Best Lip Balms: Dermatologist-recommended Lip Moisturizers
Parched, chapped lips? We have you covered—literally!...
Best Lip Balm for Men
When choosing a lip balm for men, look for one that’s non-sticky, colorless, and provides a natural, matte finish. Men often prefer balms that aren’t shiny, offering hydration without drawing attention. Lightweight formulas with petrolatum, castor oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E (tocopherol), and Portulaca Pilosa extract provide lasting moisture and healing without greasiness, keeping lips soft and comfortable in any environment.
Best Lip Balms for Accutane Users
Accutane and other retinoids can cause extreme lip dryness. The best lip balms for Accutane users contain soothing ingredients like vitamin E (tocopherol), shea butter, petrolatum, and Portulaca Pilosa extract. Vitamin E has been shown to counteract some of the drying effects of Accutane, as lips naturally lack sebaceous glands, which produce sebum rich in vitamin E. Replenishing vitamin E when on Accutane helps prevent peeling and cracking. Look for formulas with added hyaluronic acid and glycerin to boost hydration, while occlusives like castor oil and petrolatum lock it in to ensure lasting moisture.
Why Some Lip Balms Dry Out Lips—and How to Avoid Them
Lip balms can dry out lips if they contain too many humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid without occlusives to seal in moisture, leading to "chapstick addiction" or "lip balm dependency." Humectants draw water from the skin, and in dry climates, this can actually worsen dryness. To avoid this and choose a lip balm that doesn’t dry out lips, look for a balance of humectants and occlusives like petrolatum, castor oil, and shea butter. These ingredients prevent water loss and keep lips hydrated, helping you avoid dependency on constant reapplication. We recommend PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster, which contains vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, castor oil, beeswax, and petrolatum for lasting hydration and protection.
How to Heal Peeling Lips Fast
To heal peeling lips quickly, use a balm rich in shea butter, castor oil, and petrolatum to lock in moisture. Ingredients like vitamin E and Portulaca Pilosa extract soothe irritation, while humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid hydrate deeply. Avoid licking your lips, and apply balm frequently to restore softness and prevent further peeling. And don't forget to drink a lot of water to help boost hydration. If it is winter or you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some lip balms make my lips feel drier?
Certain lip balms contain too many humectants like glycerin
and hyaluronic acid without enough occlusives to seal in moisture. In dry
environments, humectants can pull water from your lips, leading to dryness.
Look for lip balms with a good balance of occlusives like petrolatum or beeswax
to prevent this.
What ingredients should I avoid in lip balms if I have sensitive lips?
Avoid ingredients like menthol, camphor, cinnamon, and capsaicin,
which can cause irritation, stinging, or swelling, especially on sensitive
lips. Fragrances and essential oils like peppermint and citrus can also be too
harsh. If you're allergic to ragweed, avoid ingredients from the daisy family.
Additionally, some people are allergic to carmine, a red dye derived from
crushed bugs (cochineal insects), often used in lip products. If you have
sensitivities to red pigments, it's best to avoid lip balms containing carmine.
How often should I reapply lip balm?
There’s no strict rule, but applying lip balm four times a
day or whenever your lips feel dry is a good start. Applying after meals and
before bed can also help maintain moisture.
Can lip balms help with Accutane-induced dryness?
Yes, lip balms with a mix of occlusive ingredients like
vitamin E, shea butter, and petrolatum, along with humectants like saccharides,
heparan sulfate, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, are ideal when you're on oral
Accutane or using topical retinoids like tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene,
trifarotene, and retinol. These ingredients help lock in moisture, soothe
irritation, and prevent the extreme dryness often caused by these medications
Why do my lips crack and peel in winter?
Lips don’t have sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce
sebum—a natural oil rich in vitamin E that helps protect and moisturize skin.
Since lips are naturally deficient in vitamin E, they lose moisture more
quickly, especially in cold weather. To combat this, look for lip balms with
tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), which replenishes moisture and helps prevent
cracking and peeling. Using a balm with occlusives like petrolatum and
humectants like glycerin protect your lips from the harsh winter elements. Make
sure you choose a lip moisturizer that has a good balance of both humectants
and occlusives.
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