Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (2025)

Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (1)

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Even if someone doesn’t have an elaborate skin care routine or (gasp!) doesn’t wear sunscreen, they probably know to keep some lip balm on hand. Chapped lips are such an obvious, uncomfortable, and often painful issue, and licking your lips only makes things worse, no matter how hard you try. That doesn’t mean you should always have lip balm on your lips, but it’s a good idea to have one in your home or handbag just in case.

“Not everyone needs lip balm daily, but if you experience dryness or irritation, it can be beneficial, as it aids in repairing chapped or cracked lips by providing essential emollients,” says Dr. Chris Tomassian, a board-certified dermatologist based in Glendora, CA. “Some people, especially those in colder climates or frequently exposed to sun and wind, may need to use it more regularly.”

Our top picks for the best lip balms of 2025

These days, my everyday lip pouch is packed to the brim with various formulas, including my favorite peptide lip treatments and lip balms with SPF. As a beauty writer, even I’m overwhelmed by the dizzying number of choices we have, let alone the ones released by top-notch brands each month. However, friends constantly approach me asking for lip balm recommendations, so I decided to hunker down and test a bunch, ask a dermatologist for his recommendations, and research customer reviews online. Below, check out my findings—seven of the best lip balms, including trendy new launches and timeless tried-and-trues.

Best Lip Balm with SPF

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

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Pros

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (9)Barely there scent
  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (10)Non-sticky

Cons

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (11)Relatively small size

I’ve known about this one from Jack Black since I was a teenager, and it still holds up years later. Personally, I don’t like strong scents or flavors in my lip balms, and Jack Black’s formulas are free of them. What I love is that these balms have an emollient yet lightweight formula that delivers SPF protection, shea butter, and antioxidants that instantly sink in and barely feel like you’re wearing anything.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, vitamin E, green tea extract, antioxidants

Size: 0.25 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I discovered Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm during a hiking trip last summer. I had forgotten to pack any lip care, and after hours on the trail in dry, sunny weather, my lips were painfully chapped and starting to peel. A friend offered me their tube of this lip balm, and I was immediately impressed by how instantly soothing it felt. By the next morning, the dryness had reduced significantly, and I went out and bought my own the same day. What sets this balm apart is its SPF 25 sun protection. I’ve used it through all kinds of weather—sun, wind, and even winter—and it consistently keeps my lips soft and protected.”

Best Glossy Lip Balm

Laniege Lip Glowy Balm

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Obviously, the Laneige lip mask is a star, but I’ve been giving the lip balm version a lot of love. I adore both, but the tube packaging makes this a lot more convenient to apply, especially when I’m on the go. Even if I use it at night, it still provides enough moisture that I wake up with flake-free, smooth lips that don’t require any exfoliation before makeup.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru seed butters

Size: 0.35 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The formula is light but incredibly effective. When you apply it, it glides on effortlessly, instantly moisturizing and leaving your lips feeling soft and hydrated without that sticky residue that some balms leave behind. I’ve used it both in the morning before applying lipstick and at night as part of my skincare routine, and it works wonderfully in both scenarios. It doesn’t just sit on top of your lips like some balms; it really sinks in and provides long-lasting hydration.”

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Pros

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (16)Non-sticky
  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (17)Works well under makeup

Cons

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (18)Needs to be applied with fingers

One tub of this has lasted me for years—a little truly goes a long way. The things that stand out to me most about this balm, though, are the taste and the texture; the formula has an inoffensive and subtle mint flavor, and it moisturizes while maintaining a matte, completely non-sticky finish.

Key ingredient: Seaweed extract

Size: 0.32 oz.

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I love this lip balm. I’ve [tried] so many over the years, and this is the best. I have three of them at all times in my handbag, makeup area, and bedside. My lips are always soft. Always. It’s even great to swipe over lipsticks. Color stays put. I personalize the lids to give as gifts.”

Best Dermatologist-Formulated Lip Balm

Remedy for Dry Lips

Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (19)

Pros

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (20)No clumping or dragging on lips
  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (21)Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (22)Some dislike how it smells

According to Tomassian, this one from Remedy is “formulated with nourishing, barrier-repairing ingredients to hydrate and soothe sensitive lips without irritation.” In other words, if you have sensitive, reactive skin, Remedy is the way to go.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, dimethicone

Size: 0.33 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “For years, I’ve been using random lip oils and Chapsticks, and none have worked for my lips! I have a bad habit of biting my lips, and my lips are always chapped, dry, bloody, and severely scarred. I used this product for a few days, and I already started to see my lips heal really fast. I recommend this product so much. This helped my lips heal in 3 days! It’s so worth it! It doesn’t have a smell or weird taste!”

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Best Lip Balm with Vitamin E

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Lip Balm #1

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Pros

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (24)No heavy fragrance

Cons

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (25)Does not have a proper applicator

Dr. Tomassian likes this one because it “contains squalane and lanolin for deep hydration, plus SPF 4 for slight sun protection. " The formula has been around since the ’60s, and some even report that it helps soothe their eczema.

Key ingredients: Squalane, aloe vera, vitamin E.

Size: 0.5 oz.

Nordstrom rating: 3.8/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I know it’s rare that superior and cheap go in the same sentence, but it is true in this instance. I had a bad habit of picking my upper lip as a young child, so much so that I picked the front part raw. For over a decade, I have dealt with this small part of my lip peeling and never healing correctly. I honestly believed that I would just have to deal with this problem I created for myself the rest of my life. And then one day, I came across this lip balm and decided to give it a try. This product has helped my lips retain moisture, and I have not had that same peeling problem that I have had in the past.”

Best Soothing Lip Balm

Nécessaire The Lip Balm

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Pros

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (27)Cooling metal applicator

Cons

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (28)May feel a little sticky

Nécessaire is one of my go-to brands for reliable body care (including the brand’s renowned body lotion), so it was a no-brainer for me to try the new lip balm. First of all, any lip product with a metal applicator wins instant brownie points for me. Plus, the slightly glossy formula has an admirable ingredient list that features centella asiatica to soothe and hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, omega 6/9, centella asiatica extract

Size: 0.5 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Hydrates well, nice spout, forms to the shape of the lips—this product gives full gloss and hydration without clumping or a caked-up look. Bought two. I don’t leave home without it!”

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Best Classic Lip Balm

Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly Original

Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (29)

Pros

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (30)Has multiple purposes
  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (31)Relatively large size

Cons

  • Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (32)Can feel a little greasy

Since we discovered petrolatum nearly two centuries ago, we’ve used it all over our bodies for various uses, including healing our skin. “It’s a simple, affordable, and effective option that provides an occlusive barrier to lock in moisture, especially for very dry or cracked lips,” Dr. Tomassian says.

Key ingredient: Petroleum jelly

Size: 3.4 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Many have tried to copy this petroleum jelly. The copies are more money and do not perform any better. Vaseline is a very versatile, inexpensive product. Its uses range from healing small cuts to slugging one’s face. Look up all of its uses, and you never be without this product. If you are not familiar with petroleum jelly, it is sticky.”

Meet the Expert

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Dr. Chris Tomassian is a board-certified dermatologist based in Glendora, CA.

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Is it okay to accidentally ingest lip balm throughout the day?

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“In small amounts, it's generally safe, as most lip balms are formulated with skin-safe ingredients,” he says. “However, some products contain fragrances, preservatives, or chemical sunscreens that might not be ideal for frequent ingestion. If you’re concerned, opt for fragrance-free and simple ingredient formulas.”

Is it true that your lips can get “addicted” to lip balm?

Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (35)

Dr. Tomassian says that this is a total myth. However, he explains that repeated exposure to some ingredients, including menthol, camphor, or certain fragrances, can result in irritant dermatitis, “leading to worsened chapped and dry lips,” he says. “This can create a cycle where you feel the need to apply lip balm more frequently to combat the dryness. Choosing a lip balm with nourishing, non-irritating ingredients helps prevent this issue.”

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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

Chapped Lips? Experts Recommend These Nourishing Lip Balms (36)

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee consulted a board-certified dermatologist to learn more about lip balms. She also tested options and combed through reviews for top-rated products, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations.

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