The 13 Best Lip Balms of 2024, Personally Tested by Our Editors
Finding the best lip balm for your specific needs can be daunting with the endless choices available. Whether you're looking for a product that hydrates, heals, or adds a hint of color, the search can become overwhelming. That’s why our editors have taken the guesswork out of the equation. We tested a variety of lip balms to bring you our top picks for 2024. This guide will help you find the perfect lip balm to keep your lips soft, smooth, and nourished throughout the year.
Why Lip Balm is Essential
Lip balms are not just a beauty staple; they're essential for maintaining healthy lips. The delicate skin on your lips lacks the oil glands present in the rest of your skin, making it more susceptible to dryness, chapping, and cracking. This is why a good lip balm is crucial. The best lip balms provide a protective barrier, locking in moisture and shielding your lips from harsh environmental factors like wind, sun, and cold weather.
When choosing a lip balm, it's important to consider your specific needs. Some people require intense hydration, while others might need sun protection or healing properties. We've tested various formulas, including organic lip balms, tinted options, and those with SPF, to bring you the best of the best.
The Criteria for Selecting the Best Lip Balms
To curate this list, our editors considered several factors to ensure that each product is truly the best in its category. These criteria included:
- Moisturizing properties: How well does the lip balm hydrate and retain moisture?
- Ingredients: Are the ingredients natural, organic, or free from harmful chemicals?
- Texture and finish: Does the lip balm leave a greasy residue, or is it lightweight and smooth?
- Longevity: How long does the balm stay on your lips without the need for reapplication?
- Flavor and scent: Is the fragrance pleasant or overwhelming? Is the product flavored?
- Packaging: Is the packaging convenient and eco-friendly?
After extensive testing and consideration, here are the top 13 lip balms of 2024.
1. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult favorite and for good reason. This overnight treatment is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which work to rejuvenate your lips as you sleep. With a softening balm texture that closely adheres to your lips, this product ensures deep hydration. Our editors loved how soft and supple their lips felt after just one use. This is easily one of the best lip balms for dry lips in 2024.
best lip balm for dry lips, Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, deep hydration
2. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm has been a staple in many households for years. Made with 100% natural ingredients, this balm provides long-lasting moisture and protection. The beeswax conditions your lips, while the added vitamin E delivers an extra dose of hydration. It’s simple, effective, and affordable—making it a top choice for those seeking the best natural lip balm.
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, best natural lip balm, long-lasting moisture
3. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
For those looking for sun protection along with hydration, the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 is a standout. This balm combines sugar—a natural humectant—with nourishing oils and waxes. It provides sheer coverage with a hint of color and a pleasant citrus flavor. This makes it perfect for daily wear, especially if you’re out in the sun often.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, lip balm with SPF, sheer coverage
4. Glossier Balm Dotcom
Glossier’s Balm Dotcom has quickly become a beauty icon. This versatile balm is packed with antioxidants and natural emollients to keep your lips soft and smooth. Available in various flavors and shades, it’s a perfect addition to your daily routine. Whether you prefer a subtle tint or a neutral finish, this balm delivers. It’s also one of the best-tinted lip balms on the market.
Glossier Balm Dotcom, best-tinted lip balm, versatile balm
5. Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm
Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm is a luxurious option for those who want to splurge on their lip care. This balm is enriched with a blend of avocado, mongongo, and marula oils, making it deeply nourishing. It also contains peptides to plump the lips and repair any damage. The compact size and sleek packaging make it perfect for on-the-go use.
Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm, nourishing lip balm, lip plumping
6. Vaseline Lip Therapy Original
A tried-and-true classic, Vaseline Lip Therapy Original is a go-to for many people. This balm uses pure petroleum jelly to lock in moisture and heal chapped lips. It’s fragrance-free and gentle, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. The small tin is easy to carry around, ensuring your lips stay hydrated throughout the day.
Vaseline Lip Therapy Original, best lip balm for chapped lips, pure petroleum jelly
7. Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15
Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15 offers a combination of moisture and sun protection. This balm is enriched with shea butter and aloe vera, providing a smooth and creamy texture. The added SPF is a bonus, making it suitable for outdoor activities. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a hydrating lip balm with sun protection.
Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15, hydrating lip balm with sun protection, shea butter
8. Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30
For those who need extra sun protection, Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 is a fantastic option. This balm offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection while also moisturizing the lips with coconut oil and lemon butter. The formula is lightweight yet deeply hydrating, and it comes in both tinted and untinted versions.
Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30, broad-spectrum lip balm, coconut oil
9. Aquaphor Lip Repair
Aquaphor Lip Repair is a dermatologist-recommended product that’s perfect for severely dry and chapped lips. The fragrance-free formula is enriched with shea butter, vitamins C and E, and chamomile essence to soothe and repair damaged lips. It provides immediate relief and is ideal for those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Aquaphor Lip Repair, best lip balm for sensitive skin, fragrance-free lip balm
10. EOS Organic Smooth Sphere Lip Balm
EOS Organic Smooth Sphere Lip Balm is known for its unique packaging and organic ingredients. This balm is USDA-certified organic and 100% natural, providing deep hydration with a smooth application. It comes in a variety of flavors, each offering a delightful scent without being overpowering. The spherical shape makes it easy to apply, ensuring even coverage.
EOS Organic Smooth Sphere Lip Balm, USDA-certified organic lip balm, deep hydration
11. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
For those who need heavy-duty protection, Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 is an excellent choice. This balm offers high sun protection and is enriched with shea butter and avocado oil for intense hydration. The formula also includes antioxidants like green tea extract, making it one of the best lip balms for men and women alike.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25, heavy-duty lip balm, best lip balm for men
12. Carmex Classic Lip Balm
Carmex Classic Lip Balm has been a favorite for years due to its medicated formula that soothes and heals chapped lips. It contains camphor and menthol, which provide a cooling sensation while the balm works to repair and protect your lips. The iconic yellow tube is a staple in many people’s beauty kits, and it remains one of the most effective medicated lip balms available.
Carmex Classic Lip Balm, medicated lip balm, soothing lip balm
13. La Mer The Lip Balm
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury in lip care, La Mer The Lip Balm is the product for you. This balm is infused with La Mer’s Miracle Broth, providing unparalleled hydration and a silky smooth finish. It’s ideal for those who want to indulge in a high-end product that delivers exceptional results. Though pricey, it’s a worthy investment for anyone serious about lip care.
La Mer The Lip Balm, luxury lip balm, unparalleled hydration
How to Choose the Best Lip Balm for Your Needs
With so many options, it can be difficult to choose the best lip balm for your specific needs. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Identify your needs: Are you looking for hydration, sun protection, healing, or a pop of color? Knowing what you need will narrow down your options.
- Check the ingredients: Opt for lip balms with natural and organic ingredients if you have sensitive skin. Avoid products with harmful chemicals or allergens.
- Consider the SPF: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, choose a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun damage.
- Think about the texture: Do you prefer a glossy finish or a matte look? Consider how the balm feels on your lips and how often you need to reapply it.
- Budget: While some luxury lip balms offer exceptional benefits, there are also affordable options that work just as well. Choose a product that fits your budget without compromising on quality.
