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Mar 10, 2025

The Best Lip Balms for Dry, Chapped Lips

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. We found the ultimate options for soothing, softening, nourishing, and protecting

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

We found the ultimate options for soothing, softening, nourishing, and protecting your lips.

In This Article

Health / Joy Kim

When lips become dry, cracked, or chapped, finding the right lip balm is essential for both comfort and healing. I always keep multiple lip balms on hand—one in my bag, one in my pocket, and one at my desk. Over the years, I’ve tested countless options, from drugstore staples to luxury formulas. I’ve learned that when my lips are especially dry, the most effective balms are those packed with rich, nourishing ingredients that lock in hydration.

According to Dustin Portela, DO, a board-certified dermatologist, the best lip balms contain occlusive ingredients like petrolatum and lanolin, which seal in moisture, and humectants like glycerin and dimethicone, which draw hydration into the lips. Meanwhile, Brooke Jackson, FAAD, warns that while botanicals, scents, and flavors may seem appealing, they can sometimes trigger irritation and worsen dryness. Dry weather, dehydration, sun exposure, and certain medications can also strip moisture from lips, leaving them irritated and vulnerable. That’s why choosing a balm formulated with moisturizing and protective ingredients is important to restore moisture and prevent further damage.

We tested over 50 of the most popular lip balms, evaluating them based on their ability to soothe, hydrate, and protect. What did we discover? You don’t need to splurge on expensive brands—the ingredients matter most. From medicated treatments to lightweight, everyday balms, we’ve identified the top performers, all reviewed and approved by our Medical Expert Board to ensure they meet scientific standards for effective lip care.

Ingredients to Look For:

Ingredients to Avoid:

As part of our recent lip balm test, I was eager to try Buttah Skin Luxe Lip Balm to see if it lived up to its promise of deep hydration and nourishment. And I have to say, it did not disappoint. Formulated with shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango seed butter, this balm is packed with fatty acids and vitamins that help lock in moisture, repair dryness, and soften lips over time.

I wore it both during the day and overnight, and I loved how well it hydrated my lips. Its thick, waxy texture initially sits on the lips, but as it warms up, it softens and absorbs while still leaving a protective layer. Unlike some heavy balms, it never felt sticky or uncomfortable. It also provides a subtle, natural-looking shine—not too glossy, just a healthy finish. The formula lasted for hours, minimizing the need for frequent reapplication, and by the end of my testing period, my lips felt smoother, softer, and significantly less chapped. I even found myself reaching for lip balm less often because my lips stayed moisturized longer.

Compared to Aquaphor Lip Repair, which I also tested, Buttah Skin provided longer-lasting hydration and better lip repair. Though it doesn’t contain SPF, I appreciated that it’s fragrance-free, making it a great no-fuss, everyday essential. At $21 for two, it’s a bit pricier than drugstore options, but its ultra-moisturizing formula makes it well worth the investment—especially for anyone struggling with dry or chapped lips.

With its sheer, weightless feel and broad-spectrum SPF 30, Supergoop! Lipscreen Sheer is a great choice for daily sun protection. Its advanced UV filters provide reliable coverage, making it ideal for outdoor wear. From the first swipe, it felt smooth and lightweight, gliding on effortlessly without stickiness or clumpiness. True to its name, it applied completely clear and absorbed within 30 minutes, leaving a natural sheen rather than a glossy or tinted finish. It also delivers up to 12 hours of hydration, though reapplication is recommended every few hours for continued SPF protection.

With a mildly sweet mint scent and taste that fades quickly, it’s pleasant to wear. At $22, it’s on the pricier side, but for an invisible, nourishing balm that protects and hydrates—especially for summer or beach trips.

Lips are often forgotten when it comes to sun protection, but EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 ensures they stay hydrated, soft, and protected from UV damage. With zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen that physically blocks harmful rays, and octinoxate, a chemical UV filter that absorbs sun exposure, this balm provides broad-spectrum SPF 36 to keep your lips safe while outdoors.

Right away, we noticed how creamy and moisturizing this formula felt. It hydrates deeply without feeling sticky or greasy, absorbing into the lips while leaving a soft, nourished, and naturally plump finish. Unlike some SPF lip balms that have an overpowering taste or scent, this one is unscented and comfortable to wear. Throughout testing, our lips felt less dry, more supple, and noticeably healthier, maintaining moisture without the need for frequent reapplication.

We also appreciated the sleek, mess-free packaging, which makes it easy to apply on the go. Given its combination of long-lasting hydration and high-level sun protection, we found the price point fair and would gladly repurchase this balm as a daily essential.

Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 delivers deep hydration and reliable sun protection, making it a top choice for severely chapped lips. Infused with shea butter and vitamin E, it moisturizes, repairs, and provides antioxidant protection to soothe and defend against environmental stressors. With SPF 25, it also shields lips from UV damage during outdoor exposure.

This balm’s rich, petroleum jelly-like consistency sits on the lips for 15 to 30 minutes before absorbing, providing long-lasting moisture. From the first use, we noticed a significant improvement in hydration, with lips feeling fuller, softer, and protected for hours. It leaves a natural sheen without being overly glossy, making it ideal for daily wear. As an overnight treatment, it works especially well—waking up to deeply hydrated, smoother lips made a noticeable difference. At around $10, this balm offers excellent value for anyone needing intensive hydration, whether battling winter dryness or just looking for extra lip care year-round.

Lypsyl Intense Protection Lip Balm delivers on its promise of moisturizing, softening, and protecting lips naturally. With a nourishing blend of beeswax, petrolatum, and shea butter, it stands out as an excellent choice for severely dry or chapped lips.

During testing—even in hot, humid conditions and after bouts of lip-biting—this balm provided intense hydration with a smooth, slightly waxy texture that softened over time. It absorbed gradually, leaving lips nourished and protected, even through drinking. While it initially feels a bit sticky, that sensation quickly fades into a long-lasting, comforting layer of moisture.

We also appreciated its light mint scent, which adds a refreshing touch without being overpowering. The only minor drawback was the stiff slider mechanism, which could be tricky to control. However, at just $5 for a two-pack, this balm offers exceptional value. For fast-acting, long-lasting hydration and beeswax-powered protection, it’s a solid choice we recommend.

If you need a rich, moisture-locking lip balm, The Ordinary’s Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm is a great choice. We tested it on frequently chapped lips from sun exposure and habitual lip-licking, and it delivered deep hydration and repair with its ointment-style formula.

Its standout ingredients—squalane, which strengthens the skin barrier, and amino acids, which seal in moisture—make this balm highly effective for nourishing dry lips. The thick, glossy texture forms a protective layer, making it ideal for overnight repair or shielding lips before heading outdoors. It lasts for hours, reducing the need for frequent reapplication, but it’s best to avoid before eating or drinking since it stays put until wiped away.

Despite its thickness, the balm absorbs well over time, leaving lips moisturized, supple, and less chapped after just a few uses. While it has a heavier feel, dermatologists recommend ointment-based formulas for healing dry, damaged skin. At $9.50, it’s a bit pricier than drugstore options but well worth the investment for its intense hydration and restorative benefits.

We tested the Keys Soulcare Comforting Tinted Lip Balm and were impressed by its hydrating formula, smooth application, and natural tint. One of the standout ingredients in this balm is avocado oil, known for its deeply nourishing and conditioning properties. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, avocado oil helps soothe dry lips, lock in moisture, and improve overall softness. The balm also provides a subtle gloss-like finish, making lips look refreshed and naturally healthy.

The color is buildable, living up to its claims by offering a sheer, natural flush that can be layered for a more pigmented look. While there’s no SPF, the formula includes a light vanilla scent that fades within about 30 minutes. The balm stays on the surface of the lips, providing long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy or waxy. At its price point, this balm feels like a great value for a well-performing tinted lip balm. Whether worn alone for a fresh, effortless look or layered over another product, Keys Soulcare Comforting Tinted Lip Balm is an excellent choice for anyone looking for hydration, a hint of color, and the nourishing benefits of avocado oil.

OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment delivers deep hydration and a plumper, more youthful look. Its anti-aging benefits come from peptides, which support collagen production for firmer lips, while cupuacu butter deeply conditions and coconut and berry extracts provide antioxidant protection to reduce fine lines.

From the first application, it felt glossy yet non-tacky, creating a protective barrier that kept lips hydrated, plumper, and visibly smoother for hours. Despite the shine, we didn’t experience hair sticking to our lips, and the hydration lasted well, reducing the need for frequent reapplication. The balm has a subtle strawberry scent that fades quickly, making it comfortable for daily wear.

Though it lacks SPF, it offers long-lasting moisture and a high-gloss finish that enhances the natural fullness of the lips. At its price point, the level of hydration and nourishment feels well worth it. We’d recommend it to anyone looking for a glossy, deeply hydrating lip balm with plumping and anti-aging benefits.

InnisFree Dewy Tint Lip Balm delivers the perfect balance of sheer color and lasting hydration, making it a versatile addition to any routine. Formulated with Camellia Seed Oil, moisture-locking Ceramide, and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, it nourishes and softens lips while providing a natural, dewy finish. A touch of eucalyptus adds a refreshing, subtle fragrance that enhances the application experience without being overpowering.

This lightweight balm glides on smoothly, offering a glossy, non-sticky texture that keeps lips moisturized and supple for over an hour. It absorbs gradually, allowing hydration to sink in without disappearing too quickly. The sheer color payoff is just enough to add a healthy, natural-looking flush that enhances any look without feeling heavy or overly pigmented.

While it doesn’t contain SPF, the balm’s impressive hydration helps keep lips feeling comfortable and nourished throughout the day. Its slight slip ensures long-lasting moisture, reducing the need for frequent reapplication. Whether paired with a full face of makeup or worn on bare skin for a fresh, effortless look, this balm provides the ideal mix of hydration, softness, and subtle color.

To find the best lip balms, we interviewed dermatologists about their favorite lip balm brands, researched sources such as the American Academy of Dermatology Associates, and personally tested dozens of top-rated lip products. Over the course of two months, we tested 50 different lip balms, applying each product at least three times a week for a minimum of four hours per wear, resulting in a total of 1,500 lip balm applications. The key attributes we evaluated each option based on include:

Health / Joy Kim

We consulted board-certified dermatologists throughout our research and testing process for their expert insights on the best lip balm. Including types of products for specific conditions, ingredients to look for, what to avoid, and guidance during our tests. The experts we spoke with included:

Lauren Paige Richeson is an experienced editor at Health, specializing in skin, hair, and dental care. She has spent years researching and testing content that helps readers make informed personal care choices, including personally testing the lip balms in this article. With a strong background in health journalism, Lauren ensures that her recommendations are grounded in scientific evidence and real-world testing to provide credible and practical advice.