kaike
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Our Ratings
Pros
The velvet matte finish soothes and hydrates the lips and doesn’t transfer as easily as gloss.
The softening formula sits on the pout and provides all-day hydration.
The formula feels like a more elevated drugstore lip balm.
Cons
The cap doesn’t snap on as securely as we would like, making us second-guess tossing it in our bag our coat pocket.
Our top pick for an all-day option is the Kaike Lip Frosting, which has a velvety finish that soothes and hydrates the lips without transferring as easily as glossier options. This softening lip balm formula sits on top of the pout without absorbing too much, so it provides a nice protective layer while promoting all-day hydration.
Additionally, it has a more deep-conditioning feel thanks to its candelilla wax, mango seed butter, and coconut oil base. With its impressive performance and its $5 price tag, this formula feels like a more elevated drugstore lip balm. We only wish the cap to the plastic tub snapped on more securely — it made us second-guess bringing it everywhere with us in fear it would open up and get ruined.
Price at time of publish: $5
Key Ingredients: Candelilla wax, mango seed butter, coconut oil | Shades: Clear
Best Plumping
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
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Rhode
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Our Ratings
Pros
The glossy formula absorbs into the skin and sits on top for additional shine.
It traps moisture in really well and provides lips with a plumping effect thanks to all of the added moisture.
Despite its glossy finish, it doesn’t bleed into the skin.
Cons
It’s easy to squeeze out more than you need, and when you over-apply it can feel clumpy on the lips.
To get a plumping effect on the pout, you need a lip balm that provides plenty of glossy moisture — without bleeding into the skin. The Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is our top pick for this category because it features a deep conditioning blend of shea butter, peptides, babassu, and cupuaçu that give lips a supple-looking finish.
We love that the glossy formula absorbs into the skin and sits on top of lips for long-lasting shine and hydration. Additionally, we found that it works well at trapping moisture to the lips for improved hydration over time. However, we did notice it’s easy to squeeze out too much product, and if you apply more than you need it can feel too clumpy on the lips.
Price at time of publish: $16
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, babassu, cupuaçu | Size: 0.3 oz. | Shades: 5
Best with Hyaluronic Acid
Kosas Kosasport LipFuel Lip Balm
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Kosas
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Our Ratings
Pros
The formula features hyaluronic acid for its humectant properties, plus vitamin E for deep nourishment.
This Kosas lip balm feels silky and soft on the pout, providing lasting nourishment.
The formula is also enhanced with wild mint for a cooling sensation on chapped lips.
Cons
We love the tinted finish and wish this formula featured even more color options.
If you need extra hydration, a lip balm formulated with hyaluronic acid is worth considering. The Kosas LipFuel Lip Balm features hyaluronic acid for its humectant properties as well as nourishing vitamin E and konjac root. On top of that, the lip balm also has a touch of wild mint to provide chapped and irritated pouts with a cooling sensation.
During the testing period, we were most impressed by its hydrating formula and could tell that the hyaluronic acid worked well at giving our lips a burst of moisture. We were also impressed by the tint range (so much so that we wish it came in even more options).
Price at time of publish: $18
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, wild mint, konjac root | Size: 0.17 oz. | Shades: 4
The 20 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Cold Climates
Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment Superbalm
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Lanolips
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Our Ratings
Pros
The texture feels ultra thick while also hydrating, nourishing, and protective on the lips — and works well as a nighttime treatment, too.
We noticed a difference in our lips’ texture after just one use.
It can also be used elsewhere on the body including dry, cracked hands, making it a versatile balm for winter months.
Cons
This is not a lightweight lip balm, if that’s what you’re looking for.
The Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm is our top pick for the best lip balm for cold climates because it features an ultra-thick consistency — thanks to the lanolin-based formula — that nourishes, hydrates, and protects the lip barrier against the elements. Additionally, it’s also safe to use on other parts of the body, including as a moisturizer for dry hands, making it a super versatile option for those colder months.
After just one use, we noticed a difference in our lips’ texture and found that it works particularly well at addressing super dry, cracked, and chapped lips — our tester even said: «This is the best lip balm I’ve ever used, and it’s my new go-to. I’ve tried dozens of lip balms, clear and tinted, and this one has provided the best results by far.»
Since it is on the thicker side and doesn’t absorb very well into the pout, we prefer this option as an overnight lip mask treatment, though if you have ultra-dry lips and need daytime treatment, too, this would still work really well.
Price at time of publish: $16.95
Key Ingredients: Lanolin | Size: 0.52 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best Quick-Absorption
Lano The Original Lanostick
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Ulta
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Our Ratings
Pros
This has a glossy finish that absorbs quickly, so it’s a nice lightweight version of the Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm.
We felt the effects of this balm almost immediately after application.
The lip balm stays put, so you don’t experience any smudging, bleeding, or smearing.
Cons
It has a glossy finish which might not be ideal for some preferences or occasions.
For a formula that is just as conditioning as the Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm except lighter and fast-absorbing, consider the Lanolips The Original LanoStick. This stick lip balm is infused with vitamin E, candelilla wax, mango seed butter, and, of course, lanolin to provide deep nourishment and replenish parched lips.
We noticed a difference in our lips’ hydration after immediate application and love that it has a smooth, glossy finish that stays in place and doesn’t bleed, smear, or smudge. Since the lip balm is in a classic style, it’s also easy to apply and convenient to travel with.
Price at time of publish: $17
Key Ingredients: Lanolin, vitamin E, candelilla wax, mango seed butter | Size: 0.11 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best for Sensitive Skin
Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm
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Ulta
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Our Ratings
Pros
The formula is designed with green tea leaf which is rich in antioxidants and can soothe sensitive skin.
It has a creamy finish that provides a nice amount of sheen without looking too glossy.
The packaging is durable enough to protect the formula from melting in ultra-hot and humid heat.
Cons
We wish the formula had SPF for an added layer of protection.
For sensitive lips, consider the Drunk Elephant Lippe Balme. This lip balm is formulated with green tea leaf and vitamin C which are rich in skin-protecting antioxidants and has a shea butter base to gently and effectively moisturize the lips. While we wish the formula featured SPF for added protection, we were still impressed by how well the balm protects lips from the elements, including heat and cold.
During the testing period, we found that this lip balm falls somewhere in the middle of a matte and glossy finish, for a more creamy, moisturized look with a subtle touch of sheen. Our tester also noted that it lasted longer on the lips compared to other lip balms she’s tried — she only had to reapply every few hours. Although it doesn’t have to do with its effects on the lips, the packaging is durable enough to prevent the formula from melting in ultra-high heat and humidity, which we also appreciate.
Price at time of publish: $18
Key Ingredients: Green tea leaf, vitamin C, shea butter | Size: 0.13 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best for Sensitive Skin, Less Expensive
SuperLan Organic Lanolin Lip Balm
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Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
It has a hydrating, glossy finish that doesn’t look or feel super sticky.
We noticed the hydrating effects almost immediately after application.
The formula is unscented and feels gentle on the lips, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin.
Cons
We felt the need to reapply every hour, which was more often than most lip balms we tested.
Formulated with medical-grade lanolin and jojoba oil, the SuperLan Organic Lanolin Lip Balm is worth trying if you’re sensitive to scents or have an easily irritated lip. The unscented lip balm has an instant hydrating effect after the applicator and feels glossy on the pout without being super sticky.
While we felt the need to reapply this formula every hour, we were really impressed by how much it moisturized our lips, even when it wore off. We also appreciated the easy-to-transport packaging that can be thrown into purses and backpacks for easy everyday use. Plus, the formula is all-natural, too.
Price at time of publish: $11.99
Key Ingredients: Medical-grade lanolin, jojoba oil | Size: 0.35 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best Multitasker
Erbaviva Lip & Cheek Balm
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Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
You can use this on both your lips and your cheeks for a highlighting shine.
The formula features lavender and chamomile essential oil for their soothing and calming properties.
It has a thick and slightly waxy texture that protects the pout.
Cons
The thick texture might not be preferred by some (though we found that it helps significantly with hydration).
We love a two-in-one formula — and this lip balm from Erbaviva totally impressed us. The Erbaviva Lip and Cheek Balm is designed to be worn on both the lips and the cheeks for a highlighting slick. Featuring a shea butter base with a blend of lavender and chamomile essential oils for their calming properties along with calendula and rosemary extract, the lip balm and cheek highlighter duo feels ultra-nourishing, hydrating, and soothing.
The formula features a thick consistency that is slightly waxy and sits on the lips’ surface. While this might not be ideal for some preferences, we found that it made the lip balm more effective at hydrating and protecting against the elements. Additionally, the texture helped keep transfer at bay, even while sipping coffee and water throughout the day.
Price at time of publish: $11.70
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, lavender essential oil, chamomile essential oil, calendula extract, rosemary extract | Size: 0.6 oz., 0.16 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best Overnight Treatment
Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm
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Saks Fifth Avenue
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Our Ratings
Pros
It features a plumping complex that creates a supple effect on the lips.
The lip balm doesn’t transfer easily on cups and water bottles.
It works well as an overnight treatment for soothing and softening dry lips and doesn’t transfer at all.
Cons
If you apply multiple layers, it starts to feel a little too thick and waxy.
At $41, it’s the most expensive option we tested (however, a little goes a long way).
If you have ultra-dry lips and are looking for a lip balm that can reverse the effects of a parched pout, we love the Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm, which works well as an overnight treatment. Despite its $41 price tag, this formula boasts excellent value as a little goes a long way, and you only need one application in the morning and at night to experience its moisturizing effects.
The formula is enriched with soothing and protecting vitamin E along with candelilla wax, shea butter, bisabolol, and castor seed to deep condition over time. Additionally, it has a lip-plumping complex that revitalizes lips and adds a supple finish.
Price at time of publish: $41
Key Ingredients: Lip plumping complex, vitamin E, candelilla wax, shea butter, bisabolol, castor seed oil | Size: 14 oz. | Shades: Clear
Things to Consider When Buying Lip Balms
Ingredients
When shopping for lip balms, ingredients are key. Jadé Marie Chapman, a renowned holistic medical esthetician, makeup artist, educator, and beauty creator with over a decade of hands-on experience, recommends looking for formulas with beeswax “which forms a shield while helping to revitalize and hydrate the skin.” Aloe is another ingredient that can benefit lips. “It seals in moisture, defends lips from harm, and also contains vitamin E to restore chapped lips,” Chapman adds.
For the best lip balms with beeswax, consider the Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm, which is our top pick for the best budget-friendly formula. We also love the Glossier Balm Dotcom which contains a blend of beeswax, castor jelly, and shea butter for deep nourishment. The Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm, Kosas LipFuel Lip Balm, Tower28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm, and Lanolips The Original LanoStick are also fantastic options for formulas enriched with vitamin E.
Sun Protection
Lip balms should nourish the pout and provide lasting hydration. However, Dr. Graf says to also “look for lip balms with SPF for daytime protection from the sun.” Our top pick for the best lip balm with SPF is the Everyday Humans Milky Lip Balm. However, we also love the Eos SPF 30 Coconut Lip Balm as an effective drugstore option. Both formulas include SPF 30 in their ingredient lineup as well as deep-conditioning ingredients to support lasting nourishment.
How We Tested
To find the best lip balms, we began by researching formulas and selecting top picks to take into the real-world. Throughout the testing period, we considered 29 formulas from a variety of beauty and skincare brands, carefully considering their ingredients, claims, and whether or not they feature sun protection.
Additionally, our PEOPLE Tested team made note of the condition of their lips before, during, and after using the formulas while also sharing insights on the overall feel, hydration, look, and the application process to get a good idea of how each formula worked (or didn’t work) when out in the real world.
Once we finished testing every formula, we compiled our notes and carefully considered the pros and cons of every product to determine the top picks. From there, we put together this PEOPLE Tested list for the best lip balms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lip balms are best?
Our top pick for the best lip balm overall is the Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and sea succulent for an added burst of hydration. Additionally, this formula is designed to support the moisture barrier and promotes healthier-looking lips over time. For something a little less pricey, we also love the Nivea Smoothness Lip Care. This drugstore lip balm features a rich formula with ultra-nourishing shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil for a deep conditioning effect.
Are lip balms healthy?
“Though balms may provide some short-term relief to dry lips, they can sometimes worsen the problem because of their chemical ingredients — these can include flavorings, fragrances, and preservatives that all have the potential to further aggravate your lips,” says Chapman. Dr. Graf agrees and recommends first looking at the formula and going for natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil.
When they contain nourishing and natural ingredients, lip balms can be healthy skincare formulas that support hydration and replenish cracked, uncomfortable pouts.
Is it better to put lip balm on wet or dry lips?
For the most effective lip balm application, Dr. Graf says it’s best to apply formulas when lips are slightly damp but not wet. “This will help products absorb better into the skin and will keep your lips moisturized for longer.” Additionally, prepping the pout with an invigorating sugar scrub can help slough off dead skin cell buildup and create a smoother surface that can better absorb the nourishing ingredients from the lip balm.
Which lip balm is long-lasting?
We found the Kaike Lip Frosting to be a great option for all-day wear. This nourishing lip balm is formulated with candelilla wax, mango seed butter, and coconut oil and can effectively deep-condition lips. We also found the Glossier Balm Dotcom worked best for long-lasting hydration thanks to its blend of castor jelly, synthetic beeswax, and shea butter, which works to soften, hydrate, and plump the pout with a supple finish. Additionally, the Goop Beauty Clean Nourishing Lip Balm boasts long-lasting color on top of keeping the lips feeling soft and moisturized.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best lip balms, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s notes, paying close attention to their experiences and insights throughout the testing period. She considered everything from the hydration factor, the way the formulas felt when wearing, and the way they make lips look, in addition to ingredients, size, and value. Additionally, Jessie reached out to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graff and medical esthetician Jadé Marie Chapman to learn more about what to look for in lip balms and what makes a lip balm the best of the best.
Meet Our Experts
- Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.
- Jadé Marie Chapman is a renowned holistic medical esthetician, makeup artist, educator, and beauty creator with over a decade of hands-on experience.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
