We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Skincare Products The 13 Best Lip Balms of 2024, Personally Tested by Our Editors These salves soften, nourish, and protect your pout By Rachael Schultz and Jennifer Amoako Jennifer Amoako Throughout her career, Jennifer Amoako has covered a wide range of wellness and lifestyle topics, including creating a less toxic home, gluten-free recipes, and plus-size living. She is a freelance writer and editor that has written for several publications and blogs, as well as shared her expertise through brand collaborations, podcasts, and workshops. health's editorial guidelines Updated on February 14, 2024 Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsMore to Consider Our Testing Process The Experts Where We Stand Ingredients to Look For Ingredients to Avoid The Different Type of Applicators Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Health / Joy Kim If you suffer from stubborn, chapped lips, there's no greater victory than discovering the perfect lip balm. But as you likely already know, not every formula is created equal. Finding the best lip balm involves trial and error, as many popular balms, glosses, and salves contain irritating agents that can exacerbate dryness, flakiness, and inflammation. Even with the perfect combination of ingredients, a lip balm's texture can still rub your skin the wrong way, resulting in an uncomfortable, sticky or greasy feeling. Since chapped lips can be caused by several things, including dry weather, dehydration, frequent licking, and certain medications, ingredients matter when you're looking for relief. You want products that soothe and hydrate, with ingredients that lock in moisture. To find the best lip balms available today, we spent hours testing the most popular products on the market, evaluating formulation, effectiveness, feel, look, how long it stayed, and value. We also consulted Brooke Jackson, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and head of Skin Wellness Dermatology Associates in North Carolina, for her insights on which ingredients to look for and what to avoid. Then, we had board-certified dermatologists on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Goop Beauty Clean Nourishing Lip Balm at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Budget: Burt's Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm (2 Pack) at Amazon ($6) Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Nivea Smoothness Lip Care at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best with SPF: Eos SPF Coconut Lip Balm at Amazon ($4) Jump to Review Best Natural: Lano Lanostick at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Organic: SuperLan Organic Lanolin Lip Balm at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather: Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm at Sephora ($24) Jump to Review Best Nighttime: Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Glossy: Laneige Lip Glowy Balm at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best for Sports: Everyday Humans Big Mood Lip Balm at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review Best Overall Goop Beauty Clean Nourishing Lip Balm PHOTO: Goop $20 at Amazon $48 at Sephora View on Goop.com Why We Like It This lip balm glides on effortlessly, nourishing with botanical oils, pomegranate extract, and shea butter. It is subtly scented and has a lightweight, creamy texture. The five sheer shades come beautifully packaged in a rose gold tube. This lip balm feels luxurious and hydrating and it’s our best overall pick. Priced on the higher end, we think that GOOPGENES Beauty Clean Nourishing lip balm is worth the investment. It’s rich and moisturizing, and our lips felt softer after each use. We tested this lip balm on a cross-country trip from the humid New York heat to the dry Denver air, and it never let us down. Our lips stayed plump and hydrated no matter the environment. We liked that after about five minutes, we could feel the balm absorb into our lips. We loved that the lasting moisture made our lips feel healthier, too. It's Worth Noting This lip balm has a slightly waxy feel but didn’t leave our lips glossy. It doesn't leave a shine on your lips, if that's what you're looking for. Product Details Active Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil Size: 0.16 oz Health / Abby Moore Health / Abby Moore Health / Joy Kim Health / Joy Kim Health / Joy Kim Best Budget Burt's Bees Original Beeswax Lip Balm (2 Pack) PHOTO: Amazon $6 at Amazon Why We Like It Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax lip balm has been around since 1991 and is beloved by many. Formulated with beeswax, vitamin E, and a hint of peppermint oil, it has a long-standing reputation as one of the best natural lip balms available. Burt’s Bees is easily accessible online and in stores and pharmacies at a reasonable price, making it our best budget pick. We liked that this no-frills balm proves that basic is not bad. Burt’s Bees Original Beeswax lip balm glided on our lips smoothly and stayed in place. It’s translucent and matte, so our lips weren’t shiny. We reapplied the balm every few hours throughout the day, The minty fragrance and flavor from the peppermint oil weren’t overpowering, but may exacerbate the cold in frigid temperatures. Considering the low price, we’d stock up on Burt’s Bees to keep on hand because it gets the job done and is suitable for most people. It's Worth Noting This balm doesn't include SPF, so you may prefer to use it in the evening. Product Details Active Ingredients: Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil Size: 0.15 oz Health / Ashleigh Morley Best Drugstore Nivea Smoothness Lip Care PHOTO: Walmart $18 at Amazon $6 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 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 OilSize: 0.17 oz Health / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger Health / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger Best with SPF Eos SPF Coconut Lip Balm PHOTO: Amazon $4 at Amazon $14 at Walmart $4 at 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 with SPF 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 OilSize: 0.14 oz Health / Holly Klamer Best Natural Lano Lanostick PHOTO: Ulta $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, BeeswaxSize: 0.12 oz Health / Katy Stovall Best Organic SuperLan Organic Lanolin Lip Balm PHOTO: Amazon $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. 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. The minimal ingredients made our lips slightly shiny, but not glossy. Product Details Active Ingredients: Lanolin, Jojoba OilSize: 0.35 oz Health / Holly Klamer Best for Cold Weather Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm PHOTO: Sephora $24 at Sephora $24 at iliabeauty.com View on Credo Beauty 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 Hyaluronic acid may irritate people with sensitive skin. Product Details Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Salicornia, Coconut OilSize: 0.23 oz Health / Kristen Geil Health / Kristen Geil Best Nighttime Lanolips 101 Ointment Superbalm PHOTO: Lanolips $17 at Amazon $17 at Target View on Lanolips.com 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. While we decided it is our best nighttime 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: LanolinSize: 0.52 oz Health / Sarah Felbin Health / Sarah Felbin Health / Joy Kim Health / Joy Kim Health / Joy Kim Health / Joy Kim Best Glossy Laneige Lip Glowy Balm PHOTO: Amazon $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 ButterSize: 0.35 oz Health / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Health / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Best for Sports Everyday Humans Big Mood Lip Balm PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon Why We Like It Indulge your senses with this creamy oat milk latte-flavored lip balm. It’s lightly sweetened with blue agave, a plant extract that plumps and reduces the appearance of fine lines. The oat extract soothes inflammation and has antioxidant properties. Above all, Everyday Humans Milky Lip Balm contains 8% zinc oxide for SPF30 UV protection, ideal for outdoor sports and recreational activities. We take sun protection seriously, but sunscreen's usual unpleasant taste can be off-putting. Thankfully, that was not the case with Milky Lip Balm. Both the smell and flavor were faint, yet a welcomed relief from the typical sunscreen taste. The consistency was a bit waxy, but the product absorbed effectively and hydrated our lips. We observed a noticeable difference in the look and feel of our lips immediately. The oil blend restored moisture without being too heavy or greasy. However, they were less chapped, and we only needed to reapply every few hours to maintain the sun protection. It's Worth Noting There was a slight white hue, presumably from the SPF, that muted the natural color of our lips. This balm also contains possible allergens, including oat, soy, and beeswax. Product Details Active Ingredients: Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Argan OilSize: 0.15 oz Health / Kimberly Souza Health / Kimberly Souza Best for Sensitive Lips Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm PHOTO: Ulta $18 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 sensitive lips. We loved that this balm felt buttery smooth and stayed in place. The antioxidant blend, including avocado and mongongo oils, vitamin C, and shea butter, deeply moisturized, softened, and protected our lips. 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 fully recyclable packaging prevented the balm from melting or breaking. The natural, cruelty-free ingredients worked to moisturize and protect 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 OilSize: 0.13 oz Health / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Health / Joy Kim Health / Joy Kim Health / Joy Kim Best Multipurpose Erbaviva Lip & Cheek Balm PHOTO: Amazon $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 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 multipurpose balm. 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 OilSize: 0.6 oz Health / Stella Yu Health / Stella Yu Best Splurge Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow View on Dior.com 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 WaxSize: 0.11 oz Health / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Health / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez More to Consider During testing, these products did not make our list, but they are worth a mention: Vaseline Lip Balm Tube Advanced Healing: Vaseline has been a tried and true skin protectant for over 150 years. We liked the new, slanted applicator and long-lasting protection of the Advanced Healing lip balm. The squeezable tube allowed us to dab the balm on other dry areas, such as our cuticles as well. However, the unspecified flavor may be a potential allergen for some people. Blistex Lip Medex Analgesic Lip Protectant: We liked the cooling action and quick relief that the camphor and menthol provided to our chapped, irritated lips. Castor seed oil, petroleum, and beeswax helped seal in moisture and protected our lips from even the harshest winds and cold weather. Sunnie Skin Plump It Lips Hyaluronic + SPF 30 Lip Plumper: This multi-functional lip treatment delivered on its promises. Hyaluronic acid and peptides hydrated and plumped our lips for a healthier, youthful appearance, and they were protected with a broad spectrum SPF 30. Our Testing Process We selected the best lip balms to test by reviewing dozens of top-rated lip products from the best brands on the market. We then put our top picks to the test. We exfoliated our lips to make sure they were smooth and ready for application. We applied each product, taking note of any pigmentation and the feel of the balm. Over the course of two weeks, we wore each product at least three times a week, for a minimum of four hours per wear. We assessed how well the lip balm addressed specific concerns such as dryness, how it made our lips feel, the overall look, and how long it lasted while going about our normal routines, including eating and drinking. We rated each lip balm on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend). We also gave each lip balm a value score by comparing the cost to its overall quality and effectiveness. We created our final list of recommendations using these scores, insights, and leading research from accredited sources such as the American Academy of Dermatology Associates. The Experts • Claire Wolinsky, MD, treats medical and cosmetic concerns at her private practice in Manhattan, New York • Dustin Portela, DO, a Dermatologic Surgeon specializing in skin cancer, facial reconstruction, and wound healing at Treasure Valley Dermatology in Boise, Idaho • Debra Jaliman, MD, treats patients at her private practice in Manhattan, New York and is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, New York Where We Stand After testing 30 lip balms for a two-week period, we determined that GOOPGENES Beauty Clean Nourishing lip balm was our the best overall because of its rich moisture, and plumping and hydrating power. Ingredients to Look For You want to choose an emollient lip balm, since that moisturizes and seals, Dr. Jackson explains. Go-to ingredients for adding moisture and locking it in include: White Petrolatum, or White Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly is a mixture of natural waxes and mineral oils that have been triple purified and provides both moisture and a barrier to prevent moisture loss. Be sure it's specifically "white" petroleum jelly; otherwise, it might not have been refined enough to remove the potential carcinogens. Dimethicone: This silicone-based polymer helps "seal off the cracks," as Dr. Jackson says; it helps condition the skin, making it softer and more flexible. Lanolin: A natural wax that comes from the fat glands of sheep, lanolin is like natural petroleum jelly and provides both moisture and protection. Note: Some people are allergic to lanolin. Shea butter: Rich in fatty acids, this natural plant-based emollient helps moisturize and soften lips. Beeswax: The natural wax produced by honey bees, beeswax is one of the oldest moisturizers. It acts as a barrier while still allowing your skin to breathe and is a natural exfoliator. Ceramides: Fats or lipids found in skin cells, this category of ingredients helps retain your skin's moisture and restore your skin's natural barrier. Vitamin E: Naturally healing, vitamin E restores moisture, heals cracked lips, increases blood flow, and locks in moisture to support the skin's barrier. Hemp seed oil: This natural oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to help calm and rehydrate dry, inflamed skin. Castor seed oil: Another natural oil derived from castor beans, castor oil is rich in a type of monounsaturated fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, which helps your skin retain moisture. Mineral oil: Mineral oil is derived from petroleum, but it's safe—and, actually, beneficial—for your skin. It locks in moisture, softens skin, and improves your skin barrier function, all with a low risk of irritating you. Also, Dr. Jackson notes that you want to choose a lip balm with SPF. Just like with face and body sunscreen, it's wise to apply SPF lip balm all the time; however, many people don't like the taste of SPF, so we've included options without the ingredient. If you're headed outside for more than 5 minutes, switch to an SPF lip balm. Ingredients to Avoid "Certain ingredients—like botanicals, scents, flavors—sound like a good idea, but they can cause more harm than good, including contact dermatitis or an eczematous reaction," says Dr. Jackson. If you want to avoid irritation or further drying out your lips, especially if you have sensitive skin or a condition like eczema, avoid: Camphor or mentholEucalyptusFlavoring: Cinnamon, citrus, mint, and peppermint flavors can be incredibly irritating to dry, chapped lipsFragrancePhenol (or phenyl)Propyl gallateSalicylic acid If you are going in the water, you also want to avoid octinoxate and oxybenzone, which are harmful to coral reefs. And if you're allergic to lanolin, avoid that as well. The Different Type of Applicators The application method for lip balm is based mainly on the type of packaging and individual preference. The benefits and drawbacks of each are: Tube: Most tubes are made of plastic, which makes them lightweight and easy to carry around, and contain an ointment or oil. Tubes often have a slanted application tip, which makes it easy to apply directly on your lips. The slanted applicator is also the easiest to sanitize if you share lip balm with someone else.Tin: Metal tins are more sustainable than plastic tubes, but if the lip balm sits in the sun too long, the container can get messy, and the product can get under your fingernails as you try to get some out.Stick: The simplest lip balm form, this compressed formula is usually wax based. It's the least messy to apply, although it can melt in the sun. Be sure to roll the product back into its shell before closing. Your Questions, Answered Does lip balm expire? Yes. Like all cosmetics, lip balm does expire because the ingredients inside begin to degrade over time and, in some cases, like with SPF, become less effective. How long lip balm stays good varies from brand to brand; check the label to know when to throw it out. How long does lip balm last? "An effective lip balm should not need to be reapplied often," says Katie Sobelman, an organic esthetician and skin care educator based in Napa Valley. Ideally, you should apply lip balm morning, night, and after eating meals, but potentially more often if it's cold and dry out. How long lip balm will last and how often you need to reapply also largely depends on the ingredients. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, ointments (Vaseline, Aquaphor) seal water in longer than waxes (beeswax) or oils (hemp seed oil, castor oil). A good trick to make your lip balm last longer: Use your favorite moisturizing lip balm, then seal it in with a layer of petroleum jelly. Who We Are Rachael Schultz has been a health and wellness writer for nearly a decade and specializes in translating scientific research and expert insight into digestible, usable everyday information. She has been a gear editor for five years and has extensive knowledge discerning what differentiates a high-quality, reliable product that will not only support the buyer's needs but is also worth your money. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit