Best lip balms: We've tried over 50 high street, mid-range and luxury lip products. These are the top 12 that hydrate, soothe and moisturise
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Everyone should, and most likely does, own a lip balm. It's a skincare non-negotiable.But advances in dermatology and complex beauty routines has left the lip balm market oversaturated.
Weekly, there are new formulas, scents and flavours from the ever growing bucket of popular skincare brands going viral. So which one should you choose?
As someone who has had more than 20 in her possession at one time, and has tried about 50 over the years, I can safely say, no two lip balms are the same.
There are treatments, masks and oils too, that while not called 'balms', offer more nourishment than most. If you’re wanting a make-up hybrid there are tinted lip balms to consider. But only the best lip balms contain SPF.
A good lip balm is considered skincare, and skincare should be tailored to you and your needs. If you have dry skin, and lips, you’ll need an ultra moisturising lip balm packed with special formulas that help to soften the lips natural barrier.
Luckily, there are plenty of shopping editors with various skincare types and needs, all willing to try out lip balms for consideration at Daily Mail. We’ve collated, compared and compiled this definitive list of the best lip balms below.
The best 8 lip balms to buy now
- Best lip balm overall: Malin + Goez lip moisturizer
- Best lip balm for dry lips: Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly
- Best lip balm with spf: E45 SPF30 Protecting Lip Balm
- Best sheer lip balm: Dior addict lip glow
- Best tinted lip balm: Studio 10 lip peptide treatment gloss
- Best designer lip balm: Prada banana lip balm
- Prestige pick: By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Care
- Best lip oil: Nyx Fat Oil
- Best lip mask: Lineage lip sleeping mask
- Best lip scrub: Lush honey trap lip scrub
- Best budget lip treatment: MCoBeauty Peptide Lip Treatment
- Best scented lip balm: Ole Henrikson Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
How we test
Louise's collection of lip balms tested for the best.
Layla's best recommendation for a lip balm . with spf. The E45 spf protecting lip balm.
The Daily Mail team consisting of editors from You Magazine, Lifestyle and Buyline have tested over 50 lip balms between them. When lip balms , we’ve used them over consecutive days and evaluated them based on look, feel, how long they last and how much they cost. We’ve all had our hand at at least 5 balms each and compared notes too to see how they fare on different skin types, needs and preferences.
Why trust us
Our editors have had extensive experience testing beauty products between them. They all know a thing or two about what makes a good shampoo, lip gloss or moisturiser - be it through personal interest or a thriving background in the makeup and skincare space. Their aim? To provide you with only the best products that are worth your spend.
1. Best lip balm overall: Malin + Goez lip moisturizer
2. Best lip balm for dry lips: Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly
Revlon
From Damp to Natural Straight hair with Less Damage - One-Step Technology 2-in-1 Dryer & Air Straightener. Dry and straighten in One-Step with hot air, without extreme heat for natural straight look with body and movement.
Product Specs
- Colorred
3. Best lip balm with spf: E45 SPF30 Protecting Lip Balm
iphone 15 Plus
Apple's non-Pro lineup is arguably the most cost-effective way for consumers to keep up with the most recent and polished Apple experience without breaking the bank. edit
Product Specs
- Colorred
- weight300 g
- Warranty12 month
- width100 m
Review
Generally speaking, the iPhone 15 Plus is just a larger iPhone 15. It's the same feature-for-feature and spec-for-spec other than the battery, screen, and size. Much more separates the regular iPhones from the Pro models, such as a more powerful new processor and the addition of a telephoto camera in the Pro.
4. Best sheer lip balm: Dior addict lip glow
5. Best tinted lip balm: Studio 10 lip peptide treatment gloss
iphone 16e US
Apple iPhone 16e 128GB: Built for Apple Intelligence, A18 Chip, Supersized Battery Life, 48MP Fusion Camera, 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display; Black
Product Specs
- weight300 g
- Warranty12 month
- Colorblue
- width100 m
What we love
- DesignLikeable design, durable and lightweight
- CameraSolid camera performance with either camera.
- Sound Top-notch speakers.
What could be better
- Camera No ultra wide camera
- ChargerNo charger in the box, and charging isn't particularly fast.
- DisplayThe display is 60Hz; there is no Always On option, and the bezels are quite thick.
Review
Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
6. Best designer lip balm: Prada banana lip balm
7. Prestige pick: By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Care
8. Best lip oil: Nyx Fat Oil
iphone 16e
Apple iPhone 16e 128GB: Built for Apple Intelligence, A18 Chip, Supersized Battery Life, 48MP Fusion Camera, 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display; Black
Product Specs
- Width100 m
- Warranty12 month
- Colorsblue
What we love
- DesignLikeable design, durable and lightweight Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
- CameraSolid camera performance with either camera. Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
- SoundTop-notch speakers. Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
- Test proForget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
What could be better
- CameraNo ultra wide camera Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
- ChargerNo charger in the box, and charging isn't particularly fast.
- DisplayThe display is 60Hz; there is no Always On option, and the bezels are quite thick. Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
- Test conForget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
Review
Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ’ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second =
9. Best lip mask: Lineage lip sleeping mask
iphone 16e AU
Apple iPhone 16e 128GB: Built for Apple Intelligence, A18 Chip, Supersized Battery Life, 48MP Fusion Camera, 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display; Black
Product Specs
- weight350 g
- width100 m
- Warranty24 month
- Colorgrreen
What we love
- DesignLikeable design, durable and lightweight
- CameraSolid camera performance with either camera.
- Sound Top-notch speakers.
What could be better
- Camera No ultra wide camera
- ChargerNo charger in the box, and charging isn't particularly fast.
- DisplayThe display is 60Hz; there is no Always On option, and the bezels are quite thick.
Review
Forget the iPhone SE; the iPhone 16e represents a whole new class of affordable iPhone. It has an excellent screen, powerful performance, a cutting-edge CPU with Apple Intelligence, and even an all-new C1 modem chip. It's also a bit of a frustrating conundrum. Apple has raised the price to the point where it's almost out of budget range, but it hasn't added a second camera, and it's brought back the notch. Ultimately, this is another great iPhone ¿ but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a 'budget' phone.
10. Best lip scrub: Lush honey trap lip scrub
gv test 6.08!!
11. Best budget lip treatment: MCoBeauty Peptide Lip Treatment
On sale now!!
Edit The Pinin Farina-bodied cabriolet that Ferrari introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1957 was not only a triumph of design, but it also marked an auspicious milestone in Maranello history as the company¿s first series-produced open-top model.
Product Specs
- monthMarch
- WidthNaN km
- Warranty2 years
- Decimal prop4,430 mm
- Colorsgreen
- SpeedNaN h
What we love
- Pro 1Pro preview text 1
- Pro preview text 2Pro preview text 2
What could be better
- Cons 1Cons review text 1
Review
Triumph of design, with its elegant rear haunches, covered headlamps, and long centrally ventilated bonnet
12. Best scented lip balm: Ole Henrikson Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
FAQ
What do dermatologists recommend for lips?
Dr Ross Perry who is the Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics advises 'to choose a lip balm that offers moisturising benefits and includes SPF for sun protection'.
Dr. Vongai Mugadza, a London-based GP with an extended role in dermatology, also suggests opting for a lip balm with SPF, especially for daytime use. ‘SPF is crucial because lips are highly prone to sun damage and pigmentation. Two excellent options I recommend are Vaseline Lip Therapy Original, a simple petrolatum based balm that locks in hydration, and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levres, which combines soothing panthenol with shea butter for barrier repair.’
However, Dr Perry states that ‘staying hydrated is equally important, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.’
‘To maintain soft lips, gently exfoliate once a week in the shower using a soft washcloth and a simple cleanser to remove dead skin buildup. Avoid picking at dry or flaky skin, as this can cause sores, bleeding, and infections. After cleansing, always pat your lips dry instead of rubbing, and immediately apply a moisturizing lip balm to lock in hydration.’
Louise's lip balm collection all tried and tested to find the best.
Which lip balms should I avoid?
If you’re looking to improve the overall health of your lips and go beyond basic nourishment, Dr. Tijion Esho, aesthetic doctor and lip health expert, former formulator of the ESHO lip Line, and founder of CULTSKIN, actually advises to ‘avoid balms that rely heavily on petroleum jelly alone — while it creates a barrier, it doesn’t actively hydrate or repair. Similarly, fragranced lip balms and types that contain menthol can feel nice initially but can often irritate the skin.’
‘Ingredients or strong flavours such as mint, citrus, or cinnamon, as these can dry out or irritate the lips,’ adds Dr Ross Perry.
'You should also consider what form the lip balm comes in.' says skincare expert Bella von Nesselrode, MCMA, Dip. ‘Stick and tube formats are generally more sanitary than jars because they minimize direct contact. Finger-free application is preferable, as it reduces the risk of transferring bacteria to the lips. When jars are used, you should ideally use a clean spatula for dispensing the product, rather than using your fingers directly.
‘The lips are one of the thinnest and most exposed areas of skin on the body, so using a high-quality balm isn’t just about comfort - it’s about maintaining barrier health and preventing long-term damage such as chronic dryness, cracking, or even premature lip ageing,’ says Esho.
