In the past, lip balms were pretty boring. A clear formula with a bit of shea butter couldn’t compete with the excitement of pigmented blushes or colourful eyeshadow palettes. But by 2026, lip balms have completely transformed. A new balm launch can now generate as much buzz as a major skincare or makeup release.
Modern lip balms are no longer just quick fixes for dryness. Today’s formulas work as full lip treatments you can wear all day. They are packed with nourishing ingredients, plumping peptides, glossy finishes, and even subtle tints that enhance your natural lip colour.Stylish lip balms from brands like Rhode and Summer Fridays have also become beauty status symbols, often spotted in makeup bags and social media routines around the world.
Beauty editors at Cosmopolitan constantly test lip balms on dry and chapped lips to discover the best formulas. With dozens of balms spread across desks, handbags, and bathrooms, they also consulted dermatologist Karan Lal, MD to understand how to choose the best lip balm for healthy lips.
Here are the top lip balms editors recommend for soft, hydrated, and glossy lips.
1. Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment — Best Lip Balm Overall
This lip treatment is deeply moisturising thanks to mango butter, peptides, and lactic acid. What truly makes it stand out is its glossy finish that rivals most lip oils or glosses. The thick formula coats lips beautifully and keeps them soft for hours.
Editor Review: “I’m in a serious long-term relationship with this lip balm. It feels amazing, fits easily in my bag, and keeps my lips moisturised all day.”
Key Features
- Peptides, mango butter, and lactic acid
- High-shine finish
- Available in six shades
2. ANFISA Skin AN-GLOSS Ceramide Lip Treatment — Best Luxury Lip Balm
This luxurious lip balm deeply hydrates and gives lips a glossy, polished finish. It can be worn alone or layered over lipstick and liner. The formula focuses on repairing the lip barrier while providing long-lasting moisture.
Editor Review: “Yes, $45 is a lot for a lip balm—but this one actually repairs and strengthens lips instead of just moisturising them temporarily.”
Key Features
- Ceramides, squalane, and murumuru butter
- Three colour options
- Cooling metal applicator tip
3. The Ordinary Hydrating Lip Balm — Best Affordable Lip Balm
If you prefer a simple, no-frills formula, this balm from The Ordinary is a reliable option. It contains nourishing ingredients like squalane, jojoba extract, amino acids, and sodium PCA to deeply hydrate dry lips.
Editor Review: “Whenever my lips are extremely dry, especially in winter, this balm gives instant relief. I also love the slim packaging—it fits easily in any pocket.”
Key Features
- Squalane, jojoba, amino acids, and sodium PCA
- Minimalist formula
- Portable packaging
4. EADEM Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm — Best Exfoliating Lip Balm
This lip balm combines hydration with gentle chemical exfoliation. Lactic acid removes dry skin while nourishing ingredients soften the lips. The result is a glossy, smooth finish with vibrant colour options.
Editor Review: “This one formula replaces my lip mask, lipstick, and gloss. I keep it everywhere in my apartment.”
Key Features
- Peptides and lactic acid
- Brazilian açaí and African mongongo butters
- Available in eight shades
5. Glossier Balm Dotcom — Best Tinted Lip Balm
Glossier’s Balm Dotcom helped start the modern lip balm trend. It offers buildable colour while keeping lips soft and hydrated.
The formula includes castor seed oil, beeswax, and vitamin E to protect and nourish lips throughout the day.
Key Features
- Castor oil, beeswax, and vitamin E
- Buildable colour
- Available in 16 shades
6. Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm — Best Lip Balm for Acne-Prone Skin
If you often get breakouts around your lips or chin, this non-comedogenic lip balm is a great option. It delivers hydration without clogging pores.
Editor Review: “Most lip balms trigger breakouts around my mouth, but this formula keeps my lips hydrated without causing acne.”
Key Features
- Jojoba oil, squalane, and hyaluronic acid
- Lightweight and non-pore-clogging
- Available in three shades
7. Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Moisturising Lip Balm — Best for Dry Lips
This balm is designed for extremely dry or irritated lips. Ingredients like ceramides, squalane, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal help repair the lip barrier while soothing irritation.
Many users also apply it overnight as a lip mask to restore moisture.
Key Features
- Ceramides, squalane, and shea butter
- Colloidal oatmeal and panthenol for soothing
- Two shade options
8. Rhode Peptide Lip Boost Plumping Lip Mask — Best Lip Mask
This overnight lip mask deeply hydrates and plumps lips while you sleep. It contains ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and improve lip texture.
Editor Review: “I’ve been using this every night and my lips have never looked better.”
Key Features
- Ceramides and peptides
- Hyaluronic acid hydration
- Designed for overnight repair
9. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm — Best Viral Lip Balm
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm has become a social media favourite. Its smooth, glossy texture and subtle tint make it perfect for everyday wear.
The formula includes murumuru butter, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E for intense hydration.
Key Features
- Murumuru seed butter and shea butter
- Hyaluronic acid hydration
- Available in nine shades
How to Choose the Best Lip Balm
Look for Hydrating Ingredients
According to dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, the best lip balms contain deeply moisturising ingredients such as:
- Petrolatum
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Castor oil
- Sunflower oil
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
These ingredients help seal moisture into the lips and prevent dryness.
Avoid Irritating Ingredients
Some lip balms may actually make lips feel drier over time. Dr. Lal recommends avoiding formulas with:
- Menthol
- Strong fragrance
- Cinnamon or cinnamon derivatives
These ingredients can irritate sensitive lips and cause inflammation.
Meet the Expert
Karan Lal, MD is a double board-certified dermatologist specialising in adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Why Trust Cosmopolitan Beauty Editors?
Beth Gillette, Cosmopolitan’s beauty editor, has spent over six years testing skincare and makeup products. She frequently evaluates lip balms, lip masks, and treatments while consulting top dermatologists to analyse ingredients and performance.
