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The best lip balms, in plain English

The best lip balms are often the cheapest. We read editor tests and dermatologist picks and boiled them down: what heals chapped lips, what feels nice, and what makes a good stocking stuffer.

  • Last reviewed October 19, 2026
  • 4 lip balms
  • 4 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Aquaphor Lip Repair or Healing Ointment $4–$7 Heals dry, flaky lips for a few dollars. See details Best for very dry lips Vaseline Lip Therapy $3–$9 A simple, gentle barrier dermatologists like. See details Best for cracked lips Dr. Dan's CortiBalm $8–$9 A medicated balm for very sore, chapped lips. See details Best gift Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm $22–$24 Smells great and feels buttery. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

What helps chapped lips heal.

Seal in moisture

Thick balms with petrolatum (petroleum jelly), lanolin or beeswax form a barrier that keeps moisture in. They work best at night and in cold, windy weather.

Skip the sting

Strong flavors, menthol and fragrance can irritate dry lips. If lips sting or burn, switch to a plain, unscented balm. Licking lips makes them drier.

Sun protection

Lips can sunburn too. During the day, especially outdoors or skiing, use a lip balm with SPF 30 and reapply often.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

Lip balmBest forTypical priceTypeBest for
1. Aquaphor Lip Repair or Healing Ointment Best overall $4–$7Ointment balmDry, flaky lips
2. Vaseline Lip Therapy Best for very dry lips $3–$9Petroleum jelly balmVery dry, sensitive lips
3. Dr. Dan's CortiBalm Best for cracked lips $8–$9Medicated balmSeverely chapped, cracked lips
4. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Best gift $22–$24Buttery tinted balmEveryday softness and shine

The 4 best lip balms, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Aquaphor Lip Repair or Healing Ointment

  • Ointment balm
  • Dry, flaky lips
  • Unscented

$4–$7typical price

A cheap drugstore staple that works. NBC Select tested more than 50 lip balms and named Aquaphor the best overall, and a dermatologist recommends it to TODAY for everyday use.

What testers liked

  • Heals flakes and dryness, especially in winter.
  • Lasts for hours.
  • Very good value.

Common complaints

  • The ointment tube squeezes out a lot, so it's easiest with a finger.

Skip it if: They want something tinted or scented as a gift. Summer Fridays (#4) is more of a treat.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from NBC Select, TODAY.

#2Best for very dry lips

Vaseline Lip Therapy

  • Petroleum jelly balm
  • Very dry, sensitive lips
  • Small tin or tube

$3–$9typical price

A simple barrier that dermatologists like. NBC Select names it the best for very dry lips, and a dermatologist recommends it to TODAY for frequent use.

What testers liked

  • Seals in moisture and protects from cold and wind.
  • Gentle on sensitive lips.
  • Travel-friendly and long-lasting.

Common complaints

  • The tin version needs a finger to apply.

Skip it if: Their lips are cracked and sore. CortiBalm (#3) is made for that.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from NBC Select, TODAY.

#3Best for cracked lips

Dr. Dan's CortiBalm

  • Medicated balm
  • Severely chapped, cracked lips
  • Contains 1% hydrocortisone

$8–$9typical price

A medicated balm for very sore, chapped lips. NBC Select names it the best budget lip balm, and a dermatologist recommends it to TODAY for inflamed lips.

What testers liked

  • Heals severely dry, cracked lips.
  • Contains a mild anti-inflammatory (1% hydrocortisone) plus moisturizers.
  • Good price.

Common complaints

  • Can feel tingly.
  • It's medicated, so it's best used for a short time on sore lips rather than every day.

Skip it if: Their lips are just a little dry. Aquaphor (#1) or Vaseline (#2) is plenty.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from NBC Select, TODAY.

#4Best gift

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

  • Buttery tinted balm
  • Everyday softness and shine
  • Several scents and tints

$22–$24typical price

A buttery, nice-smelling balm that makes a lovely small gift. NBC Select names it the best scented lip balm, and Who What Wear picks it for flavors and as a lower-priced favorite.

What testers liked

  • Buttery, nourishing feel with a sheer shine.
  • Delicious scents and light tints.
  • A smooth applicator.

Common complaints

  • A strong scent.
  • Popular shades sell out, and it's pricey for a lip balm.

Skip it if: Their lips are sore or sensitive to scent. An unscented balm like Aquaphor (#1) is gentler.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from NBC Select, Who What Wear UK, Who What Wear.

How we pick

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