Lip balm is my go-to—here are the 9 that I truly recommend for dry, chapped lips.

      I’ve always had a slight obsession with lip balm. There’s always one on my bedside table, a few in my handbag, several in my desk drawer, and, much to my husband's annoyance, a handful scattered messily throughout the house. While the arrival of autumn seems like a perfect time to discuss the best lip balms—since the cooler weather tends to make the air feel harsher—I’ve realized that dry, chapped lips can be just as much a summer issue as they are in the fall and winter. After a season of intense heat and sun exposure, my lips are already feeling dry, tight, and flaky. That’s why I’ve been searching for the best lip balms for dry lips. For me, a good lip balm is not just a luxury but a daily necessity, and the most effective ones are those that truly improve the long-term condition of my lips. Additionally, I can be a bit fickle, so while they must provide intense hydration and moisture, I also favor those that smell fantastic and look appealing. I’ve tried countless options through the years, but before diving into those I truly admire, I wanted to understand the causes of dry lips and the best ways to care for them.

      What Causes Dry Lips?

      It’s no surprise that dry lips are one of the most common skin issues. “The skin on our lips is much thinner and lacks the same oil glands as the rest of our skin, making it lose moisture more easily,” explains Caroline Hall, an aesthetic nurse and founder of R&R Aesthetics. “Cold weather, sun exposure, air conditioning, dehydration, and habitually licking your lips can exacerbate the problem.” However, Hall notes that persistent or extreme dryness could indicate an underlying issue, such as an allergy (to skincare products or even toothpaste) or a condition like eczema. “If your lips are consistently cracked, sore, or inflamed, it’s worth getting checked out rather than solely relying on lip balm,” she recommends.

      How to Choose the Best Lip Balm

      When selecting an effective lip balm, it's essential to take some time to examine the ingredients list. Hall advises choosing a balm that includes components that add moisture and help lock it in. Her top recommendation? Classic petrolatum—yes, that's Vaseline. “Petrolatum is one of the simplest and most effective solutions for reducing moisture loss, while ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and squalane can help soften and support the skin barrier.” For daytime use, as opposed to an overnight treatment, Hall also suggests looking for a lip balm with SPF to protect against UV exposure, which can lead to dry and damaged lips. Regarding ingredients to avoid, she states, “Be wary of anything that causes your lips to tingle, sting, or feel particularly cool. Ingredients like menthol, camphor, and certain fragrances may actually irritate already dry or cracked lips.” She also advises against using lip scrubs or exfoliators when your lips are extremely dry, saying, “If the skin barrier is already compromised, frequent exfoliation can worsen the situation.”

      The Best Lip Balms for Dry Lips

      Best Overall Lip Balm for Dry Lips: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips (£9)

      Best SPF Lip Balm: Mecca Cosmetica Lip De-Luscious SPF20 (£20)

      Best Plumping Lip Balm: Alpha-H Peptide Lip Perfector (£23)

      Best Everyday Lip Balm: The Ordinary Squalane & Amino Acids Lip Balm (£9)

      Best Overnight Lip Treatment: Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask (£27)

      1. **La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips**

      **Best Overall**

      La Roche-Posay

      Cicaplast Baume Lips

      **Pros:** Addresses dryness and prevents future chapping; affordable

      **Cons:** Feels basic and won’t add color or shine

      When my lips are really in trouble—especially if I’ve been unwell or dehydrated or have spent a lot of time outside—I always return to this lip balm. Rather than being glossy or tinted, it’s a product focused on creating a barrier that truly helps repair distressed lips and restore their health. It has a thick texture that adequately coats the lips and alleviates any particularly dry or uncomfortable areas, yet it’s not sticky at all. It’s great to keep on your bedside table and apply liberally overnight since its thicker consistency feels treatment-like, though it can also be a solid everyday choice if you struggle with dry or severely chapped lips.

      2. **Mecca Cosmetica Lip De-Luscious SPF20**

      **Best SPF Lip Balm**

      Mecca Cosmetica

      Lip De-Luscious SPF20

      **Pros:** Shields lips from sun damage; lovely pink sheen

      **Cons:** Some may prefer a richer texture

      I firmly believe that lip balm should ideally include SPF, especially since it's an area