Last updated: 16/10/2022

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To keep your lips protected and moisturised at all times, a good lip balm can be of great help.

During colder periods of the year, it’s normal for lips to dry out and even crack, causing wounds and discomfort. In summer, it is the sun that can cause damage to your lips. In both seasons, it’s important to double your care and always keep a lip balm nearby.

If you’re not sure which lip balm is right for you, check out our article to learn more about lip balms and how to incorporate them into your daily care routine.




Summary

  • If you are going to expose yourself to the sun, look for lip balms that already have sunscreen in their composition.
  • After use, let the lips absorb the product and avoid passing the tongue, because saliva can end up removing the balm.
  • As it is a product to be used on the lips, some balms have fragrances and flavours.

The best Lip Balm: Our Picks

With the popularisation of lip balms, the market is full of unique brands and formulas. To help you choose, we have selected four of the best balms available on the market. Check out our ranking below.

Buying Guide

There are different types of lip balms developed on the market, many with more specific functions such as sun protection or providing a highlight with glosses and pigmentations.

To decide which is the best brand or formula to protect your lips, check out our Buying Guide, to understand a little better about them and make the right decision.

Imagem de mãos femininas segurando e demonstrando o uso de um protetor labial de bastão

If you suffer with dry and chapped lips, it’s time to choose a good lip balm and incorporate it into your skincare routine. Source: StockSnap / Pixabay)

What is a lip balm?

Lip balms are usually waxy formulas that are applied to the lips to protect them from drying and cracking from exposure to intense temperatures, whether in the cold or heat.

Today the most common lip balms have formulas with beeswax, carnauba wax or cocoa butter. Others offer pigments and fragrances to give an even greater highlight to the lips.

Did you know that in the 19th century it was common to use ear wax to protect the lips? Thankfully, lip balms have evolved.

What are the different types of lip balm?

With technological advances, you can find different types of lip balms. The most common are sunscreen lip balms, which prevent against the sun’s harmful rays, such as UVA and UVB.

If you have dry lips, moisturisers nourish the skin and prevent chapping. And if you want to make your mouth stand out, you can use a tinted lip balm that replaces lipstick while protecting you.

To find out more about the different types of lip balm, see our comparison table below.

Lip balm with sunscreen Lip balm with colour Moisturising lip balm
Indication for use It is recommended if you want to expose to the sun To give more colour and life to the lips Ideal for cold days or for dry lips
Benefits Helps protect the lips from harmful rays of the sun Can be used to replace lipstick Moisturizes the skin and protects against cracks
Price For having extra protection, may cost a little more expensive They are in an intermediate price range These balms are among the cheapest on the market

Purchase Criteria: What to consider before buying a Lip Balm?

Before choosing the best lip balm formula for you, it is very important to consider certain criteria such as the type of packaging, fragrances, flavours and protection levels.

By making the right choice, you can keep your lips moisturised and healthy at all times, without cracks and wounds that can be quite painful. Also, if you have a history of allergies and irritations, consult a dermatologist you trust.

Before choosing the perfect lip balm for you, check out the criteria below before you buy:

Check each of these topics carefully to find the lip balm that offers the most protection and is cost-effective to meet your needs.

Packaging and presentation

The most common packaging on the market are sticks, which are very similar to traditional lipstick packaging. They allow for easy application and are easier to carry, as you need to reapply the lip balm throughout the day.

It is also possible to find lip balm in jars. In this case you need to pick up the product with your finger, spatula or brush to apply it.

Currently, it is becoming common the oval packaging, which facilitates the application and has a more beautiful and differentiated presentation.

Fragrances

Many lip balms have fragrances, which may be produced artificially or naturally. Among the main ones, there are fruit fragrances, such as strawberry, for instance. Mint and aloe vera are also among the most common fragrances.

However, before buying, take care to choose a fragrance that you like and that is not too cloying, as the product may remain on your lips for long periods.

Flavours

Together with the fragrance, many lip balm products also have flavours, making the experience of use more pleasant. In this case, in addition to a strawberry scent, you can also enjoy a light fruit flavour on your lips.

Here the same recommendation given for the fragrance applies. Although it offers a more pleasant sensation, it is essential to choose a flavour you like to get the most out of the product.

And remember, if you keep swiping your tongue across your lips, saliva can remove the balm and you may end up ingesting it, which can be problematic depending on the components in the formula.

Pigmentation and coverage

It is becoming increasingly common to find lip balms that have pigmentation or add a glossy coverage to your mouth. In different colours, they serve as an alternative to lipstick while preserving their protective features.

If you have allergies, it is also possible to find more basic lip balms which have no pigmentation, shine, flavour or fragrance, offering only the coverage needed to keep your lips protected.

Sun protection

The skin of the lips is extremely sensitive and lip balms help to keep them from drying out in the heat. However, if it doesn’t have a sun protection factor, you’re not really protected against UVA and UVB rays which are among the causes of skin cancer.

So when you’re choosing a lip balm, take into consideration whether or not you’re exposed to the sun. In these cases, it’s important to choose one that already has a sunscreen in its formula.

It is also important to consider that sunscreens have different levels of protection. Most lip balms offer protection from 15 to 30 SPF.

(Featured image source: silviarita / Pixabay)

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