Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
There's nothing comfortable (or fun) about flaky, peeling, or dry lips, which is why we stay well-stocked with the best lip balms for chapped lips. You can trust we've tried every beauty product under the sun: medicated balms, do-it-all salves, SPF-spiked formulas, exfoliating scrubs—we've even slapped on overnight masks made just for your pout.
If your current lip balm isn't doing it for you anymore, it's time to make a switch—most likely to something simpler. Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, has previously compared lip balms to quenching your thirst with a can of soda. "You drink something that appeals to the senses with no nutritional value, and shortly thereafter, you are still thirsty," she explains. "The same thing goes for balms loaded with flavor, fragrance, and menthol." That doesn't mean you have to completely avoid tasty or tingly balms; in fact, there are a few we really love on this list. Just be sure to pay attention to what is and isn't working for you. Below, we're sharing the best lip-care products we've tried to date, including Best of Beauty winners (hey, Nécessaire and Summer Fridays). Happy swiping!
Our Top Lip Balms for Dry Lips
- Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, $26
- Best Multipurpose: Glossier Balm Dot Com, $16
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Nécessaire The Lip Balm, $28
- Best for Peeling Lips: Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm, $24
- Best Pigmented: Chanel Coco Rouge Baume, $50
- Best Under-$10: Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm, $9
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Can you “overuse” lip balm?
- Why do lips feel drier after using some lip balms?
- What ingredients should I look for in a hydrating lip balm?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
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Summer Fridays
Lip Butter Balm
Amazon
Sephora
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffman applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: When you want the deep hydration of an overnight mask but the lightweight feel of a lip gloss, reach for Summer Fridays’ Lip Butter Balm—a 2023 and 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner and a TikTok staple. This buttery balm started with a single Vanilla flavor and has since expanded to 10 shades and scents, including cozy Brown Sugar, juicy Cherry, and shimmery Birthday Cake. The formula packs emollients like shea and murumuru seed butters to condition dry lips, as well as vegan waxes that smooth uneven texture and lock in moisture for hours. It delivers a glossy, plush finish that feels less like makeup and more like skin care.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“If I ever don't have at least one of these Summer Friday Lip Butter Balms on hand or in my bag, something's off. Not only do they keep coming out with scrumptious flavors—hello, Iced Coffee!—but they also smooth over my dry, textured lips with just one swipe. Even though I usually layer up, it never feels heavy or greasy. My lips look absolutely glistening, which is a far cry from their usual pale, flaky state. I love a punch of color and rarely wear untinted lip balms, so Summer Fridays' tint offerings (which do include a clear shade) really speak to me. For a true my-lips-but-better look, I reach for Pink Guava (what I'm wearing here), but if I'm in the mood for something bolder, Cherry is my girl.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffman
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“Thick, shiny, and yummy. That’s all you really need to know about Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm, which comes in 11 mouthwatering flavors. The new scent and shade options keep me coming back tube after tube.” —Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, murumuru seed butter
- Shades: 11 (including clear)
Best Multipurpose: Glossier Balm Dot Com
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Glossier
Balm Dotcom
Amazon
Sephora
Glossier
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Glossier Balm Dotcom in Peppermint Bark
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: When Glossier first debuted, it did so with just four products—and one of them quickly became the now-iconic Balm Dotcom. The multipurpose salve became an instant classic for its glossy finish, long-lasting moisture, and minimalist packaging. While it was reformulated in 2023, Glossier’s loyal community (which has always been central to the brand) demanded the original back, and the brand listened. The OG formula returns with castor seed oil to deeply nourish, beeswax to seal in hydration, and lanolin to soften and protect dry, cracked skin. And while it’s made for lips, Glossier encourages using it anywhere you need extra moisture (think cuticles, elbows, or any dry patch that needs a little TLC).
Lee before applying the Glossier Balm Dotcom in Peppermint Bark
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Glossier Balm Dotcom in Peppermint Bark
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m so picky about lip balm texture—too thin and it disappears instantly, too thick and it leaves that weird waxy film. Glossier’s Balm Dotcom nails the perfect in-between: cushy, hydrating, and more about deep moisture than shine (which, TBH, is way more important to me). I’ve been loving the new Peppermint Bark flavor—it’s not aggressively minty, just gives the perfect little zing.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: castor seed oil, beeswax, lanolin, sunflower extract
- Shades: 11 (including clear/fragrance-free)
Best for Sensitive Skin: Nécessaire The Lip Balm
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Nécessaire
The Lip Balm
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Necessaire The Lip Balm
Sarah Kinonen
Why it’s worth it: Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and approved by the National Eczema Association—if you have sensitive skin, those phrases are music to your ears. Nécessaire The Lip Balm, a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, checks all those boxes and then some. The formula blends niacinamide, essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica extract into a base of luxe shea butter to restore and strengthen the lips’ delicate skin. “It’s made without synthetic fragrances and uses only skin-beneficial ingredients that hydrate, smooth, and protect,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Miami. “Its clear, semi-gloss finish delivers immediate relief for dry, chapped lips.” A hint of pure mint oil adds freshness with every swipe, while the cooling metal tip soothes on contact.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“The way I screamed when I received this during testing…I’ve been waiting for a Nécessaire lip balm, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I love that it’s slippery like a gloss and minty like a balm, but glides on like my favorite eye cream with its cooling-to-the-touch metal applicator.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“In middle school, I used to slather this super tingly mint lip balm that I'd buy at the mall all over my mouth basically 24/7, and I'm pretty sure it was so fragranced and menthol-heavy that it actually wound up making me more chapped (ah, the vicious lip balm cycle). Necessaire's Lip Balm is the skin-friendly adult version of my old favorite. It's got a slightly sweet minty flavor, and I still get the cooling effect from its metal applicator. But this formula, unlike its predecessor, is ceramide-packed, which means it actually repairs and plumps the skin of the lips. It's effective enough that I only need to apply it every now and then—and that's exactly how you want a lip balm to perform, if my tween experiences have taught me anything.” —Nicola Dall'Asen, former senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica extract
- Shades: 1 (clear)
Best for Peeling Lips: Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm
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Eadem
Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm
Amazon
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Bissap Glaze
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Eadem's Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm has taken over our social feeds, and we're here to confirm the buzz surrounding this jelly-like balm is well-deserved. The biggest star factor comes from the gentle exfoliating ingredients, hibiscus enzymes, and lactic acid, which elevate this from a regular lip balm to one that actually helps treat chapped lips and leaves your lips looking smoother than ever. “Anyone with dry, peeling lips or anyone looking for exfoliation would like this formula, which has alpha hydroxy acids and peptides that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and plump the skin in the lips,” Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Alabama, previously explained. The cooling metal applicator adds an extra soothing touch, as well as softening Brazilian açaí and African mongongo butters, formula-wise.
The shade range is another standout: nine richly pigmented hues—unique ones at that, like Boba Bounce (rich soft brown) and Fig Sauce (cool mauve)—that adorn your lips with a deliciously glossy finish.
Han applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Bissap Glaze
Sarah Han
Han applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Bissap Glaze
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“It took me long enough to try this beloved lip balm, but I fully support the hype around it. Le Chouchou is thicker and more cushiony than your average balm, so it feels extra conditioning—perfect for my perpetually chapped lips. The fact that there are chemical exfoliants baked into the formula takes them straight to S-tier lip balms. My lips flake pretty easily but now I can treat them during the daytime, instead of only relying on a lip mask at night. My lips feel instantly smooth and the color range is chef's kiss, too. I'm a sucker for berry hues like Bissap Glaze but will definitely be reaching for Guava Fresca on minimal makeup days.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hibiscus enzymes, Brazilian açaí and African mongongo butters, collagen-boosting peptide
- Shades: 9 (including clear)
Best Pigmented: Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm
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Chanel
Rouge Coco Baume Satin
Chanel
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm in Anemone
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: Listed under “everyday luxury” in our proverbial beauty dictionary, you'll find Chanel's Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm. We love how classic the shade range is, from barely-there neutrals to richer berry tones: Each hue starts sheer but is very buildable, so you can customize your finish. Not sure where to start? One editor called 914 Natural Charm her perfect nude lipstick. The satin, your-lips-but-better finish is supported by ingredients such as squalane, olive fruit oil/leaves, and shea butter, which keep lips feeling soft and comfortable all day long.
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin before applying the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm in Anemone
Shanna Shipin
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin after applying the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm in Anemone
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“It's no wonder Sophia Richie Grainge wore this lip product on her wedding day—it's the one. Just the right amount of sheer, buildable color, and an ultra-comfy wear that will have you forget that you even applied any lip product at all. It glides over the lips—yes, even my craggly-scraggly and dry, peeling pout—without a skip. It makes your lips appear fuller and juicier—and the shade range is beautiful. There are classic rosey hues, beautiful peach and corals, and really wearable nudes. While I love the 914 Natural Charm for everyday wear, Anemone is a limited-edition summer shade that I can't get enough of; it's a joyful red-orange that brightens my whole face up.”—Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, olive fruit oil, olive leaf extract, shea butter, vitamin E
- Available shades: 9 (including clear)
Best Under-$10: Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm
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Nyx Professional Makeup
Smushy Matte Lip Balm
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: A matte lip balm? We get it—it sounds like an oxymoron. But Nyx Professional Makeup’s Smushy Matte Lip Balm somehow makes it make sense. This is your classic balm feel, reimagined with a plush, blurred, and soft-matte finish. The texture lives up to the name—pillowy and cushiony, thanks to a silicone-rich base that glides on seamlessly and wraps lips in comfort without ever feeling dry. Mochi-inspired rice powder gives a diffused effect, while sugar ceramides and shea butter lock in moisture, keeping lips smooth and hydrated. The smushy applicator (truly, no better word for it) and subtly sweet scents make the whole experience feel a little more fun and playful. According to our tester, it’s the definition of low-effort, high impact.
Lee before applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m not—repeat, not—a lip person. I have chronically dry lips, and I usually can’t stand the feel of gloss or most balms. So the fact that I’m fully hooked on this says everything. It gives me that comfortable, hydrated feel without any of the shine I usually avoid, and the soft-matte finish just makes my lips look better with zero effort. The shade Snuggle Szn is my ideal blushy nude. I loved it so much I bought four, just to make sure I’m never without one.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, shea butter, rice powder, silicones
- Shades: 12 (including clear)
Best for Discoloration: S'able Labs Moringa Lip Salve
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S'Able Labs
Moringa Lip Salve
Amazon
S’Able Labs
Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the S’able Labs Moringa Lip Salve
Sophie Panych
Why it’s worth it: Far from just another celebrity beauty brand, S’able Labs’ Moringa Lip Salve makes lip care feel personal. Created by actors Sabrina and Idris Elba, the brand is designed for melanated skin, specifically addressing concerns like uneven lip tone and discoloration that are often overlooked. The Lip Salve draws on Sabrina’s Somali heritage, spotlighting African ingredients like moringa seed oil—the so-called “miracle tree”—paired with ultra-nourishing castor oil, antioxidant-rich marula oil, and prickly pear seed oil for a formula that feels equal parts treatment and indulgence. There’s also the addition of licorice root extract, known for reducing discoloration over time. The base provides a cushiony, gloss-like slip, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate keep lips soft and hydrated.
It comes in a clear version for your low-maintenance days, but the tinted shades are where things get fun—think Jollof, a warm, culture-celebrating nod to the iconic West African dish, and Sister Wife, a cheeky wink to how Sabrina jokingly refers to Idris’ many admirers.
Panych before applying the S’able Labs Moringa Lip Salve
Sophie Panych
Panych after applying the S’able Labs Moringa Lip Salve
Sophie Panych
Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych
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“A tube of this lip balm has been at my makeup table ever since I tried it for the first time. I apply it before I start my makeup every morning and before I get into bed every night. What I love is that it’s thick enough to feel ridiculously hydrating but without feeling or looking goopy—in fact, it leaves a really pretty glossy finish that makes lips look fuller. I think what makes this formula especially effective is that the moisture and comfort it leaves behind lasts for hours and hours, which means one tube goes a long way. I also appreciate that it has zero taste, which I personally find very off-putting in a gloss.” —Sophia Panych, content director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: moringa, marula oil, castor oil, prickly pear seed oil, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, licorice root extract
- Shades: 3 (including clear)
Best Plumping: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
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Ole Henriksen
Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: If you haven't already gathered, peptides are an excellent ingredient for those who want plumper lips instantly—without any sting. (Basically, all of us!) Ole Henricksen’s Pout Preserve Lip Treatment has been an editor-favorite for years now, even picking up a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award for best daytime balm. This cushiony formula features not one, but two peptides (palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1) to lend lips a fuller look, while a nourishing blend of kokum butter, mango seed butter, and cloudberry oil provides additional softening, moisture-boosting benefits. And don't get us started on the yummy scents: Crème Brûlèe, Strawberry Sorbet, and Vanilla Bonbon (as well as occasional limited-edition colors) have us hooked.
P.S. The Pout Preserve Lip Treatments are so popular that Ole Henriksen has since expanded the collection to include Glimmers (shimmer-speckled) and Chillers (cooling sensation).
Hoffmann before applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from Hoffmann
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“The thick, glossy texture of this lip balm is perfection to me. It sits on your lips like a mask, which is so soothing when I'm really dry. I was years late to this product—my fellow editors were onto it way before I was—so when I finally got to try it I knew it was going to be good. What I didn't know I was that I was going to go through my first tube so quickly that I had to restock much sooner than I anticipated. If you spot me out with a glossy lip, there's a 75% change it's Cocoa Crème over faded lipstick, like I'm wearing here.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“Fun fact: Suni Lee first introduced me to this hydrating lip product when she was asked what her lip combo was at the last Olympics, and she delivered a TikTok with the details. Since then, this lip treatment has become one of my go-to lip products. It's hydrating but doesn’t feel sticky. The shades are very flattering (I have not yet met one I don't love, but my tube of Cocoa Crème is almost out, so I definitely gravitate to that one the most) and buildable. I use a lip liner with it to make the color last all day and my lips feel soft and smooth at the end of the day!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, kokum and mango seed butters, Scandinavian cloudberry oil, acai sterols
- Available shades: 7 (including a clear-ish shade, Vanilla Bonbon)
Best K-Beauty: Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm
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Unleashia
Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Yesstyle
Why it’s worth it: The popular K-beauty brand Unleashia may be better known for their viral Glitterpedia Eye Palettes packed with sparkle, but don’t worry—there’s no glitter in the Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm. And yet, it still shines. Instead of shimmer, you’re getting that signature K-beauty high-gloss, glassy finish thanks to a plush blend of emollients that melt into lips with a cushiony, almost lacquer-like slip. What gives it that K-beauty edge is the makeup-meets-treatment approach: Peptides, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and yuzu extract smooth, soften, and add antioxidant support.
For a brand built on self-expression without limits (its name blending “unleash” and “utopia”), even the shade names feel like an escape—think Ibiza, Amalfi, and Bondi Beach—so every swipe doubles as a mini vacation.
Han applying the Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm in No.3 Ibiza
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm in No.3 Ibiza
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“I never really fancied myself a glossy girl, but these hi-shine Unleashia gloss balms make my lips too juicy for words! The shades are extra pretty and vibrant as far as tinted lip balms go—my favorite shades, Ibiza and Bora Bora, pack a real punch of color. I'm obsessed and will continue collecting them all. This says a lot because I have an excess of tinted lip balms (I don't really ever wear clear ones), and most just gather dust on my vanity, whereas at least one Unleashia balm is on me at all times. Yes, they don't last very long, but reapplication is so fun with that cute, squishy, and donut-like top, so who cares? Unleashia is definitely a Korean makeup brand to watch out for!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides (acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), yuzu
- Shades: 7 (including clear)
Best with SPF: Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm
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Supergoop!
Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm
Amazon
Nordstrom
Revolve
Kinonen applying the Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm
Sarah Kinonen
Why it’s worth it: Lips are one of the easiest places to forget SPF, but they’re also one of the most vulnerable, thanks to thinner skin and minimal natural protection from UV rays. Supergoop’s Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm makes daily lip protection feel like a treat. "Using lip balms with sunscreen can also help prevent cold sores, as sun exposure can cause these spots to appear," Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, told Allure. This glossy balm uses a blend of chemical filters (and yes, formulas like these are designed with the expectation that a small amount will be ingested throughout the day) to deliver high-level, broad-spectrum protection while leaving lips with a high-shine finish. Beyond SPF, it’s all about lip care with a mix of coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil to soften and smooth, plus vitamin E and bisabolol for antioxidant and soothing support. There’s even a peptide (palmitoyl tripeptide-38) in the mix to nourish lips further.
Kinonen before applying the Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from Kinonen
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“I’ve tried a lot of lip products with SPF, and while I absolutely love the concept, many (if not most) of them left a lot to be desired. Textures were goopy and chunky, flavors were chemical-y, and the pigment just wasn’t there. But then I tried the Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF—and it changed my mind about sunscreen-spiked lip products of the past. This balm is shiny (not sticky), comes in a lot of pretty shades (my favorite is Pink Peppermint), and is long-lasting—even when sweating in the Brooklyn heat. I wore it for a recent tennis lesson (why didn’t anyone tell me tennis was so fun?!), and it stayed put throughout the hour-long class and during my many, many water breaks.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 5% homosalate, 4% octisalate, 4.5% octocrylene, peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-38), vitamin E, bisabolol, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil
- Shades: 3
Best Balm-Meets-Gloss: Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm
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Polite Society
Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm
Ulta Beauty
Shipin applying the Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm in French Caramel
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Sure, a viral product might grab our attention, but it takes a lot more to keep us hooked. At first swipe, Polite Society’s Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm delivers that juicy, high-shine finish you want from a gloss, but the real draw is how comfortable and non-sticky it feels. Credit a nourishing blend of sunflower, jojoba, hazelnut, and soybean oils, which soften and condition lips, plus vitamin E for antioxidant support. The shades (and flavors) make it even more fun to swipe on—whether you go for French Caramel, Bumbleberry, Cinnamon Churro, Jelly Bean, or Peach Bellini (which has a hint of shimmer), there’s really no wrong choice.
Shipin before applying the Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm in French Caramel
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from Shipin
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“I am addicted to these Polite Society lip balms! Every single flavor has been so deliciously fragrant and fun (where else can you find a purple “Bumbleberry” lip balm?!). The corresponding color is so lovely on the lips and enhances your natural pigment; my ultimate favorite is the French Caramel. This has to be among the most comfortable lip balms I've ever tested—I hardly realize I'm wearing it after applying, even with its higher-than-usual gloss factor. It's such fun, which is so welcome in the category of utilitarian beauty products.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sugar, castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil, beeswax, grapeseed oil
- Shades: 13 (including clear)
Best for Barrier Support: Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm
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Personal Day
Emotional Support Lip Balm
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Personal Day
Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm in Original Clear
Sarah Kinonen
Why it’s worth it: Founded by actress Lili Reinhart, Personal Day was born from her own struggles with sensitive skin and her mission to create skin care that’s as gentle as it is effective. Enter the Emotional Support Lip Balm, a.k.a. your lip’s comfort companion. It gives lips that just-right mix of high shine and moisture that actually lasts, thanks to hyaluronic acid (which pulls in hydration like a magnet) and squalane (which locks it in, even if a little bit swipes off with your morning coffee). Aloe vera instantly soothes dryness, while jojoba, camellia, and almond oils keep your lips plush and soft all day.
Kinonen before applying the Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm in Original Clear
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm in Original Clear
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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"In my adult life, there are three beauty items I never leave the house without: hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and lip balm. The latter is a "if-I-forgot-it-my-day-is-ruined" kind of pick because I'm extremely prone to cold sores and have perpetually chapped lips—and if you've experienced either, you know they are both very uncomfortable. The Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm doesn't just have a cute name, it works! And it's really long-lasting. One swipe of the goopy-in-the-best-way balm with the curved applicator usually lasts me a few hours (if I don't eat in between). I've already gone through two tubes of this stuff—I love it so much!" —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane oil, aloe vera, jojoba seed oil
- Shades: 3 (including clear)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you “overuse” lip balm?
You can overuse lip balm, “but it’s not necessarily harmful to be ‘addicted’ to moisturizing your lips,” says Dr. Chacon. What can happen, however, is that you become hyper-aware of even the tiniest bit of dryness. “Overuse can make it so that even the slightest hint of dryness is more noticeable,” she explains. That being said, if your lip balm has actives, ”like exfoliating acids or menthol, that can cause irritation if used too often," she says.
Why do lips feel drier after using some lip balms?
If your lips feel drier after applying lip balm, it could be due to the ingredients in the formula. “Certain ingredients can be harsh on delicate lip tissue, causing dryness, flaking, and peeling. Menthol, for example, has a tingly, cooling effect on lips and is often used in lip balms for that very feature. However, in a lot of cases, it’s too strong an ingredient, and in conjunction with sun exposure, menthol can damage the thin tissues of the lips," Dr. Chacon says.
What ingredients should I look for in a hydrating lip balm?
When shopping for a hydrating lip balm, focus on nourishing, emollient ingredients rather than those that create a temporary tingle. “I would avoid menthol, but for hydration, there are a lot of great options. Shea butter and cocoa butter are thick and great ingredients that generally can’t be overused. The same goes for the lighter options like jojoba oil or castor oil—both are ultra-hydrating ingredients that are great for moisturizing lips and beyond," says Dr. Chacon.
Meet the experts
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut, and associate clinical professor at Yale University
- Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best lip balms for dry lips, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
