Best Lip Balms for Men
Pucker Up With Our Pick of the Best Lip Balms on the Market Right Now
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Men take their lips for granted. For most, lip balm is an afterthought; a grooming product for women. But truth be told, lip care is an underrated, but extremely valuable grooming essential — one that can make all the difference in your health and lifestyle. Chapped, cracked lips are one of those things that can get out of hand and unpleasant real fast.
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But before running off to purchase any pharmacy-branded lip balm, it’s worth knowing the facts. Dermatologists suggest staying away from products with the following ingredients: camphor, phenol, and salicylic acid. These can leave you with coarse or irritated lips. Anything with artificial colors and synthetic fragrances must be avoided for the same reasons, along with any balms that leave shiny gloss, as they absorb sunlight and increase sunburn risk.
Instead, point your mouth in the direction of moisturizers made from beeswax, organic oils, and other natural ingredients. These keep lips less dry, and can even help next time you struggle with slipping off your wedding ring at the gym. Ingredients like cocoa butter and lanolin are also a plus as well, as they help moisten, protect, and soften lips. Then, of course there are high-rated SPF lip balms that will administer a healthy, protective coat to block UV rays.
So pucker up as we get you familiar with the market’s best lip balms.
Best All-Purpose Lip Balm
Ouli's Ointment All-Purpose Balm
Celebrity makeup artist Stephanie G-M started this brand as a way of bringing multi-use products to a broader audience. Her balm is a go-to for dry lips, skin and so much more. Seven ingredients are all that goes into the product and it’s highly moisturizing with plenty of organic olive oil and beeswax.
Promising Review: “I love that you can use this product for multiple uses, such as cracked heels, lips, and cuticles and even on my toddlers and baby. It moisturizes well without being overly greasy like Vaseline.” — Dominika
Best Multi-Pack Lip Balm
Hello Wonderlips Duo
Hello is rooted in making sensible, no-fuss care products and that’s the ethos that makes their vegan, moisturizing lip balms such a hit. The strawberry and mint flavors are a nice contrast and the consistency is thick enough for just a dab (meaning you’ll get lots of use out of one tube). There’s no junk in either as well with both featuring a coconut oil base.
Promising Review: “I'm kind of over hard, waxy lip balms so this is a breath of fresh air. When you apply it to your lips, it takes on a slippery oily consistency that feels pleasant and hydrating. While the strawberry flavor is ostensibly "natural," it tastes more like strawberry Star Burst candy than the actual fruit. Of course, that isn't necessarily a bad thing and doesn't detract in the least from my appreciation for this product. I'm keeping this on my WFH desk for repeated applications over the course of the day to keep my lips soft. Since this is a multi-pack, I also have one on my bedside table to use as an overnight "sleeping pack." And, if I ever get out of the house again, I intend to carry a third in my purse.” — Blake
Best Primer Lip Balm
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
As more men embrace more “feminine” practices like nail polish and makeup, a lip balm prepared for that becomes all the more important. This of-the-moment mix from Summer Fridays is specifically formulated to show a little shine and act as the perfect base for lipstick.
Promising Review: “Love this lip balm so much!! Best thing I have ever put on my lips! A little goes such a long way!! But yes please ... the packaging ... love the look but the functionality isn’t great but still so worth it and I’d buy it again!!” — Nikole
Best Repairing Lip Balm for Cracked Lips
Osmia Organics Lip Repair
If you’ve ever had cracked lips, you know how painful it can be. Instead of putting irritating chemicals on the spot in question, opt for this blend from Osmia Organics, which uses the power of nature to heal and replenish your troubled skin. It all comes from a base of Manuka honey and myrrh extract, which are powerful ancient remedies and it can even be used on other cracked skin like around the nose or hands.
Promising Review: “Great product, keeps lips moisturized for hours and I like knowing I'm not putting harmful chemicals in my body. It is more waxy in texture, so it needs to be warmed up a bit between my fingers on chilly days. I like that it's not greasy.” — Jo
Best Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
Among the 100+ products that Badger makes, their range of lip balms are certainly among their most popular. All of their balms are certified organic and include a healthy dose of low-processed cocoa butter. It’s a highly-hydrating blend you can feel good about using day in and day out.
Promising Review: "This product works great! I ordered 6 and I'm glad I did. Hard to find locally, so this worked out well and was easy to order." — Buzzard II
Best Nourishing Lip Balm
Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter
Weleda’s popular Skin Food is a thick, paste-like lotion that hydrates even the driest skin. Their lip balm is a take on that with a botanical blend that gradually melts into lips for long-lasting nourishment. It’s a clean mix that provides a softer feel the more you use it.
Promising Review: “Love this product! Super luxurious and healing for my lips. This is a repeat buy for me.” — Taylor
Best Trendy Lip Balm
DedCool Watermelon Balm Stick
This particular balm isn’t all looks; it performs when it needs to as well. Beyond shea butter, vitamin E and candelilla wax, it includes a subtle hint of watermelon, which several reviewers love as it tastes like a Jolly Rancher. A sweet (healthy) treat for your lips, indeed.
Promising Reviews: “10/10 this is an adult lip smacker — BUT CLEAN AND JUMBO. I am applying this product all day everyday and will never be without it.” — Adam
Best Cruelty-Free Lip Balm
Hurraw! Lemon Lip Balm
Hurraw!’s signature lip balm comes in an array of flavors, but the bright touch of lemon is our favorite. Every flavor is organic, all-natural and vegan with a few different nourishing oils making up its base. The lemon version has an added punch of Malagasy lemongrass to wake up your lips on even the driest days.
Promising Review: “I truly believe that you can never have too many lip products. And I have many balms all over the house, cars, and in purses. But I have to say, this night-time soother is the creamy best! There is no sting when applied to super chapped lips. The scent and feel are relaxing, leaving lips soft and moisturized in the morn. I think everyone would love this product. It even scents your face mask ??! Just pure lusciousness!” — Sekhmet (taken from another flavor)
Best Organic Lip Balm
Henne Organics Luxury Lip Balm V2
For those looking for something a little higher-end, Henné Organics has the stick form of their hand-apply balm using the same oil and beeswax base. Applying a few layers throughout the day, then a couple more before bed as part of a routine can help introduce that ongoing moisture that our lips so desperately need. Lastly, there’s no fragrance here, so all you’re getting is pure, hydrating goodness.
Promising Review: “I love this lip balm more than any other, clean or dirty. If you’re new to the brand, I fully recommend it. You won’t be disappointed. If you already have the pot version of this, I recommend this for its convenience but the potted version is slightly more moisturizing in my opinion. I love that I have both though. This one is just so convenient for on the go.” — T
Best Cold Weather Lip Balm
Dermatone Medicated Lip Balm SPF 23 with Carabiner
Dermatone has been around for 40 years for good reason: the stuff works. This is what winter athletes trust for tough, cold weather conditions and you’ll find it on sale at just about any ski resort anywhere. What makes it great? A sun-protecting formula that adds a touch of petrolatum to protect from cold weather irritation. This particular version is equipped out of the box to latch onto your backpack and go wherever life takes you.
Best Luxury Lip Balm
La Mer The Lip Balm
The most distinguished gent can attest to La Mer products being the essence of cosmetic men’s care. Aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber has practically developed what many label the “Rolls-Royce of lip balms” — composed of an intensely rich formula hailed for its light scent and rejuvenate properties. The Lip Balm adds a sense of refreshment when applied, while the company’s patented Miracle Broth solution strengthens your lips’ moisture barrier to achieve anti-aging results.
Promising Review: “This is one thing I cannot live without! It is nutrient, to begin with. Unlike a lot of lip balm, this doesn't only lock the moist in but also replenish it. My lips just feel so much better using it. It is richer than lip masks. It also is sweet. I guess to each of their own taste, but I like it. It would be really SWEET for a date too.” — AlanH
Best All Natural Lip Balm
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
Chances have it you either owned or tried the original lip balm at some point. That’s a wake up call to expand your horizons. The praised lip care brand carries a wide variety of distinct flavors, each designed for specific use. But, when in doubt, go with what you know, and we know we love the peppermint tingle of the OG beeswax balm. Experts recommend keeping a stick close when stuck indoors.
Promising Review: “I have used the same brand of chap stick all of my life, the one it seems almost everyone uses. Recently I’ve noticed that no matter how often I apply it my lips still get chapped. I don’t know, maybe they changed something but I thought I would try something else. It turns out there aren’t a lot of options for something else and so many people say they like Burt’s Bees I decided to try it.
I’m not a chemist but whatever is in Burt’s Bees seems to go on smoother and I can definitely feel the soothing effect more. And I like the freshness of the flavored sticks (I chose the Best of Burt’s selection with Original Beeswax, Strawberry, Coconut & Pear, and Vanilla Bean).
All things considered, it’s a good value here and convenient to buy. My only not so positive comment is that it took a while to find out how to remove the safety tab to open the cap. It’s not hard once you know but they could have made it just a little more obvious for us new users.” — Hall of Fame Top Reviewer PhotoGraphics
Best Lip Balm with Sunscreen
Sun Bum Lip Balm, SPF 30
Whether you’re looking for lip moisturizing, SPF shielding, or just another great vegan option, SunBum has every box checked off. The company’s field-tested its formula to withstand varying conditions. It’s made with aloe and vitamin E along with SPF 30 UV protection to ward off the sun. The collection comes in a variety of fun beachy flavors, including: Banana, Coconut, Key Lime, Watermelon, Mango, and Pineapple.
Promising Review: “We visit Tahiti every year and this stuff is great. Sun protection, mild flavor and feels good on the mouth. Keeps lips moistened for a long time in and out of the water. I keep one in my purse and every drawer at home so it's always at my fingertips.” — BeachRabbit
Already licking your lips? Pick out a couple new favorites from this list to ensure that your smackers never crack again.
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