Top 8 Dermatologist-Approved Solutions for Chapped Lips

Although numerous lip balms are available to calm and heal irritated lips, the effectiveness of these treatments varies widely. The ideal choice for you depends on the condition of your lips and your personal preferences for lip care.

To identify the most effective chapped lip treatments, we conducted thorough research and analysis of various products, evaluating key aspects such as active ingredients, texture, packaging size, and finish. Additionally, we gathered expert advice from dermatologists to help you select the best lip product tailored to your specific skin requirements.

Whether you need a deeply nourishing lip mask to rejuvenate your lips overnight or a tinted balm that offers UV protection, our top lip care picks will ensure your lips stay moisturized and look healthy throughout the winter months and beyond.

Introducing Our Panel of Board-Certified Dermatologists

Top Pick

Dr. Dan’s CortiBalm is highly recommended by both Dr. de la Cruz and Dr. Hogan, earning its place as the top choice for treating chapped lips. The 1% hydrocortisone in this balm acts as the primary active ingredient, effectively reducing inflammation and kickstarting the natural healing process, as explained by Dr. de la Cruz.

Enriched with barrier-enhancing components like beeswax and petrolatum, this product locks in moisture, making it perfect for individuals suffering from severely chapped lips caused by extreme weather, allergies, medications, or cold sores. It not only diminishes redness but also protects the skin from further irritation and damage.

Unlike many other lip balms available, Dr. Dan’s CortiBalm avoids using flavorings that could potentially interfere with the healing process.

Key Ingredients: Beeswax, petroleum jelly, 1% hydrocortisone | Formula: Balm | Size: 0.15 ounces | Finish: Satin | Colors: Clear

Top Choice for SPF Protection

For a lip treatment that not only moisturizes but also provides robust protection against harmful UV rays, Sun Bum’s Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm is an excellent choice. It features four sunscreen agents, including avobenzone, a petroleum-derived compound that absorbs UV light.

Dr. Hogan endorses this lip balm for its affordability and inclusion of aloe vera, a soothing and hydrating anti-inflammatory, along with vitamin E, an antioxidant that defends against free radicals linked to premature aging. Additionally, Dr. Gmyrek notes that this product is fragrance-free, reef-safe, and effective in preventing sunburn.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E, 3% avobenzone | Formula: Balm | Size: 0.15 ounces | Finish: Natural | Colors: Clear

Top Tinted Option

This tinted lip balm, popularized on TikTok, is a top pick for Dr. Gmyrek due to its mineral-based sun protection, featuring 12.5% zinc oxide, and its multifunctional use. ColoreScience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50 offers six subtle shades that provide a natural hint of color to the lips without being too bold.

This versatile balm doubles as a cheek tint, making it a go-to for those seeking a multi-purpose beauty product. Beyond shielding your lips from UV damage, it contains jojoba esters and plant-derived squalene, which hydrate and support the skin’s natural barrier function.

Key Ingredients: 12.5% zinc oxide, jojoba esters, squalene | Formula: Balm | Size: 0.32 ounces | Finish: Satin | Colors: Berry, Blush, Bronze, Golden Hour, Violet Haze, Pink Sky

Best for Overnight Use

Kiehl’s Buttermask For Lips Overnight Lip Treatment, enriched with natural occlusives like ethically sourced coconut oil and wild mango butter, is ideal for deep hydration, according to Dr. Gmyrek. This nourishing lip mask works overnight to repair the moisture barrier, visibly restoring dry and chapped lips.

Ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax nourish and smooth the delicate lip skin, leaving it softer and healthier. For optimal results, apply a thick layer before bedtime and reapply during the day as necessary.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, wild mango butter | Formula: Mask | Size: 0.35 ounces | Finish: Glossy | Colors: Clear

Most Versatile Option

Ilia’s Lip Wrap Reviving Balm is an excellent choice for a daily lip treatment. Dr. Hogan recommends it for its rich blend of hydrating components like squalene, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and castor oil.

Hyaluronic acid, a humectant, draws moisture to the skin, while emollients and occlusives like coconut oil and shea butter work together to smooth and seal in hydration for the delicate lip area.

Additionally, ingredients such as sea succulent and prickly pear oil provide extra hydration and strengthen the moisture barrier. The balm’s glossy finish makes it versatile, suitable for solo wear or as a base under your preferred lip color.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea succulent, prickly pear oil | Formula: Balm | Size: 0.23 ounces | Finish: Glossy | Colors: Clear

Top Value Pick

All dermatologists agree that Vaseline offers exceptional value in lip care. As the original and still one of the most effective solutions for preventing and treating dry, chapped lips, it’s a top recommendation from Dr. Hogan.

“I believe everyone should have a jar of plain Vaseline,” Dr. de la Cruz emphasizes. It serves as an excellent protective barrier against harsh weather, while also adding a subtle shine. “It’s versatile—use it on cuts, around nails, over moisturizer for extra hydration, to prevent diaper rashes, and more,” she adds.

Additionally, “petrolatum is the gold standard for occlusive agents,” Dr. Gmyrek notes. The triple-purified petrolatum in Vaseline minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. This multipurpose product excels in nearly every area (except sun protection, as it lacks SPF).

Key Ingredients: Petrolatum | Formula: Ointment | Size: 0.25 ounces | Finish: Glossy | Colors: Clear

Best Glossy Option

MDSolarSciences’ Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 is perfect for those seeking a tinted lip product with sun protection. Enriched with natural hydrators like shea butter, avocado, and olive oil, it soothes and moisturizes chapped lips, as noted by Dr. Gmyrek.

“I appreciate its lightweight, non-sticky glossy finish,” she adds. Along with broad-spectrum SPF protection, this formula includes vitamin C to boost collagen production and enhance skin elasticity. With its hydrating benefits and seven versatile shades, it might just be the only lip product you’ll ever need.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, shea butter, vitamin C | Formula: Balm | Size: 0.15 ounces | Finish: Glossy | Colors: Blush, Ruby, Bare, Dream, Spice, Shimmer, Crystal

Top Natural Option

Dr. Gmyrek recommends Sulina Shop’s Unscented Lip Balm as the top natural solution for chapped lips. Made with castor oil and beeswax, it effectively locks in moisture and forms a protective barrier. Its fragrance-free formula makes it perfect for sensitive skin.

Additional standout ingredients include ceramide NP, which restores natural lipids and offers lasting hydration, squalene, an antioxidant that combats UV damage, and sea buckthorn, which protects against environmental stressors and aids in healing damaged lips.

Key Ingredients: Castor oil, beeswax, ceramide NP | Formula: Balm | Size: 0.15 ounces | Finish: Natural | Colors: Clear

Final Verdict

Overall, Dr. Dan’s CortiBalm stands out as our top choice for treating chapped lips due to its powerful healing properties. Both Dr. de la Cruz and Dr. Hogan recommend this over-the-counter ointment as the best option for severely dry and cracked lips.

Its effectiveness stems from the inclusion of 1% hydrocortisone, which reduces inflammation and promotes healing, along with petrolatum to safeguard the skin barrier and prevent further irritation. For a reliable and affordable option, Vaseline Lip Therapy Original is a standout choice, known for its versatility and consistent results in preventing and treating lip damage.

Expert Tips for Choosing Chapped Lip Treatments

Key Ingredients to Look For

When selecting lip treatments, Dr. Gmyrek advises opting for products with occlusives, emollients, and humectants. Occlusives like petrolatum, lanolin, shea butter, and beeswax create a protective barrier to lock in moisture and reduce water loss. Emollients, such as ceramides, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, work to soften and smooth damaged lip skin.

Humectants, on the other hand, draw moisture into the lips and are most effective when combined with an occlusive to retain hydration, Dr. Gmyrek explains. Common humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, ingredients like vitamin E and green tea extract act as antioxidants, protecting lips from free radical damage, as noted by Dr. de la Cruz.

Dr. de la Cruz suggests avoiding lip products with fragrances and flavorings—such as cinnamon, citrus, and mint—as they can irritate already sensitive lips.

Dr. Hogan also warns against ingredients like salicylic acid, camphor, and menthol, which can exacerbate dryness. While propolis and lanolin are often hydrating, they should be avoided if lips are irritated, as they may worsen symptoms, according to Dr. Kapoor.

SPF Considerations

When choosing a lip treatment, SPF is a crucial ingredient to consider. The lips, like the rest of the face, are susceptible to UV radiation, which can lead to sun damage and even skin cancer over time, as Dr. Kapoor emphasizes.

Dr. Kapoor highlights that lips are often overlooked during daily SPF application, making a dedicated lip product with SPF essential. “A lip treatment with SPF ensures your lips receive the same protection as the rest of your face,” she explains.

Additionally, many lip products contain oils that, without sunscreen agents like titanium oxide or zinc oxide, can intensify sun exposure, leading to increased inflammation and damage, Dr. Gmyrek adds. This makes SPF-infused lip treatments a must.

Early signs of sun-damaged lips include dryness, peeling, and cracking, which can resemble chapped lips, Dr. Gmyrek notes. If your lips aren’t improving despite using recommended treatments, it’s advisable to consult a board-certified dermatologist.

Choosing the Right Formula

The choice between a lip mask, balm, or ointment depends on your specific needs, according to Dr. de la Cruz. “Lip masks come in various formulations and are designed for overnight use to lock in hydration,” Dr. Hogan explains. Dr. Gmyrek adds that while lip masks benefit everyone, those with severely chapped lips should choose one with minimal ingredients to prevent irritation.

Lip balms, on the other hand, are thicker and include waxy components to shield lips from environmental factors like dryness, cold, heat, or sun, Dr. Hogan notes. Dr. Gmyrek suggests a beeswax-based balm for a matte finish, ideal for mildly chapped lips.

For those who prefer a glossy finish or have severely damaged lips, an ointment with petrolatum is the best option, Dr. Gmyrek advises. Lip ointments excel at healing chapped lips by preventing moisture loss, Dr. Hogan adds. Dr. Kapoor also favors ointments for their ability to lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier.

Common Questions Answered

What’s the best solution for severely chapped lips?

For severely chapped lips, experts recommend simplifying your lip care routine. Dr. Kapoor advises avoiding lip cosmetics that could worsen irritation and instead using a basic product like Vaseline. Apply it multiple times daily, ensuring a thick layer—comparable to “cream cheese on a bagel,” as Dr. Kapoor describes.

Dr. Kapoor also warns against licking your lips, as saliva can exacerbate dryness. Dr. Gmyrek adds that picking at dead skin or using lip scrubs can cause further irritation and should be avoided.

She further suggests steering clear of spicy or acidic foods and drinks, which can irritate already sensitive lips, until the skin heals. “Be gentle and allow the inflammation and redness to subside,” she advises.

Dr. de la Cruz recommends using a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air. For outdoor exposure to cold or wind, Dr. Gmyrek suggests using a face guard for added protection.

“If your lips don’t improve despite consistent care, consult a board-certified dermatologist to rule out any underlying conditions,” Dr. Kapoor advises.

What’s the fastest way to heal chapped lips?

For severely chapped or dry lips needing quick relief, Dr. de la Cruz suggests using a low-dose topical steroid for a few days, followed by a petrolatum-based ointment.

“For rapid healing, I recommend an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone ointment applied a few times daily and before bed for two to three days,” Dr. Gmyrek adds. The hydrocortisone reduces inflammation, providing quick relief and improving the lips’ appearance.

Meanwhile, the petrolatum in the lip treatment forms a protective barrier to prevent further damage. Dr. Dan’s CortiBalm, an over-the-counter ointment with 1% hydrocortisone, is highly recommended by both Dr. de la Cruz and Dr. Hogan.

Is Vaseline or lip balm more effective for chapped lips?

“The choice depends on the specific products being compared,” Dr. de la Cruz explains. Vaseline, a petrolatum-based ointment, effectively locks in moisture and shields lips from further dryness.

On the other hand, “lip balm” is a broad term encompassing most hydrating lip products, which often feel lighter on the lips compared to occlusive ointments, Dr. de la Cruz notes.

Dermatologists widely recommend Vaseline for its simplicity and effectiveness. Its minimal ingredient list reduces the risk of allergies or irritation on damaged skin, making it an excellent occlusive for retaining moisture, Dr. Gmyrek adds.

In contrast, lip balms often include additional ingredients like fragrances and preservatives, which can trigger allergies or irritation. While lip balms are ideal for preventing chapped lips, petrolatum-based ointments like Vaseline are better suited for repairing a damaged skin barrier, Dr. Gmyrek explains.

Trust Our Expertise

This piece was authored by Naydeline Mejia, a contributor to Mytour with more than four years of experience in crafting product reviews and lifestyle articles, particularly in the beauty sector. For this article, we evaluated, tested, and researched numerous chapped lip treatments, focusing on aspects like formulation, size, finish, and affordability.

We consulted Julie de la Cruz, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Sara Hogan, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C., Reshmi Kapoor, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology, and Robyn Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, for expert advice and product recommendations on effective chapped lip treatments.