If you’ve ever battled dry, cracked, or peeling lips, you’re not alone. Our lips are one of the most sensitive parts of our body—and they’re also the most exposed. From harsh winter winds to dry summer heat, your lips need consistent care throughout the year.
This blog is here to guide you on how to choose the best lip balm for every season, based on ingredients, skin needs, and environmental conditions. Whether it’s hydration in winter or sun protection in summer, the right lip balm can make all the difference.
What are the benefits of using lip balm?
Moisturization and Hydration
Lip balms lock in moisture, preventing your lips from becoming dry or flaky. Hydrated lips look plump and feel smooth.
Protection Against Environmental Factors
Cold weather, wind, and UV rays can all cause damage. Lip balm acts as a barrier, shielding your lips from these elements.
Prevention of Chapped and Cracked Lips
Regular use of lip balm helps prevent painful cracks and peeling, especially in extreme weather conditions.
How does lip balm work?
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
Common ingredients include shea butter, beeswax, petroleum jelly, lanolin, and oils like coconut or jojoba. These provide hydration, sealing properties, and nourishment.
The Role of Occlusives, Emollients, and Humectants
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Occlusives (like petrolatum) form a protective layer to lock in moisture.
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Emollients (like shea butter) smooth and soften lips.
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Humectants (like hyaluronic acid) attract moisture from the air to hydrate the skin.
Choosing the Right Lip Balm
Identifying Skin Type and Specific Needs
Do your lips get extremely dry in the winter? Are you outdoors often? Understanding your lifestyle helps in choosing the right formula.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter: Choose a balm with rich, healing ingredients like lanolin and beeswax.
Summer: Opt for lightweight, SPF-infused balms to protect against sun damage.
Spring/Fall: Go for balanced hydration with antioxidant support to manage weather transitions.
Ingredient Preferences
If you prefer natural skincare, look for balms with plant-based ingredients and avoid synthetic fragrances or parabens.
How to apply lip balm?
Techniques for Effective Application
Apply to clean lips. Use your finger or the applicator to gently spread the product. Cover the lip surface fully, especially in the corners.
Frequency of Application
Apply lip balm:
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In the morning after brushing your teeth
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Before bed (overnight treatments work wonders!)
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Every few hours in dry or windy climates
Top Lip Balm Brands for Soft and Smooth Lips
Here are 2025’s top-rated lip balm brands, celebrated for their effective formulas, skin-friendly ingredients, and season-specific benefits. Whether you’re facing winter dryness or summer sun exposure, these lip balms cater to every need:
1. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Best for Nighttime Repair
Rich, buttery, and deeply hydrating—this cult-favorite overnight lip treatment is infused with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and a powerful Berry Mix Complex to heal cracked lips while you sleep. The mask locks in moisture, repairs skin barriers, and leaves lips visibly smoother by morning.
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Perfect For: Winter dryness, cracked lips, night repair
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Pro Tip: Apply a thick layer before bed for intense overnight healing
2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Best All-Year Hydration
Loved for its clean, vegan formula and deliciously smooth texture, this balm combines shea butter, murumuru seed butter, and natural vanilla for deep nourishment and a hint of shine. It’s ideal for daily use—lightweight enough for summer but moisturizing enough for cooler seasons.
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Perfect For: All-season use, daily wear
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Bonus: Comes in tinted and untinted versions for versatility
3. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
Best Natural Choice
With over two decades of trust, this 100% natural balm features beeswax, vitamin E, and a refreshing hint of peppermint oil. It’s especially effective in sealing moisture during harsh winter months while avoiding synthetic ingredients.
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Perfect For: Cold, dry climates, natural skincare lovers
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Eco-Friendly: Cruelty-free and recyclable packaging
4. Kiehl’s Lip Balm
Best for Windy Weather
Formulated with squalane, lanolin, and aloe vera, this balm delivers intense hydration and wind protection. It forms a barrier against environmental stressors while healing chapped, irritated lips.
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Perfect For: Harsh wind, dry air, high altitudes
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Texture: Silky and lightweight, great for layering under lipstick
5. Supergoop Play Lip Balm SPF 35
Best for Summer Protection
Protect your lips from UV damage with this SPF 35 lip balm that hydrates and shields against harmful rays. Made with shea butter and sunflower seed oil, it’s water-resistant and reef-safe, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
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Perfect For: Beach days, poolside, hikes
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Must-Have: Sunscreen for lips to prevent aging and pigmentation
6. Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
Best for Hydration + Tint
Founded by Hailey Bieber, this lip tint blends peptides, cupuaçu butter, and babassu oil for plump, pillowy lips with a pop of natural color. It’s skincare-meets-makeup, making it a great on-the-go product.
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Perfect For: Dry lips + a natural makeup look
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Added Bonus: Non-sticky finish with long-lasting moisture
7. Glossier Balm Dotcom
Best Multipurpose Balm
A classic do-it-all balm, Balm Dotcom works for lips, cuticles, and dry patches. Its emollient-rich base includes castor oil, beeswax, and lanolin, offering deep hydration and a touch of shine.
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Perfect For: Minimalists and multitaskers
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Flavors: Available in a range of fun scents and subtle tints
8. Tower 28 Beauty SOS Lip Softie Hydrating Balm
Best for Sensitive Skin
This dermatologist-approved balm is made with hypoallergenic and fragrance-free ingredients, including green tea extract, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. It calms irritated lips while delivering a burst of hydration.
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Perfect For: Allergy-prone or reactive skin
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Safe Choice: Clean at Sephora certified
9. Beauty Pie Smooth Ahead Intensive Lip Balm
Best Anti-Aging Formula
Packed with lip-plumping peptides, ceramides, and plant-based oils, this balm targets fine lines, lip thinning, and dryness. It improves lip texture over time while giving immediate hydration.
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Perfect For: Mature lips, fine lines, smoothing treatments
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Use: Morning and night as a lip treatment
10. Glow Recipe Glass Balm Lip Treatment
Best for Glowing Lips
Infused with watermelon enzymes, hibiscus AHA, and murumuru butter, this balm gently exfoliates and hydrates, leaving a glossy, glass-like finish. It enhances your lips’ natural color while healing dullness.
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Perfect For: Dull, flaky lips needing radiance
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Ideal For: Spring and summer for that juicy, dewy look
Conclusion
Using the right lip balm can prevent seasonal lip damage, enhance your comfort, and elevate your skincare routine.
Your ideal balm depends on your environment, lifestyle, and skin sensitivity. Whether you need SPF in summer or rich repair in winter, there’s a product for you.
Lip care isn’t just a beauty step—it’s essential self-care. Make it a habit to choose your balm based on the season and your lips will stay soft, hydrated, and happy year-round.
