Cold weather can wreak havoc on your lips, leading to dryness, cracking, and discomfort. That’s why applying lip balm becomes essential during the winter months to keep your lips moisturized and protected. Without proper hydration, you may end up with chapped lips that are not only unsightly but also uncomfortable. To avoid this, make sure to have a lip balm on hand at all times, either in your pocket, purse, or car.
Not all lip balms are created equal, so it’s crucial to choose a formula that effectively hydrates and nourishes your lips. Dermatologists recommend selecting a lip balm that can both moisturize your lips and provide a barrier to seal in moisture and keep dry air at bay. Look for ingredients like beeswax, petroleum jelly, and shea butter, as they are effective in achieving these goals. Avoid lip balms with potential irritants such as flavors, dyes, fragrances, and menthol, which can further dry out your lips.
To help you find the best lip balm for your needs, Dr. Ivy Lee, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California, shares her top eight favorite lip balms.
Shop 7 of a Dermatologist’s Favorite Lip Balms
CeraVe Healing Ointment — $11.00
“The CeraVe ointment is a gentle option that I really like,” says Dr. Lee. This ointment contains ceramides to restore the skin’s natural barrier, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and petrolatum to prevent chapped lips.
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm — $6.00
“Many patients love lip balms with a hint of color, and Burt’s Bees is a popular choice,” notes Dr. Lee. This tinted lip balm comes in various shades and contains shea butter and botanical waxes for long-lasting hydration.
EltaMD UV Lip Balm BroadSpectrum SPF 36 — $13.00
“For a lip balm with sunscreen, I recommend EltaMD,” says Dr. Lee. This lip balm offers mineral protection with ingredients like zinc oxide, along with glycerin, vitamins C and E, and Hydromanil for moisturization.
Aquaphor Lip Repair — $6.00
Another top pick from Dr. Lee is Aquaphor Lip Repair, which soothes lips and seals in moisture with a blend of vitamins, shea butter, and chamomile. For sun protection, she recommends Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick SPF 30.
Fresh Tinted Lip Balm — $24.00
Dr. Lee also recommends Fresh tinted lip balms, available in multiple shades. These balms contain sugar for hydration and include vitamins C and E, cranberry seed oil, and grapeseed oil for protection and softening.
Supergoop! Lipscreen Shine SPF 40 — $22.00
Dr. Lee recommends Supergoop! Lipscreen Shine for its clear, glossy formula that includes grape seed extract, shea butter, and various oils for lip protection and hydration.
eos Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm — $4.00
“Younger patients love eos lip balms for their cute packaging and fun flavors,” mentions Dr. Lee. These balms contain nourishing ingredients like sunflower seed oil, beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter for soft, cared-for lips.
