The Best Lip Balms to Soothe and Hydrate Your Pout in 2024

Lips are one of the most sensitive areas of our body, and they deserve the best care possible. Whether you're battling the harsh winter winds or the scorching summer sun, a reliable lip balm is essential for maintaining soft, hydrated lips. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one?

In this guide, we'll explore the top lip balms of 2024, explain why they're the best, and provide some science-backed information on the benefits of key ingredients like hemp.

Why Lip Balm is Essential

Lip balm isn't just a cosmetic accessory; it's a must-have for anyone who wants to maintain healthy, smooth lips. Our lips lack the oil glands that the rest of our skin has, making them more prone to dryness and chapping. Lip balms provide a protective barrier that helps retain moisture, prevent chapping, and heal damaged skin.

Understanding Different Lip Types and Why They Need Lip Balm

Not all lips are the same, and the type of lips you have will determine what kind of care they need. Here’s a quick guide to understanding different lip types and why using the right lip balm is crucial for maintaining healthy lips.

1. Dry Lips

Characteristics: Dry lips often feel tight, rough, and may have visible flaking. They are prone to cracking, especially in extreme weather conditions.

What They Need:

• Intense Hydration: Dry lips need lip balms that are deeply moisturizing and contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or hyaluronic acid.
• Healing Properties: Look for balms that have healing ingredients like hemp seed oil, aloe vera, or vitamin E to repair the skin.
• Protective Barrier: A balm that creates a barrier to lock in moisture and protect against the elements is essential for dry lips.

2. Chapped Lips

Characteristics: Chapped lips are a step beyond dry—they’re cracked, may bleed, and are often painful. Chapping is usually caused by a lack of moisture or exposure to harsh weather.

What They Need:

• Soothing and Healing: Chapped lips require a balm with healing and soothing ingredients like lanolin, hemp oil, or honey.
• Non-Irritating Formula: Choose balms free from fragrances, menthol, or alcohol, as these can further irritate chapped lips.
• Intense Moisture: A thick, emollient-rich balm will help repair the skin barrier and provide lasting hydration.

3. Sensitive Lips

Characteristics: Sensitive lips may react to certain ingredients in lip balms, causing irritation, redness, or a burning sensation.

What They Need:

• Hypoallergenic Ingredients: Lip balms with natural, hypoallergenic ingredients are a must for sensitive lips. Look for products labeled as “gentle” or “dermatologist-tested.”
• Fragrance-Free: Avoid balms with added fragrances or flavors, as these can trigger sensitivity.
• Simple Formulations: The fewer the ingredients, the better for sensitive lips. Ingredients like pure beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter are usually safe bets.

4. Aging Lips

Characteristics: As we age, our lips can lose volume, become thinner, and develop fine lines. Aging lips also tend to dry out more easily.

What They Need:

• Anti-Aging Ingredients: Look for lip balms that contain ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, or collagen to help plump the lips and reduce fine lines.
• Deep Moisturization: Aging lips benefit from deeply moisturizing balms with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or jojoba oil.
• Sun Protection: An SPF-infused lip balm is crucial for protecting aging lips from sun damage, which can accelerate the appearance of lines and loss of volume.

5. Normal Lips

Characteristics: Normal lips aren’t particularly dry or sensitive, and they don’t experience frequent chapping. They’re generally smooth and require minimal maintenance.

What They Need:

• Maintenance and Protection: A regular lip balm with basic moisturizing ingredients like beeswax or shea butter will help maintain their natural softness.
• Sun Protection: Even normal lips benefit from a lip balm with SPF to protect against UV damage.
• Variety: Normal lips can enjoy the full range of flavors and fragrances available in lip balms without much concern for irritation.

The Best Lip Balms in 2024: Top Picks for Every Need

Let's dive into the best lip balms you should consider this year. From all-natural ingredients to long-lasting formulas, these products are designed to keep your lips soft, smooth, and hydrated.

1. Hemp Lip Balm | 4 Flavours To Choose From

Price: $8.99
Flavours Available: Vanilla, Mango, Pomegranate, Spearmint
Rating: 12 Reviews

Why It's One of the Best:

• All-Natural Ingredients: This hemp lip balm is made from 100% organic, gluten-free ingredients, ensuring that you're applying only the purest product to your lips.
• Long-Lasting: The balm's smooth yet non-sticky texture means it stays on your lips for extended periods without the need for constant reapplication.
• Versatile: With four delicious flavors—Vanilla, Mango, Pomegranate, and Spearmint—there's a variant for every taste preference.
• Healing Properties: Enriched with natural hemp seed oil, this balm is a powerful hydrator, making it ideal for anyone suffering from dry or chapped lips.
• Environmental Protection: The sunflower oil-derived Vitamin E in this lip balm offers lasting moisture while protecting your lips from environmental damage.
• Ideal for All Weather: Whether it's the cold of winter or the heat of summer, this balm helps your lips stay hydrated and healthy.

Bonus: Hemp oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making this balm not just hydrating but also soothing for irritated skin.

2. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Price: $3.99
Flavour: Original Beeswax

Why It's One of the Best:

• Trusted Brand: Burt’s Bees is a household name when it comes to lip care. Their beeswax lip balm has been a favorite for years, and for good reason.
• Beeswax Base: Beeswax provides a protective barrier on the lips, sealing in moisture and preventing further dryness.
• Peppermint Oil: This balm includes peppermint oil, which offers a refreshing tingle and also has mild plumping effects.
• Natural Ingredients: Just like the hemp lip balm, Burt’s Bees uses natural ingredients, making it a safe choice for daily use.
• Affordable: At just under $4, it's a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality.

Good At: This lip balm is particularly effective in harsh weather conditions, making it a great option for winter.

3. Vaseline Lip Therapy

Price: $2.99
Flavour: Original, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera, Rosy Lips

Why It's One of the Best:

• Petroleum Jelly Base: Known for its unparalleled moisturizing abilities, Vaseline lip therapy is a classic go-to for severe chapped lips.
• Multiple Variants: Available in different flavors and tints, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
• Affordable: It’s one of the most budget-friendly options on the market, without compromising on effectiveness.
• Heals and Protects: The jelly creates a barrier that not only locks in moisture but also helps to heal existing cracks and dryness.

Good At: This is the best option for extremely dry and cracked lips, offering immediate relief and long-lasting hydration.

4. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Price: $22.00
Flavour: Berry, Vanilla, Apple Lime, Grapefruit

Why It's One of the Best:

• Overnight Treatment: This isn’t just a balm; it’s a treatment that works while you sleep. Apply it at night and wake up with soft, plump lips.
• Hydrating Ingredients: It contains hyaluronic acid and minerals, which deeply moisturize and lock in hydration.
• Berry Mix Complex: This antioxidant-rich blend of berries helps to protect lips from external damage while nourishing them.
• Luxurious Feel: With its thick, rich texture, this lip sleeping mask feels luxurious and provides an intensive treatment for your lips.

Good At: This product is ideal for those who want a deep treatment that works overnight, perfect for combating extremely dry lips.

5. Glossier Balm Dotcom

Price: $12.00
Flavour: Original, Birthday, Rose, Mint, Coconut, and more

Why It's One of the Best:

• Multi-Use: Not just for lips, this balm can be used on any dry areas of your skin, making it a versatile product.
• Variety of Flavours: With several different flavors to choose from, including fun options like Birthday and Rose, there's a Balm Dotcom for everyone.
• Petrolatum Base: Like Vaseline, this balm uses petrolatum for its excellent moisturizing properties.
• Trendy: Glossier’s Balm Dotcom has a cult following, making it a trendy choice for those who love beauty products with a bit of flair.

Good At: It's perfect for those who like to keep things minimal, as this balm can serve multiple purposes beyond just lip care.

How Hemp Helps Skin and Lip Health

The Science Behind Hemp in Skincare

Hemp seed oil, derived from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, has become increasingly popular in skincare, thanks to its rich nutritional profile. Here's why hemp is beneficial for your skin and lips:

• Rich in Fatty Acids: Hemp oil is packed with essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin. These fatty acids help to hydrate the skin and maintain its elasticity.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Hemp oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
• Antioxidant-Rich: Hemp oil contains antioxidants like Vitamin E, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, slowing down the aging process.
• Non-Comedogenic: Unlike some oils that can clog pores, hemp oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t cause breakouts or acne. This makes it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.

Hemp for Skin Diseases

Hemp oil is not just a trendy ingredient; it has real benefits for those suffering from skin conditions:

• Eczema and Psoriasis: Studies have shown that the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp oil can help manage symptoms of eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation and keeping the skin hydrated.
• Acne: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate oil production, hemp oil can also help manage acne.
• General Skin Health: Hemp oil promotes overall skin health by maintaining the skin's natural barrier, preventing moisture loss, and protecting against environmental damage.

Interesting Facts About Lip Balms

• Ancient Origins: The use of lip balms dates back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used beeswax, olive oil, and animal fat to keep their lips hydrated.
• The First Commercial Lip Balm: The first commercial lip balm was created by Dr. C.D. Fleet in the early 1880s. It was a handmade product that looked like a small candle without a wick.
• Carmex Controversy: Carmex, a popular lip balm brand, was once rumored to be addictive due to its tingling sensation. However, this is just a myth; the tingling is caused by menthol, which is harmless and helps soothe the lips.

Conclusion: Choose the Best Lip Balm for Your Needs

When it comes to lip care, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The best lip balm for you depends on your specific needs—whether you're looking for something organic, long-lasting, or deeply hydrating.

The Hemp Lip Balm | 4 Flavours To Choose From stands out as a top contender in 2024 due to its all-natural, organic ingredients and powerful hydrating properties. Whether you're facing the cold winds of winter or the dry heat of summer, this lip balm promises to keep your lips smooth, soft, and well-nourished.

So, which one will you choose? Your lips deserve the best, and now you know exactly what to look for. Happy shopping, and may your lips stay luscious and hydrated all year round!