Keeping lips soft and smooth is more than just a beauty ritual, it’s the little comfort that brightens any day. Chapped lips don’t stand a chance with today’s powerful formulas that hydrate, protect, and give that fresh, healthy look so many crave. Whether searching for all-star overnight care or a subtle tint for every day, this guide brings together research, real experience, and 2025’s latest discoveries in lip care.
Ready to discover new favorites? For a selection of advanced lip care products that combine science, care, and comfort, explore the full Rodan + Fields Lip Collection. Dive in to find expert treatments and everyday essentials.
Why Lip Care Still Matters in 2025
Lips are always on show and battle harsh weather, dry air, and, lately, more mask-wearing than ever before. Data shows the global lip care market is in a boom, hitting $2.61 billion in 2025, with balms taking a whopping 44% of that share. The demand? Nonstop. Searches for “lip balm” peak in the cold months and see a second wind in summer, highlighting year-round interest.
People want more than just “basic” lip comfort. Multitasking balms that heal, add a shimmer of healthy color, and lock in moisture are trending.
What Makes a Lip Balm Stand Out?
Consumers are looking for:
- Long-lasting hydration (ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are in high demand).
- Formulas free from harsh chemicals, think clean, vegan, cruelty-free options.
- Value for money and multi-tasking, products that soothe, tint, and protect with SPF.
- Fun flavors and packaging, glosses and balms now come in playful scents and shades, with “doughnut” tip applicators popular in 2025.
Top Ingredients in Lip Balms and Treatments
The best formulas pack more than “quick fix” ingredients. Here’s what frequent buyers are looking for:
- Hyaluronic acid: holds up to 1000x its weight in water.
- Shea butter, jojoba, coconut oil: provide deep hydration and soothing.
- Vegan waxes, natural oils: appeal to clean beauty fans.
- SPF (sun protection factor): protects against UV, which can cause lip aging and darkening.
Finding the right combo can mean the difference between flaky lips and a happy smile all day.
2025 Trends: What’s New in Lip Care?
- Skinifying beauty is the top trend: balms infused with skincare ingredients. Balms now offer not just shine, but deep repair and even anti-aging benefits.
- Playful packaging & applicators are everywhere, “doughnut” tips, vibrant shades, and limited-edition flavors make everyday care more fun and personalized.
- Environmental protection: Pollution, wind, UV, even blue light!, mean people want maximum defense in a balm.
- Tinted balms are outpacing traditional lipstick, giving lips a boost of color and moisture in one swipe.
- Growing male interest in lip care is slowly reshaping brands’ approach, with fragrance-free and simple options gaining attention.
How To Choose the Best Lip Balm
People’s needs are unique, but these questions help guide the ideal pick:
- Is a heavy overnight mask or a lightweight day balm needed?
- Should it have SPF for daily outside time?
- Does the formula match personal ingredient preferences, vegan, organic, etc.?
- Is a clear finish or hint of tint preferred?
- Any special skin needs, like sensitivity or seasonal dryness?
Best Lip Balms and Treatments Tested
| Lip Balm / Treatment | Description |
| Rodan + Fields Essentials Lip Shield SPF 25 | The Rodan + Fields Essentials Lip Shield is a dermatologist-formulated balm designed to protect against dryness and sun damage. Combining SPF 25 with moisturizing butters and hydrating oils, it helps repair chapped lips while offering broad-spectrum protection. User feedback often celebrates its non-greasy feel, long-lasting barrier, and ability to instantly soothe flaky lips. The formula includes nourishing sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and beeswax, resulting in a texture that glides on smoothly and absorbs quickly. While the balm provides noticeable comfort and relief, some reviewers suggest the feel can wear off sooner than expected, especially after eating or drinking. The SPF is ideal for daily outdoor use, and many praise its light scent and subtle flavor. However, a few users indicate it may require frequent reapplication in dry or windy conditions. For anyone seeking everyday defense against the elements with proven hydration, Rodan + Fields Essentials Lip Shield remains a standout choice that balances lightweight texture and sun protection, earning recommendations from skincare professionals and loyal customers alike. |
| Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick + Sunscreen SPF 30 | Aquaphor’s Lip Repair Stick with SPF 30 consistently ranks at the top of tested lists for its effective hydration, neutral scent, and non-shiny finish. Its waxy formula delivers enduring moisture without feeling greasy or heavy. Testers report that it survives heat without melting and is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts due to its resilience and protective properties. The stick is praised for its simplicity: it applies smoothly, with no added fragrance or color, and it doesn’t impart a chemical taste. Its lack of stickiness and easy portability make it a practical daily companion. Though not marketed as vegan, it appeals to those who want fragrance-free, straightforward protection. Some drawbacks include slightly bulky packaging and the need for occasional reapplication, particularly after meals. However, its value and no-nonsense barrier repair make it a universal favorite for soft, resilient lips in all conditions. |
| Blistex Five Star Lip Protection SPF 30 | Blistex Five Star Lip Protection offers affordable and straightforward sun defense for the lips, ideal for those needing multiple balms for bags, desks, and pockets. Users describe the experience as familiar, with a waxy feel like a classic drugstore lip balm. The SPF 30 formula delivers moderate hydration, a faintly sweet and neutral scent, and no overwhelming chemical taste. It is praised for its resistance to melting, even during prolonged heat exposure, and its performance is reliable though unremarkable, ending up as a “safe bet” for cost-conscious consumers. Though its hydration and longevity are average compared to premium options, the lack of negative reactions and the low price make it a go-to for daily protection, without frills or strong flavors. |
| TiZO Lip Protection SPF 45 | TiZO Lip Protection stands out as the top mineral-based SPF lip balm, offering a higher SPF 45 and careful formulation with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Favored by those with sensitive skin, its balm provides precious moisture with minimal white cast, even on darker lips. Users note the light, fresh scent and a neutral taste, while its sleek tubular packaging appeals to minimalists. It’s slightly more expensive but delivers gentle sun care, with effective hydration and little irritation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a mineral-only solution. While some report mixed longevity, it remains in favor for its non-chemical ingredients, subtle tint, and reliable physical sun block. |
| Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 | Cay Skin’s Isle Lip Balm shines in the liquid/gel category, offering a thick and sticky formula that stays on even during active periods. Its vanilla-brown sugar scented balm is available in both clear and tinted options, with high marks for lasting power and hydration, even while drinking or exercising. Users love its moisturizing impact and the glossy sheen it imparts, though some find the stickiness a drawback. This balm is favored for those who need dependable wear in demanding conditions and enjoy a sweeter flavor profile. The pricey tag is offset by its need for less frequent reapplication compared to lighter gels, making it a standout despite a polarizing consistency. |
| Badger Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 35 | Badger’s Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick, while bulkier than standard balms, offers intense protection and rich moisture, ideal for water sports, hiking, and protracted outdoor exposure. It contains only zinc oxide, organic oils, and butters, delivering reef-safe, long-lasting coverage and gentle hydration. Though a slight white cast is unavoidable, the product is notable for its absence of fragrance and high water resistance. Many appreciate its multi-use design, which can cover lips, cheeks, and other sensitive facial areas. As a B-corp and woman-owned brand, Badger also appeals to eco-conscious users seeking sustainably manufactured, safe, and effective sun care for lips. |
| Panama Jack Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 45 | Panama Jack’s SPF 45 lip balm is a popular pick for those wanting high sun protection with mild flavor and a pleasant scent. Its hydrating formula avoids heavy or shiny residue and maintains comfort throughout the day, even during strenuous activity. Affordable and widely available, it is a favored choice across online retailer reviews. Some concerns about certain chemical ingredients (such as octinoxate, with potential hormone effects) have been noted, but for most, the effective protection and positive user experience outweigh such drawbacks. Its function and value make it a smart buy for year-round sun exposure. |
| Burt’s Bees SPF 30 Lip Balm | Burt’s Bees SPF 30 Lip Balm receives high marks for its mineral-based sun protection, powered by zinc oxide and natural waxes. The hydrating, slightly heavier formula feels substantial and protective, though some users notice a faint white cast and characteristic natural scent. The affordable price and clean, bee-friendly ingredients win favor among natural beauty enthusiasts, while the balm’s stick form ensures easy, mess-free application. Its dependable sun blocking and familiar branding make it a perennial favorite. |
| Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper | Too Faced’s Lip Injection Extreme is celebrated as a standout lip plumper that delivers dramatic, visible fullness almost instantly. The formula contains capsicum extract, creating a tingling, warming effect that stimulates blood flow and subtle swelling. Its high shine and soft pink hue add both effect and style, while its lasting plumpness is reported to endure for an hour or more. Sensitive users should note the potential for irritation, but for those seeking maximal, makeup-style impact with conditioning gloss, Too Faced leads the category. |
| Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid | This budget-friendly gloss doubles as a plumper and hydrating balm, making it a social media favorite. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, it offers comfortable, light wear with just a slight tingling sensation. The non-sticky texture, wide range of shades, and subtle plumping results appeal to everyday users. Its easy availability, affordable price, and versatile application make it a recommended pick for those wanting shine and comfort in a single swipe. |
| Milani Keep It Full Maxxx Balmshell | Milani’s Keep It Full Maxxx Balmshell is a hybrid plumping balm that offers a high-gloss finish, gentle tingling for temporary fullness, and antioxidant-rich mango oil for long-term care. Users note its subtle shimmer, non-burning sensation, and comfort over time. While not the most dramatic plumper visually, it is preferred for a more natural, hydrated look and a slight stickiness that helps balm adherence. |
| Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment | Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment balances gloss, hydration, and endurance. Praised for its smooth, lacquered finish, it appeals to fans of tube balms. With a nourishing peptide blend and light, sweet flavor, it delivers lasting moisture and resilience, making it a favorite among younger testers. It especially stands out for those who like their balms soft, slick, and long-wearing, though its glossy nature divides those favoring matte finishes. |
| Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm | Fresh Sugar’s Advanced Therapy formula impresses with its ultra-smooth glide and citrus scent. It penetrates lips deeply to deliver plumpness and conditioning that lingers well beyond application. Its luxe metal tube, slightly heavier feel, and invigorating aroma are paired with botanical oils and hydrating butters. Reviewers appreciate the day-long softness and resilience, though the premium price and weightier application may deter some casual users. |
| Glossier Balm Dotcom | Glossier’s Balm Dotcom ranks as a cult favorite for its thick, long-lasting formula. Reviewers highlight its superior staying power and ability to create a lasting barrier on even the driest lips. Its range of flavors and tints, with a neutral base, offers personalization for all-day comfort. Some users note preference for its texture over lighter balms, especially in harsh, dry conditions where lasting protection is needed. |
| Tower 28 LipSoftie | The Tower 28 LipSoftie has gained fan devotion for its rich, creamy consistency and sustained hydration. Its mild scent, luxurious texture, and gentle application make it well-suited for sensitive lips. Available in an array of shades and flavors, it absorbs quickly while keeping lips moisturized for hours. Some describe it as the best for “really dry lips,” and it holds a permanent spot in many reviewer’s daily routines. |
Simple Lip Care Routine for Happy Lips
A daily routine yields the best results:
- Morning: Swipe on an SPF lip balm after brushing, protection starts early.
- Throughout the day: Reapply as needed, especially after eating or being outside.
- Evening: Use a richer, overnight treatment or balm for deep repair.
- Weekly: Consider a gentle lip scrub (but don’t overdo it, lips are sensitive!).
Expert-Backed Lip Balm Picks for 2025
Here’s what’s been said across top-ranking sources and passionate reviewers:
- Thick, jelly-like balms are favored for overnight repair, staying put until morning.
- Glowy, tinted balms bridge makeup and skincare, perfect for a natural look.
- Tube applicators are quick, while jars offer a richer feel (and look great on the nightstand).
- Conditioning and plumping blends get attention for both day and night, from cherry oil, vitamin E, and peptides.
Community feedback on forums consistently praises balms that don’t just feel good, they deliver visible results and never dry lips out.
