If your lips are dry and cracked, lip balm can be your savior—if you choose the right one. Dermatologists highlight the importance of selecting lip balms made with ingredients that not only moisturize but also lock in hydration, keeping your lips soft and smooth for hours.
Expert Contributors:
- Dr. Geeta Yadav – Board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology
- Dr. Jaimie DeRosa – Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery
- Dr. Nava Greenfield – Board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
- Dr. Rachel Nazarian – Board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
Why Lip Balms Matter
Our lips are highly sensitive and prone to dehydration, making them vulnerable to dryness from exposure to the sun, cold air, dehydration, or even frequent lip licking. Dr. Yadav explains, “The skin on our lips is thinner than anywhere else on our body and lacks sebaceous glands,” which makes it essential to protect and nourish the skin with the right lip balm.
Ingredients Dermatologists Recommend
When shopping for a lip balm, dermatologists recommend products that contain humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), which pull moisture into the skin, as well as occlusives (such as petroleum jelly, lanolin, shea butter, and squalane), which create a barrier to lock moisture in.
If your lips are extremely dry, look for lip balms that combine both humectants and occlusives. Dr. Rachel Nazarian adds, “Lip balms that only have humectants but lack occlusives can actually make the lips drier over time, as moisture is drawn into the skin but then evaporates.”
Ingredients to Avoid
Some lip balms contain ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, camphor, and menthol, which can worsen dryness or irritate sensitive lips. Dr. Greenfield advises, “If you’re looking for an effective balm, steer clear of these ingredients, especially if your lips are already dry and sensitive.”
16 Best Lip Balms for Dry Lips
Here’s a curated list of the top dermatologist-approved lip balms that will help you say goodbye to dry lips.
- Best Overall:Vaseline Lip Therapy Balm – $6
- Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, shea butter, vitamin E
- Vaseline’s Lip Therapy Balm is a classic and affordable option. It’s free from alcohol and fragrance, offering long-lasting hydration and protection.
- Best Runner-Up:Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster – $33
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides
- This balm delivers deep hydration with the help of hyaluronic acid and peptides, ideal for those looking for a more luxurious treatment.
- Best Budget:Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment – $5
- Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, panthenol, glycerin
- Aquaphor provides a budget-friendly option for restoring moisture with its ultra-hydrating formula.
- Best Lightweight:La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm B5 – $10
- Key Ingredients: Panthenol, shea butter, Madecassoside
- This lightweight formula from La Roche-Posay is perfect for sensitive lips and provides quick hydration.
Also Read : Collagen Boosting Foods for Youthful Skin: Eat Your Way to Radiance!
