Lip balms have outgrown their purely utilitarian roots. A decade ago, if you’d ask someone what the best lip balm was, their response might be Aquaphor or Chapstick—something to lock in moisture and stave off the effects of winter’s chill. In 2026, however, formulas are more playful, blurring the lines between lip care and flair—pairing the benefits of traditional ointments with the versatility of makeup. More likely than not, they’re available in colors and finishes that expand the definition of the word “balm.”
From the mauve, chocolate, and rose-colored hues of Rhode’s peptide lip tints to the cushiony, glass finishes of Summer Fridays’s lip butter balms, these treat hydration and aesthetics with equal priority. Despite their reputation as a cold-weather affliction, chapped lips can strike year-round and at any time of day—and our favorite formulas are up to the challenge. “Lip balms are products intended to nourish and moisturize the lips by preventing water loss and protecting the lip mucosa,” board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD tells Vogue. “A good lip balm should provide protection against environmental stressors such as cold, wind, low humidity, and irritating substances.”
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Lip Balms
Ahead, we’ve rounded up our 12 favorite formulas that make lips feel smooth and supple, along with dermatologist insight to consign their skincare benefits. Cheers to hydrated pouts ahead!
In This Story
- What to look for in a lip balm
- How often should you apply lip balm?
- Can some lip balms actually make your lips dryer in the long run?
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
- Why We Love It: Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Murphy-Rose is a fan of this pick by Summer Fridays, describing it as “a glossy balm that smells delicious and is full of nourishing moisturizers like shea butter and murumuru seed butter.” The 100% vegan balm has developed quite a fan base (so much so, it inspired the brand’s Dream Lip Oil), perhaps in large part to its yummy flavors like vanilla, pink sugar, and brown sugar that leave a modern, sheer tint on the lips.
- Editor’s Experience: “A mainstay in my lip balm rotation is Summer Friday’s lip butter balm in the shade Iced Coffee. Generally, I am opposed to fragranced beauty products, but there are a few exceptions that have won me over. The scent is pleasant, but not overpowering, and the tint is subtle (intentionally so, not in an underwhelming way). It’s just all around lovely, all while being hydrating.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru seed butter, vegan waxes
- Shades: 10
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Incredibly hydrating, vegan formula | For those with allergies, this contains nut-derived ingredients |
| Pleasant, non-overpowering smells and flavors | |
| Modern shade range to suit any skin tone or lip look |
Best Shades: Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
- Why We Love It: Is this the formula that kicked off the lip balm craze? One could argue yes, thanks to the Hailey Bieber effect, Rhode’s peptide lip tints’ have become a global sensation. It’s a pick that excels in both nourishment and lovely tint. “I love how it delivers both immediate moisture and long-term lip-smoothing benefits without feeling sticky,” Dr. Shirazi previously told Vogue. And for those who prefer go tint-free, its Peptide Lip Treatment provides equal hydration with a transparent finish and unscented option (though there are several yummy flavors to choose from).
- Editor’s Experience: “What I love most about Rhode’s lip balms is how lightweight they feel—this formula never feels heavy on the lips while still being super hydrating. All the colors are so lovely; and while they’re still definitely not opaque, they deliver more color payoff than most lip balms. Plus, they’re so skinny that they fit seamlessly into your pocket—or on the phone case.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, cupuaçu, babassu, lactic acid
- Shades: 7 (with 4 additional limited edition, scented options)
- Size: 0.3 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Hydrating, high-shine formula | Some experience their product developing a grainy texture overtime |
| Non-sticky finish | |
| Buildable color |
Best Exfoliating: Eadem Le Chouchou Softening Balm
- Why We Love It: What sets Eadem’s lip balm apart from others on this list is that it’s a true multitasker: the formula gently exfoliates with fruit enzymes while simultaneously imparting hydration. It’s a pick that pro makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre previously described as creating “a smooth canvas without harsh scrubs.” While there’s an unscented, clear option, there’s also several tints and finishes to choice from. Best of all it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested.
- Editor’s Experience: “I can’t emphasize enough how much I love this lip balm. I got my first tube from my friend Isan, and within an hour of applying it, my chapped pout was back to being smooth. I especially appreciate that the tinted options never cling to dry patches. A few months later, I’ve already gone through two more balms. In fact, I need another!” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Hibiscus enzymes, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, Brazilian acai butter, African mongongo butter, moringa oil, hexapeptide, Spreadit polymer technology
- Shades: 8
- Size: 0.5 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Exfoliates dry lips, while imparting hydration | Texture is richer than other lip balms on this list (not a con, per se) |
| Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested |
Best for Chapped Lips: Lanolips Multipurpose Superbalm
- Why We Love It: Lanolips’s multipurpose balm is an essential for severely chapped, winter-scathed lips. Its dense, ointment-like texture melts on contact, forming a protective seal that cushions fragile skin while locking in moisture. The formula is petroleum-free and powered by ultra-refined lanolin (an ingredient that mimic the skin’s own lipids) that helps replenish the barrier, soften rough patches, and restore suppleness.
- Editor’s Experience: “When my lips are truly chapped—we’re talking an ‘ouch!’ level of chapped caused by severe weather, not just dry lips—the only answer is Lanolips. In cases like these, more fun lip balms just don’t cut it, whereas this 100% natural ointment instantly heals and replenishes. I usually wear it as an overnight mask on my pout.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Lanolin, tocopherol
- Shades: N/A
- Size: 9g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Multipurpose—works on chapped lips, cuticles, elbows, and more | On the thicker side |
| Accepted by the National Eczema Association | |
| 100% natural, cruelty-free and petroleum jelly-free |
Best Korean Lip Balm: Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm
- Why We Love It: The butter balm trend, it seems, is a global phenomenon. Case in point? Unleashia’s K-beauty formula. “I keep asking myself, How many more tinted balms can I have? Well, clearly, I can always have more,” K-Beauty expert and former Allure EIC Michelle Lee previously told Vogue. “The formula is divine—rich and creamy without feeling heavy—and it’s super moisturizing.” Another sensorial perk is its silicone donut-tip applicator, which she said makes application pleasantly smooth. Plus, the shade range recently doubled—so there’s plenty of tints with subtle shimmer to choose from.
- Editor’s Experience: “Use after use, I’m shocked how pigmented this lip balm is. It delivers exceptional, non-streaky color in a single swipe. The buttery texture give it excellent slip—I like to wear it in place of a traditional lipstick.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil
- Shades: 11
- Size: 0.12 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Ultra-hydrating formula with a non-sticky feel | Some find the formula can get a bit clogged in the applicator |
| Fan-loved, pleasant scent |
Best Buttery Texture: Dior Addict Lip Butter Glow
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- Why We Love It: The dangling silver Dior charm isn’t the only reason to covet its Addict Lip Glow Butter—though it’s most certainly an eye-catching plus. It’s also well loved for it’s super buttery texture too. The formula draws upon not only peptides, but ceramides and squalane—whipped into a buttery texture crafted for lasting moisture.
- Editor’s Experience: “I was drawn to Dior’s new Addict Lip Glow Butter for the desirable dangling, silver accessory but found the real charm to be the cushiony texture. My lips really drink this stuff up. I keep shade 101 Glazed Pink at my desk for workday application, and gravitate towards 103 Toffee when I’m out and about.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramide NG, cherry oil, shea butter, castor seed oil, squalane
- Shades: 5
- Size: 0.34 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Buttery texture with a high-shine finish | One of the pricier lip balms on our list |
Best Trending: Anfisa Skin Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint
- Why We Love It: Anfisa Skin’s lip balm only just-launched last year, and it’s already creating buzz. Infused with a blend of five ceramides and two forms of peptides, the formula is exceptionally hydrating—boasting a high-shine finish that looks identical to a glassy lip gloss. Plus, the metal tip imparts a cooling sensation with each application.
- Editor’s Experience: “This is another example of a scented lip product that’s won my heart despite my usual imperviousness—the shade Angel Food smells totally delicious and nostalgic. Plus, the sheer baby pink finish is so lovely, and the metal applicator adds a bit of luxury.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, pomegranate seed oil, cucumber seed oil, hibiscus seed oil, murumuru seed butter, mango seed butter, ceramides, peptides
- Shades: 4
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Deeply hydrating formula | A pricier pick |
| High gloss finish | |
| Cooling applicator |
Best for Mature Skin: U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound
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- Why We Love It: U Beauty’s Plasma Lip Compound is a favorite of Dr. Shirazi’s, who previously said its “stem cell technology deeply nourishes while subtly firming without feeling heavy.” The firming she describes is what makes it an excellent choice for mature skin types, by way of its proprietary Siren Capsule Technology designed to support collagen function, helping improve the look and feel of lips over time. Simultaneously, a conditioning complex of peptides, ceramides, encapsulated hyaluronic acid, and botanical ingredients works to smooth, cushion, and replenish moisture where it’s most needed.
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, alpha-hydroxy acid, poly-hydroxy acid, shea butter, salicylic acid, beeswax
- Shades: 16
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Intensely hydrating and plumping | A pricier pick |
| Gently exfoliating via AHA and PHA | |
| Cooling applicator |
Best Lip Mask: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
- Why We Love It: Easily one of the most-sought-after lip treatments on the market, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a wondrous find. Apt for moisturizing lips instantly through a blend of fruit complex, vitamin C, coconut oil, shea butter, and murumuru butter, this is best used as an overnight salve to promote smoother, softer lips come morning. Plus it’s celeb loved too—it’s a favorite of everyone from the KPop Demon Hunters trio to duchess Meghan Markle. Talk about range!
- Editor’s Experience: “As a millennial that grew up with flavored lip products, I just can’t get enough of Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask—I keep several different options on rotation so I can pamper my lips with seasonal flavors. But one jar is really all you need: It contains a staggering amount of product, so if you only use it as an overnight treatment, it may take you an entire year to use it all up. It also comes with a convenient rubber-tipped spatula so you can scrape every last dab of the mask out of the jar without getting your fingers dirty.” —Emily Orofino, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru butter, vitamin C, coconut oil, an antioxidant-rich fruit complex
- Shades: 13
- Size: 0.7 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Pleasant scent and textures | It’s easy to lose the little applicator |
| Hydrating formula | Some say it’s a bit sticky |
| Works as both an overnight treatment and day-time balm |
Best Long-Lasting: Topicals Slick Salve
- Why We Love It: Tired of having to reapply all the time? Look no further than Topicals Slick Salve for a lip balm that lasts. The fragrance-free formula is safe for sensitive skin. A powerful blend of peppermint oil and vitamin E reduces irritation. At the same time, nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides deeply moisturize lips. Best of all, glycerin and rice-bran wax keep this balm in place by creating a moisture barrier for extra-long wear and hydration. While this cult-favorite started out as a transparent-only balm, there’s now two additional tinted shades to choose from.
- Editor’s Experience: “Writing this caption is reminding me that I need to grab another tube of the Topicals Slick Salve. My desert island lip balm? Yes, it’s that good. A frequent lip balm re-applicator, I find that this lasts on my lips for hours. There’s nothing on the market quite like it.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, rice-bran wax
- Shades: 3
- Size: 0.5 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Hydrating and long-lasting | Some find this particularly sticky |
| Cushiony feel | |
| Requires less frequrent reapplication |
Best Ointment: Aquaphor Lip Repair
- Why We Love It: “Aquaphor is often recommended by dermatologists to moisturize and protect dry lips,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “It’s excellent for all skin types including the most sensitive; the Aquaphor lip is highly occlusive to powerfully lock in moisture.” Dr. Shirazi is also a fan. That’s why we think of it as the ultimate chapped lip salve—relieving dryness and cracks instantly.
- Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, shea butter, chamomile essence, castor oil
- Shades: 1
- Size: 0.35 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| No-fuss, intensely moisturizing formula | Some dislike the “medicinal” scent and taste |
| Fragrance-free | |
| Affordable price point |
Everything You Need To Know
What to Look for in a Lip Balm
In our opinion, the hallmarks of a good lip balm are texture and formula. Dr. Shirazi shares a bit of guidance for those with really dry lips: “Less is more when it comes to healing chapped lips,” she says. “Forget the fancy stuff with flavors, dyes, fragrances, etc. if you have chapped, dry lips.”
- Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD advises looking for occlusive, emollient, and nourishing ingredients that help lock in moisture and restore the skin’s natural barrier. She breaks down her top ingredients to consider when selecting a quality lip balm:
- Petrolatum: This powerful occlusive agent creates a protective barrier on the lips, preventing moisture loss.
- Beeswax: This natural emollient not only locks in moisture but also helps to soothe and protect dry, chapped lips.
- Ceramides: These are lipid molecules that help restore the skin’s protective barrier, reducing water loss and improving hydration.
- Shea Butter: A rich, nourishing ingredient that softens and moisturizes the lips while promoting healing.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
- Finish: When it comes to lip finishes, it all depends on preference. Matte lips offer a sleek, velvety look with zero shine, whereas glossy ones impart a high-shine, almost wet sheen. And for those who want a subtle balance, satin is the sweet spot—offering a soft, natural coat without the stickiness of gloss. For a glossy finish, Dr. Murphy-Rose is fond of Summer Fridays’s Lip Butter Balm (listed above) thanks to its delicious smell and nourishing formula of shea butter and murumuru seed butter. For a satin finish, she recommends Aquaphor, as it’s a safe choice for most skin types, including the most sensitive.
- Consistency: Dr. Shirazi emphasizes the importance of consistency as a hallmark of a quality lip balm: “The consistency should help lock in moisture by reducing water loss, while the formula should support the skin barrier, nourish the mucosa, and be free of irritating substances.” This might come to fruition as an occlusive petroleum layer like Vaseline, a glossy sheen like Laneige, or a natural softness like Fresh’s lip balm.
- SPF: Shirazi believes a lip balm with an SPF is a bonus, as the lip mucosa is thin and more prone to sun damage from UV rays; she recommends one with zinc oxide, as it’s a “skin protectant [that] has anti-inflammatory properties.” Dr. Murphy-Rose agrees: “For those exposed to the sun, choosing a lip balm with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is essential to protect against UV damage, which can worsen dryness and lead to long-term harm.”
How often should you apply lip balm?
“The frequency varies from person to person and depends on the climate,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “During dry winters, applying a lip balm every hour or more may be best.” Otherwise, Dr. Shirazi suggests twice daily—once in the morning and again at bedtime.
Can some lip balms actually make your lips dryer in the long run?
“Lip balms with ingredients that irritate the lips or cause a sensitivity reaction can cause more dryness and peeling in the long run,” Dr. Shirazi explains. When in doubt, Rambhia advises it’s best to keep it simple. “Aquaphor and Vaseline generally don’t exacerbate dryness. In fact, they work by creating a protective barrier to help lock in moisture and prevent further dehydration. The issue arises with lip balms containing fragrances, flavoring agents, or other irritating ingredients, which can disrupt the skin’s barrier and lead to more dryness over time,” Rambhia explains.
Dr. Murphy-Rose agrees, adding that you’ll want to avoid licking your lips as much as possible. “Saliva is a skin irritant, which often worsens the problem and can cause ‘lip licker’s dermatitis,’” she continues. “Sometimes what looks and feels like dry skin is actually inflamed and irritated skin. It can be a true dermatitis.”
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians and makeup artists—to gain professional acumen on the industry s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to lip balms, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, shades, and the skin care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD is a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in facial rejuvenation techniques and noninvasive body contouring.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD is a California-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist practicing at Union Derm in New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut.
