25 Best Lip Balms

My lips have seen it all. I’m talking flaky, cracked, peeling misery from testing matte lipsticks and a little too much time in the sun. I’ve slathered, swiped, and smeared hundreds of lip balms on my face this year alone—from the cheapest drugstore finds to bougie little pots that cost more than my lunch.

So, you can trust me when I say I know what separates a truly great lip balm from a waxy, useless stick. A good one sinks in, hydrates for hours, and makes your lips look juicy and plush. A bad one just sits on top, making you reapply every ten minutes. No, thank you.

These are the 15 best lip balms of 2026 that actually work. I’ve broken them down by what they do best, so you can find your perfect match and kiss chapped lips goodbye for good.

 

 

Our Absolute Favorite Lip Balms

These are the tubes and tins I reach for again and again. They’re the best of the best, from glossy treatments to overnight masks that work wonders while you sleep.

 

 

Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

This $24 balm is pure heaven in a tube. It’s packed with shea butter and Vitamin B5, giving you this intensely moisturizing feel that lasts for legit hours. It’s a true balm-gloss hybrid.

I’m obsessed with the high-shine finish. It gives my lips a plump, juicy look without feeling sticky or heavy. The buildable shades are gorgeous for a sheer wash of color, making it perfect for no-makeup makeup days.

The Downside: If you squeeze out too much, it can feel a little goopy. A little goes a very long way with this one!

 

 

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

Okay, the hype is real for this $20 treatment. Hailey Bieber’s viral lip balm gives you the most insane, glassy shine while actually hydrating your lips with peptides and hyaluronic acid. My lips look fuller the second I put it on.

It has this rich, cushiony texture that feels super protective. I love layering it over a lip liner for a full, glossy pout that doesn’t budge for hours. The yummy flavors are just a bonus.

The Downside: It’s on the thicker side, so if you hate feeling anything on your lips, this might not be your jam.

 

 

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

For $24, this balm feels like a silky, buttery dream. It’s my go-to when I want a hint of color, a ton of shine, and moisture that actually sinks in. The applicator tip hugs your lips perfectly.

Unlike a lot of sticky glosses, this formula uses shea and murumuru butters to deeply condition. It instantly makes my lips look and feel softer and smoother. Plus, the vanilla scent is divine.

The Downside: The flavors are pretty specific (like vanilla, cherry, or pink sugar), so if you’re not into sweet scents, you might want to pass.

 

 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

This iconic $24 mask is a lifesaver for lips that are past the point of no return. I slather on a thick layer before bed, and I swear I wake up with a brand-new mouth. All the flaky bits are gone.

It’s loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C to create this protective film over your lips, locking in moisture all night long. Honestly, a little bit works great as a daytime balm too if you’re extra dry.

The Downside: It’s definitely a thick, mask-like texture, which can feel a little heavy for daytime use if you’re not used to it.

 

 

Best Lip Balms for Seriously Chapped Lips

When your lips are crying out for help, these formulas are the answer. They’re packed with restorative ingredients to soothe, heal, and protect even the most irritated pouts.

 

 

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm B5

This $12 balm from the French pharmacy gods is my secret weapon in winter. It creates this invisible, protective barrier that feels like it’s shielding my lips from harsh wind and cold air.

The texture melts right in without feeling greasy at all. It’s amazing for prepping your lips before lipstick because it smooths everything out instantly. The combo of Vitamin B5 and shea butter is just *chef’s kiss* for healing.

The Downside: Be careful not to over-apply, as the thick white formula can leave a slightly ashy cast if you go too heavy.

 

 

Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment

For just $14, you get a tube of what I can only describe as a miracle worker. This stuff is THICK. It’s a superbalm made with pure lanolin that can tackle the driest, most cracked lips you can imagine.

I use it on my lips, cuticles, dry elbows—anywhere that needs serious help. It holds a wild amount of moisture, so a tiny dab keeps my lips feeling comfortable for hours on end.

The Downside: The consistency is extremely thick and heavy, almost like a paste, which isn’t for everyone.

 

 

Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Moisturizing Lip Balm

When my lips are feeling irritated and angry, I reach for this $24 derm-developed balm. It’s formulated with squalane and ceramides to help repair your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is exactly what you need when your lips are freaking out.

It has this incredibly soothing, creamy feel that immediately calms that tight, burning sensation. It locks in moisture without feeling heavy and provides long-lasting relief from dryness.

The Downside: The shade range is pretty limited, so you’re mostly buying this for the treatment benefits, not the color.

 

 

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1

This $14 balm is a classic for a reason. The squalane-based formula is incredibly soothing and provides a nice slip without being overly glossy, making it a great unisex option.

It feels more like a lightweight ointment than a waxy balm. I find that it protects my lips from the elements all day long, and the added aloe vera and vitamin E help calm any dryness or irritation.

The Downside: It’s a bit pricey for the small squeeze-tube size.

 

 

Best Budget-Friendly Lip Balms

You don’t need to spend a ton to get soft, hydrated lips. These drugstore heroes prove that you can get incredible results for less than the price of a latte.

 

 

Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment

At around $5, this is the GOAT. Every dermatologist I’ve ever spoken to recommends it, and it’s always in my bag. It’s a no-frills, petrolatum-based ointment that just works.

It heals chapped lips super fast without feeling thick or sticky. I love applying a thin layer before my lipstick because it creates a perfectly smooth canvas. It’s simple, effective, and you can’t beat the price.

The Downside: The packaging is extremely basic and not exactly chic.

 

 

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm

You can’t talk about the best lip balms without mentioning this icon, which costs about $4. The classic beeswax formula has been a staple for decades because it’s just so reliable. The peppermint oil gives it that signature tingly, cooling sensation that feels so refreshing.

It moisturizes with beeswax and Vitamin E, and I never feel the need to constantly reapply it. It just sinks in and gets the job done.

The Downside: The original formula only comes in a very mild, barely-there tint.

 

 

The Ordinary Hydrating Lip Balm

This little tube is only $8, and it’s a minimalist dream. The formula is packed with squalane and amino acids to hydrate and support your lip’s moisture barrier without any extra fluff.

It’s not glossy, it’s not tinted, and it’s not flavored. It’s just a straightforward, effective balm that feels lightweight and comfortable. The slim packaging is also perfect for throwing in your pocket.

The Downside: If you’re looking for any kind of shine or tint, this isn’t it.

 

 

Vaseline Lip Therapy Lip Balm

For about $4, this little tin is a powerhouse. It’s pure petrolatum, which is an occlusive ingredient. That means it creates a seal over your lips to lock in moisture and protect them from the elements.

When my lips are severely chapped, I’ll apply a hydrating serum and then layer this on top to seal it all in. The Rosy Lips version adds the prettiest, sheerest pink tint that looks so natural and healthy.

The Downside: The petrolatum texture can feel a bit heavy for some, and you have to use your finger to apply it from the tin.

 

 

Best Tinted and Glossy Lip Balms

For the days you want hydration, shine, AND a pop of color. These are my favorites for a polished look that feels as good as it looks.

 

 

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

This $28 balm is a cult classic for its incredibly buttery texture and gorgeous range of sheer tints. It glides on so smoothly and leaves my lips feeling ridiculously soft and conditioned for hours, thanks to grapeseed and cranberry seed oils.

The key ingredient is sugar, a natural humectant that draws moisture from the air to keep your lips hydrated. I’ve gone through more tubes of the “Rose” shade than I can count.

The Downside: The sweet citrus scent is amazing, but it can be a little strong if you’re sensitive to fragrance.

 

 

Glossier Balm Dotcom

Ah, the $16 balm that basically launched a thousand copycats. This dense, long-lasting formula feels amazing on the lips. It uses castor seed oil and beeswax to create a nourishing barrier that stays put.

I love the variety of fun flavors and sheer tints available. They give you that effortless, “I just have naturally perfect lips” kind of vibe. It’s a true multi-tasker for lips, cuticles, or anywhere you need a little extra moisture.

The Downside: The pigmentation is very sheer, so don’t expect a bold color payoff.

 

 

ANFISA Skin AN-GLOSS Ceramide Lip Treatment

Okay, at $45, this is a serious splurge, but hear me out. This is a treatment-gloss hybrid that’s loaded with ceramides and botanical oils to deeply repair and hydrate your lips. It feels so luxurious.

The cooling metal applicator is amazing for soothing chapped lips, and the gloss it delivers is next-level. It’s perfect for layering over a lip liner for a super shiny, plumped-up look that also happens to be good for your lips.

The Downside: The price is definitely steep for a lip product.

 

 

What to Look for in the Best Lip Balms

Finding your ride-or-die lip balm really comes down to ingredients and what your lips need. If you’re super dry, look for occlusives like petrolatum, beeswax, or shea butter. These create a physical barrier to prevent moisture loss.

For plumping and deep hydration, humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are your best friends. They pull moisture into the lips for a fuller, smoother look. And don’t forget about nourishing oils like squalane and jojoba oil that soften and condition.

And listen, sun protection is a must! Even on cloudy days. I always try to have a lip balm with at least SPF 30 in my bag for reapplying throughout the day. Protecting your lips from UV rays is key to keeping them healthy and smooth long-term.