7 Best Japanese Lip Balms Of 2024, According To An Expert

Japanese-made products that effectively soothe, moisturize and protect your lips.

Reviewed by Becky Sturm, Esthetician Becky Sturm Becky SturmEsthetician facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Last Updated on
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The dream is to have baby pink, plump lips. Try the best Japanese lip balm to accomplish this dream and more! Looking after your lips is a delicate affair. We develop chapped, dark, dry lips due to pollutants, makeup, stress, tobacco, hot drinks, and sun exposure. Unlike the skin, our lips lack oil glands. This means it does not have natural nourishing protection. Thus, they need special attention. Luckily, we have lip balms and medicated lip creams to come to our rescue!

Lip balms nourish damaged, chapped, hyperpigmented, tanned, and severely dry lips while healing them. They make your lips supple, glossy, and smooth. Natural ingredients in Japanese skin care products help you achieve the flawless look you have always dreamed of. Today, the market is flooded with Japanese lip balms, so we reviewed some of the best ones based on expert recommendations, features, reviews, and testers’ experiences. Take a look at the 9 best Japanese lip balms listed below and choose your favorite! Check them out!

Top Picks
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Best For Chapped Lips:Naiad Beewax Lip Cream
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Best Long-Lasting Moisturization:Zandra Beauty Lemon Tea Tree Big Balm
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Best Nourishing Formula:Shiseido Water In Lip Balm
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Best With SPF:Ettusais Lip Essence
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Best Non-Greasy:DHC Color Lip Cream
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Best For Lip Discoloration:Country & Stream Natural Honey Lip
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Best Long-Lasting Formula:Curel Japan Kao Lip Care Stick
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7 Best Japanese Lip Balms

1. Best For Chapped Lips:Naiad Beewax Lip Cream

Naiad Beewax Lip Cream Image: Naiad

The Beewax Lip Cream by Naiad works wonders on chapped and dry lips. It is infused with Nepali wild beeswax and sunflower oil. Beeswax is an intense moisturizing agent that also helps protect your lips from harmful UV rays. These natural ingredients help prevent dryness and further damage to your lips. The alpine rhododendron essential oil in the balm imparts a nice woody aroma. This Japanese lip balm has received positive reviews as it does not contain any harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients that damage or irritate your lips.

Item Weight: 0.03 Kilograms | Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Preservative-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Petroleum-free
  • Artificial fragrance-free

Cons

  • Light waxy consistency

2. Best Long-Lasting Moisturization:Zandra Beauty Lemon Tea Tree Big Balm

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4.3
Zandra Beauty Lemon Tea Tree Big Balm Image: Zandral

The Zandra Beauty Lemon Tea Tree Big Balm contains cocoa and shea butters with soothing properties and offers a refreshing scent. These vitamin-rich ingredients treat chapped lips and soothe and moisturize the delicate mouth area. This lip balm contains natural moisturizing ingredients, such as virgin coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, and castor seed oil that help keep your lips hydrated. The all-natural formula is infused with vitamin E. The mix of lemongrass and tea tree invigorates and refreshes the senses. You can also use this big balm to moisturize your body.

Color: Mint | Skin Type: Dry

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • All-natural formula
  • Vegan
  • Biodegradable
  • Gluten-free
  • Phthalate free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Petroleum free

Cons

  • Not creamy, but waxy

3. Best Nourishing Formula: Shiseido Water In Lip Balm

The Water In Lip Balm by Shiseido is ideal for harsh dry winters. It is infused with Italian natural spring water, hyaluronic acid, and cherry blossom powder. The hyaluronic acid locks in the moisture, and the cherry blossom helps nourish and heal your lips. This Japanese lip balm with moisture-locking formula prevents cracking, chapping, and dryness of lips. It can also be used as a base for lipstick, but its sheer finish is not ideal for matte ones.

Color: Mint | Skin Type: Dry

Pros

  • Has SPF 12 PA+
  • Lightweight
  • Taste-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Needs constant reapplication.

4. Best With SPF:Ettusais Lip Essence

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4.4

This Lip Essence by Ettusais is a great pick for chapped and dry lips. It is infused with hydrating ingredients like honey, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. They provide intense moisturization for healthy and softer lips. Many skin care reviewers love the product for its super-rich and creamy texture that is gentle on the lips.

The hyper gloss oil in the lip balm locks in moisture and prevents the formation of vertical lines on your lips. The lip balm gives a sheer glossy finish, which makes your lips look dewy. It is a lip care product that also protects your lips from the harmful UV rays of the sun. This Japanese lip balm helps improve blood circulation, providing a pinkish tone to the lips.

Item Weight: 10 Grams | Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Has SPF 18 PA++
  • Non-sticky
  • Dye-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Taste-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Expensive

5. Best Non-Greasy:DHC Color Lip Cream

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4.2

This tinted lip balm has a light texture and is infused with natural ingredients like virgin olive oil, squalene, placenta extract, bean curd, and castor oil that work together to keep your lips smooth and prevent them from drying out. The placenta extracts nourish your lips, and the bean curd extracts firm your lips, making them plump. Olive oil and castor oil deeply hydrate your lips while imparting a natural luster. This lightweight lip plumping balm does not feel greasy or sticky post-application. It comes in two different colors for you to choose from – berry pink and brick red.

Color: Red | Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Long-lasting hydration
  • Lightweight
  • Easy application
  • Non-greasy
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Petroleum-free

Cons

  • None

6. Best For Lip Discoloration:Country & Stream Natural Honey Lip

This lip balm by Country & Stream is an ideal choice for dry and rough lips and has received many positive reviews. Its high moisturizing ability is owing to honey, royal jelly extract, olive oil, vegetable squalene, and rosehip oil. The balm has a creamy consistency that forms a shield over your lips. Its intense moisturizing agents hydrate and help in repairing your chapped lips.

Rosehip oil, as a softening agent, is a boon for cracked lips and prevents lip discoloration. The royal jelly extract in the formula helps keep your lips plump and supple. The lip balm also contains honey and olive oil that nourish the lips and provide long-lasting hydration. This moisturizing lip balm can also be used as a lipstick base and helps brighten and even out your lip color.

Product Dimensions:‎‎4.06 x 3.58 x 0.59 inches| Weight: 0.16 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting moisturization
  • Natural ingredients
  • Goes on smooth
  • Artificial fragrance-free

Cons

  • None

7. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Curel Japan Kao Lip Care Stick

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4.4

The Curel Japan Kao Lip Care Stick is a ceramide-enriched lip treatment that moisturizes the lips. It provides instant relief from dry, chapped lips. This Japanese lip care contains jojoba oil and chamomile extract that replenish the skin’s natural ceramides to plump and moisturize it. You can also use it under your lipstick to nourish and protect sensitive lips. Overall, this tinted lip balm especially stands out for those who are looking for a moisturizing lip balm.

Color: Cream White | Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 0.67 x 5.12 inches | Weight: 0.67 Ounces

Pros

  • Unscented
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Value for money
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Infographic: 5 Alternate Ways Of Repurposing An Old Lip Balm

Lip balms are one thing that we just cannot stop buying. Their cute packaging, irresistible scent, and moisturizing benefits make it impossible to stick with just one, so we end up buying many of them. But do we have to chuck out the old ones? No! We can simply use them in other ways. Check out the infographic below to know how to repurpose your old lip balm.

5 Alternate Ways Of Repurposing An Old Lip Balm(infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

If you long for baby pink and plump lips, you need to try the best long-lasting Japanese beauty lip balms. These lip balms will help you achieve soft and delicate lips. You may opt for the Naiad Beewax Lip Cream for nourishment and also for sun protection. The DHC Color Lip Cream combines moisture and subtle color, delivering a multifunctional solution for hydrated and vibrant lips. For a moisturizing and soothing lip care experience, you may opt for the Curel Japan Kao Lip Care Stick. They help nourish and moisturize damaged, hyperpigmented, chapped, and severely dry lips. The products reviewed above are enriched with natural ingredients and devoid of synthetic chemicals and fragrances. In addition, they have UV filters that offer SPF protection that protects your lips from sun damage. With these Japanese lip balms in your arsenal, you can easily achieve soft, plump, and pout-ready lips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Japanese lip balm at night?

Yes, you can use Japanese lip balm at night to moisturize your lips and keep them from becoming chapped or dry.

Does Japanese lip balm darken lips?

No, Japanese lip balms do not darken lips; instead, they remove dead skin, help lighten skin, and keep lips moisturized.

How many times should we apply lip balm in a day?

You can apply lip balm as often as your lips feel dry. It can be anywhere between 3 times a day to once every 2 hours.

Can dark lips turn pink by using Japanese lip balm?

Yes, Japanese lip balms are made with natural ingredients that cater to lightening your lip color. They also come with SPF that offers UV protection and prevents hyperpigmentation of the lips.

What is the wear time of a Japanese lip balm?

A good quality Japanese lip balm keeps your lips moisturized for 4-5 hours.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She curated this list of the best Japanese lip balms for soft, supple lips after reading through thousands of user reviews and conducting extensive research. These balms are made with natural ingredients and do not contain any harmful chemicals or preservatives. The author recommends using Japanese lip balms as they hydrate and moisturize dry, sensitive, and chapped lips. The formulations also contain SPF to protect the lips from the harsh UV rays.

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Becky Sturm
Becky SturmEsthetician
Becky Sturm is a multi hyphenate beauty maven who has been in the salon and spa industry for 30+ years as a hairdresser, esthetician, as well as product development and product expert. After graduating in the HORST/Aveda Institute Advanced Training program in 1985, she went on to do an apprenticeship at The Red Carpet Salons for three years in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and then 1 year at Regis Corporation.

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Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Krati Darak
Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati 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.

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Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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