Keeping your pout soft and hydrated is essential as the seasons change—especially when cold, dry air or sun exposure can leave lips cracked and uncomfortable. Whether you’re battling winter winds or just need reliable daily lip care, the right lip balm can make all the difference in soothing dryness and protecting your smile. Here’s a list of the best lip balms this season to treat chapped lips and keep them feeling supple.
Enjoy daily comfort with these reliable lip balm favorites that provide hydration and help prevent dryness:
A dermatologist-loved pick that’s formulated to soothe and repair chapped, cracked lips with nourishing ingredients like panthenol and shea butter. Ideal for sensitive lips needing a protective barrier and deep hydration. Cost: around $10 at Ulta.
This classic staple delivers all‑day nourishment with shea, jojoba, and avocado oils. It’s a great, affordable option for everyday lip care, locking in moisture without feeling heavy. Cost: around $4-5 at Target.
A natural choice crafted from kokum and shea butters plus marula oil, this balm melts on smooth and helps prevent dryness before it starts. Cost: around $4-5 from Walmart.
When your lips need more than just a light touch‑up, these intensive formulas provide deeper hydration and relief:
A go‑to for extremely dry lips, this balm seals in moisture and soothes discomfort with a gentle, long‑lasting formula. Many dermatologists and beauty editors recommend ointments like this for cracked lips due to their occlusive properties that prevent moisture loss. Cost: around $4-5 from Target.
Known for its clinically demonstrated lasting hydration (up to 24 hours), this balm builds a flexible barrier to support healing—even through eating and drinking. Cost: around $6 from Walmart.
A hybrid balm that nourishes lips with natural butters while delivering a glossy finish. Though lighter than overnight treatments, its hydrating texture makes it a great everyday and travel companion. Frequent features in season roundups highlight this as one of the top lip balm choices for year‑round moisture. Cost: $19 from Sephora.
Add a bit of color or shine while you care for your lips:
A vegan treat that combines sheer blush color with nourishing butters to hydrate and comfort parched lips—perfect for those who want a beauty‑meets‑function product. Cost: $24 from Sephora.
This balm has a buttery feel, buildable tint, and hyaluronic acid blend that gives lips a glossy, refreshed look while delivering hydration. Cost: $9 from Ulta.
Ideal for sensitive lips, this vegan balm offers soothing hydration with a sheer tint—perfect for a comfortable everyday lip care step. Cost: $16 from Sephora.
Looking for simple formulations or smaller price tags? These options offer dependable lip balm performance without breaking the bank:
A cult classic that melts into lips to lock in moisture and give a natural rosy shine. Cost: from $2-4 at Target.
A pocket‑friendly medicated option for those extra windy days. Cost: $4-5 at Walmart.
Dermatologists from Prevention advise looking for balms with occlusives like petrolatum or natural waxes, and humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to draw moisture into the lips—especially when they’re chapped or sensitive. Avoid harsh cooling agents (like camphor or menthol) if your lips are cracked or sore—they can feel good momentarily, but may exacerbate dryness. With the right balm in your pocket or nightstand, you can say goodbye to discomfort and hello to smooth, kissable lips all season long.
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