Natural lip balm: how to choose one for dry, chapped lips

A good natural lip balm is mostly oils, butters and wax, with very little else. If your lips crack every winter, or you're just tired of balms that vanish in ten minutes, this guide covers what to look for, what to skip when lips are sore, and the beeswax, vegan, tinted and SPF balms we keep coming back to.

What makes a lip balm natural?

Every lip balm does the same basic job: it puts a soft layer over your lips so they hold on to their own moisture and stay protected from cold air and windy conditions. A natural lip balm does that with plant oils, butters and wax rather than petroleum. Most have short ingredient lists you can read in a few seconds.

The balance changes the feel. More wax makes a firmer stick that lasts in a pocket; more oil and butter makes a softer, glossier balm that can feel a little greasy to some people. Neither is better. It comes down to the texture you'll actually reach for.

The best lip balm for chapped lips

When lips are already dry, cracked or stinging, keep it plain. Choose a balm without mint, menthol, camphor or added fragrance, since those can irritate lips that are already sore. A cool tingle feels nice, but it isn't a sign the balm is working.

1. Stop licking. Saliva evaporates quickly and leaves lips drier than before.
2. Leave the flakes alone. Don't peel or bite dry skin. Let it come away on its own.
3. Apply often. A swipe whenever lips feel dry, and always before you head out into the cold.
4. Go thicker at bed. A generous layer at night gives lips a long stretch to recover while you sleep.

Beeswax lip balm: the classic

A beeswax lip balm is what most of us grew up with, and for good reason. Beeswax holds oils in a firm, smooth stick that survives a coat pocket or a purse, and it leaves a light protective layer that helps keep lips hydrated through a cold walk. That's exactly what a Nova Scotia winter calls for, and Badger and Dr. Bronner's, both family businesses, make a good one. The flavours are where they differ.

Dr. Bronner's also makes Peppermint and an unscented Naked version with the same base, and Badger makes Highland Mint, Pink Grapefruit and Vanilla Madagascar. Save the minty ones for comfortable lips.

Vegan lip balms with plant wax

If you avoid beeswax, look for candelilla or another plant wax on the label. The feel is a touch different, often softer and creamier, and many come in paper tubes that skip plastic packaging.

Is there a Canadian made lip balm?

Yes, several, and we love supporting them. More Than Lips (above) is a family-run business that began with balm hand-poured in the founder's parents' basement, and the balms are still hand-poured in Toronto. Anointment Natural Skin Care is a woman-owned company in rural Atlantic Canada that got its start selling soap at the Halifax Farmers Market; its balm uses Canadian beeswax from Manitoba and certified organic sunflower oil grown in Quebec. CoCaBee is made in Canada too, and began as small batches its founder made for personal use; it has five ingredients in a kraft paper tube.

Small, local and handmade balms also make an easy gift or stocking stuffer, since there's a flavour for almost everyone.

The best lip balm is the plain one in your pocket that you remember to put on.

Tinted lip balms, lip treatments and lip masks

Once your lips are comfortable, there's room for a little fun. A tinted lip balm gives a subtle wash of colour without a full lipstick. A lip treatment in a squeeze tube is usually softer and glossier, and some double as an overnight lip mask if you put on a thicker layer before bed. Our Beauty From Bees guide explains how its Lip Serum goes on over a balm.

Tints and serums often carry flavour, shimmer or peppermint, so they're best on lips that already feel good. Pink House also makes Merlot and Espresso shades if Rosé isn't your colour.

Lip balm with SPF

Lips burn too, and they're easy to forget. A lip balm with SPF uses a sunscreen ingredient, in these cases non-nano zinc oxide, alongside the usual oils and wax. For long days outdoors, on the water or on the ski hill, choose SPF 30 or higher and reapply often, especially after eating or drinking. Both of the balms below sit under that, so they suit everyday errands and dog walks more than a full day in the sun.

Questions we get a lot

What is the best natural lip balm in Canada?

For everyday lip care, a plain beeswax or plant-wax balm with a short ingredient list is hard to beat. If you'd like to buy Canadian, try Anointment, More Than Lips or CoCaBee. If your lips are sore, start unscented.

Is beeswax good for your lips?

For most people, yes. Beeswax helps a balm form a soft protective layer, so lips hold on to moisture and stay comfortable in the cold and wind. If you avoid animal products, plant waxes do a similar job.

Is Vaseline or beeswax better for lips?

Both form a layer over the lips. Plain petroleum jelly works well on very dry lips because it has nothing in it to irritate. A plain beeswax balm, like Badger Unscented, is a natural alternative with a very short ingredient list.

Are there side effects from beeswax lip balm?

Most people use beeswax without any trouble. If you've reacted to bee products before, choose a plant-wax balm, and if your lips are sore, an unscented balm is the gentlest start.

What is the best lip balm for extremely chapped lips?

A plain, unscented balm or ointment, put on often and thickly at night. Skip mint, menthol and fragrance until your lips feel comfortable again.

How do I make my own natural lip balm?

A homemade balm is usually beeswax melted with an oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil, and poured into small tubes or tins. Keep it simple and skip strong essential oils, especially for kids.

You'll find our full lip balm collection at both stores, 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford and 590 Portland Street in Dartmouth. For the rest of your dry winter skin, our guides to body lotion, cream or balm and natural face moisturizers can help, and our zero waste personal care collection has more plastic-free picks. Luminate Express delivers the same day across most of HRM, and we ship across Canada, free on orders over $80.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, how to heal dry, chapped lips; More Than Lips, Our Story; Anointment, About Us; CoCaBee, Our Story; Badger, About Us; Dr. Bronner's, About. This article is general information, not medical advice.