The 20 Best Lip Balms of 2024 for Nourished and Hydrated Lips
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Our top pick is the Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm for its moisturizing formula
People / Kevin Liang
Lip balms are a skincare staple that seemingly everyone has in their arsenal. And while we love the soft and luscious shine they give off, there is much more to lip balm than meets the eye.
Experts Say
“It is important to keep your lips hydrated and use lip balm often, as the skin on the lips is one of the thinnest layers on the face, making it most prone to dryness and chapping. Lip balms can also provide a coating to lip skin to minimize the potential irritation caused by certain foods, such as citrus fruits and spicy foods.” — Dr. Jeannette Graf, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
The best lip balms provide hydration and nourishment to relieve chapped, dry lips and also treat and protect the lips from future irritation. With that in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team tried 29 top-recommended lip balm brands considering ingredients, claims, and sun protection to find out which deep-conditioning formulas work best.
Here are the best lip balms that PEOPLE tested in 2024.
Best Overall: Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
Star Qualities
Nourishing and glossy texture
Formulated with hyaluronic acid to moisturize
Hydration lasts a long time
Red Flags
On the pricier side
After testing 29 lip balm formulas, we were most impressed by Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm. This formula is enhanced with hyaluronic acid and sea succulent to provide a burst of hydration while also soothing and protecting the moisture barrier.
With its nourishing ingredients, our lips felt hydrated immediately after application. But we also noticed that the hydrating ingredients worked overtime to provide longer-lasting moisture, so you don’t need to reapply often. We also love that this formula has a more glossy finish that slips across the lips without feeling sticky.
In addition to the formula, we were impressed by the application. The tube allows you to squeeze the formula out so you can use every last bit of it. Plus, the slanted ceramic applicator tip makes it easy to distribute product onto the pout, and it has a cooling effect that feels nice on dry, irritated lips.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea succulent | Size: 0.23 oz.
Best Overall (Cheaper): Nivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF 15
Star Qualities
Buttery feel conditions and nourishes
Improves cracking and flakiness quickly
Provides sun protection
Red Flags
Creamy (not glossy) finish
Formulated with a blend of nourishing shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil, Nivea Smoothness Lip Care is another one of our top picks, but less expensive than our best overall pick. When testing this formula out, our team raved about the buttery soft texture. The formula has a more traditional lip balm finish, so it’s creamy instead of glossy and feels a little thicker on the lips.
The Nivea balm is designed to smooth the lips, and we felt like it lived fully up to its claims. After just one application, we saw a difference in hydration levels, and common concerns such as cracking and flakiness improved significantly. On top of that, the lip balm features SPF 15, so it protects the pout from the sun’s UV rays, making it a great option for all-day wear.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil | Size: 0.17 oz.
People / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
Best Budget: Burt's Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm
Star Qualities
Made with deeply nourishing beeswax and vitamin E
Peppermint oil for cooling effect
Ultra-thick formula creates a barrier from the elements
Red Flags
Minty effect may be too cool in winter
Despite its classic formula, Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm is anything but basic. This budget-friendly option is formulated with a deeply nourishing blend of beeswax and vitamin E that not only soothes and protects the pout from drying elements but also attracts moisture to the lips for added hydration.
Additionally, the lip balm features peppermint oil for a nice cooling effect on dry, irritated, chapped lips. On the other hand, it may also make your lips feel too cold in the winter months, but there are other Burt's Bees formulas made without peppermint oil if you'd rather avoid it.
When testing this formula out, we noted its thick texture and loved how it creates a barrier from the elements while treating chapped lips. On top of that, the formula stays in place, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around on the lips and wearing off easily.
Key Ingredients: Beeswax, vitamin E, peppermint oil | Size: 0.15 oz.
People / Ashleigh Morley
Best Glossy: Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
Star Qualities
Glossy finish with just one layer
Feels "like a glass of water for your lips"
Lip balm version of the beloved Laneige Lip Mask
Red Flags
No SPF
If you love the Laneige Lip Mask, you’ll love this glossy lip balm version. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm features a base of murumuru butter with shea butter for deep nourishment and lasting hydration. Our tester even noted it felt "like a glass of water for your lips" and said it offered her immediate relief and hydration upon first application. During the testing period, we found it offered lasting hydration even when the glossiness of the balm wore off.
Since this is essentially a daytime version of the Laneige Lip Mask, our tester wished it featured SPF in its formula for added sun protection, especially since she works at an outdoor pool in the summertime. However, the nourishing ingredients and the way it hydrates and smoothes the pout over time still make it well worth the buy.
Key Ingredients: Murumuru butter, shea butter | Size: 0.35 oz.
Best with SPF: Everyday Humans Big Mood SPF 30 Milky Lip Balm
Star Qualities
High SPF 30 formula
Extra nourishing and conditioning ingredients
So light we forgot we had it on
Red Flags
Slight pasty white residue
Most lip balms with sun protection have SPF 10 or 15, so if you’re shopping for something with a higher level of protection, we recommend Everyday Humans Milky Lip Balm. Featuring SPF 30, this lip balm has a deep-conditioning shea butter base with jojoba and argan oil for added deep conditioning.
During testing, we found that its waxy consistency is similar to Burt's Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm, so if you love that formula but want something with sun protection, this is a great option. A couple of minutes after applying, we forgot we had it on. Since the formula features zinc-based sun protection, the lip balm can leave behind a slight pasty white residue which is not ideal but is common for lip balms with sunscreen and worth it if added protection is what you're seeking.
Key Ingredients: Zinc, shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil | Size: 0.15 oz.
The More You Know
“Though balms may provide some short-term relief to dry lips, they can sometimes worsen the problem because of their chemical ingredients. These can include flavorings, fragrances, and preservatives that all have the potential to further aggravate your lips." — Jadé Marie Chapman, renowned holistic medical esthetician, makeup artist, educator, and beauty creator with over a decade of hands-on experience
Best with SPF (Cheaper): Eos SPF 30 Coconut Lip Balm
Star Qualities
Lasting hydration and noticeable protection against elements
Sweat- and water-resistant
Most affordable option we tested
Red Flags
Thick and sticky consistency
The drugstore is stocked full of different lip balms to choose from, and after testing nearly two dozen formulas, we found Eos Coconut Lip Balm to be another great pick with SPF that's also super budget-friendly. This lip balm is enhanced with sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter and boasts a consistency that feels thick on the lips for added protection.
Speaking of protection, the drugstore lip balm has SPF 30, which is on the higher side for a lip balm, making this one of the best options for daily protection against the sun’s UV rays. And its thicker texture sits on the surface of the lips, staying put through swimming and sweating.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, shea butter | Size: 0.14 oz.
People / Holly Klamer
Related: The 9 Best Moisturizers with SPF of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Value: Glossier Balm Dotcom
Star Qualities
Long-lasting finish
Glossy yet slightly creamy consistency
Vegan-friendly synthetic beeswax formula
Red Flags
Need separate sun protection
If you want a lip balm with fantastic staying power and an ultra-hydrating formula, you’ll find it in Glossier Balm Dotcom. Available in nine tints and flavors, the lip balm features a blend of castor jelly, synthetic beeswax, and shea butter, so it’s not only deep-conditioning but also provides long-lasting hydration. We love this formula because it has a glossy yet slightly creamy finish, making it a good in-between option for those looking for a lip balm that isn’t greasy but isn’t waxy either.
Additionally, the synthetic beeswax makes it vegan-friendly and a good alternative for those looking for a plant-based formula with the benefits of beeswax. While we wish the formula featured SPF, we appreciate that the thicker, creamy consistency protects the pout from the elements to prevent further damage caused by dry, windy climates. Overall, we were super impressed with the Glossier product and thought the value even exceeded the cost.
Key Ingredients: Castor jelly, synthetic beeswax, shea butter | Size: 0.5 oz.
Best Tinted: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
Star Qualities
Smooth and slightly glossy texture
Has a plumping effect
Provides ample hydration
Red Flags
Doesn’t absorb into the lips as well as others
The Fresh Sugar Lip Balm is our top pick for best tinted because it not only features 14 different color options but also provides that perfect kiss of color with a subtle and natural-looking finish. Additionally, this nourishing formula features lots of hydrating ingredients, including upcycled cranberry seed oil and rapeseed oil, along with sugar, which is scientifically proven to provide lasting moisturizing benefits.
Color and ingredients aside, we love this formula because it has a smooth and slightly glossy texture that glides across the lips easily and doesn’t feel sticky or waxy. Our tester described it as "so buttery" and said it was the perfect option if you want something with a bit more oomph than a regular lip balm but not quite a lipstick, either. Additionally, it has a slight plumping effect that provides lips with a fuller pout.
Key Ingredients: Sugar, upcycled cranberry seed oil, grapeseed oil, vitamins C and E | Size: 0.15 oz.
Best Tinted (Cheaper): Tower 28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm
Star Qualities
Dewy finish
Hydrates lips immediately
Shades are highly pigmented
Red Flags
Shade didn't last very long
The lip balm with the best pigment is definitely the Tower28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm. This conditioning formula is designed with a blend of shea butter, mango seed oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C, and immediately upon application, we noticed a difference in hydration.
In addition to its nourishing benefits, the lip balm comes in four highly pigmented shades that provide the pout with a lipstick-like pop of color with the hydration of a lip balm (we just wish it were available in more hues). Our only complaint is that the color didn't have great staying power — we had to apply often throughout the day if we wanted the color to last. On the plus side, our lips still felt moisturized even after the color faded.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, mango seed oil, vitamin E, vitamin C | Size: 0.09 oz.
Best Natural Shine: Dior Addict Lip Glow
Star Qualities
Both a lip balm and a lip gloss
Gives a natural "no-makeup" look
Adds a subtle pop of color
Red Flags
Moisturizing effect doesn't linger after removal
If you want something with a little more shine (but not super glossy), we recommend Dior Addict Glow Lip Balm. This formula features cherry oil, shea butter, sunflower wax, and rice wax to nourish the lips and provide a lip gloss-like finish. We love that this formula comes in a clear color for no-makeup days but also features 27 other shades for a subtle pop of color.
When testing this formula, we found that it’s highly effective at moisturizing the lips when wearing it, though the effect wears off when it’s removed so it’s not great for treating dry lips. Nonetheless, the lip balm is a fantastic option for those looking for a glass-like finish with more color options.
Key Ingredients: Cherry oil, shea butter, sunflower wax, rice wax | Size: 0.12 oz.
Best Color Payoff: Goop Beauty Clean Nourishing Lip Balm
Star Qualities
Goes on smoothly and provides noticeable hydration
Absorbs easily into the lips
Works as a lipstick alternative
Red Flags
Color is stronger than other tinted options
If you need an extra punch of nourishment, Goop Beauty's Clean Nourishing Lip Balm is the way to go. This formula features a blend of pomegranate extract and shea butter with coconut, argan, castor seed, jojoba, and sunflower oils for ultra-deep nourishment. The Goop lip balm comes in four shades — as well as clear for a no-makeup look — with a more pigmented tint, making this an excellent long-lasting lipstick alternative.
While it has a slightly waxy finish, it applies smoothly and is barely noticeable, so it’s a great choice for those who don’t love the feel of thicker, waxier lip balms but don’t want to go too far into gloss territory. While the price is on the higher end for a lip balm, our tester said the rich pigment and long-lasting color make it worth the cost.
Key Ingredients: Pomegranate extract, shea butter, plus coconut, argan, castor seed, jojoba, and sunflower oils | Size: 0.16 oz.
Best Matte Finish: Kaike Lip Frosting
Star Qualities
Velvet matte finish soothes and hydrates
Provides all-day hydration
Doesn’t transfer as easily as gloss
Red Flags
Cap doesn't snap on securely
Our top pick for an all-day option is Kaike Lip Frosting, which has a velvety finish that soothes and hydrates the lips without transferring as easily as glossier options. This softening lip balm formula sits on top of the pout without absorbing too much, so it provides a nice protective layer while promoting all-day hydration.
Additionally, it has a more deep-conditioning feel thanks to its candelilla wax, mango seed butter, and coconut oil base. With its impressive performance and budget-friendly price tag, this formula feels like a more elevated drugstore lip balm. We only wish the cap to the plastic tub snapped on more securely — it made us second-guess bringing it everywhere with us in fear it would open up and get ruined.
Key Ingredients: Candelilla wax, mango seed butter, coconut oil | Size: 0.15 oz.
The More You Know
For the most effective lip balm application, Dr. Graf says it’s best to apply formulas when lips are slightly damp but not wet. “This will help products absorb better into the skin and will keep your lips moisturized for longer.” Additionally, prepping the pout with an invigorating sugar scrub can help slough off dead skin cell buildup and create a smoother surface that can better absorb the nourishing ingredients from the lip balm.
Best Plumping: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
Star Qualities
Glossy formula creates additional shine
Provides plumping effect
Doesn’t bleed into the skin
Red Flags
Easy to squeeze out more than you need
To get a plumping effect on the pout, you need a lip balm that provides plenty of glossy moisture — without bleeding into the skin. Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is our top pick for this category because it features a deep conditioning blend of shea butter, peptides, babassu, and cupuaçu that give lips a supple-looking finish.
We love that the glossy formula absorbs into the skin and sits on top of lips for long-lasting shine and hydration. Additionally, we found that it works well at trapping moisture to the lips for improved hydration over time. However, we did notice it's easy to squeeze out too much product, and if you apply more than you need it can feel too clumpy on the lips.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, babassu, cupuaçu | Size: 0.3 oz.
Best with Hyaluronic Acid: Kosas Kosasport LipFuel Lip Balm
Star Qualities
Humectant properties and nourishing ingredients
Feels silky and soft
Enhanced with wild mint
Red Flags
Only 3 color options
If you need extra hydration, a lip balm formulated with hyaluronic acid is worth considering. Kosas LipFuel Lip Balm features hyaluronic acid for its humectant properties as well as nourishing vitamin E and konjac root. On top of that, the lip balm also has a touch of wild mint to provide chapped and irritated pouts with a cooling sensation.
During the testing period, we were most impressed by its hydrating formula and could tell that the hyaluronic acid worked well at giving our lips a burst of moisture. We were also impressed by the tints (so much so that we wish it came in even more options).
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, wild mint, konjac root | Size: 0.17 oz.
Related: The 20 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Cold Climates: Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment Superbalm
Star Qualities
Works well as a nighttime treatment
Difference in lips’ texture after one use
Can use elsewhere on the body
Red Flags
Not a lightweight lip balm
Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm is our top pick for the best lip balm for cold climates because it features an ultra-thick consistency — thanks to the lanolin-based formula — that nourishes, hydrates, and protects the lips against the elements. Additionally, it's also safe to use on other parts of the body, including as a moisturizer for dry hands, making it a super versatile option for those colder months.
After just one use, we noticed a difference in our lips’ texture and found that it works particularly well at addressing super dry, cracked, and chapped lips — our tester even said, "This is the best lip balm I've ever used, and it's my new go-to. I've tried dozens of lip balms, clear and tinted, and this one has provided the best results by far."
Key Ingredients: Lanolin | Size: 0.52 oz.
People / Sarah Felbin
Best Quick Absorption: Lano The Original Lanostick
Star Qualities
Light, glossy look that absorbs well
Efffects are almost immediate
No smudging, bleeding, or smearing
Red Flags
Glossy finish might not be ideal for all occasions
For a formula that is just as conditioning as Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm except lighter and fast-absorbing, consider Lanolips The Original LanoStick. This stick lip balm is infused with vitamin E, candelilla wax, mango seed butter, and, of course, lanolin to provide deep nourishment and replenish parched lips.
We noticed a difference in our lips’ hydration right after application and love that it has a smooth, glossy finish that stays in place and doesn’t bleed, smear, or smudge. Since the lip balm is in a classic style, it’s also easy to apply and convenient to travel with.
Key Ingredients: Lanolin, vitamin E, candelilla wax, mango seed butter | Size: 0.11 oz.
People / Katy Stovall
Best for Sensitive Skin: Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm
Star Qualities
Soothing green tea leaf
Nice sheen that isn't too glossy
Durable packaging protects product from heat
Red Flags
No sun protection
For sensitive lips, consider Drunk Elephant Lippe Balme. This lip balm is formulated with green tea leaf and vitamin C, which are rich in skin-protecting antioxidants, and has a shea butter base to gently and effectively moisturize the lips. While we wish the formula featured SPF for added protection, we were still impressed by how well the balm protects lips from the elements, including heat and cold.
During the testing period, we found that this lip balm falls somewhere in the middle of a matte and glossy finish, for a more creamy, moisturized look with a subtle touch of sheen. Our tester also noted that it lasted longer on the lips compared to other lip balms she's tried — she only had to reapply every few hours.
Key Ingredients: Green tea leaf, vitamin C, shea butter | Size: 0.13 oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin (Cheaper): SuperLan Organic Lanolin Lip Balm
Star Qualities
Doesn’t look or feel sticky
Excellent hydrating effects
Unscented and feels gentle
Red Flags
Need to reapply every hour
Formulated with medical-grade lanolin and jojoba oil, SuperLan Organic Lanolin Lip Balm is worth trying if you’re sensitive to scents or have an easily irritated lip. The unscented lip balm has an instant hydrating effect after the applicator and feels glossy on the pout without being super sticky.
While we felt the need to reapply this formula every hour, we were really impressed by how much it moisturized our lips, even when it wore off. We also appreciated the easy-to-transport packaging that can be thrown into purses and backpacks for easy everyday use.
Key Ingredients: Medical-grade lanolin, jojoba oil | Size: 0.35 oz.
People / Holly Klamer
Best Multitasker: Erbaviva Lip & Cheek Balm
Star Qualities
Provides highlighting shine
Soothing and calming formula
Thick and slightly waxy texture maintains hydration
Red Flags
Thick texture might not be preferred by some
We love a two-in-one formula — and this lip balm from Erbaviva totally impressed us. The Erbaviva Lip and Cheek Balm is designed to be worn on both the lips and the cheeks as a highlighting slick. Featuring a shea butter base with a blend of lavender and chamomile essential oils for their calming properties, along with calendula and rosemary extract, the product feels ultra-nourishing, hydrating, and soothing.
The formula features a thick consistency that is slightly waxy and sits on the lips’ surface. While this might not be ideal for some preferences, we found that it made the lip balm more effective at hydrating and protecting against the elements. Additionally, the texture helped keep transfer at bay, even while sipping coffee and water throughout the day.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, lavender essential oil, chamomile essential oil, calendula extract, rosemary extract | Size: 0.6 oz., 0.16 oz.
Best Overnight Treatment: Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm
Star Qualities
Plumping complex creates supple finish
Doesn’t transfer easily
Works as an overnight softening treatment
Red Flags
Multiple layers feel thick and waxy
If you have ultra-dry lips and are looking for a lip balm that can reverse the effects of a parched pout, we love Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm, which works well as an overnight treatment. Despite its hefty price tag, this formula boasts excellent value as a little goes a long way, and you only need one application in the morning and at night to experience its moisturizing effects.
The formula is enriched with soothing and protecting vitamin E along with candelilla wax, shea butter, bisabolol, and castor seed oil to deep-condition over time. Additionally, this balm has a lip-plumping complex that revitalizes lips and adds a supple finish.
Key Ingredients: Lip plumping complex, vitamin E, candelilla wax, shea butter, bisabolol, castor seed oil | Size: 14 oz.
What to Know About Lip Balms
Ingredients
When shopping for lip balms, ingredients are key. Chapman recommends looking for formulas with beeswax, “which forms a shield while helping to revitalize and hydrate the skin.” Aloe is another ingredient that can benefit lips. “It seals in moisture, defends lips from harm, and also contains vitamin E to restore chapped lips,” Chapman adds.
For the best lip balms with beeswax, consider Burt's Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm, which is our top pick for the best budget-friendly formula. We also love Glossier Balm Dotcom, which contains a blend of beeswax, castor jelly, and shea butter for deep nourishment. Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm, Kosas LipFuel Lip Balm, Tower28 JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm, and Lanolips The Original LanoStick are also fantastic options for formulas enriched with vitamin E.
Sun Protection
Lip balms should nourish the pout and provide lasting hydration. However, Dr. Graf says to also look for lip balms with SPF for daytime protection from the sun. Our top pick for the best lip balm with SPF is Everyday Humans Milky Lip Balm. However, we also love Eos SPF 30 Coconut Lip Balm as an effective drugstore option. Both formulas include SPF 30 in their ingredient lineup as well as deep-conditioning ingredients to support lasting nourishment.
Behind the Scenes
To find the best lip balms, we began by researching formulas and selecting top picks to test in the real world. Throughout the testing period, we considered 29 formulas from top beauty and skincare brands.
Evaluation: We carefully considered the balms' ingredients and claims and whether or not they offer sun protection.
Effectiveness: Our PEOPLE Tested team made note of the condition of their lips before, during, and after use while also sharing insights on the overall feel, hydration, look, and application process to get a good idea of how each formula worked (or didn’t work) when out in the real world.
Ratings and Selection: Once we finished testing every formula, we assigned each product a score of one to five for feel, hydration, look, and value. We compiled our notes and carefully considered the pros and cons of every product, including the price, to determine the top picks. From there, we put together this PEOPLE-Tested list of the best lip balms.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best lip balms, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s notes, paying close attention to their experiences and insights throughout the testing period. She considered everything from the hydration factor, the way the formulas felt when wearing, and the way they make lips look, in addition to ingredients, size, and value. Additionally, Jessie reached out to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf and medical esthetician Jadé Marie Chapman to learn more about what to look for in lip balms and what makes a lip balm the best of the best.
Our Expert Panel
Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.
Jadé Marie Chapman is a holistic medical esthetician, makeup artist, educator, and beauty creator with over a decade of hands-on experience.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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