Winter can be tough on your lips. Cold weather, wind, dry air, and UV rays are tough on this delicate skin. Fortunately, there are lip balms that help protect and moisturize your lips. Some are even made from natural ingredients like shea butter, sunflower oil and beeswax. They not only deliver intense hydration, but also give your lips a shiny, healthy appearance. Here are the 10 best balms to keep your lips soft and moisturized.

Why use lip balm?

Dry or chapped lips can result from different environmental factors such as cold, wind, dry air and UV rays. It can also be caused by dehydration, certain illnesses, certain medications, or simply licking them. Dry lips are often uncomfortable, can cause pain and chapping, and affect the overall appearance of the face.

What best moisturizes dry lips?

There are several ways to treat dry lips. A regular application of a moisturizing lip balm is essential.. This creates a protective barrier on the surface of the lips, retaining moisture and protecting them from external aggressions. Some ingredients to look for in lip balms for dry lips include beeswax, shea butter, and Vaseline, which are known for their moisturizing properties.

Why use an exfoliating lip balm?

Gentle exfoliation of the lips can help remove dead skin and promote cell renewal. We recommend avoiding matte lipsticks, which can dry out the lips, in favour of moisturizing formulas.

What type of lip balm should you choose for optimum care?

The right lip balm is one that meets your current needs: daily prevention, repair for dry or chapped lips, protection against cold/wind, or FPS for outdoor use. Here are several types of lip balms to use according to your activities and the needs of your lips.

● Shea butter

Shea butter, the main ingredient in many lip balms, is renowned for its nourishing and restorative properties. Rich in vitamins A, D, E and F, it is ideal for treating chapped lips.

● Beeswax

Naturally film-forming, beeswax helps seal in moisture and protect the surface of the lips from harsh conditions (cold, wind, dry air), while giving the balm its easy-to-apply stick format. Suitable for sensitive lips. For a vegan alternative, look for candelilla wax.

● Essential oils

Essential oils are often added to perfume and personalize the balm. However, they must be used with care, as some can be irritating. It is best to choose essential oils that are suitable for use on the skin and to follow the recommended dosages.

● Vaseline

Vaseline (petrolatum) is often found in repair balms due to its occlusive properties: it forms a barrier that reduces water loss and promotes healing of chapped skin. Inert and fragrance-free, it is ideal for winter or nighttime use; it works even better when layered with humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) and emollients (butters/oils).

Finally, some lip balms may also contain other moisturizing or nourishing ingredients, such as coconut oil or wheat germ oil.

Which balm is more effective: liquid or solid?

An important criterion in choosing a lip balm is its texture. There are two main textures: liquid or solid. Each has its own characteristics and advantages.

Solid lip balms have a more consistent texture, often thanks to the presence of beeswax or kerosene in their composition. They usually come in sticks and are easy to apply.

Liquid lip balms, on the other hand, have a more fluid texture and usually come in small jars or tubes with an applicator. They can provide an immediate sensation of comfort and are often perceived as more moisturizing.

The choice between these two textures is a matter of personal preference, and also depends on the level of hydration your lips need.

Selection of the best lip balms

1. Eucerin Aquaphor repair stick

Say goodbye to cracked or chapped lips. This treatment quickly and lastingly soothes even the driest lips. Formulated with shea butter and jojoba oil, it is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

2. Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick

Created with vaseline and shea butter, this super-nourishing product with bright raspberry flavour quickly protects and repairs your damaged lips. Best of all, it works on any skin type, even the most sensitive.

3. Hydra-Essentiel Moisture-Replenishing Lip Balm from Clarins

The secret of this melting cream balm is cocoa and blue lotus wax, a moisturizing and ultra-soothing combination that plumps up your lips while helping them retain water.

4. 100% natural moisturizing lip balm

Featuring beeswax, cucumber extract, rich oils and plant butters, this balm has everything you need to quench and nourish your lips—including a nice refreshing taste!

5. Cicaplast Lèvres lip balm by La Roche-Posay

Your best friend when you’ve got very dry or damaged lips. Rich in repairing ingredients, this balm forms a barrier that protects your lips from harsh winter conditions while helping them retain moisture. 

6. Rêve de Miel ultra-nourishing lip balm by Nuxe

This melting lip balm is enriched with honey and plant oils to help soothe and nourish your damaged lips quickly. It’s a must-have this winter!

7. Bariéderm Cica-Lips Repair balm by Uriage

This innovative formula does three vital jobs: it helps your lips stand up to aggression, it soothes irritated skin, and it repairs chapped lips for 3-in-1 coverage!

8. Biotherm Lip Butter

Moisturize, plump, smooth... This ultra-nourishing butter, featuring notes of peach, lemon and rose, offers all the protection you’ll need!

9. Avène Intense Hydration Lip Butter

This nourishing and soothing product is perfect for dry and sensitive lips. An essential to protect from daily dryness – and to add some light to your lips!

10. CW Beggs and Sons moisturizing lip balm

The perfect choice for him. The hypoallergenic formula, enriched with beeswax and shea butter, deeply nourishes the lips and helps prevent chapping.