Lip balms have evolved far beyond their original practical purpose. A decade ago, the question “What’s the best lip balm?” might have been answered with Aquaphor or Chapstick—products designed simply to lock in moisture and protect lips from winter’s harsh conditions. In 2026, however, lip care meets creativity, merging skincare with makeup. Balms now come in colors, finishes, and formulas that redefine what a “balm” can be.
From Rhode’s peptide lip tints in mauve, chocolate, and rose tones to Summer Fridays’s cushiony, glass-finish Lip Butter Balms, modern lip products offer hydration and aesthetic appeal simultaneously. While chapped lips are often associated with cold weather, they can appear anytime. “Lip balms are designed to nourish lips, prevent water loss, and shield the mucosa,” explains board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD. “A quality balm protects against environmental stressors like cold, wind, low humidity, and irritating substances.”
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Lip Balms
- Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm – $24, AMAZON
- Best Lip Mask: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – $24, AMAZON
- Best Shades: Rhode Peptide Lip Tint – $20, RHODE
- Best for Chapped Lips: Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm – $17, AMAZON
- Best Exfoliating: EADEM Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm – $24, AMAZON
- Best Trending: Anfisa Skin Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint – $45, ANFISA SKIN
- Best Ointment: Aquaphor Lip Repair – $5 $4 (20% off), AMAZON
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 12 standout formulas that keep lips smooth and supple, accompanied by dermatologist insights highlighting their skincare benefits. Cheers to hydrated, healthy lips!
What to Look for in a Lip Balm
Understanding ingredients, hydration level, and intended effects can guide your perfect lip balm choice.
How Often Should You Apply Lip Balm?
Frequent reapplication ensures consistent moisture and protection throughout the day.
Can Some Lip Balms Actually Dry Your Lips Over Time?
Certain formulations may contain irritants or compounds that strip moisture, so ingredient awareness is key.
How We Tested
All products were assessed for hydration, texture, scent, finish, and overall wearability.
Meet the Experts
Dermatologists and beauty editors shared insights on the latest lip balm innovations and their effects on lip health.
Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Price: $24, AMAZON
Why We Love It: Dr. Murphy-Rose praises it as “a glossy balm with nourishing shea and murumuru seed butters.” This 100% vegan balm has become a cult favorite, partly due to its delicious flavors like vanilla, pink sugar, and brown sugar, leaving lips with a subtle, modern tint.
Editor’s Experience: “Iced Coffee is my staple shade. The scent is pleasant but not overwhelming, and the hydration is consistent. It’s a lovely, subtle tint while keeping lips moisturized.” —Conçetta Ciarlo
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru seed butter, vegan waxes
Shades: 10
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Best Shades: Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
Price: $20, RHODE
Why We Love It: A global sensation thanks to Hailey Bieber, these tints offer hydration and long-term smoothing benefits without stickiness. A transparent Peptide Lip Treatment is also available for unscented, subtle hydration.
Editor’s Experience: “Lightweight, hydrating, and pocket-friendly. Colors are delicate yet noticeable, perfect for daily use.” —Conçetta Ciarlo
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, cupuaçu, babassu, lactic acid
Shades: 7 (+ 4 limited edition scented options)
Size: 0.3 fl oz
Best Exfoliating: Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm
Price: $24, AMAZON
Why We Love It: Combines gentle exfoliation with hydration via fruit enzymes, Brazilian acai butter, and moringa oil. Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested.
Editor’s Experience: “Exfoliates while hydrating; tinted options never cling to dry patches. Already purchased multiple tubes.” —Conçetta Ciarlo
Key Ingredients: Hibiscus enzymes, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, Brazilian acai butter, African mongongo butter, moringa oil, hexapeptide, Spreadit polymer technology
Shades: 8
Size: 0.5 oz
Best for Chapped Lips: Lanolips Multipurpose Superbalm
Price: $17, AMAZON
Why We Love It: Dense, ointment-like texture melts on contact, forming a protective seal. Ultra-refined lanolin replenishes the skin barrier, softens rough patches, and restores suppleness.
Editor’s Experience: “Ideal for severe chapping. Works as an overnight mask for recovery.” —Conçetta Ciarlo
Key Ingredients: Lanolin, tocopherol
Shades: N/A
Size: 9g
Best Korean Lip Balm: Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm
Price: $16, AMAZON
Why We Love It: K-Beauty favorite, rich and creamy yet lightweight. Silicone donut-tip applicator ensures smooth application. Shade range recently expanded.
Editor’s Experience: “Highly pigmented, buttery texture, excellent slip. Works as a lipstick alternative.” —Kiana Murden
Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil
Shades: 11
Size: 0.12 oz
Best Buttery Texture: Dior Addict Lip Butter Glow
Price: $42, NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Buttery formula with peptides, ceramides, and squalane for lasting moisture. Iconic dangling Dior charm adds luxury.
Editor’s Experience: “Cushiony texture, highly moisturizing. Keep at desk for workday application, use Toffee shade when out.” —Kiana Murden
Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramide NG, cherry oil, shea butter, castor seed oil, squalane
Shades: 5
Size: 0.34 oz
Best Trending: Anfisa Skin Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint
Price: $45, ANFISA SKIN
Why We Love It: Infused with five ceramides and two peptides, glossy finish, metal tip provides cooling sensation. Highly hydrating.
Editor’s Experience: “Sheer baby pink, delicious scent, metal applicator adds luxury.” —Conçetta Ciarlo
Key Ingredients: Squalane, pomegranate seed oil, cucumber seed oil, hibiscus seed oil, murumuru seed butter, mango seed butter, ceramides, peptides
Shades: 4
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Best for Mature Skin: U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound
Price: $68, NORDSTROM / AMAZON
Why We Love It: Stem cell technology nourishes and subtly firms lips. Proprietary Siren Capsule Technology supports collagen, smooths, and replenishes moisture.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, alpha-hydroxy acid, poly-hydroxy acid, shea butter, salicylic acid, beeswax
Shades: 16
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Best Lip Mask: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Price: $24, AMAZON
Why We Love It: Overnight treatment with fruit complex, vitamin C, coconut oil, shea and murumuru butter for smoother, softer lips. Loved by celebrities.
Editor’s Experience: “Keeps lips pampered; small spatula helps use all product efficiently.” —Emily Orofino
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru butter, vitamin C, coconut oil, antioxidant fruit complex
Shades: 13
Size: 0.7 oz
Best Long-Lasting: Topicals Slick Salve
Price: $16, AMAZON
Why We Love It: Long-lasting, fragrance-free, peppermint oil and vitamin E soothe irritation. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides hydrate deeply. Glycerin and rice-bran wax form a moisture barrier.
Editor’s Experience: “One of the most long-wear balms. A must-have in my rotation.” —Kiana Murden
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, rice-bran wax
Shades: 3
Size: 0.5 oz
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