The 12 best lip balms for instant hydration and gloss
If you consider licking your lips a solution for their uneven texture, Chan says the act can actually make matters worse. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that break down the delicate lip barrier over time, resulting in increased dryness and irritation. “Dermatologists even have a name for it (‘lip licker’s dermatitis’), a frustrating cycle where no balm seems to work because the barrier is constantly being eroded,” the dermatologist adds.
Top balms utilise occlusive ingredients, such as petroleum jelly and shea butter to form a seal over the skin and reduce moisture loss in the area. Their formulations also include emollients and humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to soften skin and draw in moisture, which is why these products often feel thicker or greasier than other hydrators.
Do most lip balms contain similar ingredients?
According to Chan, the foundation of most lip balms is typically the same, as they use occlusives, such as petrolatum, waxes, and butters, to seal in moisture. “Where formulas really differ is in the extras,” she notes. “Some balms include humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or even ceramides to boost hydration and soften the skin, while others add peptides or antioxidants for more skin-barrier support. Those differences create unique textures and finishes, but the backbone of a good lip balm remains fairly consistent.”
How long should your lips typically stay hydrated with lip balm?
“A well-formulated balm should keep lips feeling hydrated and looking smooth for a minimum of three to four hours”, the dermatologist continues. “If you find yourself reapplying every 20 minutes or if your lips feel tight, flaky, or chapped shortly after use, that’s a sign that the lip product is not doing its job.” Professionals say that formulas heavy in waxes or plant butters may feel great at first swipe, but hydration can quickly escape if they don’t contain an effective occlusive element. “Lanolin is chemically very similar to our own skin lipids, and it can absorb water, acting as both an occlusive and a humectant,” Chan adds. “For my patients who feel like ‘nothing works,’ lanolin is often the game-changer. That said, if your dry lips keep getting worse, you may need to have dermatitis that needs diagnosis and treatment from a dermatologist.”
Ready to upgrade your lip care routine? Ahead, our guide to the best nourishing and hydrating lip balms, as recommended by Chan and Bazaar editors.
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Design by olivia alchek
Best for custom colour
Dior Addict Lip Glow
Several Bazaar editors have been known to keep at least one Dior Addict Lip Glow tube in their handbags at all times. The balms are not just for show (though they are supremely stylish) – they also expertly condition lips to a flattering, custom pH-activated shade without leaving them feeling waxy.
Product SpecificationsKey ingredients:Sunflower seed oil, jojoba esters, candelilla wax, sunflower seed wax, shea butter, rice bran wax
Most Coveted
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
It’s no surprise that Summer Fridays’ Lip Butter Balm is one we consider among the best, since its rich formula is known to quickly sink in to leave even the driest lips deeply nourished. We imagine you’ve seen editors and beauty influencers praising the product across social media, too.
Product SpecificationsKey ingredients:Shea and murumuru seed butters, vegan waxes
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Best with Peptides
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment Nourishing Glaze 
From the buzzy brand founded by Hailey Bieber, Rhode’s lip balm has a thicker, moisture-sealing formula. Here at Bazaar, we give the staple gold stars for its hydration benefits, combining peptides with shea butter and vitamin E.
Product SpecificationsKey ingredients:Peptides, shea butter, vitamin E
Best for on-the-go
Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm
Fresh’s deeply hydrating Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment is weightless and buttery, and pairs well with the brand’s exfoliating Sugar Lip Polish for a repairing treatment to soothe rough, parched lips.
Product specificationsKey ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, orange extract, sugar, sea fennel
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Best Make-Up Artist-Approved
Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm 
Here’s a practically weightless gel-oil balm from Westman Atelier to seamlessly enhance your lip care rotation. The elegant, non-sticky formula has been honed by celebrity make-up artist Gucci Westman, and provides a buildable colour payoff that still looks natural.
Product specificationsKey ingredients:Castor seed oil, sweet almond oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, jojoba seed oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil
Best multitasker
Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm
A tube of Augustinus Bader’s fragrance-free lip balm still manages to be beautifully indulgent. Just like all of its skincare staples, the balm is powered by the brand’s proprietary TFC8 complex, which reduces visible signs of ageing while also boosting hydration.
Product SpecificationsKey ingredients:Vitamin E, candelilla wax, shea butter, bisabolol, castor seed oil, lip plumping complex
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Best for subtle colour
Nars Afterglow Lip Balm
Available in nine translucent shades of peach, pink and red, Nars’ Afterglow Lip Balm provides just the right amount of sheen while bestowing 24 hours of hydration. The resulting sheer wash of colour is as flattering worn alone as on top of lipstick for a more dramatic look.
Product specificationsKey ingredients:Mango seed oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid
Best for Extremely Dry Lips
Avène Cicalfate+ Lips Repair Barrier Balm
Chan recommends the water-resistant Cicalfate+ Lips Repair Barrier Balm from Avène for particularly dry lips. “Avène’s Cicalfate+ Lips repair barrier balm is less than £12, feels incredibly soothing, and has a beautiful texture. It’s one I keep in rotation.”
Product specificationsKey ingredients:C+ -Restoretm, Avène thermal spring water, castor, shea, and jojoba plant oils
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Best with Shimmer
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
The hint of sparkle in the shimmery version of Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm lends a subtle shine without looking like you’re doing the most, and would look pretty whether applied to bare lips or worn over lipstick.
Product SpecificationsKey ingredients:Shea butter, murumuru
Best Scented
Milk Makeup Balmade Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm
Milk Makeup’s Balmade Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm not only smells amazing but feels instantly hydrating on dry lips, thanks to its unique electrolyte complex. It gives a non-sticky, glass-like shine, which also makes lips look fuller.
Product specificationsKey ingredients:Electrolyte-rich complex, banana juice, coconut, and aloe extracts
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Best Affordable
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Lip Balm
Another favorite of Chan’s, La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5 Lip Balm is formulated with sensitive skin in mind, and is a brilliant affordable option. “For those who want hydration without the heavier, glossy finish, I recommend La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Lip Balm,” she says. “It smooths and nourishes lips but feels lightweight on application.”
Product specificationsKey ingredients:Shea butter, vitamin B5
Best range of flavours
Glossier Balm Dotcom
Glossier’s hydrating Balm Dotcom has been a hit among beauty lovers since its launch in 2014. Available in 11 signature flavours and five limited-editions, the soothing balm combines emollients like beeswax and lanolin with antioxidants to keep lips soft and smooth. Among our favourites? The sweet buttercream taste of Birthday and the burgundy-toned Black Cherry.
Product specificationsKey ingredients:Castor seed oil, beeswax, lanolin, antioxidant blend
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