20 Best Lip Balms and Moisturizers for Dry, Chapped Lips in 2024

Discover top-rated lip balms and moisturizers for healthy, hydrated lips throughout every season.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Discover top-rated lip balms and moisturizers for healthy, hydrated lips throughout every season.

If you’re battling dry, chapped lips, finding the right lip balm or moisturizer is essential for comfort and health. Everyday factors—weather changes, cold air, harsh wind, and frequent mask wearing—can compromise the skin’s delicate barrier, leaving lips cracked and sore. Lip balms and moisturizers restore hydration, soothe irritation, and protect lips from further damage. Here, we feature the top dermatologist-recommended lip balms, ingredient highlights, and expert buying advice to keep your lips soft year-round.

Why Do Lips Get Dry and Chapped?

Lips have thinner skin and lack oil glands, making them vulnerable to dryness and chapping from:

Environmental factors: wind, low humidity, cold temperatures, sun exposure
Frequent licking: saliva removes moisture
Medical conditions: allergies, eczema, certain medications
Lifestyle: mask wearing, dehydration, poor lip care

How Lip Balms and Moisturizers Work

Quality lip balms and moisturizers provide:

Occlusives to seal in moisture (beeswax, lanolin, petrolatum)
Emollients to soften skin (shea butter, cocoa butter, oils)
Humectants to draw water into lips (glycerin, hyaluronic acid)
Soothing agents (chamomile, aloe vera, vitamin E)
Optional tint or SPF for added sun protection and color

Top Dermatologist-Approved Lip Balms and Moisturizers

Below, find expert-recommended lip treatments that combine hydration, healing, and sun protection, sorted by popularity and key features:

Aquaphor Lip Repair

Key ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, beeswax, chamomile extract, castor seed oil
Fragrance-, dye-, and preservative-free—ideal for sensitive lips
Draws in moisture and creates a protective barrier

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Key ingredients: beeswax, shea butter, green tea extract, lanolin, cocoa seed butter
Contains SPF 25 for sun protection
Ultra-conditioning formula with over 7,900 reviews and a 4.7-star rating

“I applied a very small amount and my lips got much better after three days. The total healing time was about a week.” – Amazon Reviewer

Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30

Key ingredients: vitamin E, shea butter, jojoba oil
Lightweight, non-greasy, and fragrance-free
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with SPF 30

ChapStick Total Hydration Tinted Moisturizer Lip Balm

Key ingredients: coconut oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, shea butter
Offers hydration and a pop of color in flattering shades
Smooth and creamy application

Fix My Skin Healing Body Balm

Key feature: contains 1% hydrocortisone—a mild steroid to reduce inflammation
Fragrance-free formula with occlusive agents like shea butter and beeswax
Suitable for severe chapped lips or skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis

RMS Beauty Tinted Daily Lip Balm

Key ingredients: jojoba oil, cocoa seed butter
Balances lasting hydration with a hint of natural color
Moisturizes for hours; choose tinted or untinted versions

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

Key ingredients: vitamin C, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid
Hydrates and protects lips overnight
Over 20,000 rave reviews for its ability to deliver smooth lips by morning

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm

Key ingredients: beeswax, vitamin E, various fruit oils
Natural formulation, eco-friendly, cult favorite for everyday hydration
Mild scent; suitable for sensitive lips

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Key ingredients: sugar, meadowfoam seed oil, grapeseed oil
Mild SPF protection
Softens, hydrates, and offers subtle tint

Vaseline Lip Therapy

Key ingredient: white petrolatum for intensive moisture
Minimalist option for healing cracked lips; affordable

Eos Organic Lip Balm

Key ingredients: organic shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax
100% natural, USDA certified organic
Available in various scents and flavors

Blistex Medicated Lip Balm

Key ingredients: camphor, menthol
Soothes painful, cracked lips and delivers fast relief

Alleyoop Glossy Lip Balm

Key ingredients: ceramides, peppermint oil
Hydrates, plumps, and adds glossy finish

EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36

Key ingredients: glycerin, vitamin E, zinc oxide
High SPF and antioxidant protection
Immediate and long-lasting moisturization

Coola Organic Liplux Lip Balm and Sunscreen SPF 30

Key ingredients: raspberry butter, avocado butter, vitamins, antioxidants
70%+ organic ingredients and broad spectrum sun protection

Banana Boat Sunscreen Lip Balm with Aloe Vera SPF 45

Key ingredients: aloe vera, vitamin E
Water-resistant for 80 minutes and claims 12-hour hydration

Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30

Key ingredients: chardonnay grapeseed oil, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, shea butter
Glossy, hydrating with a caramel vanilla scent

Dr. Pawpaw Original Balm

Key ingredients: pawpaw fruit extract, aloe, olive oil
Multi-purpose balm for lips, cuticles, and dry patches

Carmex Classic Lip Balm

Key ingredients: camphor and menthol for cooling relief
Protects, heals, and soothes dry lips instantly

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1

Key ingredients: squalane, lanolin, vitamin E
Gently moisturizes and heals

Nivea Moisture Lip Care

Key ingredients: shea butter, jojoba oil
Non-greasy, intensive care for severely dry lips

Comparison Table: Lip Balm Highlights

Product	Key Ingredients	SPF	Best For
Aquaphor Lip Repair	Glycerin, Shea Butter	No	Sensitive, dry lips
Jack Black Intense Therapy	Shea Butter, SPF 25	Yes	Sun exposure, healing
LANEIGE Sleeping Mask	Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Age	No	Overnight care
Banana Boat SPF 45	Aloe Vera, Vitamin E	Yes	Outdoor activities
RMS Beauty Tinted Balm	Jojoba, Cocoa Seed Butter	No	Tinted hydration
Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil	Grapeseed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid	Yes	Glossy finish, SPF

How to Choose the Right Lip Balm or Moisturizer

Selecting your ideal balm depends on your personal needs and preferences. Here’s what dermatologists recommend considering:

Check the ingredients: Look for natural emollients (shea butter, beeswax, oils), humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), and occlusives (petrolatum, lanolin).
Prefer fragrance-free: Fragrances and dyes may irritate sensitive lips.
Consider SPF: Daily sun protection is crucial—choose SPF 15 or higher.
Texture matters: Balms range from classic waxy formulas to oils, gels, and glosses. Pick what feels comfortable.
Tint or transparent: Tinted versions offer color, while untinted balms provide a natural look.
Water resistance: If you spend time outdoors, seek water-resistant options.

Key Ingredients to Soothe and Heal Lips

Shea Butter: Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, deeply nourishes.
Beeswax: Forms a protective barrier, locks in moisture.
Vitamin E: Encourages healing and fights free radicals.
Glycerin & Hyaluronic Acid: Humectants that attract moisture back into lips.
Lanolin: Powerful emollient, softens rough skin.
Coconut, Jojoba, and Argan Oils: Lightweight hydration and healthy shine.
Aloe Vera, Chamomile: Help soothe inflammation and redness.
Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide: Physical sun blockers for safe SPF protection.
Hydrocortisone: Reduces severe inflammation for chapped or irritated lips.

Expert Tips for Preventing and Treating Chapped Lips

Apply lip balm regularly throughout the day, especially before outdoor exposure.
Reapply balms with SPF after eating, drinking, or swimming.
Avoid licking lips, as saliva causes more dryness.
Opt for fragrance-free balms if you’ve had reactions to scented products.
Consider overnight lip masks for deeper repair (like LANEIGE).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lip Balms

Q: How often should I apply lip balm?

A: Apply lip balm at least 3–4 times a day, and always before bed, before going outside, and after eating or drinking.

Q: Do I really need a lip balm with SPF?

A: Yes! Lips are susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. Use SPF lip balm daily and reapply throughout sun exposure.

Q: Can lip balm cause lips to become drier?

A: Only certain balms with irritating ingredients (like menthol, camphor, or excessive fragrance) may worsen dryness. Look for soothing, non-irritant formulas.

Q: What ingredients should I avoid?

A: Avoid balms with alcohol, heavy fragrances, artificial flavors, and salicylic acid which can irritate sensitive lips.

Q: What’s the difference between lip balm and lip moisturizer?

A: Lip balm provides a layer of protection and seals in moisture. Lip moisturizers actively add hydration, often with humectant ingredients.

Conclusion: Smooth, Supple Lips Year-Round

Whether you need intensive repair for cracked lips or a tinted balm for daily hydration, these top 20 lip balms offer proven solutions. Choose a product with nourishing emollients, protective SPF, and soothing botanicals to ensure your lips stay healthy and beautiful every season. Always consult with a dermatologist if you experience persistent dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions, and remember—consistent lip care pays off in comfort and confidence.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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