I Went on a Mission to Find the Best Lip Balms—These 20 Made the Cut

This lip balm is next level. It's formulated with only five ingredients, including ghee (a type of clarified butter), beeswax, coconut oil, mango seed butter, and vitamin E. This lip balm doesn't disappear after only a few minutes, unlike other ones I've tried. Instead, it coats my lips in a lightweight veil of moisture. While I like the original scent, which is fragrance-free, my personal favorites are mango-papaya and chai. The former smells fresh and energizing, and the latter smells like autumn in a tube. I'm obsessed.

Pros: Moisturizing, long-lasting, simple five-ingredient formula

Cons: None

Promising review: "This is the best lip care product I've ever used. Then to top it off, I had chapped lips last week, and this healed them so quickly!" — Ghlee customer

This French lip balm is a forever favorite of mine. It's thick and rich, almost like a lip mask, and as such, cures my chapped lips overnight. It's all thanks to honey, plant oil, and shea butter, which make the lips feel soft and supple. 

Pros: Moisturizing, long-lasting, rich formula

Cons: Not as lightweight as other lip balms

Promising review: "The very first application made a noticeable difference—my very parched lips were softer & more moisturized right away, which doesn't happen for me with a lot of lip products. I barely had to use any of this balm. My lips remained soft all day, even after drinking coffee and eating lunch. I didn't need to apply anymore the rest of the day." — Amazon customer

Most tinted lip balms provide an ever-so-sheer wash of color that melts off within a few minutes. This one is different. It packs a punch of color for bright, full-looking lips while simultaneously moisturizing them with shea butter and marula oil. 

Pros: Moisturizing, highly pigmented

Cons: Some might think it's too pigmented for a lip balm

Promising review: "This is surprisingly pigmented for a balm. Perfect for when you don't need the full effect of lipstick but want some color. It's very moisturizing and long-lasting." — Sephora customer

Take it from someone with chronically dry lips: This lip balm works wonders, especially when you consider it costs less than a morning latte. It's made with beeswax, vitamin E, and a hint of peppermint oil, and transforms my chapped lips faster than other formulas that cost 10 times more. 

Pros: Moisturizing, long-lasting, budget-friendly

Cons: Some say it feels waxy

Promising review: "I love Burt's, and I own a lot of its products! This is my favorite! It's very moisturizing! 10/10 would recommend it!" — Ulta customer

Not only does this lip balm offer SPF 30, but it also offers antioxidant-rich moisture thanks to organic Cupuaçu butter and raspberry and jojoba seed oils. It's 70%+ organic, and it's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Pros: Moisturizing, antioxidant-rich formula, SPF-infused

Cons: Some say it's not as moisturizing as other lip balms

Promising review: "I'm obsessed with protecting and preserving all aspects of skin but somehow never thought about lips until recently. Thanks to COOLA for making this wonderful, hydrating lip balm for summers and winters. Sometimes I'll reapply multiple times a day (and if needed, layer with my trusty Burt's Bees lip balm). Highly recommend this as part of everyday skincare routine!" — Dermstore customer

For severely dry lips, look no further than this iconic tin of pain-relieving and moisture-infusing goodness. It offers a cooling sensation along with barrier-boosting ingredients to turn chapped and cracked lips into soft, smooth ones. 

Pros: Moisturizing, medicated formula, budget-friendly

Cons: Some say it has an unpleasant taste

Promising review: "I have been using these little blue pots for several years. I have tried others when I would see them on sale but always come back to these. This makes your lips feel so good!" — Amazon customer

Yes, this one has a luxurious price, but it also has a luxurious formula. It's rich and soft at the same time, with a lightweight texture. Since it uses beeswax and candelilla wax to lock in moisture, it makes my lips feel soft, smooth, and protected. Plus, thanks to the chic, heavy-in-your-hand tube, it feels so sophisticated to use, even if it's just lip balm. 

Pros: Moisturizing, long-lightweight, ultra-luxurious formula and packaging

Cons: Pricey

Promising review: "A lovely and luxe product. As a lip balm, it is quite nice, lightweight, and long-wearing. It also smells quite lovely. As a big fan of Hermes, I bought this mostly for the product and the packaging. I happen to like the magnetic cap and the heft of the product. The fact that this is refillable is a plus. Not a groundbreaking lip product but a lovely bit of Hermes everyday luxury." — Bloomingdale's customer

If Sabrina Carpenter approves of this lip balm, why wouldn't I? This luxe Prada formula is silky, smooth, and hydrating. Plus, thanks to a pH-reactive formula, it leaves a unique pink tint on everyone who wears it.

Pros: Moisturizing, lightweight, unique tint

Cons: Pricey

Promising review: "The Prada lip balm is a must-have! The packaging is sleek and sophisticated, making it feel luxurious every time I use it. It has a light, subtle scent that isn’t overpowering, which I love. The balm itself is incredibly moisturizing and leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated for hours. It’s perfect for daily use, and I highly recommend it!" — Sephora customer

I have five of these. If that doesn't tell you how much I love this moisturizing, shine-boosting formula, I don't know what will. I keep one on my desk, one in each bag I own, and one in my car. I love all the flavors, but the vanilla and the watermelon are personal favorites. 

Pros: Moisturizing, glossy finish, peptide-packed formula

Cons: Some say the formula becomes gritty after a while

Promising review: "I love the Rhode lip treatments. I'm a bit of a lip balm connoisseur, and this is truly one of the best! It's moisturizing and glossy without being sticky. It smells great and definitely seems to help smooth fine lip lines—[it] just makes them look super healthy and hydrated. I've repurchased and will continue to!" — Rhode customer

This TikTok-viral lip balm reminds me of the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment. It's glossy and moisturizing and can even be used as a moisturizing lip mask in a pinch. It's all thanks to shea, murumuru seed butter, and a combination of vegan waxes that seal in moisture. 

Pros: Moisturizing, glossy finish, multiple flavors, scents, and tints

Cons: Some say the formula doesn't last as long as other lip balms

Promising review: "I was very skeptical [about] buy[ing] [this] due to the hype and price. But I caved, and I'm so happy I did. This is one of the only lip balms that actually leave my lips moisturized, and the smell is amazing." — Sephora customer

Most drugstore lip balms are either matte or matte-adjacent. This one, however, has a trendy, glossy finish. It's also lightweight, hydrating, and boosted with effective ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and goji berry. Did I mention it's vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified? Oh, and it even offers a sheer tint of color.

Pros: Moisturizing, glossy finish, budget-friendly

Cons: Some say it has an unpleasant taste

Promising review: "Absolutely love this product. Super soft on my lips and is so hydrating." — Target customer

This iconic lip balm and salve is made even better when it comes in a birthday cake scent complete with silver glitter packaging. Its emollient-rich formula never fails to moisturize my dry, lackluster lips. 

Pros: Moisturizing, glossy finish, multiple flavors, scents, and tints

Cons: Some say the formula doesn't last as long as other lip balms

Promising review: "My favorite lipgloss that's also hydrating! It's so pretty on the lips. It's very glossy but not too sticky. The color is subtle, so I layer it with other things." — Sephora customer 

Count on Chanel to create a smooth, lightweight non-tacky lip balm. Nonsticky and non-shiny, this matte formula is invisible on the lips yet delivers long-lasting moisture.

Pros: Moisturizing, matte finish, ultra-luxurious formula and packaging

Cons: Pricey

Promising review: "The product is amazing. I was looking for something that's not going to be shiny and sticky when you apply it and that's exactly what I got. love the product." — Chanel customer

Glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and rice bran wax combine in this vegan formula to hydrate, soothe, and protect chapped lips. The fact that it leaves a plump, glossy finish is just a bonus. So is the minty effect.

Pros: Moisturizing, glossy finish

Cons: Some say it's stickier than other lip balms

Promising review: "I love how hydrating it is and how my lips are smooth now. I don’t have peeling or cracking anymore. It has a nice refreshing mint feel to it. The applicator is clear and heaps to make sure all product goes on skin." — Sephora customer

This sleek lip balm is loaded with hyaluronic acid to attract water to the lips. It also contains konjac root, which protects the lips from environmental aggressors, and wild mint, which provides a mild, stimulating scent.

Pros: Moisturizing, lightweight, antioxidant-rich formula, multiple tints

Cons: Some say it's not as moisturizing as other lip balms

Promising review: "The color looks natural, I can barely feel it, and it moisturizes my lips well. The packaging is great for throwing in a purse, although it takes some practice to get a good application on thinner lips. Super moisturizing and comfortable!" — Sephora customer

This lipid-rich balm helps support and repair the natural barrier of the lips, meaning it can prevent chapped lips before they even start. Plus, the lightweight, nongreasy formula is perfect for wearing under lipstick. 

Pros: Moisturizing, barrier-supporting formula

Cons: Some say the packaging can prevent the product from dispensing

Promising review: "I bought this just to try it out. I own six other lip balms, and this one just became my go-to! It seriously worked as soon as I put it on. Even after it absorbs into the lips, it keeps them hydrated for a few more hours. I will buy more of these to keep them everywhere I go." — Ulta customer

I've been a longtime fan of Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask ($24), so it's no surprise I love this daytime lip balm too. It's so lightweight and hydrating. Plus, it gives my lips the prettiest glow. 

Pros: Moisturizing, glossy finish, glow-boosting formula

Cons: Some say it doesn't last as long as other lip balms

Promising review: "I don't really repurchase lip balms because whenever I run out, I see it as an opportunity to try out something new, but if I were to repurchase a lip product, this would be top three, for sure. [It has an] amazing scent, packaging, color, and it's glossy!" — Sephora customer 

Another glossy lip balm I love is this one that contains lip-specific peptides to make the lips look fuller. There's also kokum and mango-seed butter to moisturize and cloudberry oil to soften the lips.

Pros: Moisturizing, glossy finish, peptide-packed formula

Cons: Some say the scents aren't on point

Promising review: "I love this lip balm, it makes my lips feel so smooth, it's not sticky at all, it's probably my favorite lip balm right now, and the shade is super cute." — Sephora customer

With olive oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, this budget-friendly lip balm has a smooth, silky texture that transfers to the lips. Plus, it has a sheer pink tint for a kiss of color.

Pros: Moisturizing, lightweight, simple formula, both tinted and untinted versions

Cons: Some say it doesn't last as long as other lip balms

Promising review: "The color and quality is amazing" —Sheglam customer