Lip balm is a beauty product designed to moisturize the lips. However, some people find that using lip balm actually makes their lips drier. What causes this? Let’s take a closer look.

Does Lip Balm Really Make Your Lips Dry?

Lip balm has become an essential part of many people’s skincare and beauty routines. Its primary function is to hydrate and maintain the moisture of the lips. Lip balm typically has a thick, dense consistency, which helps protect the skin and locks in the natural moisture of the lips.

While it’s designed to moisturize, using lip balm can sometimes make lips drier. This usually occurs with certain ingredients found in some lip balms, such as:

• Fragrance

• Menthol

• Benzocaine

• Salicylic acid

• Camphor

• Phenol

• Lanolin

For some individuals, lip balms containing exfoliating ingredients like phenol can cause a burning sensation or lead to peeling.

If you suffer from lip eczema or a rash around the lips known as perioral dermatitis, you should avoid lip balms with flavors, dyes, or specific medications. Those with very sensitive skin should stay away from lip balms containing peppermint oil, geraniol, fragrance blends, or cinnamaldehyde.

Recommended Lip Balm Ingredients

Menthol lip balm can feel refreshing, but for some, it can actually make lips drier.

Not all lip balms work the same, and their effects can vary. When selecting a lip balm, choose those with ingredients effective in moisturizing the lips, such as:

• Beeswax

• Shea butter

• Sunflower seed oil

• Coconut oil

• Jojoba oil

• Olive oil

• Squalene

• Vitamin E

• Hyaluronic acid

• Petrolatum

• Ceramide

These ingredients help retain water and keep the lips moisturized. Beeswax and vegetable oils stimulate the skin layer to protect and heal chapped lips.

Beeswax helps shield lips from dry air, wind, and cold temperatures, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that boosts skin health. Petrolatum, considered very safe for lips, is hypoallergenic and highly effective in maintaining moisture.

Tips for Keeping Your Lips Moist

During dry or dehydrating weather, lips can become chapped. If it's neglected, dry lips can lead to irritated lips and infection.

According to the American Association of Dermatology, here are some tips to keep your lips moisturized:

Use the Right Lip Balm

Opt for lip balms with moisturizing ingredients such as beeswax, ceramide, petrolatum, shea butter, or petroleum jelly. If you experience a burning, stinging, or uncomfortable sensation, this indicates irritation. Stop using the product to restore lip moisture.

Choose a Lip Balm with SPF

Sun exposure can also cause dry lips. When outdoors, use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to protect your lips from harmful UV rays.

Apply Lip Balm Regularly

There’s no set rule for how often to apply lip balm, but it’s important to reapply whenever your lips feel dry or uncomfortable. For added moisture, apply a highly moisturizing lip balm before going to bed.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Dry lips may be a sign of dehydration. To prevent this, aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

Avoid Licking, Biting, or Picking Your Lips

Licking your lips when they’re dry may seem instinctive, but it actually makes your lips drier when the saliva evaporates. Avoid biting or peeling dry, chapped lips as well.

Some lip balms contain ingredients that may dry out the lips. It’s better to choose products with moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips hydrated. If you have questions about skincare or beauty, you can consult through the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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