The Best Lip Balm for Dry Lips

Lanolin is a wax secreted from wool-bearing animals. It’s widely used as a leather treatment and lubricant and its emollient properties have popularized it as a nipple cream for breastfeeding mothers. This same emollient property is what makes it such an effective chapstick, along with the fact that – as a humectant—it holds twice its weight in water. This means that it also has a smoothing effect on the lines and wrinkles on lips while delivering deep hydration. 

However, it must be noted that although rare, some do have lanolin or wool sensitivities/allergies and thus, should avoid this product. 

Lanolips 101 Ointment brings the multipurpose balm in a conveniently sized tube that can also be rubbed on hands and elbows. It also comes in additional scents and flavours. 

This fan favourite from a men’s care line doesn’t disappoint. Many users noted the non-greasy feeling, as it leaves behind a smooth matte finish, perfect for men who prefer a more subdued look for their skincare.  

It also features adequate SPF 25 protection without the white-cast that typically occurs with high SPF products. While it is available in a wide variety of scents, it is flavourless meaning you won’t have a lingering taste in your mouth. The one frequent complaint from critics is a distaste for the thin, gritty texture of the balm. 

In winter, what you need is something that will seal in moisture while forming a barrier against the cold, dry air. Vaseline is a tried-and-true product for the task, with a convenient tin for your lips. The famous emollient properties of petroleum jelly is why it’s a top ingredient in many other lip balms (including ones on this list). Vaseline will leave your lips soft, and you can even use it as an overnight lip mask to wake up to a supple pout. 

Their small variety offers different benefits; the Rosy Lips leaves behind a subtle pink flush of colour and the Aloe Vera soothes and heals injured lips. However, we chose the Cocoa Butter formula for being further infused with the moisturizing butter and mild vanilla fragrance. 

If you’re someone who finds it gloopy and unbreathable, simply spread a dollop across the lips and dab off the excess. Avoid rubbing the lips together too much to keep it in place. You can also apply it on top of medicated lip balms if you tend to them drying. 

In looking for a lip balm with sunscreen, you’ll want one with at least an SPF of 15. This Aquaphor lip balm has broad-spectrum SPF 30 for protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its ingredients list also features glycerin – a humectant to attract water, castor oil and shea butter so you don’t have to sacrifice any of the moisturizing properties. 

Its criticisms stem from its pungent scent and taste of sunscreen and the resulting texture. If you’re a fan of the original Aquaphor formula, note that it has a less slippery texture than the original. Those with sensitive lips or lip conditions have had inflammations resulting from its use. 

Matte lipsticks typically use a thicker, waxier base and less moisturizing oils to achieve that signature bold colour. Unfortunately, these heavy ingredients are also drying and prone to settle in fine lines on your lips. If you haven’t been able to have much luck with applying a regular balm under your lipstick, MAC Prep + Prime offers a moisturizing base for any mattifying lipsticks, while allowing the pigment to stay on for longer. 

The formula isn’t too rich, ensuring that it won’t compromise the application or appearance of the lipsticks and will help the colour last throughout the day.  

Cold sores are the result of HSV-1 which permanently lays dormant within the nerves. Having chapped lips, or exposing them to harsh environments, or having an already taxed immune system is the perfect environment for developing a cold sore (or fever blister). Enter docosonol, the ingredient proven to prevent the infection of healthy cells, and minimize the growth of cold sores. 

Docoshield uses 10% docosonol in its lip balm; the same antiviral active ingredient found in Abreva. It is also formulated with jojoba oil, to moisturize and soften the lips, which will aid in preventing another outbreak. 

Unlike, docosonol which protects healthy cells, lysine is an amino acid that blocks the growth of HSV-1. Often found naturally in foods, it’s often taken as a supplement for those suffering during an outbreak. 

Herpecin-L uses lysine to help mitigate the growth of a cold sore and shorten the duration. This balm also has vitamins C & E and an SPF of 30 to keep your lips protected during your outbreak. Remember, dermatologists recommend using only one lip balm during an outbreak to prevent the spread of the infection of healthy cells. 

Does Burt’s Bees need an introduction? This popular favourite is known for being a natural cosmetics brand. Much of their products centre around the use of beeswax (hence the name), a natural secretion of female bees. 

As a humectant, beeswax draws in additional moisture while sealing it in and forming a barrier between your lips and the elements, including offering slight UV protection. 

What makes the Burt’s Bees balm superior, however, is further enriched with a variety of rich oils to nourish the lips, including peppermint oil to soothe and cool sore lips in addition to a wide variety of flavours and colours. 

Making the switch to an animal cruelty-free or plant-based lifestyle is already difficult. You may have to part ways with many fabrics and dyes that contain even small amounts of animal by-products. In place of animal by-products, such as lanolin or beeswax, Hurraw! Uses a variety of plant oils to comprise its ingredients list. It comes in a wide variety of flavours, including one that has an SPF 15.