Lip balms have grown beyond just being useful. Ten years ago, if you asked someone what the best lip balm was, they might have said Aquaphor or Chapstick, which are both good for keeping lips moist and protecting them from the cold of winter. In 2026, though, the formulas are more fun mixing the benefits of traditional ointments with the flexibility of makeup. They’re probably available in colours and finishes that go beyond what most people think of as “balm.”
Rhode’s peptide lip tints come in mauve, chocolate, and rose colours, while Summer Fridays’s lip butter balms have soft glassy finishes. Both brands put equal emphasis on hydration and looks. Chapped lips can happen at any time of year and at any time of day, even though they are known as a cold-weather problem. Our favourite formulas can handle them. Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, tells Vogue, “Lip balms are products that are meant to nourish and moisturise the lips by keeping water in and protecting the lip mucosa.” “A good lip balm should protect your lips from things like cold, wind, low humidity, and things that make you feel bad.”
Best Overall
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Why We Love It: Dr. Murphy-Rose, a board-certified dermatologist, loves this Summer Fridays pick. She says it is a glossy balm that smells delicious and is full of nourishing moisturisers like shea butter and murumuru seed butter. The 100% vegan balm has a lot of fans, maybe because it comes in flavours like vanilla, pink sugar, and brown sugar that leave a modern sheer tint on the lips.
“Iced Coffee” is the shade of Summer Friday’s lip butter balm that I always use. I usually don’t like beauty products that smell good, but there are a few that I do like. The smell is nice but not too strong, and the colour is subtle. “It’s just lovely all around, and it keeps my skin hydrated.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
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- Shea butter murumuru seed butter and vegan waxes are the main ingredients
- Colours 10
- 0.5 fl oz in size
Best Colours
Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
Why We Love It: Is this the recipe that started the lip balm craze? Yes, one could say that Rhode’s peptide lip tints have become a global sensation because of the Hailey Bieber effect. It’s a pick that looks great and is good for you. Dr. Shirazi told Vogue before that she loves how it gives her lips moisture right away and smooths them out over time without feeling sticky.
Editor’s Experience: “I love how light Rhode’s lip balms feel. This formula never feels heavy on the lips, but it keeps them very moisturised all day. All of the colours are so pretty, and even though they’re not completely opaque, they give more colour than most lip balms.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Important Ingredients lactic acid shea butter peptides cupuaçu and babassu
- Colours 7 plus limited edition options
- Size 0.3 ounces
Best Exfoliating
Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm
Why We Love It: Eadem’s lip balm is different from the others on this list because it can do more than one thing at once. It gently exfoliates with fruit enzymes while also moisturising. Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a professional makeup artist, said that this pick makes a smooth canvas without harsh scrubs. There are several tints and finishes to choose from, as well as an unscented clear option.
What the editor says: “I can’t say enough good things about this lip balm. My friend Isan gave me my first tube, and within an hour of putting it on, my lips were smooth again quickly. I really like that the tinted options don’t stick to dry spots.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, writer about beauty shopping
- Key Ingredients Brazilian acai butter African mongongo butter moringa oil
- There are 8 shades
- Size 0.5 ounces
Best for Lips That Are Chapped
Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment Superbalm
Why We Love It: Lanolips’s multipurpose balm is a must-have for lips that are very chapped and dry in the winter. Its thick ointment-like texture melts when it touches skin, creating a protective seal that keeps moisture in and protects fragile skin. The formula is free of petroleum and contains ultra refined lanolin which is similar to the lipids in your skin.
Editor Says: “When my lips are really chapped, Lanolips is the only thing that can help with chapped lips that are so bad that they are level with the weather. For these kinds of problems, regular lip balms don’t work. This 100% natural ointment heals and restores right away.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Lanolin and tocopherol are two important ingredients
- Colours N/A
- Weight 9g
Best Korean Lip Balm
Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm
Why We Love It: The butter balm trend seems to be happening all over the world. For example Unleashia’s K beauty mix. “The formula is divine rich and creamy without feeling heavy and it’s super moisturising formula.” Another nice thing about it is the silicone donut tip applicator which makes it easy to apply.
The editor says “I’m shocked at how pigmented this lip balm is after each use. In just one swipe it gives you great colour without streaks. I like to wear it instead of regular lipstick because it has a buttery texture.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor
- Meadowfoam seed oil sunflower seed oil and jojoba seed oil
- 11 shades available
- Weight 0.12 oz
Best Lip Mask
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Why We Love It: The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is one of the most popular lip treatments on the market. This is a great overnight salve to use on your lips to make them smoother and softer by morning. It has a mix of fruit complex vitamin C coconut oil shea butter murumuru butter that instantly moisturises them.
As a millennial who grew up with flavoured lip products I can’t get enough of Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask. I keep a few different flavours on hand so I can pamper my lips with seasonal flavours. It also comes with a handy spatula with a rubber tip that lets you scrape every last bit of the mask.
- Important Ingredients Vitamin C shea butter murumuru butter coconut oil
- Colours 13
- Weight 0.7 oz
Best Long Lasting
Topicals Slick Salve Lip Balm
Why We Love It: Are you tired of having to put it on again and again? Topicals Slick Salve is the best lip balm that lasts. The formula is safe for skin that is sensitive to scents. A strong mix of peppermint oil and vitamin E calms irritation quickly.
Editor says writing this caption makes me remember that I need to get another tube of the Topicals Slick Salve. My favourite lip balm for the desert island. I often put lip balm on again but this lasts for hours on my lips. —Kiana Murden, beauty editor
- Hyaluronic acid ceramides glycerin and rice bran wax
- Colours 3
- Size 0.5 ounces
