Key Takeaways
- The best overall lip balm is Aquaphor Healing Ointment, which is a favorite among celebrities like Zendaya and Billie Eilish.
- Vaseline Healing Jelly is a great drugstore option for locking in moisture on the lips.
- Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment is a luxury option that offers 24-hour hydration, but has a high price tag.
- Lansinoh Nipple Cream is a multipurpose product that can be used on lips, nipples, and hands, and is a favorite among celebrities like Kylie Jenner.
- Bag Balm is a great everyday option that is safe to use on people and animals, and has a simple ingredients list.
Introduction to Lip Care
The worst thing about winter isn’t the cold temperatures or early sunsets, it’s the dry, chapped lips that come with the season. As a dedicated beauty writer, I set out to find the best lip balms on the market that can help lock in moisture and prevent cracking. I started by researching the lip balms that celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, Margot Robbie, and Zendaya swear by. I then tested nine different lip balms, analyzing how long they lasted and how hydrated my lips felt. From walking in sub-freezing temperatures to making my apartment feel like the Sahara desert, I went the distance to get the data.
Best Overall Lip Balm: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a favorite among celebrities like Zendaya and Billie Eilish, and for good reason. This multipurpose balm can be used on dry lips, skin, chafing, and more, and is essentially magic in a bottle. It’s good for sensitive skin, and ingredients like panthenol and bisabolol help heal cracked lips. The only downsides are that it’s not suitable for people with lanolin allergies, and some people may not be a fan of the slick texture on their lips. Overall, I would give Aquaphor Healing Ointment a rating of 4.9/5.
Best Drugstore Lip Balm: Vaseline Healing Jelly
Vaseline Healing Jelly is a drugstore staple that is a must-have for anyone looking to lock in moisture on their lips. This pure petroleum product is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, and helps lock in moisture on your lips to prevent further dryness. The only downsides are that it can feel a bit greasy on your lips, and finger application with the tub or jar versions of the product can leave a frustrating residue on your hands. Overall, I would give Vaseline Healing Jelly a rating of 4.8/5.
Best Splurge Lip Balm: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment is a luxury option that offers 24-hour hydration, but has a high price tag. This chic, minimalist tube is a favorite among celebrities like Meghan Markle and Margot Robbie, and boasts a healthy dose of hydration without being overly scented. However, the product does feel lovely on your lips, but the luxury price tag makes it an inaccessible option for people on a budget. Overall, I would give Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment a rating of 4/5.
Best Multipurpose Lip Balm: Lansinoh Nipple Cream
Lansinoh Nipple Cream is a multipurpose product that can be used on lips, nipples, and hands, and is a favorite among celebrities like Kylie Jenner. This super hydrating and glossy product is thanks to the key ingredient: lanolin. However, it’s not suitable for people with lanolin allergies, and if you use too much product, it can leave a white cast. Overall, I would give Lansinoh Nipple Cream a rating of 3.8/5.
Best Everyday Lip Balm: Bag Balm
Bag Balm is a great everyday option that is safe to use on people and animals, and has a simple ingredients list. This Vermont-made lip balm not only has nostalgic packaging, but it’s also super hydrating and lasts a pretty long time in between applications. However, the tin packaging may feel too bulky or messy for some, and I’m not the biggest fan of the scent. Overall, I would give Bag Balm a rating of 3.8/5.
Other Notable Lip Balms
Other notable lip balms include Glossier Balm Dotcom, which offers a variety of scents and tints, and is formulated with a phyto-antioxidant blend, castor seed oil, beeswax, and lanolin to nourish your lips throughout the day. Carmex is a medicated lip balm that is a super popular choice for people with chapped lips, and provides a protective barrier against the elements. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a great overnight option that provides intense moisture to your lips while you sleep, and comes in tons of fun flavors. Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm is a great option for anyone on a budget who wants a classic balm to protect their lips that doesn’t feel super slick on your lips. Overall, there are many great lip balms on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
