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There’s nothing worse than the tight, cracked and downright painful feeling of chapped lips—especially when the cold winds of winter or overly dry indoor heat begins to take a toll. Whether your lips feel parched from environmental factors, dehydration or even as a side effect of hormonal changes (yes, perimenopause can play a role), the good news is that relief is within reach.
The key?
Choosing the right products that nourish, protect and repair your lips—fast.
While lip balm might seem like a simple fix, not all formulas are created equal. Many popular options provide only a temporary slick of moisture, without addressing the root cause of dryness. Others rely on ingredients that may actually exacerbate the problem over time. That’s why finding a product with effective, proven ingredients—like hydrating hyaluronic acid, reparative ceramides or soothing plant oils—and avoiding irritating ones (the American Academy of Dermatology Association lists camphor, eucalyptus and certain flavorings as some of the worst) makes all the difference.
In this roundup, we’ve curated a list of the best lip balms and treatments for every kind of dry lip dilemma. From silky luxe balms that lock in moisture to overnight masks that work while you sleep, these editor-approved picks will get your lips back to soft and smooth in no time.
No more suffering through flaky lips—just a smoother, more comfortable smile ahead.
Best Overall
The Adults Are Talking Solid Serum Lip Repair From Sarah Creal
Some people will go their entire life without ever spending $40+ on lip balm, but I can tell you those consumers are completely missing out on one of the most luxurious and restorative experiences ever created for dry lips. Yes, this Sarah Creal lip balm is THAT good.
To be fair, I’ve spent the better part of the past 19 years searching for a lip product that could restore my cracked, super dry lips to their softest, smoothest and most hydrated state without feeling too sticky, too oily or too goopy. I won’t lie, I’m quite particular when it comes to the texture of lip products—but Sarah Creal has clearly created a magical consistency for this “solid serum.”
Sure, I could discuss how the clean, cruelty-free ingredients visibly plump and smooth lips while supporting collagen production and reducing lip lines, but many products make similar claims (I know, I’ve tried them) only to disappoint. That is simply not the case here.
Loaded with cupuaçu butter, peptides, phospholipids and lactic acid, dry lips will feel immediately cocooned in moisture with intense hydration and an elegant soft-shine finish. The powerfully clean ingredients don’t only help chapped lips in the moment, the long-lasting formula also leaves lips with locked-in moisture, improved skin firmness, reduced lip lines and wrinkles and a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss and provide deep nourishment.
Oh, and let’s not forget the exquisite packaging! The luxurious and sleek shiny gold stick resembles that of a high-end lipstick, and, even more impressively, the top snaps tightly on with a magnet. Elegance and performance all rolled into one of the best lip products on the market, this is $40 you’ll happily spend over and over again.
To be fair, I’ve spent the better part of the past 19 years searching for a lip product that could restore my cracked, super dry lips to their softest, smoothest and most hydrated state without feeling too sticky, too oily or too goopy. I won’t lie, I’m quite particular when it comes to the texture of lip products—but Sarah Creal has clearly created a magical consistency for this “solid serum.”
Sure, I could discuss how the clean, cruelty-free ingredients visibly plump and smooth lips while supporting collagen production and reducing lip lines, but many products make similar claims (I know, I’ve tried them) only to disappoint. That is simply not the case here.
Loaded with cupuaçu butter, peptides, phospholipids and lactic acid, dry lips will feel immediately cocooned in moisture with intense hydration and an elegant soft-shine finish. The powerfully clean ingredients don’t only help chapped lips in the moment, the long-lasting formula also leaves lips with locked-in moisture, improved skin firmness, reduced lip lines and wrinkles and a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss and provide deep nourishment.
Oh, and let’s not forget the exquisite packaging! The luxurious and sleek shiny gold stick resembles that of a high-end lipstick, and, even more impressively, the top snaps tightly on with a magnet. Elegance and performance all rolled into one of the best lip products on the market, this is $40 you’ll happily spend over and over again.
Best Taste & Brightening Effect
MOON Brighter Smile Lip Treatment
Who says lip care can’t be a little indulgent? MOON’s Brighter Smile Lip Treatment not only hydrates parched lips with nourishing oils and butters but also adds a delightful hint of sweetness that’s utterly irresistible.
Formulated with subtle illuminating pigments, it leaves your lips looking fuller, smoother and naturally radiant—perfect for achieving that “your lips but better” effect. And while an infusion of vitamin E locks in moisture and repairs chapped lips, the addition of ethically sourced, light-reflecting blue mica gives lips an ultra-subtle blue shine, which cancels out yellow in teeth, to instantly enhance the appearance of a whiter smile.
Think of it as a smile-enhancer and lip balm rolled into one.
Formulated with subtle illuminating pigments, it leaves your lips looking fuller, smoother and naturally radiant—perfect for achieving that “your lips but better” effect. And while an infusion of vitamin E locks in moisture and repairs chapped lips, the addition of ethically sourced, light-reflecting blue mica gives lips an ultra-subtle blue shine, which cancels out yellow in teeth, to instantly enhance the appearance of a whiter smile.
Think of it as a smile-enhancer and lip balm rolled into one.
Best Volume Booster
Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir From Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir delivers on its name with an instantly plumping, smoothing and volume-enhancing effect that feels like pure luxury.
Infused with hyaluronic acid and plant adaptogens, this glossy oil deeply hydrates while creating a visibly fuller pout. With its non-sticky finish and nourishing formula, it’s as much skin care as it is beauty magic.
Infused with hyaluronic acid and plant adaptogens, this glossy oil deeply hydrates while creating a visibly fuller pout. With its non-sticky finish and nourishing formula, it’s as much skin care as it is beauty magic.
Best for Repairing & Smoothing
Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm
This cult-favorite balm from Fresh is your ultimate lip rescuer, offering serious repair for even the driest lips.
Packed with sugar (a natural humectant, which draws water into the skin to add hydration without feeling heavy or oily), sea fennel and orange extract, it smooths fine lines, locks in moisture and softens lips with every swipe. Lightweight yet deeply effective, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a no-fuss solution to chapped lips.
Packed with sugar (a natural humectant, which draws water into the skin to add hydration without feeling heavy or oily), sea fennel and orange extract, it smooths fine lines, locks in moisture and softens lips with every swipe. Lightweight yet deeply effective, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a no-fuss solution to chapped lips.
Best for Exfoliating & Hydration
ILIA Lip Wrap Overnight Mask
Wake up to a smoother, softer pout with ILIA’s Lip Wrap Overnight Mask. This intensely hydrating treatment gently exfoliates with papaya enzymes while simultaneously soothing with hyaluronic acid and prickly pear oil.
Unlike most lip masks on the market, including the iconic Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, ILIA’s Lip Wrap has a soothing and creamy texture; there’s nothing sticky, gooey or too thick about it. Lightweight and breathable, it works its magic while you sleep, so you can say goodbye to flaky, uncomfortable lips and hello to a refreshed, healthy smile.
Unlike most lip masks on the market, including the iconic Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, ILIA’s Lip Wrap has a soothing and creamy texture; there’s nothing sticky, gooey or too thick about it. Lightweight and breathable, it works its magic while you sleep, so you can say goodbye to flaky, uncomfortable lips and hello to a refreshed, healthy smile.
Best Shine Without Leaving Lips Sticky
Oceanly Vegan Tinted Lip Gloss Stick From Attitude
Craving a glossy, polished look without the sticky mess? Attitude’s Lip Gloss Stick from its Oceanly Collection delivers a lightweight shine that feels as good as it looks.
A serum formula with a smooth and buttery balm-like texture, this vegan gloss gives your lips the perfect shine without the sticky, greasy feeling typical of lip gloss. Infused with 99.9% natural origin ingredients—including phytoglycogen, a clinically tested gloss shown to reduce signs of aging, hydrating 2% vegan collagen, which helps improve the appearance of lips, algae extract to restore skin’s suppleness and softness, and Kpangnan butter, a rare and luxurious natural butter from West Africa with anti-inflammatory properties that aids in skin repair and cell regeneration, while also helping to improve skin elasticity—this sustainable product can be used as both a lip gloss and lip balm.
This unscented gloss is dermatologically tested and suitable for skin that’s sensitive to fragrances. The clean ingredients minimize the impact on your health and the planet, while the eco-friendly packaging made from biodegradable cardboard reduces plastic waste, making this a guilt-free beauty treat. Plus, it come in three perfect shades, so you can hydrate while adding the perfect glossy finish to any makeup look!
A serum formula with a smooth and buttery balm-like texture, this vegan gloss gives your lips the perfect shine without the sticky, greasy feeling typical of lip gloss. Infused with 99.9% natural origin ingredients—including phytoglycogen, a clinically tested gloss shown to reduce signs of aging, hydrating 2% vegan collagen, which helps improve the appearance of lips, algae extract to restore skin’s suppleness and softness, and Kpangnan butter, a rare and luxurious natural butter from West Africa with anti-inflammatory properties that aids in skin repair and cell regeneration, while also helping to improve skin elasticity—this sustainable product can be used as both a lip gloss and lip balm.
This unscented gloss is dermatologically tested and suitable for skin that’s sensitive to fragrances. The clean ingredients minimize the impact on your health and the planet, while the eco-friendly packaging made from biodegradable cardboard reduces plastic waste, making this a guilt-free beauty treat. Plus, it come in three perfect shades, so you can hydrate while adding the perfect glossy finish to any makeup look!
Best Anti-Aging
Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster
Combat the signs of aging with Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster. This powerful, multifaceted treatment smooths fine lines, firms the delicate skin around your lips and locks in moisture with a blend of hyaluronic acid, peptides and squalane.
Lightweight and fragrance-free, it’s perfect for those looking to restore youthful fullness without irritation.
Lightweight and fragrance-free, it’s perfect for those looking to restore youthful fullness without irritation.
Best for Moisturizing with a Hint of Color
Sky Organics Tinted Lip Balms, 4-Pack
Why choose between hydration and a pop of color? With Sky Organics Tinted Lip Balm, you get both!
Sure, many drugstore lip balm brands now offer tinted versions of their original formulas, but they almost always seem to loose something in the process of adding in hues. However, this pack of four balms delivers sheer, natural shades while still deeply nourishing with organic beeswax and botanical oils, which create a barrier to seal in moisture and keep lips soft and smooth. The addition of vitamin E adds antioxidant support, and an infusion of organic peppermint oil gives the balm a refreshing natural flavor.
Perfect for everyday wear, these balms add a hint of color to your pout while keeping dryness at bay—a great way to show off some personality and stave off chapped, dry lips.
Sure, many drugstore lip balm brands now offer tinted versions of their original formulas, but they almost always seem to loose something in the process of adding in hues. However, this pack of four balms delivers sheer, natural shades while still deeply nourishing with organic beeswax and botanical oils, which create a barrier to seal in moisture and keep lips soft and smooth. The addition of vitamin E adds antioxidant support, and an infusion of organic peppermint oil gives the balm a refreshing natural flavor.
Perfect for everyday wear, these balms add a hint of color to your pout while keeping dryness at bay—a great way to show off some personality and stave off chapped, dry lips.
Best for Improving Lip Texture
The Kissu Restorative Lip Mask From Tatcha
Transform rough, chapped lips with Tatcha’s Kissu Restorative Lip Mask. This silky, jelly-like mask uses Japanese peach extract, biomimetic squalane and Japense camellia oil to visibly improve the texture of lips overnight while also delivering deep hydration.
Another lip mask with a non-sticky formula, the elegant jelly melts into skin and restores lips to their ideal soft, full condition. You can use a light layer in the daytime to moisturize or prep lips for color, but this product truly shines as an overnight lip mask. Layer on generously before bedtime to find flaky, parched lips replaced by smooth, soft, plump pout come morning.
Not only will you wake up with moisturized pillowy-soft lips, this mask also improves lips’ ability to retain moisture, making it a staple in any nighttime skin care routine.
Another lip mask with a non-sticky formula, the elegant jelly melts into skin and restores lips to their ideal soft, full condition. You can use a light layer in the daytime to moisturize or prep lips for color, but this product truly shines as an overnight lip mask. Layer on generously before bedtime to find flaky, parched lips replaced by smooth, soft, plump pout come morning.
Not only will you wake up with moisturized pillowy-soft lips, this mask also improves lips’ ability to retain moisture, making it a staple in any nighttime skin care routine.
Best Sun Protection
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm
Lips need sun protection too! And if you’re not using a lip sunscreen, you should make sure that your go-to lip balm includes some SPF.
Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Lip Balm offers broad-spectrum sun protection (SPF 25) while soothing and hydrating with shea butter and avocado oil. Unlike wax-based lip balms, this emollient balm, enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants like green tea and vitamin E, quickly penetrates for instant relief of dry, chapped and irritated lips.
This best-selling lip treatment with SPF is both lightweight and long-lasting. In addition to its optimum sun protection, it also guards against windburn and extreme temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor adventures or everyday wear.
Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Lip Balm offers broad-spectrum sun protection (SPF 25) while soothing and hydrating with shea butter and avocado oil. Unlike wax-based lip balms, this emollient balm, enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants like green tea and vitamin E, quickly penetrates for instant relief of dry, chapped and irritated lips.
This best-selling lip treatment with SPF is both lightweight and long-lasting. In addition to its optimum sun protection, it also guards against windburn and extreme temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor adventures or everyday wear.
Best Everyday Essential
Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment
No lip care roundup is complete without Aquaphor’s Lip Repair Ointment.
This dermatologist-recommended classic provides immediate relief for dry, chapped lips with its ultra-soothing, fragrance-free formula. Specially formulated for sensitive lips, the lip ointment contains nourishing vitamins, shea butter and soothing chamomile essence to seal in moisture and helps prevent dryness. Simple yet effective, it’s a must-have for anyone looking for reliable, everyday hydration and protection.
This dermatologist-recommended classic provides immediate relief for dry, chapped lips with its ultra-soothing, fragrance-free formula. Specially formulated for sensitive lips, the lip ointment contains nourishing vitamins, shea butter and soothing chamomile essence to seal in moisture and helps prevent dryness. Simple yet effective, it’s a must-have for anyone looking for reliable, everyday hydration and protection.