15 Best Expert-Approved Drugstore Lip Balms Of 2024
Explore this simple, budget-friendly way to get soft, moisturized lips in no time.
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beauty Advisor for Estee Lauder.
Read full bio of Shawnda Dorantes
Experience: 3 yearsEsha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
It is impossible to walk out of a drugstore without buying lip balm. We all love to have soft and supple lips, but getting moisturized, nourished, and healthy lips is not easy due to extreme sun exposure and environmental stressors. One should take good care of their lips all year round, not just during winter. That’s why getting your hands on the most effective drugstore lip balms is a great savior. It will not only soothe your lips but offer an instant boost of hydration. Most women have at least a few rolling around in their bags and have at least two hanging out in their desk drawers.
Here, we have rounded up the 15 amazing drugstore lip balms that are investment-worthy. Check them out!
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Lip Balms That Everyone Can Afford – Stylecraze
1. Best For Long-Lasting Moisture:Vaseline Lip Therapy – Rosy Lips
Review
Vaseline’s Lip Therapy is one lip balm you can always rely on. This clinically-tested, Holy Grail for dry lips provides long-lasting relief from dry, dull, and cracked lips. It locks in moisture to repair your lips. Your pout is guaranteed to feel softer and smoother instantly. While this variant leaves your lips looking naturally shiny without any tint, you can also find it in a tinted variant.
Pros
- Long-lasting moisture
- Versatile
- True to its claim
- Easily available
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Quick Tip2. Best Vegan: Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm
Review
The Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm is the perfect solution if you want to give your lips the nourishment and color they crave for! This vegan lip balm with emollient properties is enriched with antioxidant-rich acai extracts and avocado oil that moisturize your lips and improve their appearance. The balm also adds a subtle pop of color to your lips which looks very natural and compliments every skin tone. The lip balm treats chapped lips and makes them feel smooth and soft. It replenishes the lost moisture in your lips and soothes irritated skin. It is available in seven shades and it comes in a pocket-sized tube.
Pros
- EWG-certified
- Physician-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Easy to apply
- Non-greasy
- Soothing effect
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petroleum-free
- Paraffin-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Synthetic fragrances-free
- Silicon-free
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,150 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
3. Best For Protecting Lips: Hanalei Kukui Lip Balm
Review
The Hanalei Kukui Lip Balm is infused with a blend of active ingredients such as coconut oil, pear extract, and kukui nut oil. Coconut oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that help to moisturize and repair dry, cracked lips, whereas pear extract, a natural source of antioxidants, protects your lips from the harmful effects of UV rays and environmental pollution. Another powerful ingredient, kukui nut oil, is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E that help to keep your lips soft and smooth for baby lips texure. This lip balm is easy to apply and has a smooth, creamy texture that glides on your lips effortlessly. It offers a subtle sheen to your lips by nourishing their chapped skin. Plus, it comes in a convenient, pocket-sized tube that you can take with you wherever you go.
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Lip softening
- Creamy texture
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulphate-free
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- None
"This lip balm is very hydrating on the lips. It lasts for hours and has a pleasant fragrance. It is easy to carry on an everyday basis as it fits in any purse or pocket!"
Vaseline Lip Therapy – Rosy Lips Best For Long-Lasting Moisture | Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm Best Vegan | Hanalei Kukui Lip Balm Best For Protecting Lips | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Pink | Plum Drop | Cream White |
| Skin Type | Dry | All | Dry |
| Dimensions | 2.05 x 0.65 x 2.05 inches | 3 x 3 x 5 inches | 0.6 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches |
| Weight | 0.48 Ounces | 0.62 Ounces. | 0.88 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,066 | 2,150 | 165 |
| Price | $4.45 | $9.99 | $5.99 |
4. Best Non-Sticky: Aquaphor Lip Repair
Review
This is perhaps one of the most popular drugstore lip balms out there, and it claims to be the #1 dermatologist-recommended lip care brand. It comes in a tube, and its gel-like consistency is neither too thick nor too runny. It goes on the lips smoothly, making your painfully cracked lips calm down instantly. It does not feel sticky the way Vaseline petroleum jelly does. This one is a definite elixir for anyone facing issues with dry, chapped lips. It is also ideal for people with flaky lips and sensitive skin. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.
Pros
- Free of preservatives and fragrances
- Seals in moisture
- Relieves dryness
- Soothes cracked or chapped lips
- Suitable for sensitive lips
- Contains nourishing vitamins and natural ingredients
Cons
- No SPF
Quick Tip5. Best For Sensitive Lips:Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm
Review
This hydrating balm from Jack Black is enriched with skin conditioners and antioxidants to heal cracked and chapped lips. This intensive lip therapy balm contains grapefruit and ginger that help refresh and soothe your lips, while shea butter and avocado oil soften and condition them. It is also formulated with vitamin E and green tea extracts to protect your lips from the damage caused by free radicals.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Versatile
- Soothes and relieves dry, irritated lips
- Suitable for sensitive lips
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"This lip balm is non-greasy and offers a matte finish once settled on the lips. It applies smoothly and offers enough moisturization to last for hours without feeling sticky. It also offers SPF protection."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,507 rave reviews on Amazon.
6. Best Nourishing: Mario Badescu Lip Balm
Review
The Mario Badescu Lip Balm contains nourishing butter and oils that blend into your lips. The balm infuses a rich concoction of cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter, and sweet almond oil that hydrate your lips and make them soft. This vitamin E-enriched lip balm replenishes your lips while protecting them against free radical damage. Apply it under your lipstick to smoothen the lip surface.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Clear lip balm
- No overpowering fragrance
- Non-sticky
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Feels grainy
7. Best Organic:Burt’s Bees Lip Balm
Review
These must-have lip balms by Burt’s Bees have been in women’s purses and pockets since 1991. The beeswax in this product conditions your skin while vitamin E acts as a moisturizing antioxidant. It also contains peppermint oil, which gives you its one-of-a-kind refreshing tingly sensation. This formula is a great choice if you would rather stick to natural ingredients. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product along with the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- 100% natural and organic
- Heals cracked, dry lips
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting moisture
- Does not need to be reapplied frequently.
Cons
- None
8. Best Multipurpose:Smith’s Rose Bud Salve
Review
This lip balm looks gorgeous with its tinted rose color and attractive packaging. It is often featured in celebrity “What’s in your purse?” segments in fashion magazines. The texture of this balm is thin, and it gets absorbed quickly into your lips, creating a cooling effect. Although it looks very tinted in the can, it only leaves your lips with a subtle red tint. It is not travel-friendly as it melts in hot temperatures and leaks out of the tin. So, use it only at home. If you have extremely chapped lips or are suffering from fever blisters, this may not be a great choice for you. This lip moisturizer is ideal for that no-makeup makeup look and for you to achieve the perfect pout.
Pros
- Effectively treats dry, chapped, and irritated lips
- Multipurpose balm
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive lips
Cons
- Tin packaging gets greasy, which makes it hard to open
- Product melts in hot temperatures, leading to leakage
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 1,713 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
9. Best Medicated:Carmex Classic Lip Balm
Review
Carmex is one of the most popular drugstore lip balms and has been in the market for more than seven decades now. Shawnda Dorantes, a skin care expert explains, “It contains ingredients such as petrolatum and lanolin that help to deeply moisturise and hydrate dry, chapped lips.” It comes in three different packaging styles – stick, squeeze tube, and jar – so you can opt for whichever you prefer most. Its texture is balmy and smooth, so it does not feel sticky after application. However, because it is extremely moisturizing, it may feel a little heavy after a while. This is the best professional-grade medicated lip balm for anyone looking to treat their flaky lips and wanting long-term results.
Pros
- Provides intense moisture and hydration
- Visible improvement in the overall condition of your lips
- Suitable for parched and sensitive lips
- Medicated lip treatment
- Non-sticky
Cons
- May feel slightly heavy on lips
"This lip balm is highly nourishing and stays on the lips for a long time. Using it makes my lips feel smoother and more supple. It has menthol that feels soothing on the lips."
10. Best Non-Shiny:EOS lip balm
Review
This lip balm by EOS gained popularity due to its super cute egg-shaped packaging. It moisturizes your lips with its semi-thick texture without making them appear too shiny. Every flavor has a unique fragrance, so you will not like these sweet-smelling balms if you like fragrance-free products. If you are looking for a basic lip balm, this may work for you, but it is more about the “cute” factor rather than substantially improving your lips.
Pros
- Variety of flavors
- Fruity fragrance
- Thick and moisturizing texture
- Suitable for wearing under matte lipsticks
- Cute packaging
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Needs to be reapplied at regular intervals
- Not long-lasting results
11. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm
Review
Neutrogena’s sheer tinted balm contains the exclusive Ion2 Complex and SPF 20 to moisturize your lips instantly and protect them from UV damage. It protects against sun damage. This dermatologist-tested formula makes your lips softer, rosier, and healthier-looking after just a week of usage. It also helps improve the texture and color of your lips, so they look naturally beautiful. You can find your pick from its range of 6 moisturizing shades. Watch this video to learn about the tester’s experience and more details.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Contains SPF 20
- Dermatologist-tested
- Long-lasting
Cons
- None
"This lip balm is ideal for protecting the lips from the sun and harsh winter. It stays on for hours, and prevents dryness and moisture loss. It offers a sheer tint that looks beautiful."
12. Best For Night Treatment:Nivea Moisture Essential Lip Care
Review
This lip balm by Nivea comes in a convenient twist-up stick packaging. The balm is white and has a creamy texture that glides onto your lips smoothly. It is fragrance-free and feels very light on the lips. This lip balm acts as a great moisturizing barrier and can be used to prep your lips before you apply lipstick. You can also use it as a night treatment for your lips. This stick will last you forever and is super affordable.
Pros
- Moisturizes and hydrates dull, dry lips
- Contains shea butter and jojoba oil
- Dermatologist-tested
- No artificial colors
Cons
- May leave a whitish tint on your lips if you go overboard with the application
"This lip balm is very moisturizing. It stays on the lips for hours and you don’t need to reapply it frequently. As a bonus, it also has SPF, which keeps my lips protected."
13. Best Long-Lasting: Cliganic Organic Lip Balm Set
Review
The Cliganic Organic Lip Balm Set contains six lip balm flavors- Beeswax, Eucalyptus Mint, Mint Burst, Citrus, Vanilla, and Coconut. These 100% natural lip balms are infused with potent emollients that hydrate your lips, ensure lip rejuvenation and protect your lips against harsh environmental aggressors. These USDA-certified lip balms are hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. They prevent moisture loss from your lips and improve their look and feel.
Pros
- USDA-certified
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- 100% natural
- Glides on smoothly
- Offers lip protection
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- Petrochemical-free
Cons
- None
14. Best For Cracked Lips:The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Balm
Review
The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Moisture-Protect Lip Care Balm is a perfect lip conditioner that helps maintain moisture balance and keep your lips hydrated. This vitamin E-enriched formula with a moisture-locking technology is filled with antioxidants that prevent skin damage. This lip balm also contains SPF 15 and PA++ sun protection that protect your lips from the harmful rays of the sun. The broad-spectrum protection makes it ideal for everyday wear.
Pros
- Repairs cracked and chapped lips
- Softens lips
- Has healing properties
- Long-lasting hydration
- Contains SPF 15
Cons
- None
15. Best For Very Dry Lips:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Balm
Review
This cocoa butter lip balm by Palmer’s comes in sleek and straightforward twist-up stick packaging. It is essential to wear a lip balm with SPF when you step out during the day, and this one is a great choice as it contains SPF 15. It is colorless and has the fragrance of Palmer’s signature cocoa seed butter smell. It does not feel lightweight due to its waxy texture. However, it protects your lips from further drying and dehydration. If you dislike lip balms with fragrances, you may give this one a miss. Need more information on the lip balm? Watch this video for a detailed review along with the tester’s experience of the product.
Pros
- Contains SPF 15
- Contains vitamin E
- Cocoa butter fragrance.
- Moisturizes dry lips
Cons
- Slightly waxy
"This lip balm offers deep moisturization for hours. It comes with a swivel stick, which makes it easy to use. Its creamy formula glides smoothly over my lips and does not leave a white residue."
Do yourself a favor and never skip lip balm. Your lipstick will look a million times better when worn over a smooth base.
Infographic: Lip Balms: How To Choose And Ingredients To Avoid
A lip balm is a staple skin care product in everyone’s vanity. Unfortunately, we often buy lip balms without checking the ingredients list only to later experience issues like peeling lips. Check out the infographic below to learn about the good and harmful ingredients to look for in a lip balm, along with a few other tips. s. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
It is almost impossible to stay without a lip balm, no matter what season, wind quality, or weather condition it is. We all love using lip balms to soothe our lips and make them soft and supple, providing visible results. The best drugstore lip balms are extremely pocket-friendly and effective, with proven efficacy. They make your lips soft and offer an instant boost of moisturization. For non-tinted and long-lasting care, try the Vaseline Lip Therapy – Rosy Lips. The Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm is a vegan-friendly choice that is non-greasy and nourishing. The Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm soothes sensitive, irritated, and dry lips. These can be used by people of all ages including children! The reviewed options in the curated list also repair dryness, have a weightless formula, and some of them also offer SPF protection. These lip balms are packed with nourishing ingredients, and you can also use them as a night treatment for a clear glow on your lips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most effective lip balm?
There are various effective lip balms out there, available at different price ranges. But, some of the most affordable ones are the Vaseline Lip Therapy – Rosy Lips, Blistex Medicated Lip Balm, and Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1. These ones are moisturizing balms that nourish and protect your lips all day.
Do lip balms dry out lips?
Ideally, the function of lip balms is to moisturize the lips. But, some lip balms contain ingredients like menthol, salicylic acid, or phenols, etc. that may dry out the lips.
What ingredients should you look for in a lip balm?
Always look for moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, honey extracts, aloe vera, vitamin E, camphor, squalene oil etc. in your lip balm. Ensure that your lip balm has SPF for sun protection.
Should lip balm have SPF?
Yes, your lips balms should have SPF if you are using them during the day. This is to ensure that your lips stay protected and moisturized.
Is lip balm healthy for your lips?
Yes, a lip balm is healthy for the lips. It has moisturizing properties along with SPF protection and other nourishing ingredients.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Esha Saxena, is a makeup enthusiast and loves experimenting with new makeup products. She went through multiple online forums to check user feedback, tried several products, and reviewed the brand websites to compile this list of the best drugstore lip balms that everyone can afford. These products not only soothe your lips but offer the instant hydration that they need.
Read full bio of Shawnda Dorantes
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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