The 18 best lip balms of 2024 for hydrated lips

You'll notice Laneige twice in this roundup because its lip balm formulations are truly out of this world. To me, the perfect lip balm keeps my lips so hydrated that I never have to apply more, but it has a delicious scent and comfortable feel that makes me want to. The Lip Glowy Balm, made with shea butter and murumuru butter that nourishes and moisturizes, is that ideal combination.

The unique cushiony, glossy feel of the Lip Glowy Balm makes this the best lip balm for me. It's as shiny as a lip gloss but with a thicker texture that smooths over lip lines and gives the illusion of a fuller lip without the sting of a lip plumper. I also frequently wear it over a lip liner or lip tint to lock in hydration, and it rarely messes with the staying power of either. The slanted applicator fits the shape of lips well, and you'll never squeeze out too much product because of its thicker consistency. 

The various scents are delicate and not so fragranced that you can smell them throughout the day, but they are a wonderful addition to the application experience. Laniege also releases limited edition scents for the holidays that are fun to collect. Each scent has its own tint, but each is so sheer that it pretty much looks clear. I have one of these in almost every single bag, and I will keep repurchasing unless a better lip balm comes along. — Maiya Pascouche, Style & Beauty Editor

What are you doing with your life if you don't have a tube or 10 of Burt's Bees Lip Balm lying around? I always have so many of them in my house that I basically hand them out like Halloween candy.

There's a lot to love about Burt's Bees. The brand's classic lip balm comes in many different flavors. However, my favorite is the original one formulated with vitamin E and peppermint oil  — the ingredient responsible for that energizing tingle when you apply it to your lips. Other popular variations include Vanilla Bean and Pomegranate.

Burt's Bees is a great lip balm to reach for during the day or when you're wearing other lip products because it's not very shiny or thick. I love adding this on top of lipstick if I'm feeling dry — so, always. The beeswax and fruit extracts in the formula subtly moisturize without making you look like you're wearing lip gloss. It's also 100% natural, made without parabens, SLS, or petroleum.

While $42 may seem steep for lip balm, I can confidently say this product is worth the price. My beef with many lip balms is that it feels like they're sitting on top of my lips rather than actually seeping into my skin — but that's not the case with this product. My thirsty, dryness-prone lips absorb this balm in minutes. More importantly, I don't find that I have the incessant urge to re-apply it a dozen times during the day, which can only mean it's working.

What makes this product stand out is that it features Augustinus Bader's patented TFC8® technology. Based on three decades of research, this complex fuses high-grade vitamins, amino acids, and other natural substances aimed at protecting and nourishing the skin. It also features several soothing plant-based butters for smoother, softer lips.

This is one of the best lip balms for anyone with sensitive skin, like me — because the fragrance-free formula is void of common irritants and allergens. 

Did I mention that the subtle, colorless sheen it imparts provides the perfect canvas for lipstick and lip liner?

A lip balm with SPF is essential during the summer — or any time of year, especially if you spend much of your time outdoors. Dr. Peter Young, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Thirty Madison, recommends this lip balm because of its water-resistant formula and broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays — thereby helping to prevent sun damage to the lips.

"It also contains moisturizing ingredients, including shea butter, grapeseed oil, and avocado oil," he adds.

There are two scents to choose from: Mint and Acai. According to some reviewers, the only downside to this lip balm is the flavor  — predictably, it tastes a lot like sunscreen. But if you can get past that, it has a pleasantly non-sticky, lightweight feel and offers a natural-looking shine without venturing into gloss territory.

This lip mask is nothing if not versatile: It can be worn overnight as a rich hydrating treatment, under lipstick to create a smoother and more supple base, or over lipstick for a glossier finish. 

Unlike many other lip balms that rely on plant-based butters, this one features squalane. This fast-absorbing emollient mimics your skin's natural oils and is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. 

"Squalane not only hydrates the skin but also restores and renews the skin barrier," says Dr. Richard Lucariello, M.D., a Board-Certified Dermatologist at Waccamaw Dermatology.

It also contains peach extract, which studies have shown can improve skin texture and help the skin retain more moisture.

A little goes a long way with this mask; the thick, jelly-like consistency feels so luxurious on the lips. It's also dermatologist-tested, and formulated without synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA, or phthalates — making it perfect for my sensitive skin squad.

I swear by the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask for giving my face a boost of hydration overnight, and I swear by the brand's Lip Sleeping Mask for soothing my angry, chapped lips. Every night, I apply a tiny amount of it instead of a regular lip balm and start the next day with minimal flaking.

This is the only lip treatment I've found that noticeably diminishes the chapping I experience daily. I use it nightly and wake up with a smooth canvas for lipstick and fewer bits of skin for my teeth to absentmindedly chew on while I'm distracted.

The formula's vitamin C, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid effectively salve my always irritated lips. The product comes in a jar with a tiny spatula, but I usually just apply it with my fingers.

I suppose you could use this during the day, but the texture is very thick and glossy with a slight pink tint, so I prefer to let it marinate while I'm sleeping. Sure, I still reach for other balms in my waking hours, but the effects of the Lip Sleeping Mask are long-lasting. A 0.7-ounce pot costs $20, but I've been using my first one for over a year and I only just dipped past the halfway mark.

With 4,300+ 5-star reviews on Sephora and our own Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask review, you really can't go wrong.

If I had to describe my skin in one word, "thirsty" would sum it up pretty well. My lips are no exception, especially during the frigid New England winters. Fortunately, I discovered this game-changing lip treatment, which contains a combo of rich, nourishing plant-based butters and oils to keep my lips feeling soft and smooth regardless of the season. Research has shown that certain plant oils — including sunflower seed oil, which is in this formula — can help repair the skin barrier while also preventing moisture loss.

I don't typically buy lip-plumping products because they often have a tingling or stinging sensation that I don't tolerate well. This product causes neither, but still somehow makes my lips look fuller. In fact, my esthetician recently asked me if I had lip filler — and since I haven't, I can only give the credit to Ole Henriksen's Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, which I was wearing at the time. According to the company, an eight-week clinical trial showed that using this product can result in softer, plumper lips in just one week.

I've used the original translucent version on its own and on top of matte lip stains when I want a little more color. Even though I'm typically sensitive to fragrances, I have to admit I love this lip treatment's refreshing and subtle citrus scent. As far as I'm concerned, the only potential pitfall is that the formula seems to get a little tacky on my lips when it's particularly cold outside.

If you spend literally any time at all on BeautyTok, you've likely come across these viral lip balms. Across the board, reviewers insist it lives up to the hype — delivering plenty of moisture and shine. In a small independent clinical study, 97% of users said their lips felt softer and more hydrated after using this product.

This product comes in eight different scents/flavors, six of which are tinted. However, note that the tinted shades only offer a faint hint of color. So, if you're going for a bolder lip, you'll probably want to use this as a top coat over lipstick, a lip stain, or lip liner. Cherry has the biggest color payoff, but Pink Sugar is a fan favorite for its subtly sweet taste. If you prefer a translucent lip balm, go for Vanilla or Sweet Mint, both of which are a sheer nude shade.

Like any other true '90s kid, I probably went through dozens of tubes of the classic cherry ChapStick (yes, the one Katy Perry sang about in "I Kissed a Girl"). So, needless to say, I was delighted to discover this modern iteration — which is made with more skin-friendly ingredients. Swiping it on still gives me a healthy dose of nostalgia, and if I'm being honest, it smells and tastes even better than the one I used growing up, thanks to the addition of Barbados cherry and wild cherry extracts. That alone makes it one of the best lip balms as far as I'm concerned. 

But the cherry scent and flavor aren't all there is to like about this viral lip balm. It's packed with not one but four different seed butters for a luxuriously rich and moisturizing feel. That might help to explain why, in a small clinical study, 98% of users agreed that it nourished their lips, and 94% agreed that it conditioned and softened their lips. It glides on effortlessly, and it meets the Goldilocks principle of being not too matte yet not too shiny. 

Some say it feels a bit grainy in texture when first applied, but rest assured that once the formula sinks in, the heat from your lips will solve that issue pretty quickly.

From nude Chai and rosy Petal to mauve-y Plum and coral-tinged Spritz, there's a tint for every skin tone, mood, and fit in Naturium's Phyto-Glow Lip Balm collection. There's even a clear option if that's more your jam. And the ultra-glossy finish looks equally amazing on bare lips as it does over lipstick.

The Phyto-Glow Lip Balm is lightweight yet long-lasting and never feels sticky. However, the one disadvantage, according to users, is that getting the product out can be a little tricky — you may need to squeeze it pretty hard for it to surface on the applicator. And some have even had the formula squirt out the back of the tube.

Still, it's well worth the effort. Beauty Editor Maiya Pascouche loves this balm's natural vanilla scent/flavor, which isn't too cloying or overpowering. More importantly, she insists that one swipe leaves lips looking juicy and feeling hydrated, soft, and supple. "It's one of my favorite lip balm formulas, and at a super affordable price point of only $10, I might have to get every single shade," she shares.

If your idea of the best lip balm entails a semi-sheer tint and a subtly shiny finish, your search is over — because this TikTok viral product fits the bill. One standout ingredient in this dermatologist-approved formula is jojoba oil, which research has shown can make skin feel more smooth and supple while restoring its natural shine.

This lip balm is available in five flattering colors, ranging from baby pink (Watermelon Kiwi) to bold burgundy (Ube Vanilla). Reviewers say they're all more pigmented than most tinted lip balms, but the color is still very buildable. Plus, the vintage-inspired dome-shaped applicator effortlessly dispenses the product evenly.

You may need to reapply after drinking a latte or having dinner, but that's just because the formula is so lightweight — which could be a perk if you hate thick, heavy glosses.

There's nothing fancy about Aquaphor Lip Repair, but that's what makes it so great. If you hate frills like fragrance, tint, or shimmer and just want that hydrating goodness, this is a fantastic option.

Aquaphor is the number one dermatologist-recommended lip brand, and it's also the number one mom-recommended lip brand. In my personal opinion, both endorsements have equal weight. This is the stuff my mom always digs out of her purse when I ask her if she's got lip balm. It feels like Vaseline, only less slimy.

This is also great if you've got an open wound like eczema or cold sores near your mouth. The formula is fragrance-free and chock full of shea butter and chamomile extract to soothe and repair cracked skin.

You can use Aquaphor Healing Ointment on your lips, but I'm partial to the Lip Repair because it comes in a portable, squeezable tube.

There's lots to love about this trending lip balm — from the reasonable $16 price tag to the slick glossy finish. And is it any wonder? Rhode is Hailey Bieber's line, and she is the queen of the glazed donut lip.

One ingredient worth calling out is cupuaçu butter, an antioxidant-rich emollient that studies show can hydrate the skin while improving its elasticity. 

This lip balm also doubles as a mask that can lend a subtle visual plumping effect — just apply a thicker layer of the treatment, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then carefully wipe away any excess product before putting on any lip liner or lipstick.

Something to note: If you have ultra-sensitive skin, you may want to opt for the unscented, translucent version, as fragrances can sometimes irritate.

Don't be deceived by the simple name and even simpler packaging — Mario Badescu's Rose Lip Balm will make your lips basically look and feel like a silk-covered memory foam pillow. 

This unassuming, almost norm-core squeeze tube features an intensely hydrating formula made of cocoa butter and sweet almond, avocado, and olive oils. I can apply a layer in the morning and forget about it until the afternoon after lunch; it holds up that long. I also use it as an overnight treatment sometimes, not unlike a lip mask, though this one absorbs into my lips as opposed to sitting on top. 

The demi-matte finish can also help soften the look of super-matte lipsticks and make them a little more wearable, especially when temperatures drop and chapped skin becomes inevitable.

The slanted tip applicator is intuitive to use, although you might squeeze too much out at once if the tube has been sitting in your pants pocket for a while. That's not to say it's a bad thing because you'll probably just use the excess on your lips, but it could be messy for some. — Jada Wong, former Senior Editor

The first time you bust open this lip balm, it may feel a little hard to the touch. But fret not: after a couple of uses, the plant-based oils and butters in this formula will start warming and melting on contact with your skin for a silky smooth application.

This product first came in a tinted version, available in eight different colors — but ILIA got so many requests for a clear version that they created this translucent balm. It's packed with many plant-based ingredients known to benefit the skin, but one worth calling out is avocado oil. Because avocado oil is high in vitamin E — which helps the skin absorb and retain moisture better — it's a super effective ingredient for treating dry, chapped lips.

Fun fact: This isn't just one of the best lip balms; it's also an excellent moisturizer for around your nostrils when they get dry, chapped, and irritated from cold air exposure — or blowing your nose too many times.

Shiny but not sticky, plumping but non-irritating, this is definitely one of the best lip balms with a lightweight feel. The formula contains two powerhouse exfoliants — alpha hydroxy acid and salicylic acid — to gently slough away dead skin for smoother lips. It's also packed with some peptides, which studies have shown can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Finally, 2019 research found that ceramides, which are in this formula, can improve dry, scaly skin caused by a poor skin barrier.

This lip balm comes in a whopping 13 different color options, so there's a shade for every mood and outfit. I have the shade "Fawn," and it's the perfect pinky nude for every day. I also love the slanted metal applicator tip, which offers a pleasant cooling sensation when I swipe it across my lips.

In clinical trials, 100% of users claimed they saw an improvement in their lips' texture, softness, and elasticity. According to U Beauty, you'll probably notice instant results — but the most dramatic improvements are typically seen after about four weeks of consistent use.

This cult-favorite lip balm has remained a Glossier fan fave since it launched in 2014 — and it's easy to see why. The dermatologist-tested formula lasts even through several cups of coffee or a full meal and is chock full of natural emollients to keep lips hydrated and healthy. And since it's made with synthetic beeswax instead of the real stuff, it's vegan.

Glossier Balm Dotcom comes in nine versions — five of which are tinted, and one of which has glitter — and every single one boasts a heavenly scent and corresponding flavor. My favorite iteration is the Birthday flavor, inspired by Momofuku Milk Bar's famous cake. It's sheer with a tiny bit of shimmer and has a glossy finish, making it perfect for days when I'm not wearing makeup. I even tap the excess on my fingertips into my cheekbones for a subtle highlighter effect.

My husband loves the Mint version, which smells like Breyer's mint chocolate chip ice cream and goes on clear — I even bought him a trio for his birthday so he'd stop swiping mine.

The Rose, Wild Fig, and Berry scents offer a subtle kiss of color. Former deputy editor Malarie Gokey uses the Rose one every day.

Something to remember: If you're looking for a restorative lip balm to heal cracked, chapped lips, this doesn't really fit the bill (that's a job more well-suited to the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask). However, if your lips are in solid condition and could just use a little extra moisture and protection from the elements, this is a solid pick.

No list of the best lip balms would be complete without a mention of this workhorse. It may not come in any fancy tints or have a fun scent or flavor, but that's not really what this healing balm is for.

"I would recommend this product because it doesn't contain the common allergens that are in many over-the-counter medicated lip balms," says Lucariello. "And the hydrocortisone included in the lip balm is excellent for repairing severely chapped or damaged lips."

Dr. Dan's CortiBalm is a dermatologist favorite — in part because it's the only truly hypoallergenic medicated lip balm that features hydrocortisone (1%). Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid with anti-inflammatory properties. 

If you have sensitive skin, you'll appreciate that this gentle, fragrance-free formula only has three other ingredients — beeswax, petroleum jelly, and mineral oil. Petroleum is known to be one of the best moisturizing ingredients — in fact, it can prevent up to 99% of your skin's water loss.

Ingredients:

The best lip balms will be chock-full of nourishing, moisturizing ingredients and devoid of potential irritants.

With that in mind, some of the best ingredients for lip balm include:

• Lanolin
• Petroleum jelly
• Shea butter
• Cocoa butter
• Vitamin E (tocopherol)
• Castor oil

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises looking for lip balms that contain at least one of the aforementioned healing ingredients, along with ceramides, if you're dealing with dry, chapped lips.

Especially in the summer, or if you spend time outdoors, the AAD recommends getting a lip balm containing at least SPF 30. These lip balms block out harmful UV rays, which can cause your lips to chap.

On the other end of the spectrum, some common ingredients like menthol, phenol, and salicylic acid can dry out the skin. 

According to the AAD, preservatives (like parabens), exfoliants, chemical sunscreens, and artificial colors and dyes can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. The AAD recommends avoiding the following ingredients while your lips are chapped so they can heal properly:

• Menthol
• Phenol
• Salicylic acid
• Camphor
• Eucalyptus
• Fragrances and flavorings
• Propyl gallate

Color and finish:

Lip balms come in a wide range of finishes, from matte and demi-matte (satin) to subtle shine and ultra-glossy. Matte and demi-matte finishes will look closer to classic chapstick. If you want your lip balm to do double duty as a gloss or use it to give matte lipsticks and lip stains a glossy finish, that's something to consider.

Tinted lip balms have some level of pigment in them to give your lips a hint of color. Typically, with lip balm, it's a pretty sheer tint that you can build with more layers for intensity. 

Many lip balms are also scented or flavored. If you're picky about fragrances, pay attention to the ingredients when shopping for lip balm — after all, it's applied right near your nose, so you'll be smelling it all day and night.

If you have sensitive skin, keep in mind that some synthetic fragrances and added flavorings can cause allergic contact dermatitis — symptoms of which include redness, cracking, burning, itching, and a dry rash. This is true for artificial colors as well. According to the AAD, citrus, cinnamon, and mint/peppermint can be particularly irritating when your lips are already dry or chapped.

Packaging:

Packaging can make or break the lip balm experience. If it's difficult to apply, you probably won't find yourself wanting to use it — no matter how fabulous the formula is. 

Some lip balms come in a pot. These either include a spatula for application or require you to use your fingers. Others come in a tube you can twist or squeeze to apply the product directly on your lips.

 Ideally, you'll probably want to find a lip balm that's easy to use on the go — which means you don't need to use your hands to apply it, and you don't have to work very hard to get the product out of the packaging.

What does lip balm do?

Exposing our lips to cold air and the sun and even neglecting to drink enough water or licking them too often can cause them to become chapped, dry, and flakey. Research has shown that your lips actually have a weak skin barrier and aren't able to retain water as well as the skin on other parts of your body. Not only that, but the skin on our lips doesn't contain any oil or sweat glands, making it even more prone to dryness.

That's where lip balm comes in: it can often help either by outright healing cracks in the skin or simply by hydrating them and protecting them from moisture loss.

Is it better to put lip balm on wet or dry lips?

Some experts advise applying lip balm right after you shower. A hot shower can create a humid, moisture-rich environment — but as soon as you step out, the water in the upper layers of your skin evaporates, making your lips more prone to dryness. Lip balms contain beeswax, shea butter, and other substances that form a protective barrier on your skin, preventing that moisture loss.

Still, there isn't a lot of research yet on whether it's better to put lip balm on wet or dry lips — so you can feel free to do whatever feels best for you. 

Is using too much lip balm bad for you?

Let's bust a common myth: regularly using lip balm won't generally make your lips more chapped or cause your body to stop supplying the lips with natural moisture. 

Regularly applying lip balm shouldn't have any negative consequences — if you choose the right one, that is. As long as you avoid potentially drying or irritating ingredients, you should be able to apply lip balm multiple times daily with no negative effects. 

If your lip balm ever causes burning or stinging, the AAD recommends you stop using it immediately — those are signs of irritation, which could worsen the condition of your lips.