The Most Hydrating Lip Balms for Dry, Flaky, and Chapped Lips

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For all the good that comes with the colder seasons (cozy cashmere sweaters! toasty shearling coats! cute boots!), there are also some negatives that can't be overlooked—namely chapped lips. We've all experienced the discomfort associated with a dry skin at some point in our lives, but having a good hydrating lip balm on hand can solve all your pesky pout problems.

"Lip balm is a must-have, especially for the winter months," says Dr. Ellen Marmur, a top NYC board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare and Marmur Medical. "With its hydrating properties, its perfect for keeping your lips moisturized and preventing further drying or cracking."

Dr. Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist in California, adds that many lip balms can "protect against environmental stressors and contain nourishing ingredients that contribute to overall lip health and can even provide sun protection."

Ahead, with the help of both derms, we narrowed down the 20 best hydrating lip balms you'll love so much, you'll want to buy several to keep in every purse, pocket, and pouch.

Women's Nutritive Lip Balm

A good lip balm should hydrate, but a really good lip balm goes above and beyond at conditioning, while also protecting, soothing cracked skin, and delivering a plumped effect. Sisley-Paris completely understood the assignment with its Nutritive Lip Balm, which has long been an editor-fave and earned beauty awards.

One reviewer writes: "This is a remarkable lip balm and I feel it makes an impact on my lips."

Key Ingredients: Kokum butter, mango butter, shea oil, plum kernel oil

Size: 9 g

Lip Wrap Reviving Balm Lucid

Powered by clean ingredients like hyaluronic acid and sea succulent, Ilia's pout perfecter lives up to its name by hugging the lips to seal in moisture and revitalizing its moisture barrier. But the real star of the product is its applicator: it features a ceramic tip that feels so cooling, soothing, and refreshing upon application. A winner all around.

One reviewer writes: "This is my absolute go-to when it comes to chapped lips! I’ve tried at least 15 other lip balms/butters/masks and this consistently comes out on top! A must-have in my life."

Key Ingredients: Salicornia, hyaluronic acid, prickly pear oil

Size: 0.23 fl oz | 7 ml

MORE: T&C Tried & True: The Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm Is Too Good to Do Without

Addict Lip Glow

For those craving moisture with a hint of color, Dior makes a product that coddles dry skin while imparting a gorgeous, subtle glow for hours on end. T&C's Digital Director Caroline Hallemann says, "Just swipe it on, add a little blush and mascara, and it’s the perfect fresh-faced look."

One reviewer raves: "This is a holy grail product for me as I go through about 3 of these lip balms per year. It’s comfortable and adds just enough pigment to show and is a bit more than my lips but better regardless of shades I use."

Key Ingredients: Cherry oil, shea butter, sunflower and rice waxes

Shades: 25

Size: 0.11 oz/ 3.52 g

Lip Repair Ointment

If you know, you know. Both Dr. Shokeen and Dr. Marmur recommend Aquaphor because it's jam-packed with deeply hydrating ingredients, including glycerin and shea butter.

"The thick consistency can help repair and sooth dry lips (and skin too)," says Dr. Marmur. "It has regenerative ingredients that help support the lip barrier and reduce dryness."

One shopper raves: "Aquaphor is the only thing I’ll use on my lips (and most of my skin). It provides instant relief. It also is a great base for my lipstick."

Key Ingredients: Vitamins C, E, and provitamin B5, shea butter, chamomile essence

Size:.35 oz

101 Ointment Multi-Balm

This lanolin-infused formula does it all. No, really. Not only can you apply it to a dry pucker, but dab it on cuticles, dry elbows, patchy skin, and you're good to go.

One reviewer says: "This product is amazing! It soothes my dry lips instantly and keeps them soft and moisturized for hours. I won’t use anything else now! It is also great for dry cuticles!"

Key Ingredients: Lanolin

Size: 0.52 oz

Cicaplast Lip Balm B5

If you're familiar with La Roche-Posay's skincare, you know exactly what to expect with the brand's lip balm: a lightweight formula that provides instant and long-lasting moisture.

"It contains panthenol, vitamin B5, which helps lock in moisture," says Dr. Shokeen, adding that it "has an unique thermal water additive for extra hydration."

One shopper says: "Honestly can’t fault this lip balm, applicator is slanted and perfect to slide on. Leaves no white marks or sticky residue on the lips. After application just twice, it’s completely healed my lips which were the driest they have ever been with eczema on the sides and super uncomfortable. "

Key Ingredients: Thermal water, panthenol, shea butter

Size: 7.5 ml

HYDRA BEAUTY Nourishing Lip Care

Chanel's little pot of goodness contains the usuals (shea butter and cottonseed oil), but the true hero is ceratonia PFA, an ultra-pure and -powerful ingredient exclusive to the brand. The formula instantly nourishes and repairs extra chapped lips, while leaving them with a silky smooth and supple finish.

One shopper says: "Once you try this you will never buy another brand. I use this product several times a day and always before I go to sleep. My lips have never been healthier. Keeps your lips soft and moist even in severe weather conditions."

Key Ingredients: Ceratonia PFA, shea butter, cottonseed oil

Size: 0.35 oz

Lip Salve-Rosebud, 2 pack

An oldie, but a goodie, this rose-scented salve has been a go-to for beauty editors, makeup artists, and skincare obsessives for years because it provides a healthy hit of hydration wherever skin needs it.

One reviewer raves: "This balm rescued my lips. Love it. Easy to use. Soft and gentle texture, wonderful aroma. Great product and service. Highly recommend."

Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, cottonseed oil

Size:.8 oz

Balm Dotcom

Glossier's Balm Dotcom has had a cult following since 2014, and for good reason. The formula, which is loaded with antioxidants and emollients, provides all-day hydration and comes in a range of delicious flavors (wild fig! berry! birthday cake!) that impart a stunning wash of color.

One shopper says: "The balm is the smoothest product ive ever put on my lips and it smells DELICIOUS. keeps my lips hydrated for hours and its so affordable!"

Key Ingredients: Castor jelly, synthetic beeswax, vitamin C acetate, shea butter

Shades: 9

Size: 0.5 fl oz / 15 ml

The Lip Balm

La Mer has all the hallmarks of a luxe lip balm: a sumptuous texture, calming formula with nourishing ingredients, and a hint of mint for a refreshing finish.

One shopper says: "This is a great lip balm! Lips don’t feel dry or chapped even as it wears out. With continued regular use, lips feel better and healthier."

Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, seaweed extract, eucalyptus oil

Size:.32 oz

Lip Balm with Acai

SPF is just as important for lips, and Supergoop! offers a product that tackles dryness while providing UV protection.

One shopper says: "The lip balm feels nice on your lips and protected my lips from the harsh tropical sun on my vacation. I am continuing to use it when I go outdoors and even anytime at home too because I like the way it feels on my lips."

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, acai extract, sunflower seed oil

Size:.5 fl oz

Augustinus Bader Lip Balm

Augustinus Bader's conditioning treatment pulls triple duty to support cell renewal with its proprietary TFC8 technology, while also providing long-lasting hydration and pumping up the volume in lacklaster lips.

One reviewer reports: "Best lip balm ever. Hydrates, plumps and makes my lips feel smooth and wonderful!"

Key Ingredients: Candelilla wax, plumping complex, bisabolol, vitamin E

Size: .14 oz

Lip Sleeping Mask

"While technically a 'sleeping mask,' this balm is ultra-nourishing and perfect for overnight hydration," says Dr. Shokeen. "It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid, minerals, and antioxidants to repair and replenish dry, chapped lips."

One shopper says: "I use it every night before bed and I wake up with soft, supple lips. The formula is just right, not too thick and not too thin. I not only wear it to sleep, but as a lip balm anytime I want to smell like candy. The amount of product is great, decent sized for any balm."

Key Ingredients: Berry fruit complex™, murumuru seed, shea butter

Shades: 6

Size: .7 oz

Beeswax Lip Balm

Classics are classics for a reason, which is why Burt's Bees made it onto our "best of" list. The lip balm contains beeswax, vitamin E, and peppermint oil, providing intense hydration and a refreshing sensation. Dr. Shokeen is a fan.

One shopper says: "I love the cooling minty-ness of this on my lips. It coats them well and is long-lasting. The 4 pack is the best buy economically and allows me to have one in several different places."

Key Ingredients: Beeswax, vitamin E, peppermint oil

Size: 4.25 g

Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm

Also infused with beeswax—an ingredient known to hydrate and condition—Farmacy's lip balm helps to seal in moisture on extra dry lips. Dr. Marmur also likes it because "it has a subtle citrus scent and leaves lips with a buttery soft feeling."

One shopper raves: "I have REALLY been struggling with chapped lips this winter and a friend recommended this to me and I love it! It is incredibly hydrating. I only feel the need to put in on once or twice a day as opposed to the 8 times a day I was using the cheap drug store stuff. It goes on super smooth too."

Key Ingredients: Proprietary honey blend, beeswax, cupuaçu and cocoa butters

Size:.12 oz

Le Balm

Where are all my French pharmacy beauty lovers at? This cushiony balm was formulated by a French pharmacist with, wait for it, 68 highly-concentrated actives. It starts as a solid serum but melts onto skin instantly, transforming into a supremely nourishing, never greasy formula. But the pièce de résistance? It can be applied as a facial moisturizer, under-eye cream, overnight cream, treatment salve, primer, and repairing mask. Genius.

One shopper says: "This balm is absolutely beautiful! I use it on my lips, my hands and my face. With the luxurious packaging and ease of use, it's quickly become a favorite in my routine."

Key Ingredients: Patented prickly pear native cells, patented blue bird hibiscus native cells, ceramide, hyaluronic acid

Size: 1 oz/30g

Lip Butter Balm for Hydration & Shine

Cracked, chapped lips are no match for Summer Fridays's cult-favorite butter balm, which locks in hydration while providing a high-shine glossy finish.

One shopper raves: "Any color of this lip balm is my go to. I’m always stocked with like 3 or 4 because I can’t go without it. I hate when lip balms are thin and feel barely there. This goes on thick and it’s on for HOURS."

Key Ingredients: Shea and murumuru seed butters, vegan waxes

Shades: 7

Size: 5 oz/ 15 g

Mojito Lip Mask

For those who crave a minty sensation, allow us to introduce you to Byroe's Mojito Mask. Made fully of fruit and vegetable-derived ingredients, the silky treatment quenches parched lips, while also gently exfoliating rough, flaky skin, leaving them feeling kissably soft.

One shopper says: "Packaging, texture, scent, and results. YES! This lip treatment feels luxurious and leaves lips feeling super soft, comforted and plushy!"

Key Ingredients: Lemon & lime derived AHA, hyaluronic acid, apple mint, thyme, green tea

Size: 0.17 fl oz/ 5 g

Charlotte's Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir

For those craving extra moisture, Charlotte Tilburry's lip oil packs a serious hydration punch with aloe vera, which is rich in antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins A and C, as well as plant adaptogen extracts.

One reviewer writes: "This is such a good lip oil. It makes your lips really hydrated and smooth and it satisfying to put on, and leaves your lips feeling really nice."

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, plant adaptogen extracts

Size: 0.2 oz

Sugar Lip Balm

Your pout deserves the best, so treat it to the best with this buttery sugar-infused lip balm that provides a whopping 24 hours of hydration with transparent, buildable color.

One shopper writes: "I have one in each of my bags, one in each drawer. I’m obsessed so I subscribe and I always have extras then I gift it to all my close friends and family members and I always say 'you will thank me for that' love the red shimmering healthy look + it feels amazing! I’m truly in love with the product!"

Key Ingredients: Sugar, grapeseed oil, cranberry seed oil, vitamins C and E

Shades: 13

Size: 4.3 g

What is the most hydrating thing for your lips?

"Lip balm offers numerous benefits, including providing essential moisture to the lips, preventing dehydration, and protecting against environmental stressors," says Dr. Shokeen. "It helps maintain the delicate skin barrier on the lips, preventing dryness, flakiness, and discomfort. Additionally, many lip balms contain nourishing ingredients that contribute to overall lip health and can even provide sun protection."

What is the best hydrating lip balm?

According to Dr. Marmur and Dr. Shokeen, the best hydrating lip balms should have nourishing properties that replenish lost moisture, while leaving the lips feeling soft and supple. Here is a list of ingredients to look out for:

• Shea butter

• Beeswax

• Hyaluronic acid

• Cocoa butter

• Polyglutamic acid

• Glycerin

It's also important to note while it may be tempting to buy a lip balm that offers a cooling, minty effect, both Dr Marmur and Dr. Shokeen advise patients to steer clear of formulas with menthol, camphor, phenol.

"Applying lip balm can actually cause your lips to feel drier in some cases," says Dr. Marmur. "This is because the ingredients are harsh to the skin and further causing irritation."

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