Lip Balms For Dry Lips
The skin on our lips is thin and prone to dryness and chapping, so it's important to keep them hydrated. Lip balm can provide a protective barrier that keeps moisture in and the elements out, as well as soothe or heal lip conditions like cold sores. While you can always rely on your trusty tube of Vaseline or Aquaphor, it's worth seeking out high-quality formulas that are packed with nourishing and skin-protecting ingredients. We're talking shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, and oils (coconut, olive, jojoba, chamomile)—plus, some have tints or added vitamins and minerals to help with color and extra hydration.
A good lip balm should contain humectants, emollients, and occlusives, says dermatologist Hadley King, a clinical instructor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Humectants are the ingredients that hydrate your lips, and emollients are the ones that soften them. Occlusives are the ingredients that create a barrier to protect your lips from the environment and seal in the moisture. Shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, petrolatum, and squalane are great options for occlusives, but some people may have issues with these ingredients. The best lip balms for dry lips will also contain ceramides, a plant-derived ingredient that helps restore the skin's natural barrier.
As winter approaches, the amount of lip balm in your stash will probably increase. But be careful not to overdo it; if your lips are already dry, look for more intensive treatment products that offer a little more coverage. These include tinted and hydrating versions of your favorite lip products, as well as a few options with added vitamin C for added benefits.
These do-it-all balms come in a wide range of flavors—from mango to coconut and pear—and are free from fragrances, flavorings, or preservatives that can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Plus, they have a locking cap and an applicator tip for easy application.
This vegan balm contains a blend of shea butter, castor oil, and other essential oils for a smooth and protective finish. It's formulated without phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, and SLS.
The brand behind Glossier's cheekily monikered Balm Dotcom recently updated the product to remove lanolin and petrolatum, leaving it with even more hydrating shea butter and an occlusive formula that locks in moisture for soft, supple lips. Plus, it now comes in a sleek new package with a secure-locking cap and a convenient applicator tip.
A cult-favorite, this thick, petroleum-free formula is packed with shea and cocoa butters, as well as antioxidant-rich avocado, acai, and pomegranate oils. The texture is creamy and thick, but the packaging and applicator tip make it easy to apply.
This balm is a go-to for Strategist writer Kat Gillespie, who loves that it's "the most effective at moisturizing and soothing her sensitive lips." It contains shea butter and beeswax to soothe and hydrate, as well as jojoba and rosehip oil to prevent moisture loss. It's a bit chunky and has a strong, nutty scent, but it gets the job done.
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