6 Best Hydrating Lip Balms And Treatments To Nourish Dry, Chapped Lips

Are you tired of dealing with chapped lips? Look no further, because whether you suffer from dry, scaly, or cracked lips, we’ve got you covered. Here, Beauty Daily delves into what causes chapped lips, how to treat them, and our top recommendations for the best hydrating balms and treatments you can nab now. 

What causes dry, chapped lips?  

Dry and chapped lips can be caused by various factors – and while dehydration can contribute to dryness, it is not the sole culprit. Other common causes include exposure to harsh weather conditions, excessive lip licking, allergic reactions, and certain medications. And surprisingly, even drinking an ample amount of water may not completely alleviate dry lips – because our lips lack oil glands, making them more prone to dryness. To combat this issue effectively, we need to use targeted lip treatments specifically designed to replenish and retain moisture.  

How to treat dry lips  

Treating dry lips involves a combination of proper care and the right products. When it comes to hydration, not all lip products are created equal. To effectively moisturise your lips, look for products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, beeswax, and natural oils such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil. These ingredients work together to lock in moisture, nourish the skin and promote healing.  

To achieve the appearance of hydrated lips, start the process by gently using a lip scrub. This helps remove dead skin cells, allowing lip balms and treatments to penetrate more effectively. After exfoliation, apply a generous amount of your chosen hydrating lip product.  

Does Vaseline rehydrate lips?  

While Vaseline aka petroleum jelly, can provide a barrier to prevent moisture loss, it doesn’t actively hydrate the lips. Instead, it seals in any existing moisture. To truly nourish and hydrate your lips, it’s best to opt for a dedicated lip balm or treatment that contains hydrating ingredients.  

What is the difference between lip balms, lip oils, and lip masks? 

Lip balms are a classic go-to option for daily hydration and protection. They typically come in a solid stick form, nourish the lips and provide a barrier to stop water loss. Lip oils, on the other hand, contain a blend of nourishing oils that sink into the lips, leaving them soft, supple and with a glossy finish.  

When it comes to lip masks, think of them in the same way you would a face mask. They are a concentrated treatment that deeply nourishes and repairs dry lips. They often come in a cream or gel-like texture and are left on the lips for an extended period to allow the ingredients to work their magic.  

Read: Lip oil: The multitasker that delivers hydration and shine  

Are lip oils actually hydrating or do they make your lips dry? 

Lip oils can be hydrating, provided they contain hydrating water or water drawing actives, or as long as they protect the skin from water loss. Avoid lip oils that contain drying ingredients like alcohol or fragrances, as they can potentially make your lips even drier.  

Are lip oils more hydrating than lip balms? 

Lip oils and lip balms serve different purposes. While lip balms provide a protective barrier, seal in moisture, and can add hydration dependent on its ingredients, lip oils generally nourish skin, and offer a lightweight, glossy finish. The choice between lip balm and lip oil depends on personal preference and the level of hydration your lips require. Some prefer the lightweight feel of lip oils, while others find lip balms more nourishing for dry lips.  

What makes a lip balm hydrating?  

 Hydrating lip balms contain ingredients that help replenish and retain moisture aka water. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, or shea butter and beeswax, known for their excellent skin protecting properties. These ingredients work together to draw water to the lips and create a protective barrier to lock that moisture in, ensuring your lips stay hydrated throughout the day.  

Hero ingredients to look out for in lip balms  

When choosing a lip balm, keep an eye out for hero ingredients such as coconut oil, almond oil, vitamin E, and cocoa and shea butter. These ingredients help to soothe, moisturise, and repair dry, chapped lips – and provide nourishment to keep your lips healthy and supple.  

Read: Everything you need to know about finding the perfect lipstick  

Best lip balms for hydration  

Best lip balm for very dry, chapped lips  

For those with extremely chapped lips, Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, £21, is a winner. Enriched with blue lotus wax and cocoa extract, it replenishes moisture, restores suppleness, and soothes discomfort, leaving your lips feeling nourished and protected.  

Best moisturising lip balm  

If you’re seeking a lip balm that does it all, the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, £22, is perfect. This lip oil-balm hybrid contains hazelnut oil and organic jojoba oil to provide intense conditioning, while its lightweight texture leaves your lips feeling silky smooth.  

Best high-shine, glossy lip balm  

For a touch of glamour and a high-shine finish, Clarins Natural Lip Perfector, £21, is an excellent choice. Enriched with shea butter and vitamin F, this lip balm enhances your lips’ natural beauty while keeping lips hydrated and offering a plumping effect.  

Best lip masks for very dry lips  

Lip masks offer intense hydration and repair for very dry lips, but you don’t have to buy one specifically for your lips. The Clarins SOS Comfort Face Mask, £33, is a nourishing balm mask with wild mango butter that calms and soothes ultra-dry skin, adds hydration, and nourishes lips in just 10 minutes. 

  

Best overnight lip balm  

For a lip balm that you can use overnight and that truly pampers your lips, reach for the My Clarins Sweety Balm, £13.50. Infused with organic cacao butter, this formula feeds skin with intense moisture all night long, leaving you with soft and supple lips by morning. When, if you fancy it, you can apply it again and sport your own personal shade of rose thanks to its pH-reactive formula. 

Next read: The essential summer lip care edit