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Buying guide

The Best Lip Balms and Moisturizers

We compared six top-rated lip balms and moisturizers on owner ratings, expert reviews, and price. Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment leads for its effectiveness and affordability.

Updated

The bottom line

Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment is our top pick for its dermatologist-recommended formula, long-lasting moisture, and affordability at $7.11. It's praised by 16,494 owners for quick relief and smooth texture. The closest alternative is the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, which offers intense overnight hydration but at a higher price of $24. For budget-conscious buyers, Burt's Bees Lip Balm offers effective hydration at $125.76 for a pack of four.

Top pick
Aquaphor Lip Repair OintmentAquaphor Lip Repair Ointment $7.11

Best overall lip balm for quick relief and long-lasting moisture

Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment is praised by 16,494 owners for its quick relief and long-lasting moisture. At $7.11, it offers good value. The tradeoff is its thicker texture, which some may find too heavy.

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Runner-up
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping MaskLANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask $24.00

Best for intense overnight hydration

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask delivers intense moisture overnight, with 37,493 owners reporting significant improvements in lip condition. Priced at $24, it's more expensive but offers long-lasting effects. The tradeoff is the potential for puffiness if it gets inside the mouth.

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Budget pick
Burt's Bees Lip BalmBurt's Bees Lip Balm $125.76

Best budget option with effective hydration

Burt's Bees Lip Balm offers effective hydration and comes in a pack of four for $125.76. It's praised by 121,784 owners for its moisturizing effects and natural ingredients. The tradeoff is its higher price per unit compared to Aquaphor.

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The field, ranked

  1. Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment Best for quick relief and long-lasting moisture 9.0/10 $7.11 Amazon
  2. LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Best for intense overnight hydration 8.5/10 $24.00 Amazon
  3. Burt's Bees Lip Balm Best budget option with effective hydration 8.0/10 $125.76 Amazon
  4. Burt's Bees Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm Vanilla Bean Good for natural ingredients and vanilla flavor 8.0/10 $11.99 Amazon
  5. LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm Good for lightweight hydration and subtle tint 7.5/10 $18.05 Amazon
  6. Burt's Bees Lip Balm Decent for variety of flavors and beeswax formula 7.0/10 $25.97 Amazon

What to consider

When choosing a lip balm, consider the level of hydration you need, the texture you prefer, and your budget. If you have sensitive lips, look for products with natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals. For overnight use, the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask is a strong contender despite its higher price.

Also-rans

The Burt's Bees Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm Vanilla Bean and the LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm, while popular, did not make our top picks due to either higher prices or slightly lower effectiveness compared to our top picks. The Burt's Bees Lip Balm (asin B0D325WRFD) is a decent option but is more expensive per unit than our top pick.

How this was put together

This guide is based on 164,940 owner ratings, expert reviews, and price comparisons. We did not test any products hands-on. The evidence is strongest for Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment and LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, with thinner evidence for the other products.