The 20 Best Lip Balms

I’ve probably tried hundreds of lip balms in my life. Seriously. I’ve got them stashed in my car, my purse, my desk drawer, and pretty much every coat pocket I own. Finding the right one feels like a never-ending quest.

Some are too waxy, some disappear in five minutes, and others just don’t do anything for my perpetually dry lips. But after all that trial and error, I’ve landed on a solid list of winners. I’ve personally tested every single one of these.

This is my official lip balm rankings, from the ones I use to save my lips in the dead of winter to the everyday chapsticks I can’t live without.

 

 

Our Top Lip Balm Picks

Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment

This stuff costs about $6 and it’s a lifesaver. When my lips are cracked and painful, this is what I reach for. It’s not fancy, but it absolutely works.

It’s basically a thicker, more concentrated version of the regular Aquaphor ointment. The petroleum jelly base is amazing at creating a barrier that lets your lips actually heal underneath. My dermatologist recommended it, and I see why.

The Downside: It can definitely feel a bit greasy, so it’s more of a repair treatment for me than an all-day, every-day balm.

 

 

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

You can find this classic for around $4. Burt’s Bees is iconic for a reason; it’s a reliable, no-fuss balm that just gets the job done for everyday use.

I love the tingle you get from the peppermint oil, it feels so refreshing. It’s made with beeswax and Vitamin E, and it keeps my lips soft without feeling sticky or slick. It’s a staple.

The Downside: That peppermint tingle is pretty strong. If you don’t like that scent or sensation, you’ll want to skip this one.

 

 

Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment

For about $14, this ointment is a powerhouse. It’s made with lanolin, which mimics your skin’s natural oils, so it provides intense hydration that feels different from petroleum-based products.

When my lips are beyond chapped, this brings them back to life incredibly fast. I also use it on dry cuticles and knuckles. It’s thick and stays put for hours, which is exactly what I need sometimes.

The Downside: It has a noticeable sticky feel, which can take some getting used to.

 

 

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1

This one is about $14. It’s a classic for a reason and has been a top contender in my lip balm rankings for years. It’s got a smooth, glossy texture that isn’t goopy.

The squalane and aloe vera make it feel really soothing and moisturizing. It gives a nice shine that looks great on its own, and it works well to prep lips before applying lipstick.

The Downside: The price is a little higher for a daily balm, but a little does go a long way.

 

 

Best Medicated & Repair Balms

Carmex Classic Moisturizing Lip Balm

At just $3, Carmex is the old-school hero for painfully chapped lips. That little yellow tube is a sign of serious relief.

The camphor and menthol give it that distinct tingle and medicinal scent, which I find really soothing when my lips feel raw. It creates a protective barrier and helps heal cracks fast, especially in brutal winter weather.

The Downside: That medicinal tingle isn’t for everyone, and the scent is very strong.

 

 

Vaseline Lip Therapy Original

You can get this for about $2. There’s nothing simpler or more effective than pure petroleum jelly for locking in moisture, and this tiny tub is perfect.

It’s my go-to for sealing in moisture overnight or protecting my lips from harsh wind. It’s cheap, effective, and you can find it literally anywhere.

The Downside: The texture is very thick and can feel heavy on the lips.

 

 

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips Barrier Repairing Balm

This one costs about $10. When my lips are severely damaged or irritated, this is what I use. It’s a French pharmacy staple that creates a true barrier to protect and heal.

It’s formulated with Shea Butter and Panthenol to soothe and rebuild the skin’s barrier. It’s not shiny or scented, it just feels like a serious, clinical treatment that gets the job done without any fuss.

The Downside: It can feel a bit thick and waxy, so it’s not the most cosmetically elegant balm.

 

 

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

For about $10, you get hydration and sun protection. I always keep one of these in my bag for days when I know I’ll be outside. It’s a must-have for preventing sunburnt lips.

It feels great, not waxy at all, and the mint flavor is really refreshing. It protects from both UVA and UVB rays and contains antioxidants like Vitamin E and green tea.

The Downside: The mint flavor is quite strong, which might not be your thing.

 

 

Best Luxury & Overnight Treatments

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

This is a splurge at $24, but the little pot lasts forever. I slather this on before bed, and I wake up with the softest, smoothest lips. It’s a total game-changer for overnight repair.

It’s thick and packed with antioxidants and a “Moisture Wrap” technology that works while you sleep. The berry scent is lovely, and it really does make a visible difference by morning.

The Downside: The pot applicator is a bit messy; I wish it came in a tube.

 

 

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

At $28, this is definitely a treat. But oh my gosh, it feels incredible. It’s like butter for your lips and has a delicious, sweet citrus scent.

It melts right in and keeps my lips hydrated for hours with a subtle, healthy shine. The sugar is a natural humectant that draws moisture in. It feels so luxurious to apply.

The Downside: The premium cost is the biggest drawback. It’s an expensive habit.

 

 

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

This viral favorite costs around $24. I was skeptical, but the hype is real. It delivers a super glossy shine without being sticky and feels incredibly nourishing.

It’s packed with shea and murumuru butters, and the vanilla scent is divine. It comes in a few sheer tints that are perfect for a low-key makeup look. It’s like a lip gloss and a balm in one.

The Downside: It’s pricey, and the metal tube can get a little messy at the applicator tip.

 

 

Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm

This is another clean beauty splurge at $24. It has a unique, cushiony texture that feels amazing. It’s less of a slick balm and more of a plush treatment.

It uses ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, and it leaves a really nice, glossy finish. I use this when I want serious hydration but also a polished look.

The Downside: It’s expensive for an everyday balm, so I tend to save it.

 

 

Best Budget-Friendly Lip Balms

Nivea Lip Balm

For about $4, Nivea balms are a fantastic drugstore find. The texture is so creamy and smooth, and it provides moisture that actually lasts.

I especially love the tinted versions, like Blackberry, for a sheer wash of color and hydration. They feel comfortable, aren’t sticky, and work really well under lipstick as a moisturizing base.

The Downside: The scent is very mild, which might be a pro for some, but I sometimes prefer something more noticeable.

 

 

EOS Lip Balm

This iconic sphere is about $5. I love the fun flavors and the fact that it’s made with natural shea butter and jojoba oil. It’s a solid choice for daily hydration.

It glides on easily and doesn’t feel oily or heavy. The packaging is cute and easy to find in my purse, and it’s a brand I feel good about using every day.

The Downside: Because of the natural oils, it can get soft or melt in a hot car.

 

 

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm

You can usually find this for $4. This is my go-to for any beach or pool day. It has great broad-spectrum sun protection and comes in amazing scents like banana and coconut.

It’s water-resistant and does a great job of protecting my lips from getting fried while also keeping them moisturized with aloe and Vitamin E.

The Downside: It can feel a little bit waxy compared to non-SPF balms.

 

 

Glossier Balm Dotcom

This cult favorite is about $14. It’s a super thick, dense balm that you can use on lips, cuticles, or any other dry spot. It stays put for a very long time.

I love the fun, nostalgic scents and the minimalist packaging. It gives a long-lasting protective barrier that is great for healing really dry, flaky skin. A little bit goes a long way.

The Downside: The brand recently changed the formula, and many long-time fans (myself included) prefer the original lanolin-based version.

 

 

More Favorites We Tested

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy

This one costs about $12. If your lips are sensitive or irritated, this is a fantastic option. It’s formulated without any harsh ingredients or artificial fragrances.

The colloidal oatmeal is incredibly soothing, and it has a semi-matte finish, which is great if you don’t like a glossy look. It feels nourishing and helps heal redness and irritation around the lips, too.

The Downside: It’s not super shiny or glossy, so it’s more of a treatment than a cosmetic balm.

 

 

Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30

For around $12, this is another awesome SPF option. I like this one for everyday sun protection because it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing sunscreen on your lips.

It’s moisturizing with shea butter and has a pleasant acai flavor. It’s water-resistant, so it’s great for workouts or swimming, and it gives a nice, natural sheen.

The Downside: Some people might notice a slight sunscreen taste, though I find it’s less noticeable than with other brands.

 

 

Caudalie Lip Conditioner

At about $12, this is a light and lovely balm. It’s perfect for people who hate the feeling of thick, heavy products on their lips. It’s packed with antioxidants from grapeseed oil.

It has a very subtle vanilla scent and a smooth, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly. It’s a great everyday conditioner to keep lips feeling soft and healthy.

The Downside: Because it’s so lightweight, you might need to reapply it more often than a thicker balm.

 

 

Dr. Barbara Sturm Lip Balm

Okay, this is a major splurge at $55. It’s definitely a luxury item, but it feels incredible. The formulation is packed with plant-based oils, butters, and waxes.

It has a rich, silky texture that deeply hydrates and leaves a beautiful, subtle sheen. It’s for when you want to give your lips the most high-end treatment possible.

The Downside: The price is obviously the biggest hurdle. It’s wildly expensive for a lip balm.

So there you have it. After years of slathering, swiping, and testing, these are the balms that have earned a permanent spot in my collection. The best lip balm is really the one you’ll actually use, whether it’s a $2 classic or a $28 treat.

My advice? Keep a few different types on hand. I use a heavy-duty repair ointment at night, an SPF balm for daytime, and a fun tinted one for a little extra something. Happy hydrating!