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Tested Variety of Lip Balms: Top Picks for Sunscreen and Additional Benefits

Assessed and evaluated a multitude of lip balms, providing recommendations for soothed, cracked lips from brands such as Aquaphor, Summer Fridays, and Rhode.

Semi-Dry, Rough Pout Solutions Examined: Our Editors Weigh In On Top Picks From Aquaphor, Summer...
Semi-Dry, Rough Pout Solutions Examined: Our Editors Weigh In On Top Picks From Aquaphor, Summer Fridays, and Rhode For Soothing Lip Relief.

Tested Variety of Lip Balms: Top Picks for Sunscreen and Additional Benefits

Dry, chapped lips can be a year-round struggle, but finding the right moisturizing lip balm can help you say goodbye tocracked, irritated lips. I've scoured the market and consulted dermatologists to bring you the top lip balms for dry lips.

Our Top Picks

  1. Best Overall Choice: Aquaphor Healing Ointment - Perfect for everyday use, this multipurpose ointment is fragrance-free and affordable, making it a favorite among dermatologists and customers alike.
  2. Best Budget-Friendly: Dr. Dan's Cortibalm - Ideal for severely dry lips, this budget-friendly lip balm contains a mix of occlusives and emollients to trap moisture and soothe lips.
  3. Best for Very Dry Lips: Vaseline Lip Therapy Lip Balm - This classic lip balm is perfect for those with sensitive lips as it nourishes and hydrates without causing any irritation.
  4. Best Hydrating Lip Treatment: Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment - If you're looking for a luxury lip treatment, this hydrating peptide lip balm delivers long-lasting moisture and a subtle tint.
  5. Best with SPF: Supergoop Play Lip Balm SPF 30 - Protect your lips from harmful UV rays with this SPF 30 lip balm, which has a lightweight, hydrating formula and doesn't leave a white tint.
  6. Best Nourishing Lip Balm: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Balm - This rich, nourishing lip balm is silky and non-sticky, providing long-lasting hydration for dry, chapped lips.
  7. Best Lip Mask: Farmacy Lip Smoothie - Indulge in this hydrating lip mask that leaves your lips soft, smooth, and nourished.
  8. Best Travel-Friendly: Smith's Rosebud Salve - This classic rosebud salve is perfect for traveling, as it's easy to carry and works wonders on lips, cuttingicles, and other dry areas of the skin.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Lip Balms for Dry Lips

Our team spoke to dermatologists about key ingredients to look out for when shopping for lip balms, including occlusives (which create a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture), humectants (which draw water and moisture to your lips), and emollients (which help soften and moisturize the lips). We also considered sun protection and formulation factors like glossy finishes versus matte formulas.

We carefully tested over 50 lip balms, keeping in mind factors like comfort, texture, longevity, tint, taste and scent, packaging, and price.

Tips for Choosing the Best Lip Balm for Your Needs

  • Hydrating ingredients are crucial for dry, chapped lips. Look for lip balms that contain occlusives like beeswax, petroleum jelly, or lanolin, humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, and emollients like shea butter, squalene, or jojoba oil.
  • Consider acquiring a lip balm with SPF protection to shield your lips from harmful UV rays, especially in the summer months.
  • Avoid lip balms with synthetic fragrances, certain flavors like cinnamon or peppermint, and cooling agents like menthol or camphor, as they may cause further irritation or dryness.
  • The formulation of your lip balm matters; glossy finishes tend to have more moisturizing ingredients and feel more hydrating compared to matte formulas.

Embrace soft, hydrated lips all year-round with the help of these best lip balms for dry lips. Remember, a little lip balm goes a long way - apply it whenever needed, and never underestimate its power!

Selected Insights

  • Three main types of ingredients to look for in lip balms: occlusives, humectants, and emollients.
  • Glossy lip balms tend to have more moisturizing ingredients and feel more hydrating compared to matte formulas.
  • Synthetic fragrances, certain flavors, and cooling agents may cause further irritation or dryness.
  • UV exposure causes dryness, chapping, and may lead to skin cancer on your lips.
  • SPF lip balms with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide don't leave a white cast on your lips.
  • SPF 30 or higher is recommended for lip balms.

Related Content:

  • select Learn why you should be wearing SPF lip balm every day.
  • capsule Tips on how to heal and protect your lips during the winter months.
  • how-to How to create a homemade lip scrub for exfoliation and hydration.

A comprehensive approach to combat dry, chapped lips involves seeking out lip balms enriched with occlusives like beeswax, petroleum jelly, or lanolin, humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, and emollients such as shea butter, squalene, or jojoba oil. Moreover, opt for a lip balm with SPF protection to shield your lips from harmful UV rays, especially during summer months.

While testing the best lip balms for dry lips, our team found that glossy finishes tend to incorporate more moisturizing ingredients, making them feel more hydrating than matte formulas. On the other hand, synthetic fragrances, certain flavors like cinnamon or peppermint, and cooling agents like menthol or camphor may cause further irritation or dryness, so it's best to avoid them.

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