The 15 Best Lip Balms for 2025: Tried, Tested, and Loved
If there’s one beauty product I cannot live without, it’s lip balm. I’ve tested everything from $5 drugstore sticks to luxury formulas, and after years of trial and error, I’ve finally curated a list of the best lip balms that truly deliver on hydration, comfort, and that soft, nourished lip feeling we all crave.
Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly, a tinted balm for everyday polish, or a luxe treatment to keep on your nightstand, I’ve got you covered.
Best Lip Balms at a Glance
- Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
- Best Overnight Treatment: Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask
- Best Organic Treatment: Dr. Alkaitis Organic Lip Treatment
- Best Splurge: Dior Addict Lip Glow
- Best for Dry, Chapped Lips: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips
- Best Budget: Lanolips 101 Ointment
- Best Tinted: Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm
- Best with SPF: Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF 50
- Best Gloss-Balm Hybrid: Hourglass Cosmetics Volumizing Glossy Balm
- Best Peptide Treatment: Ole Henriksen Peptide Lip Treatment
Explore Jessica’s Lip Balm Edit—my handpicked favorites for soft, nourished lips. Shop the full edit below.
Comparison Chart: Best Lip Balms
| Product | Price | Best For | Key Ingredients | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm | $24 | Everyday hydration | Shea butter, murumuru butter | Sephora, Summer Fridays |
| Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask | $24 | Overnight repair | Berry fruit complex, vitamin C | Sephora, Amazon |
| Dr. Alkaitis Organic Lip Treatment | $42 | Most effective organic | Plant oils, beeswax, vitamin E | Alkaitis.com |
| Dior Addict Lip Glow | $40 | Splurge/luxury | Color-reviver technology, mango butter | Sephora, Dior |
| La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips | $10 | Dry, cracked lips | Panthenol, shea butter | Amazon, Target |
| Lanolips 101 Ointment | $14 | Budget multitasker | Medical-grade lanolin | Ulta, Amazon |
| Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm | $9 | Natural tint | Avocado oil, acai | Target, Amazon |
| Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF 50 | $22 | Sun protection | SPF 50 filters, shea butter | Sephora |
| Hourglass Volumizing Glossy Balm | $38 | Gloss-balm hybrid | Conditioning emollients | Sephora |
| Ole Henriksen Peptide Lip Treatment | $33 | Anti-aging lips | Peptides, hyaluronic acid | Amazon, Sephora |
15 Best Lip Balms
I’ve tested more lip balms than I can count—some were instant fails, others became permanent fixtures in my bag, nightstand, and car. After all that trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to the 15 best lip balms that actually deliver soft, hydrated, and healthy lips. No fluff, no gimmicks—just formulas that work.
Explore Jessica’s Lip Balm Edit—my handpicked favorites for soft, nourished lips. Shop the full edit below.
1. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm – Best Overall
If I had to pick just one lip balm to use for the rest of my life, it would be Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. It has that addictive vanilla scent, a silky texture that never feels sticky, and just the right amount of shine. I keep one in my bag, one on my desk, and one in my car. At $24, it feels like a treat but doesn’t break the bank.
Available at Sephora and Summer Fridays.
2. Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask – Best Overnight Treatment
This is a cult favorite for a reason. I use this lip sleeping mask every night before bed, and my lips always feel soft and plump in the morning. The berry flavor is nostalgic and comforting, and a little goes a long way. If you struggle with chronically dry lips, this mask is worth it.
3. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Lip Treatment – Most Effective Organic
If you struggle with lip dryness, as I do, a blend of high-quality oils is a good option. Dr. Alkaitis’s Organic Lip Balm can help restore your skin barrier. I’ve tested countless “clean” lip balms, but nothing comes close to the healing power of Dr. Alkaitis Organic Lip Treatment. It melts into the lips, locking in hydration with a blend of plant oils, beeswax, and vitamin E. This is my go-to when my lips feel wrecked after travel or too much sun. It’s an investment, but in my opinion, it’s completely worth it and can last for six months. You don’t need a lot; that’s how powerful this stuff is.
$42 at Alkaitis.com.
4. Dior Addict Lip Glow – Best Splurge
If you love the idea of a balm that doubles as a luxury accessory, Dior Addict Lip Glow is for you. It enhances your natural lip color with a soft wash of tint and feels buttery without being heavy. I save this one for dinner dates and special outings—it’s skincare and chic makeup in one.
Around $40 at Sephora and Dior counters.
5. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips – Best for Dry, Chapped Lips
When my lips are painfully dry, this is the only thing that brings instant relief. It’s a no-frills formula with panthenol and shea butter that heals cracks and prevents further irritation. Plus, it’s only $10, which makes it an unbeatable value.
Explore Jessica’s Lip Balm Edit—my handpicked favorites for soft, nourished lips. Shop the full edit below.
6. Lanolips 101 Ointment – Best Budget Multitasker
This $14 tube is basically magic. It works on lips, cuticles, and even dry patches on elbows. It’s ultra-thick but not sticky once warmed up, and it gives lips a cushiony, glossy finish. I always keep one in my travel bag.
7. Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm – Best Tinted
When I want a hint of color but nothing high-maintenance, this is what I reach for. It feels lightweight, hydrating, and gives just enough tint to make me look put-together. At under $10, I’ve repurchased this more times than I can count.
8. Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF 50 – Best with SPF
Most lip balms with SPF feel chalky or taste weird—but not this one. Ultra Violette Sheen Screen gives high-shine hydration and SPF 50 protection in one sleek tube. I used this daily on a beach trip, and my lips stayed soft and completely sunburn-free.
$22 at Sephora.
9. Hourglass Cosmetics Volumizing Glossy Balm – Best Gloss-Balm Hybrid
This is the lip product I grab when I want a plush, glossy look without sacrificing comfort. It hydrates like a balm but makes your lips look fuller instantly. It’s definitely a splurge at $38, but it feels luxurious every time I swipe it on.
Available at Sephora.
10. Ole Henriksen Peptide Lip Treatment – Best Peptide Treatment
Ole Henriksen $33 Peptide Lip Treatment is packed with peptides and hyaluronic acid to help smooth lip lines and restore hydration. It has a cushiony texture that feels indulgent, and after a week of use, I noticed my lips looked healthier and less flaky.
Available at Amazon and Sephora.
11. Henné Organics Luxury Lip Balm – Best Minimalist Luxury
This balm feels like velvet. It’s fragrance-free, rich, and comes in sleek packaging that makes me feel fancy every time I apply it. It’s the perfect choice if you want a luxury balm without tints or frills.
Available at Amazon and Detox Market.
12. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Therapy – Best for Sensitive Lips
Formulated for sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Therapy soothes irritation instantly. It’s fragrance-free, creamy, and absorbs quickly. I use it whenever my lips are inflamed from trying too many other products.
Available at Amazon and Anthropologie.
13. L’Occitane Ultra Rich Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick – Best Shea Butter Balm
The L’Occitane stick is my winter essential. With 10% shea butter, it coats the lips and shields against wind and cold. It’s the one I toss in my coat pocket during ski trips or chilly mornings.
Available at L’Occitane and Amazon.
14. Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Balm – Best Inclusive Beauty Pick
Eadem’s balm is designed with melanin-rich lips in mind, offering deep hydration without leaving a gray or ashy cast. The texture is balmy but smooth, and it feels like a beauty community favorite for good reason.
Available at Amazon and Sephora.
15. Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Balm – Best for Glossy Hydration
This balm is all about shine and comfort. It has a jelly-like texture that layers beautifully, whether worn alone or over lipstick. It’s a fun, modern pick that feels trendy without sacrificing moisture.
Available at Amazon and Sephora.
Explore Jessica’s Lip Balm Edit—my handpicked favorites for soft, nourished lips. Shop the full edit below.
Best Lip Balms: FAQs
What makes a lip balm “the best”?
The best lip balms combine hydrating ingredients like shea butter, lanolin, or oils with a comfortable texture that doesn’t feel greasy or waxy. They should also provide lasting moisture, not just a temporary slick.
Are expensive lip balms really worth it?
Sometimes. Luxury balms often have more elegant textures, beautiful packaging, and added skincare benefits like peptides. But there are fantastic budget options—like Lanolips or La Roche-Posay—that work just as well for hydration.
Should I use lip balm with SPF?
Yes! The lips are prone to sun damage and need protection just like the rest of your skin. If you spend time outdoors, an SPF balm like Ultra Violette Sheen Screen is essential.
Can lip balm be overused?
You can’t “get addicted” to lip balm, but constantly licking your lips or using formulas with irritating ingredients (like menthol or camphor) can make dryness worse. Stick to soothing, nourishing options.
What’s the difference between a lip balm and a lip mask?
Lip balms are for daily use, while lip masks are thicker treatments meant for overnight repair. Think of Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask as your nighttime hero and Summer Fridays as your daytime go-to.
Final Thoughts
After testing dozens of formulas, these are the lip balms that I reach for again and again. From the affordable multitaskers to the luxe splurges, there’s truly something here for every lip type and budget. Healthy, hydrated lips are always in style, and with the right balm, you’ll never have to deal with dryness again.
Explore Jessica’s Lip Balm Edit—my handpicked favorites for soft, nourished lips. Shop the full edit below.
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