8 Best Moisturizing Lip Balms

Key features
Clean at Sephora seal. Has the Clean at Sephora seal of approval, which means a product avoids specific ingredients.

EWG verified. It’s also EWG verified, meaning it doesn’t contain EWG ingredients of concern and meets certain criteria for manufacturing practices.

Hydrating ingredients. This balm contains hydrating ingredients like squalane, which is a great ingredient to look out for when you’re constantly bouncing between cold and hot environments.

Plant-based. It also features plant-based ingredients to make it vegan-friendly.

According to a 2016 study published in the Indian Journal of DermatologyTrusted SourceTrusted Source, squalene is a skincare ingredient known for its emollient action, meaning it hydrates and softens the skin with each use.

This makes squalene a great ingredient for those with sensitive skin, according to the study. It’s also used in treating skincare disorders such as atopic dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis.

Considerations
User reviews suggest that it may not be the best solution for severely dry lips. Some Sephora reviewers found the formula to be on the thin side, stating it faded quickly after application.

Other Sephora reviewers noted the issue of pricing, with some suggesting that inexpensive products (such as Vaseline) were actually more effective than this Biossance balm.

Key features
Easy to find and inexpensive. Vaseline is made of petroleum jelly, which is an inexpensive ingredient that can be used to lock in moisture for dry and rough parts of the skin, according to the AAD.

Long-wearing. Since Vaseline is thick and has protective qualities, it may be attractive to those spending a lot of time outdoors.

Considerations
Vaseline can be an affordable option. Just keep in mind that the petroleum jelly itself is not a moisturizer.

What it can do is effectively create a barrier between your skin and the air. The AAD advises applying a small amount onto clean, damp lips to help seal in moisture.

While Vaseline does have the advantage of being an inexpensive beauty product, some people find petroleum jelly to be a bit heavy or too greasy for daily use.

When using Vaseline, remember that a little bit goes a long way.