Dermatologists Say These 12 Lips Balms Deliver the Perfect Kiss of Long-Lasting Moisture

Key ingredients: petrolatum, shea butter, vitamin E

Our overall best pick is the Lip Therapy Balm from Vaseline, a humble but ever-dependable beauty brand that is beloved by Dr. Greenfield, Dr. Nazarian., and Dr. Yadav. Like the classic Vaseline formula, it has a base of petroleum jelly, an occlusive and skin protectant to help offer moisture to dry lips while creating a seal on the skin, which is ideal for protecting parched kissers from losing that hydration. Shea butter and vitamin E round out the formula to impart long-lasting hydration. We love this balm’s buildable formula (you can layer on as much as you like without it becoming goopy) and alcohol- and fragrance-free ingredients list, which makes it suitable for all skin types.

Scented? No (fragrance-free)

Shades: N/A

Available sizes: 0.6 oz.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalane

This lip product from Paula’s Choice is one of the pricier options on the list, but its potent combination of moisturizing ingredients makes it well worth it. “The hyaluronic acid draws in moisture, as does the squalane, and [it] improves hydration over time,” says Dr. Nazarian. It contains other beneficial ingredients as well, like lip-smoothening peptides and cocoa and shea butters for a punch of hydration. Since it’s an alcohol- and fragrance-free formula, it caters to sensitive skin, too. We also love its applicator tip, which delivers the product onto every inch of the lips and that it spreads with zero fuss.

Scented? No (fragrance-free)

Shades: N/A

Available sizes: 0.33 fl. oz.

Key ingredients: petrolatum, shea butter, chamomile essence

The Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment comes recommended by Dr. Nazarian thanks to its ingredients that moisturize and lock hydration into the lips. The petrolatum-based balm has a formula similar to that of the Aquaphor Healing Ointment, only it also contains shea butter to keep lips moisturized long after the first swipe, plus chamomile essence, which can soothe existing irritation. It skips out on alcohol and fragrances, too—something that folks with sensitive skin can appreciate. I personally use and love this product because it’s not too thick for daily use but not too lightweight so as to be ineffective. (Just bear in mind that it leaves a slightly wax-y film on the lips). Best of all: It’s under $5.

Scented? No (fragrance-free)

Shades: N/A

Available sizes: 0.35 fl. oz.

Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, vitamin B5, shea butter

A moisturizing lip balm doesn’t have to be thick to be effective—La Roche-Posay is proof of that. “The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm is a lighter formulation with shea butter and vegetable oil that feels smooth and creamy [on the lips] while also providing nourishing hydration,” says Dr. Greenfield. It also contains panthenol, or vitamin B5, an ingredient that works to draw moisture into the lips and lock it in, along with the brand’s unique thermal spring water, which is chock full of skin-soothing minerals. Just keep in mind that since it’s a lighter-weight formula, Dr. Greenfield notes that you will have to reapply it throughout the day.

Scented? No (fragrance-free)

Shades: N/A

Available sizes: 0.25 fl. oz.

Key ingredients: beeswax, proprietary honey blend, cupuaçu butter, cocoa butter

The Farmacy Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm is made with—surprise, surprise—beeswax, an ingredient that Dr. Nazarian is a fan for its ability to “seal in moisture.” Besides beeswax, the all-natural ingredients list also boasts honey to help attract moisture to the lips, plus cupuaçu and cocoa butters to soften and smooth your pout. This pick is formulated with fragrant oils that lend it a subtle citrusy scent, so keep that in mind if you’re sensitive or allergic to fragrances. You can use it on bare lips, or as a moisturizing base if you plan on wearing other lip products during the day—it layers beautifully underneath lipsticks, lip glosses, or even thicker lip balms.

Scented? Yes

Shades: N/A

Available sizes: 0.12 fl. oz.

Key ingredients: organic oils, hyaluronic acid, squalane

These tinted lip balms from Kjaer Weis are a favorite of W+G Commerce Editor Francesca Krempa, who says “they’re so soft and luscious on lips.” Made with hyaluronic and squalane, plus 10(!) moisturizing oils, including olive and Brazilian nut, the tinted lip balms promise to deliver a kiss of long-lasting moisture, something to which she can attest.

“Kjaer Weis Tinted Lip Balms really last all day, quenching lips for literally hours on end,” she said, but what stole her heart were the subtle but gorgeous colors, which she proclaimed “give you that ‘your lips but better’ look.” Just keep in mind that this lip balm has fragrance, which might be unsuitable for those with a sensitivity or an allergy to added fragrances in cosmetics.

Read the full review of the Kjaer Weis Tinted Lip Balm here.

Scented? Yes

Shades: 6

Available sizes: 4 ml.

Key ingredients: shea butter, peptides, cupuaçu butter, babassu

If you like the look of intense shine, Rhode’s now-iconic Peptide Lip Treatment will make your lips look like a glazed donut—the entire ethos behind Hailey Beiber’s skin-care line. The formula is packed with ingredients that boost moisture and leave lips looking luminously smooth including shea butter for long-lasting moisture, peptides to fill in fine lines, cupuaçu butter to promote bounciness, and babassu, an ingredient that supports the overall skin microbiome and increases moisture levels over time. With continued use, you’re likely to see—and feel!—a marked difference in your lips, but the glossy sheen will undoubtedly provide you with instant gratification.

Scented? No

Shades: 4

Available sizes: 0.35 oz.

Key ingredients: sea moss, aloe stem cells, vitamin E

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might want a lip balm with SPF—and the Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm will fit the bill. The W+G SPF Award Winner is formulated with SPF 30 to provide sun protection while a potent combination of ingredients—sea moss, aloe stem cells, and vitamin E—will deeply nourish and moisturize your pout. It comes in a clear version and three shades, Irie Rose, Bad Gyal Berry, and Nude Ting, all of which will impart a shiny (but not sticky!) sheen on your lips. If anything, it’s important to note that it contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrance, which be a tradeoff for folks with particularly sensitive or dry skin.

Scented? Yes

Shades: 4

Available sizes: 0.35 oz.

Key ingredients: retinol 8, hyaluronic acid, peptides

There are a few reasons why double board-certified plastic surgeon Jaimie DeRosa, MD, recommends this retinol lip balm from Verso. “It’s made from a gentler retinol (retinol 8) and also contains nourishing and hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and peptides,” she says, the latter of which will not only moisture dry lips but also offset the potential irritation caused by retinol. Over time, this lip product can help reduce pigmentation and slough off dead skin cells to reveal a softer and smoother pout—and, unlike most retinol for the face, you can use this lip product morning and night. The formula has a consistency similar to that of Vaseline, which means that it’s thicker and a little tackier than some other options.

Scented? Yes

Shades: N/A

Available sizes: 0.5 fl. oz.

Key ingredients: marine glycoproteins

The Marin Lip Treatment adheres to the National Eczema Association’s ingredient guidelines, making it safe for anyone with eczema or atopic dermatitis. A favorite of Dr. Yadav, it soothes irritation, nourishes stressed skin, and replenishes the moisture barrier.

“The formula contains marine glycoproteins derived from lobster, which helps hydrate, soothe, and promote your skin’s natural regenerative process,” she says. And that’s not all: “It also contains squalane, coconut oil, and synthetic beeswax to condition, moisturize, and protect.” We love that it comes in a sizable tube (so it’ll last a while) and in an unscented option for people who are sensitive to fragrance. If you like scented products, it also comes in a Blueberry French Toast option. (Yum.)

Scented? Yes

Shades: N/A

Available sizes: 0.5 oz.

Key ingredients: Japanese peach extract, Japanese camellia oil, squalane

Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask isn’t technically a lip balm, but we’d be remiss not to mention it on this list. Ideal for folks looking to supplement a daily lip balm or a deep dose of moisture, the formula works while you sleep, leaving you with smoother, softer lips in the morning. With this hydrating formula, it’s love at first swipe. If you do want to wear it during the day, it comes in a tinted version that kisses lips with a touch of purplish color. Better yet, the formula is fragrance-free to make it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

Scented? No (fragrance-free)

Shades: 2

Available sizes: 0.32 oz.

Key ingredients: gentle viola tricolor, calendula, chamomile, beeswax, almond oil

Board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, prefers using ointments to lip balms, and this option from Weleda is one she personally uses. “With lip balm, I found myself reapplying multiple times—and an excessive number of times a day. However, when I use the Weleda Skin Food in the morning, my lips stay hydrated for a significantly longer period,” she says. The formula boasts a combination of soothing calendula and chamomile, alongside beeswax and natural oils that serve to lock in moisture. Better yet, you can use it on more than just your lips—you can use the fragrance-free formula on elbows, and hands, feet.

Scented? No (fragrance-free)

Shades: N/A

Available sizes: 2.5 fl. oz.