Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Even if you don’t have an elaborate skincare routine, you probably still use lip balm. Chapped lips aren’t just a winter issue—they can happen year-round.
Cranking up my personal space heater creates a warm, dry environment that dehydrates my skin and lips, leaving them dry, flaky, and sometimes painful. While drinking water and not licking lips can help, dermatologists say those aren’t the only reasons they get chapped. Our lips have a unique anatomy.
They have thinner skin, low water retention, and fewer oil glands than the rest of our face. That makes them more prone to dryness, says dermatologist Teresa Song, MD. A good lip balm hydrates, seals in moisture, prevents cracking, and protects the skin barrier from harsh elements, she says.
That’s where the ingredients shine and separate good lip balms from great ones. Once you order one of these editor-tested, dermatologist-recommended lip balms, reapplication is key. Song advises swiping them on every two to six hours, and once before bed.
The bottom line: You need something that's going to keep your pout hydrated and supple all year long. Thankfully, we tapped four dermatologists to get their input on what to look for in the best lip balms and which ones they recommend to their clientele. Then, we took matters into our own hands and tested them all ourselves, narrowing down our list to the 10 best lip balms for a wide range of different concerns.
Before diving into our list, keep reading to discover what to look for when shopping for your new balm. Song namechecked three types of ingredients to watch for—humectants, emollients, and occlusives—and shared how they keep the lips hydrated, smooth, and protected. You’ll want to stay away from alcohol, which causes excessive dryness.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
