We Tested Over 50 Lip Balms to Find the Best for Healing & Hydrating Dry Lips

Best Overall

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

$24 at Sephora $24 at Revolve View on Summerfridays.com

Why We Like It

The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm excels in every category—hydration, smooth application, shine, and subtle color—making it a top-tier product that feels as good as it looks. Its ability to leave lips feeling plump, moisturized, and beautifully glossy without stickiness makes it a true all-in-one solution. Formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, this balm deeply hydrates and softens the lips, leaving them smooth, plump, and moisturized for hours.

Its subtle pink tint gives the lips a natural, radiant hue, making it perfect for makeup-free days and going out. We also loved the light sugar/sugar cookie scent, which makes the application a pleasant experience without being too strong or lingering. Despite its higher price tag, we felt the balm justifies its cost with high-end results.

It's Worth Noting

• It doesn't contain SPF, which limits its use for outdoor activities or sun exposure. 

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Shea and murumuru butters, vegan waxes
• Size: .5 ounces

Best Budget

Nivea Smoothness Lip Care

$9 at Amazon $7 at Walmart $5 at CVS

Formulated with shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and broad spectrum SPF 15, Nivea Smoothness Lip Care provides all-day nourishing moisture while protecting lips from harmful UV rays. Nivea has been a trusted and affordable skincare brand for over 100 years and is available nationwide, making it our best-budget drugstore lip balm.

We loved that is was so satisfying to apply the velvety butter-textured balm to our lips. It’s smooth, soothing, and we could feel the hydration soaking in after the first application. Our lips had sheen but were not shiny. The balm eliminated the visible dryness, and the difference was like night and day. For optimal sun protection, we liberally applied Nivea Smoothness Lip Care 15 minutes before sun exposure, then reapplied every two hours afterward.

The light, refreshing scent reminded us of a spa. The fragrance, combined with the buttery texture, made this lip balm feel luxurious, and we enjoyed using it throughout the day. Our lips never felt gunky or flaky—just hydrated and healthy-looking.

It's Worth Noting

• It contains beeswax, which is unsuitable for vegans or people with a bee allergy.
  

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil
• Size: 0.17 oz
  

Best for Warm Weather

Eos SPF Coconut Lip Balm

$10 at Amazon $18 $16 at Walmart View on Evolutionofsmooth.com

Why We Like It

Get ready for safer fun in the sun with eos SPF 30 Coconut lip balm. This formula is sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes to guard lips from the elements. We chose eos as the best lip balm for warm weather because the active ingredient is zinc oxide 10.00%, which adds SPF 30 sun protection. Made with coconut oil and fruit extracts of pineapple, mango, and peach, you won’t be left with the typical bad sunscreen taste in your mouth.

We liked that the tropical flavor and fragrance were subtle and natural, not overpowering. When we applied the lip balm, the thick coating rested on the surface of our lips rather than absorbing. However, it did make our lips feel less dry and chapped. They also looked shinier and more hydrated.

Although we didn’t swim while wearing eos SPF 30 Coconut lip balm, it stayed in place while drinking from a cup. We felt confident that our lips were being protected during outside activities and only needed to reapply every couple of hours for continued sun protection.

It's Worth Noting

• Although this balm is hypoallergenic, it does contain beeswax, coconut, and soybean oil.
  

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil
• Size: 0.14 oz

Best with Lanolin

Lano Lanostick

$17 at Amazon $17 at Ulta View on Lanolips.com

Why We Like It

Lanolin is a deeply moisturizing oil that is humanely sourced from sheep’s wool and the main ingredient in The Original LanoStick by Lanolips. Combined with mango seed butter to plump the lips and candelilla wax (from the leaves of a shrub) to seal and protect, this balm is 100% natural and cruelty-free. 

The difference between The Original LanoStick and standard lip balms was immediately noticeable to us. We loved that it goes on cleanly—no smudging or bleeding outside of our lips. It absorbed quickly and lasted for hours. It felt light, yet soothing and pleasant. Although this balm is not scented, we detected a faint, natural scent that was neither overbearing nor off-putting, but worth mentioning.

Overall, we felt that The Original LanoStick by Lanolips was hydrating, enjoyable to use, and our top pick for best natural lip balm. Keep it on your nightstand or desk for buttery, soft lips. 

It's Worth Noting

• It’s best not to stash this one in your car though. Since it’s all natural, it will melt at 50°C (122°F).
  

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Lanolin, Castor Oil, Beeswax
• Size: 0.12 oz
  

Best Organic

SuperLan Organic Lanolin Lip Balm

$9 at Amazon View on Superlanusa.com

Why We Like It

SuperLan Organic Lanolin lip balm is formulated with just two ingredients—medical-grade lanolin and jojoba oil. It’s designed to repair and protect lips naturally. This lip balm is hypoallergenic making it suitable for most people, including children and adults and the best organic option on our list.

We love that SuperLan is free from chemicals, fillers, dyes, and beeswax since those are allergens for some individuals. Lanolin is derived from the shorn wool of sheep and has been a safe and natural moisturizer since ancient times. It melted into our lips, but the squeezable tube packaging kept it from making a mess in our pockets or bags. It felt hydrating without being sticky, oily, or waxy. It was just right. The minimal ingredients made our lips slightly shiny, but not glossy. We’ll definitely continue to use this one, and we feel safe using it on our kids too.

It's Worth Noting

• There’s no SPF, tint, or fragrance in SuperLan Organic Lanolin lip balm, and a little goes a long way.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Lanolin, Jojoba Oil
• Size: 0.35 oz
  

Best Multi-Use

Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm

$18 $17 at Amazon $15 at Target $17 at Ulta

Why We Like It

The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm from Lanolips lives up to its name. Made of purified Aussie lanolin, it’s a natural alternative to petroleum-based balms and just as versatile. The thick formula deeply penetrates skin and seals in the moisture. In addition to being a great lip balm, it is dermatologically tested and safe to use all over.

We applied the balm to our dry, damaged lips before bed and were pleasantly surprised to wake up to healed, soft skin. The dense ointment glided on smoothly without being greasy or sticky, so it didn’t leave any marks on our pillowcase. We felt relief with the first use. Even though this is not tinted, we also felt pretty because of the soft sheen on our lips.

It's Worth Noting

• Some people may not like applying The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm with their finger from the squeeze tube, however, we were not bothered by it. If too much product came out, we could rub it into our cuticles or other dry areas.
  

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Lanolin
• Size: 0.52 oz
  

Best Glossy

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

$19 at Amazon $19 at Sephora $19 at Kohls.com

Why We Like It

If you delight in a high-gloss finish, Laneige Lip Glowy Balm is for you. This sheer tinted balm comes in four shades with yummy flavors to match. Choose from Berry, Gummy Bear, Grapefruit, or Peach. Shea butter and murumuru butter serve double duty to soften and hydrate lips with long-lasting moisture.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm rejuvenated our skin and alleviated the dry, tight feeling. We could feel the relief almost immediately as it quenched our parched lips like a glass of water. The hydration went beyond the surface, but the shiny top layer of color added a nice finish.  However, the built-in applicator evenly spreads the lip balm over our lips without smearing. 

Overall, we enjoyed wearing this super shiny sheer gloss. It had a mild scent and flavor that didn’t overwhelm our senses. It lasted a long time too. Most importantly, it hydrated and protected our lips from the elements.

It's Worth Noting

• The consistency was thick and a bit tacky, causing the occasional fly-away hair to get stuck to our lips. 

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Shea Butter, Murumuru Butter
• Size: 0.35 oz
  

Best Unscented

Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm

$33 at Amazon $19 at Sephora $19 at Ulta

Why We Like It

Drunk Elephant believes that skin can return to a healthy, balanced state by excluding what they’ve dubbed the “suspicious 6” from their products. By avoiding the potentially troublesome impact of essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances & dyes, and SLS, Lippe Balm is less likely to cause adverse reactions. This philosophy and the nourishing active ingredients make Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm our best choice for a clean lip balm.

We loved that this balm felt buttery smooth and stayed in place. The antioxidant blend deeply moisturized, softened, and protected our lips, including avocado and mongongo oils, vitamin C, and shea butter. Tripeptide-1 hydrated and plumped our lips, adding definition to our lip line to reduce the signs of aging. We particularly liked that there was no taste or scent—just a subtle shine and long-lasting protection for up to 5 hours.

Although Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm is a little pricier than other options, we felt it was worth it. The balm's fully recyclable packaging prevented it from melting or breaking, and the natural, cruelty-free ingredients moisturized and protected our lips for hours at a time.

It's Worth Noting

• This balm contains potential allergens beeswax and soybean oil.
  

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Mongongo Oil, Tripeptide-1, Avocado Oil
• Size: 0.13 oz
  

Best for Face

Erbaviva Lip & Cheek Balm

$13 at Amazon $25 at Nordstrom View on Erbaviva.com

Why We Like It

Erbarviva Organic Lip & Cheek Balm is made with certified organic ingredients that are considered safe for most people, including babies. Calendula heals dry, chapped lips, cheeks, and hands, and vitamin-rich shea butter nourishes the skin. Coconut oil is used as a protective barrier to seal in nutrients and moisture. The calming, soothing effects of lavender and chamomile essential oils round out the list of botanical powerhouse ingredients to make Erbaviva our go-to balm for lips and face.

We loved that this balm had staying power. It lasted most of the day, even after drinking from our water bottle. The thick consistency felt like churned butter on top of our lips. There was no color or taste, but our skin had a thin, sheer coating with a healthy sheen. We detected the faint scent of the calendula and essential oils, which was pleasant and not overwhelming. The versatility of using Erbaviva Organic Lip & Cheek Balm on our lips, cheeks, hands, and little ones is why it’s our best multipurpose balm.

It's Worth Noting

• We wished that the stick glided on more smoothly, but the 100% vegetarian, USDA certified ingredients made it worth the price and minor inconvenience.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Calendula, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil
• Size: 0.6 oz
  

Best Luxury

Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow

$35 $30 at Amazon $40 at Sephora $40 at Nordstrom

Why We Like It

Beautifully packaged in a new couture case, this iconic balm has been reformulated and infused with cherry oil. The composition of cherry oil naturally helps preserve lip comfort, hydration, and nourishment. Other active ingredients are skin-softening shea butter and sunflower and rice waxes to help fuse the formula with the skin. The result is a lusciously smooth, multi-purpose balm available in a range of 25 shades to enhance any complexion. It can be worn own its own as a lip balm or as a lip primer under lipstick. 

We reached into our make-up bag instead of the medicine cabinet for Dior Addict Lip Glow. This balm added hydration and sheer tinted color on days when we wanted a minimalistic, natural, yet put-together look. It didn’t cure our dry lips, but it did moisturize and soften them while we wore it. We didn’t notice any taste or fragrance, and the color did not bleed outside of our lip line. The understated hues and soft sheen were perfect for achieving the clean aesthetic.

It's Worth Noting

• We liked that this beauty product helped to soften and nourish our lips, but this balm is not an ideal solution for severely dry, chapped lips.
  

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Cherry Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil and Wax
• Size: 0.11 oz
  

Best Scented

Glossier Balm Dotcom

$16 at Sephora $9 at Glossier.com

Why We Like It

With thousands of positive reviews since its introduction in 2014, Glossier Balm Dotcom is a fan favorite and a pleasure to the senses. Keep it simple with the fragrance-free, untinted Original balm or up the ante with one (or all) of the 8 scented salves. Both Mint and Coconut are untinted. Rose is barely there pink.

Try Birthday, the vanilla buttercream cake scent with shimmery sprinkles for a little razzle-dazzle. Mango smells fresh and juicy with a peachy-rose hue. Lavender is a soft, sheer purple with a floral, herbaceous fragrance. The magenta-colored Berry is a popular pick. Wild Fig is described as “jammy and fresh with a slight coral tint.” With so many flavors, it’s easy to see why Glossier Balm Dotcom is at the top of our list for best-scented lip balm.

Our favorite thing about this product was the scent. It was noticeable, but not overpowering or artificial smelling. It lasted at least an hour before dissipating. We found ourselves reapplying the balm just to enjoy the scent. Our lips were shiny, but not a high-gloss finish. The formula is a nice blend of glossy and waxy for just the right amount of sheen without being sticky.

It's Worth Noting

• The lip balm doesn't contain sun protection.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Castor Jelly, Synthetic Beeswax, Safflower Oil
• Size: 0.5 oz
  

Best for Cold Weather

Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm

$24 at Amazon $24 at Sephora $24 at Ulta

Why We Like It

Most skincare products are designed to work over a period of time with continued use; Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm is no exception. With active levels of hyaluronic acid and salicornia extract (a sea succulent), lips become more hydrated and healthy-looking with every application. A moisture barrier is built to protect against the elements, making Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm our best choice for cold weather.

We think that “lip wrap” is the perfect moniker for the Ilia lip balm. We felt as if our lips were in a gentle, moisturized hug that shielded them from the outside world. It rested on the surface of our skin and gradually seeped in over time. If Vaseline had a more luxe, beauty-forward formula, this would be it because it’s slick and glossy, but not overly so. We loved the clear, shiny look and it plumped up our pout.

One of our favorite things about this product is the slanted ceramic applicator. It helps the lip balm glide on easily and is perfect for on-the-go. We barely noticed the subtle lavender chamomile scent, and there was no tint or SPF. However, we feel the Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm results are worth the price to alleviate the effects of cold weather like dryness and chapped skin.

It's Worth Noting

The lack of SPF limits its usefulness for outdoor protection.

Product Details

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Salicornia, Coconut Oil
Size: 0.23 oz

Best with Hyaluronic Acid

Kosas Kosasport LipFuel Lip Balm

$18 at Amazon $18 at Sephora $35 at Walmart

Why We Like It

Kosas LipFuel comes in a unique slim package designed to lay flat in your pocket. The shape of the balm helps it reach the innermost corners of your lips to visibly improve plumpness, hydration, smoothness, and firmness. It comes in Baseline, the universal clear balm, plus three shades (Flow, Rush, and Pulse) that enhance natural lip tone with sheer pigment. All four contain active skincare ingredients: hyaluronic acid + vitamin E to hydrate, wild mint energizes, and konjac root protects. A beauty routine includes caring for the lips, so we chose LipFuel as the best balm containing hyaluronic acid.

We were impressed by how moisture was drawn into our lips. Hyaluronic acid plus vitamin E hydrated more deeply than balms without it and we could really feel the difference. This lightweight, silky balm had a pleasantly mild minty feeling and scent. The contoured shape made it easy to apply without a mirror. We only reapplied color after eating since the moisture lasted all day.

Kosas LipFuel lip balm added luster with a soft pop of color to our lips. We wished there were more shades because we really liked how attractive the tinted balms made us feel. At the current price point, we’d also recommend Baseline, the clear option for the skincare benefits alone. The use of hyaluronic acid made this a winning formula.

It's Worth Noting

• Hyaluronic acid may irritate people with sensitive skin.

Product Details

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E, Wild Mint, Konjac Root
Size: 0.17 oz

Best Hydrating

Buttah Skin Luxe Lip Balm

$21 at Amazon View on Buttahskin.com $21 at Macy's

Why We Like It

We love the Buttah Skin Luxe Lip Balm for its deeply hydrating, long-lasting formula that leaves lips feeling softer, smoother, and more nourished. Unlike many thin balms, this one offers a thick, waxy texture that sits on the lips, gradually warming and absorbing without feeling sticky or heavy.

We noted that this balm works well for both daytime use, offering a natural shine without overwhelming gloss, and as a nighttime treatment to repair and restore moisture. The rich blend of shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango seed butter effectively tackles dryness, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.

While priced on the higher end, we believe its hydrating power and effective nourishment make it a standout option, especially for those willing to invest in quality lip care or catch it on sale.

It's Worth Noting

• The lack of SPF makes it less ideal for sun protection during outdoor use.

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Shea butter, mango butter, niacinamide, castor oil
• Size: .15 ounces

Best Exfoliating

EADEM Peptide Lip Balm

$24 at Sephora View on Eadem.co

Why We Like It

If you're on the hunt for an exfoliating and softening lip balm that elevates your lip care routine, the Eadem Le Chouchou Peptide Lip Balm offers the perfect combination of exfoliation, luxurious texture, and visible tint. Formulated with hibiscus enzymes and lactic acid, it gently exfoliates the lips, leaving them softer and better prepared to absorb moisture.

This balm strikes a balance between lip gloss and lipstick, providing a glossy, slightly sticky application that absorbs within about 30 minutes. We also liked how it added a visually striking pop of color while maintaining a soft, gloss-like shine. While it does need reapplication to keep up the tinted effect, it gave our lips a polished, luxurious look that set it apart.

It's Worth Noting

• If you’re prone to very dry lips, you may want to pair it with a more hydrating balm for optimal results.

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Hibiscus enzymes, lactic acid, pyruvic acid
• Size: .5 ounces

Best with SPF

EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36

$16 at Amazon View on Eltamd.com

Why We Like It

Finding a lip balm that not only hydrates but also offers robust sun protection can be a challenge. EltaMD’s UV Lip Balm stands out for its impressive combination of moisturization and sun protection, making it our favorite for SPF-enhanced lip care.  If you're often outdoors or concerned about sun damage, this balm is an essential part of your lip care routine.

The formula strikes a perfect balance between deep hydration and a smooth, non-sticky feel. We liked how it left our lips feeling soft, plump, and well-moisturized without any tackiness or residue. This balm feels light and clean on the lips without an overwhelming taste, offering a pleasant, unobtrusive application experience.

It's Worth Noting

This balm can take a bit of time to fully absorb. While this helps create a protective barrier, it may not be ideal for those who prefer a quick-absorbing product.

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, zinc oxide 7.0%
• Size: .28 ounces

Best for Everyday

InnisFree Dewy Tint Lip Balm

View on Innisfree.com

Why We Like It

InnisFree Dewy Tint Lip Balm excels as an everyday staple. It offers hydration, a beautiful sheer tint, and a light, dewy finish that feels incredible on the lips. This balm provides lasting moisture without feeling heavy, waxy, or sticky. It also absorbs gradually, leaving our lips feeling truly hydrated and comfortable for at least an hour, unlike many balms that quickly fade or leave you reaching to reapply. 

The sheer color payoff strikes a delicate balance—enough to add a touch of color and make you feel polished but subtle enough to keep a natural look. We appreciated that the balm's smooth formula glides easily onto lips, creating a beautiful, dewy finish.

It's Worth Noting

It doesn't contain SPF, which might be a drawback for those who prefer sun protection in their everyday lip balm.

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Antioxidants
• Size: .11 ouces

Best Overnight

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

$10 at Amazon $10 at Sephora $17 at Walmart

Why We Like It

The thick, petroleum-jelly-like texture of Jack Black's Intense Therapy Balm SPF 25 provides a moisture barrier that locks in hydration while you sleep. This balm provides deep moisturization that penetrates and revitalizes even the driest lips, leaving them plump, soft, and smooth by morning. We also liked the light sheen, which felt noticeable but not overdone.

With no added fragrance or taste, it has a straightforward, classic balm feel but more powerful hydrating properties thanks to key ingredients like shea butter. Its no-scent, no-flavor formulation makes it great for anyone sensitive to flavored lip care products.

It's Worth Noting

• While it can be used outdoors thanks to its SPF 25, it may not be the best choice for windy days since its thicker formula can cause hair to stick to the lips.

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, octinoxate 7.5%, petrolatum 40.2%
• Size: .25 ounces

Best Tinted

Keys Soulcare Comforting Tinted Lip Balm

$18 at Amazon View on Keyssoulcare.com

Why We Like It

With the perfect balance of buildable tint, a natural glossy finish, and intense moisture — Keys Soulcare Comforting Tinted Lip Balm hits the sweet spot between color and hydration. The subtle color payoff offers a natural, “just bitten” look that enhances your lips without appearing heavy or overly pigmented. It’s ideal for those who want a polished, refreshed appearance without the commitment of traditional lipstick.

Formulated with avocado oil and shea butter, this balm keeps lips feeling hydrated throughout the day. Its light, protective layer prevents dryness without feeling sticky. Even our perpetually dry lips experienced comfort and relief. Due to its high performance and multi-purpose benefits, it’s an easy purchase to justify and a great addition to our lip care routine.

It's Worth Noting

• The absence of sun protection limits its versatility for outdoor use.
  

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Avocado oil, shea butter, camellia oil, caster seed oil
• Size: .1 ounces

Best for Sensitive Lips

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips Hydration Restore Lip Balm

$17 at Amazon $10 at Ulta $10 at Dermstore

Why We Like It

A gentle formula, long-lasting protection, and the ability to restore moisture make the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips Hydration Restore Lip Balm a must-have for dry, irritated lips. The buttery, waxy texture spreads easily yet stays in place, ensuring your lips stay hydrated without frequent reapplications. Unlike many lip balms that require frequent touch-ups, this balm stays put, even when drinking liquids (though it does wear off after eating).

Formulated for sensitive lips, this balm is fragrance-free and gentle, helping soothe even the most sensitive or dry skin without harsh additives. While it does have a subtle, natural scent, it lacks strong fragrances or flavors, reducing the risk of irritation. We also liked how it gives a subtle sheen without creating a noticeable glossy or shiny look, making it suitable for anyone seeking a natural finish.

It's Worth Noting

• While not overpowering, the scent has a natural "soap-like" note that may not appeal to everyone.
  

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Thermal water, panthenol 5%, shea butter
• Size: .25 ounces

Best with Beeswax

Lypsyl Intense Protection Lip Moisturizer

$6 at Walmart

Why We Like It

Lypsyl Intense Protection Original Mint Lip Balm showcases the best of what beeswax can offer: effective moisture retention, a protective barrier, and a soothing, gentle formulation. Beeswax acts as a natural occlusive, forming a physical barrier that seals moisture into the skin. This helps to prevent dryness and chapping, especially in harsh environmental conditions such as cold, wind, or dry heat.

This balm is perfect for those who want effective, affordable lip care with a refreshing, minty scent. We appreciated how the non-sticky, smooth finish felt protective and hydrating without being heavy or greasy. Additionally, the convenient sliding mechanism packaging makes it easy to use and ensures that a little goes a long way. 

It's Worth Noting

• The sliding mechanism used to push up the balm can sometimes be tricky to control and could present challenges for individuals with limited hand mobility.

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Mineral oil, petrolatum, beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, ceresin
• Size: .1 ounces

Best Plumping

OleHenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

$22 at Sephora $22 at Ulta View on Olehenriksen.com

Why We Like It

The peptide-rich formula of the OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment provides lasting hydration and a glossy finish that enhances lip volume without the heavy stickiness of traditional glosses. The combination of hydration, plumping, and a beautiful finish makes it our choice for adding natural volume and shine.

The balm is designed to visibly plump the lips, reducing the appearance of fine lines and leaving lips looking fuller and more youthful. The mild strawberry scent was a pleasant touch that enhanced the application experience without being overpowering. 

It's Worth Noting

• It can feel glossy and sticky upon initial application. Those who prefer a less glossy or more lightweight feel might find this aspect less appealing. 

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Lip-specific peptides, kakum and mango seed butter, cloudberry oil, acai sterols
• Size: .4 ounces

Best Lightweight

Supergoop! Lipscreen Sheer SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm

$22 at Sephora $22 at Ulta $22 at Dermstore

Why We Like It

If you're looking for a balm that offers lasting hydration in a feather-light package, the Supergoop! Lipscreen Sheer SPF 30 in Unseen is the ultimate pick. The balm offers a cushiony moisture that absorbs fully within about 30 minutes, leaving lips feeling smooth. Plus, it doesn't feel heavy or greasy, which is ideal for those looking for light hydration and sun protection throughout the day.

Unlike many SPF products, this balm leaves no visible residue, making it perfect for layering with other lip products or wearing alone. We also appreciate the light mint scent for desk-side use, outdoor activities, or any situation where you want sun protection without a sticky or heavy balm.

It's Worth Noting

• While it provides effective sun protection and a light, smooth feel, it may not be sufficient for those seeking intense, long-term moisture throughout the day.
  

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Size: .12 ounces

Best for Windburn

Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm

$14 at Amazon View on Dermstore $12 at Nordstrom

Why We Like It

With its silky texture, SPF coverage, and deeply nourishing formula, Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30 is ideal for anyone spending time outdoors. It provides a "hug" of moisture that seals in hydration and shields lips from the elements, making it a superior option for windburned or weather-beaten lips.

Formulated with SPF 30, it hydrates and heals chapped lips and protects them from further damage caused by UV rays and harsh environmental factors. This balm has little to no detectable scent, which is great for those sensitive to fragrance. We also appreciated how the bright and cheerful packaging makes this balm easy to find in a bag.

It's Worth Noting

• The higher cost may be a consideration for those looking for a more budget-friendly option.

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3% , homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%
• Size: .5 ounces

Best with Squalane

The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm

View on Theordinary.com

Why We Like It

Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm contains squalane and amino acids that work together to create a barrier that locks in moisture and nourishes the lips. Squalane is an emollient that mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it highly effective at preventing moisture loss. When applied to the lips, it creates a barrier that locks in moisture, keeping the lips hydrated and supple.

With no added fragrance or harsh additives, this balm is suitable for even the most sensitive lips and is a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies. We also loved how its subtle, gloss-like finish added a touch of shine without any stickiness.

It's Worth Noting

• Its thick, ointment-like texture can make it less practical for use during meals or when drinking, 

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Squalane, amino acids
• Size: .5 ounces

Best for Kids

Eos Organic Lip Balm 4-Pack

View on Amazon View on Evolutionofsmooth.com

Why We Like It

EOS Razzle Dazzle Lip Balm is the perfect choice for kids due to its gentle, safe, and effective ingredients, mild scent and flavor, and ability to provide reliable hydration and protection. This balm is formulated with sunflower seed oil, beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, providing natural and soothing hydration without harsh chemicals. It's also hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phthalates, and gluten—perfect for sensitive skin, including kids' delicate lips.

The balm has a thick, smooth texture that sits on top of the lips. It does a solid job of moisturizing and protecting lips throughout the day, which is particularly important for children who may be prone to chapped lips. We also appreciated that it comes in a convenient, multi-pack format, making it easy to distribute among different bags, jackets, or family members.

It's Worth Noting

• While its thick texture provides a protective barrier, it may be less comfortable for some users, including kids, who might prefer a thinner, more quickly absorbed balm.

Product Details

• Active ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, antioxidants
• Size: .14 ounces