The 6 Best Lip Balms to Keep Your Dry, Chapped Lips Moisturized All Winter Long
It practically happens overnight—one minute you’re basking in the summer sun, glowy and moisturized, and then WHAM! Winter hits us faster than you can say “Ouch! My lips are chapped.”
What gives?
Sadly, no one’s pout stands a chance against winter’s low humidity. That’s because your lips don’t contain any oil glands, which means they’re more susceptible to drying out and cracking. Major bummer.
But I have some good news! There are plenty of tips to keep your lips luscious as ever, even in the driest winter months. For one, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid licking your lips excessively. And two, keep a pack of hydrating lip balm with high quality hydrating ingredients nearby at all times.
Okay, so maybe that second tip gives you a little anxiety. I totally get it—finding a lip balm that moisturizes and soothes your pout while also having lasting power and quality ingredients is nothing short of a miracle. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
First, here are a few hydrating ingredients to look for in your lip balm:
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Castor seed oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Cocoa butter
- Shea butter
- Mango seed butter
- Kokum butter
Oh, and don’t forget about the no-no ingredients! Avoid the list below—these common chapstick culprits can cause irritation and allergic reactions, often worsening your dry lips:
- Lanolin
- Synthetic fragrance or flavor
- Peppermint, eucalyptus and cinnamon essential oils
- Menthol
- Chemical SPF
Now, I know it’s probably a pain to sort through every lip balm on the market for these ingredients, so I made a list of my favorites for you! Some are thick and hydration-heavy, while others boast a light and barely-there feel. Prices range from as low as $2.79 up to a luxe $22 bucks. Take a look below at my best lip treatment recommendations to leave your pout super hydrated, never chapped, cracked, flakey or dried out!
ChapStick has been a staple in most households for dry, cracked lips. In fact, I remember my mom applying the Classic Chapstick as a child. I recently came across this new version that has 100% naturally sourced ingredients, and I have to admit, it may become my new staple! It features coconut and avocado oils, plus shea and mango seed butter. My favorite scent is Happy, because it has a mild, natural orange flavor, but it’s not overpowering! This lip balm glides on without feeling overly heavy and keeps my lips hydrated for hours.
Burt’s Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm with Kokum Butter ($4.39)
This is honestly my gold-standard lip balm. I’ve been using it for years! And although writing this post has forced me to branch out from this tried-and-true treatment, it still had to make the cut. Infused with Kokum Butter, aka my absolute favorite butter, this lip balm is hydrating and smooth without feeling too thick. It rolls on with no taste and keeps my lips moist and hydrated for hours. Not to mention, it’s 100% natural and has no fragrance or flavor, so it’s perfect for my sensitive-skin folks! Fun fact: I have one in almost every coat pocket I own.
Dr. Bronner's Organic Lip Balm in Naked ($3.49)
Dr. Bronner’s proves, once again, that less is more—I love how simple the ingredients are in this lip balm! This super-hydrating treatment uses organic avocado, jojoba and hemp oils. With only five ingredients, this balm will be a welcome break from ingredient overload if you have sensitive, dry lips. This stick glides on, keeping my pout soft and smooth. It’s also my new favorite lip balm to use on my kids!
I actually picked this up at my local juice bar and I’m totally hooked. It features ultra-hydrating Mongongo oil and is USDA organic. It’s also infused with cocoa butter and a touch of blood orange essential oil. I love the mild fruity flavor! Plus, the packaging is super cute and the brand is cruelty free, gluten free and non-GMO. That’s a win-win-win!
When I feel like splurging a bit on my daily lip balm, I always pick up this score from Farmacy Beauty. It’s made using Cupuacu butter, which is one of my all-time favorite hydrating butters, plus a blend of castor, olive, coconut and jojoba oils. It tastes a bit like honey because it has honey extract, propolis extract and royal jelly extract—which are all nourishing and hydrating. It leaves my lips feeling soothed, moisturized and super soft.
So, what did I miss? Have a lip balm that didn’t make my list? Leave a comment below!
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Our best-selling, sweet-smelling lip balm is a must-have for everyone, not just for those who’ve gotten lip fillers. We’ve blended it to perfection with cocoa and avocado butter, so your lips will never feel dry, ever again.