Lip care plays an important role in the overall well-being of both men and women alike. Lip balms are not just feminine beauty products anymore, and our list of best lip balms for men can back the fact. Be it for the skin, mind, or body – Selfcare has diversified over the years, irrespective of the gender you identify as. This shift has made some prominent changes in the skincare industry. Men all over the world have recognized the benefits of a lip balm and there has been an overall positive change in the attitude towards introducing one to their grooming kit.    

According to Dr. Swapna Priya, Consultant - Dermatology, CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad, Men, like anyone else, can benefit from using lip balm for various reasons. Here are some of the main benefits:

1. Moisturization:

   - Lip balm provides essential moisture to the lips, preventing them from becoming dry, chapped, or cracked. This is particularly important in harsh weather conditions or environments that can lead to dehydration of the skin.

2. Sun Protection:

   - Many lip balms come with added SPF to protect the lips from the harmful effects of UV rays. Sun protection is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term damage to the delicate skin on the lips.

3. Prevention of Chapping:

   - Regular use of lip balm helps prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather. Chapped lips can be uncomfortable and may lead to peeling or bleeding.

4. Improved Appearance:

   - Well-moisturized lips contribute to a healthier and more attractive appearance. Using lip balm regularly can help maintain soft, smooth, and supple lips.

5. Comfort and Soothing:

   - Lip balm can provide a soothing effect, alleviating discomfort or irritation associated with dry or chapped lips. This is especially beneficial in extreme weather conditions or during seasonal changes.

6. Enhanced Lip Health:

   - The ingredients in lip balms, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and natural oils, can contribute to overall lip health. These ingredients may offer nourishment and protection against environmental stressors.

7. Prevention of Infections:

   - Dry, cracked lips are more susceptible to infections. Using lip balm forms a protective barrier, reducing the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.

8. Ease of Application:

   - Lip balm is convenient and easy to apply, making it a practical addition to a daily skincare routine. It can be carried in pockets or bags for on-the-go use.

9. Fragrance and Flavor Options:

   - Many lip balms come in various flavors and scents, offering a pleasant sensory experience. This can make lip care more enjoyable for those who appreciate a touch of fragrance.

10. Prevention of Lip Licking Habit:

    - Some individuals have a habit of licking their lips when they feel dry, which can actually worsen dryness. Lip balm provides a more effective and hydrating alternative to prevent the need for constant licking.”

Our contributor Dr. Chaudhry, an UK board-certified Dermatologist, says, “A lip balm has numerous advantages for men. Lip balms provide essential hydration, protecting the lips from environmental elements like wind, cold temperatures, and UV rays. They can also help maintain the lips' natural moisture barrier, preventing chapping and cracking.”

Now, with the growing interest in lip care products, there has been a surge of different companies producing lip balms, each better than the other. So it must be tedious and annoying to skim through the ingredients, reviews, and recommendations to select something that caters to your personal needs.  So, gentlemen, brace yourselves as we have made it our goal to ensure that your lips are moisturized and healthy with the following list.

Dr. Sapna Priya says, “When choosing a lip balm, regardless of gender, it's essential to look for ingredients that provide effective moisturization and protection. Here are some common beneficial ingredients to look for in lip balms:

 

1. Emollients:

   - Ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil provide emollient properties, helping to soften and smooth the lips.

2. Humectants:

   - Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract and retain moisture, keeping the lips hydrated.

3. Natural Oils:

   - Plant-based oils such as jojoba oil, almond oil, and avocado oil can provide additional nourishment and hydration.

4. Vitamins:

   - Vitamin E is commonly added to lip balms for its antioxidant properties, which can help protect the lips from environmental damage.

5. SPF:

   - Sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide help protect the lips from the sun's harmful UV rays.

6. Calming Ingredients:

   - If you have sensitive or easily irritated lips, look for ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or calendula, which have soothing properties.

7. Antioxidants:

   - Ingredients such as green tea extract or grapeseed extract can provide antioxidant benefits, helping to protect the lips from free radical damage.

8. Fragrance-Free Options:

   - Fragrance can be irritating to some individuals, so consider opting for a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic lip balm if you have sensitive skin.

9. Anti-Inflammatory Agents:

   - For those prone to inflammation or chapped lips, ingredients like calendula, chamomile, or aloe vera may help soothe and reduce irritation.

10. Beeswax or Candelilla Wax:

    - Waxes like beeswax or candelilla wax provide a protective barrier and help seal in moisture.

It's essential to consider your individual preferences and any specific concerns you may have, such as sensitivity or allergies, when choosing a lip balm. Reading product labels and opting for lip balms with high-quality, nourishing ingredients can help keep your lips healthy and moisturized.”

• 1
  Best Overall

  Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer

  Buy on Amazon

To help you get soft and smooth lips that are well protected from the sun, Neutrogena has developed this brilliant Norwegian Formula. It contains powerful emollients and moisturizing agents. One is glycerin, a natural humectant that draws moisture from the air and hydrates the deeper layers of the skin. (1) Glycerin, combined with other emollients like petrolatum and beeswax, is known to help in relieving even the driest skin by locking in moisture. Also, it contains SPF 15 and has a moisture-enriched formula that protects you from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Formulated with no added color, fragrance, or additives, this product is worth every penny.

2

Most Refreshing

Burt's Bees Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

Moisturize your lips with the minty freshness of Burt's beeswax lip balm. Every swipe will provide you with a tint-free matte finish that nourishes your lips and makes them look smooth. It is formulated with carefully sourced beeswax, vitamin E, and a whiff of peppermint oil. Beeswax is known to hydrate and nourish dry lips, while Vitamin E has humectant properties that hydrate and support the skin barrier (2), (3). This classic lip balm is devoid of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS and comes in a 70% recycled and plant-based plastic tube.

3

Best with Sun Protection

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

Specially formulated to target extremely dry and chapped lips, this lip balm for men by Jack Black harnesses rich mollifying ingredients such as shea butter and avocado extracts. Furthermore, the infused mint extracts in the formula deliver a pleasant, tingly sensation on your lips as the product pampers and conditions them. The soothing relief this lip balm offers lasts for a long time, which makes it worth the investment. To boot, it offers broad-spectrum SPF 25, keeping damage from UVA and UVB rays at bay.

4

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick

Buy on Amazon

Aquaphor’s lip repair stick is a dermatologist-recommended number 1 lip care brand that is known to relieve and soothe chapped lips. It is clinically proven to nourish dry, chapped, and cracked lips and is specially formulated with an exceptional combination of nourishing vitamins and moisturizers like panthenol, shea butter, and jojoba oil. Panthenol or a derivative of vitamin B5 has hydrating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties and shea butter and jojoba oil are natural emollients that effectively moisturize your lips (4), (5) These chapsticks are also fragrance-free and paraben-free, thus being skin friendly. Our first-hand experience after using this product is that it helps prevent dryness and provides long-lasting moisture.

5

Best Barrier Protectant

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick with SPF 15

Buy on Amazon

Despite having a low-key, sheer formula, this lip balm's hydration and protection benefits are plenty for men who don’t take care of their skin. It has a rich, creamy formula, consisting of emollients that seal nourishment into the lips and prevent dehydration. This helps soften the lips' texture and avoids cracking or bleeding. Besides, as this product is not pigmented or tinted, men can easily swipe it on their lips without risking any change of aesthetic. 

6

Most User-friendly

ChapStick Classic Original Lip Balm Tubes

Buy on Amazon

This pack of 3 lip balms is a budget-friendly option to keep your lips soft and healthy. Developed with a paraben-free formula, this balm provides intense hydration for you to flaunt smooth, silky lips at every step of your day. It has a smooth texture that glides on your lips without adding a tint or any greasy residues. With their user-friendly size and packaging, these tubes can be easily carried everywhere and make great gift options for your loved ones. When we tried this product, we felt that the hydration was considerably long-lasting, and the package contains three chapsticks, which gave us more options for a very low price.

7

Best Tinted Lip Balm

Julep It's Balm: Tinted Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

Carefully crafted with sunflower butter, Vitamin E, and extra-finely milled pigments, this lip balm deeply hydrates dry lips and accentuates their color adding a hint of gloss for plumper-looking lips. Formulated primarily with sunflower butter, it is high in antioxidants and Omega-6 fatty acids which have antioxidant and moisture-lock properties, keeping your lips moisturized and protected for hours (6). Additionally, the Vitamin E infusion core guards against dehydration and free radical damage (2). From hydration to even-looking lips, this lip balm has it all, making it a must-have lip care product.

8

Best Matte Finish

RUGGED & DAPPER Organic Lip Balm for Men

Buy on Amazon

You can relieve and restore very dry lips with one of the best lip balms for men by RUGGED & DAPPER. This men's sports chapstick provides long hours of protection and hydration for dry and cracked lips. Packed with effective moisturizing ingredients like Beeswax, Vitamin E, Sunflower, Jojoba, and Rosemary Oil, this lip balm provides a great solution for severely chapped lips.

“Rosemary is an herb that is known for its various health benefits, and it can also provide some benefits for the lips when used in skincare products, including lip balms. Here are some ways in which rosemary can be beneficial for the lips:

1. Antioxidant Properties:

   - Rosemary contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin, including the delicate skin on the lips, from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This can contribute to maintaining the overall health of the lips.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

   - The anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary may help soothe and calm irritated or inflamed lips. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who experience redness or discomfort due to various environmental factors.

3. Improved Circulation:

   - Rosemary is believed to have properties that can improve blood circulation. Better blood flow to the lips may promote overall lip health and contribute to a more vibrant appearance.

4. Antimicrobial Effects:

   - Rosemary has some antimicrobial properties, which means it may help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. In lip care products, this can be beneficial for maintaining cleanliness and preventing infection, especially if the lips are prone to cracking or dryness.

5. Aromatherapy Benefits:

   - While this may not directly benefit the lips, the aromatic properties of rosemary can contribute to a pleasant sensory experience when using lip products. Aromatherapy can have a positive impact on mood and well-being.

When looking for lip care products containing rosemary, it's important to choose formulations that are suitable for your skin type and preferences. Additionally, if you have allergies or sensitivities, it's advisable to perform a patch test before applying products with new ingredients to ensure they don't cause any adverse reactions, says Dr. Sapna Priya.”

It is non-toxic and free from parabens, petroleum, and gluten. Plus, it gets absorbed quickly without leaving any waxy residue and soothes cracked lips within minutes of application. Moreover, infusions of eucalyptus or mint flavors provide fresh kissable lips.

9

Most Budget Friendly

Naturistick 7-Pack Peppermint Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

This harmoniously balanced, soothing, and refreshing lip care product by Naturistick promises to restore your dry lips – it is made with 100% natural ingredients and no artificial additives or harsh chemicals. Containing premium quality ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, castor seed oil, sunflower seed oil, peppermint oil, lanolin, vitamin E, rosemary leaf oil, aloe vera leaf extract, and comfrey root extract – men, women, and children of all ages can enjoy the goodness of these naturally healing ingredients without any worries. The lightweight and ultra-gentle formula has a subtle smell that makes this lip balm perfect for soothing and healing dry, chapped, and very sensitive lips. Additionally, it has been packaged keeping the environment in mind and has not been tested on animals.

10

Most Long-lasting

Duke Cannon Supply Co. Tactical Lip Protectant Cannon Balm

Buy on Amazon

When it comes to reapplying and restocking lip balms, it can be a hassle. That’s why this heavy-duty lip balm is perfect for you. Designed for tough work, it is four times the size of the dainty little lip balms that are usually sold at the dollar store. It is made of premium, natural ingredients that repair and protect, giving men healthy and hydrated lips. It also provides protection against harmful UV rays with SPF 30. The unique, cruelty-free formulation has been tested by active duty military personnel and proven to withstand the harshest conditions, even temperatures up to 100 degrees.

11

Best Overnight Treatment

Jack Black Nightmode Lip Treatment

Buy on Amazon

As a lip care product that combats dry, chapped, and damaged lips overnight, this one is perfect for those who do not like greasy and glossy-looking lips during the daytime. Jack Black is here for your money with their night mode lip treatment that is packed with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, tripeptide-1, Manuka honey, and chamomile butter. This rich, emollient formulation is free of artificial additives and harmful chemicals. It has the power to soothe and repair inflamed and damaged lips, and also to replenish hydration while you are asleep.

12

Lip Smacker Lippy Pal Kitten Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

Keep your lips soft and plump with the fun-flavored lip balms by Lip Smacker. If you are a sucker for the adorable packaging, these kitten-shaped lip balms definitely deserve to be a part of your collection. They are eye-catching and have deep moisturizing formulas that relieve chapped and cracked lips to deliver soft and shiny results when used regularly. You get an extensive variety of flavor choices, from cotton candy to Dr. Pepper, they have got it all. These budget-friendly lip balms can also be a great conversation starter or a cute gift for your loved ones.

After reading about a variety of lip balms that have different pros and cons, you may wonder which one you should add to your cart. Here are a few aspects you can look at that will ease your decision-making process.

If you are unsure of what type of lip balms you need to introduce to your lip care routine, you can consider the following factors:

1. Ingredients: Lip balms have primarily two ingredients, one is a wax or beeswax and the other is a good quality oil. Usually, 100% natural beeswax is the best option as it helps in locking in moisture and protecting your lips against environmental damage. But if you are allergic to beeswax, these products may trigger allergic reactions, thus you must look for other alternatives of beeswax while selecting a lip balm. Other than that, different oils have different specific functions ranging from hydration to damage repair. Some even have antioxidant properties. Lastly, if you have sensitive skin, it's wise to search for lip balms that have SPF too. Moreover, if you have severely chapped or sensitive skin, lip balms with certain flavorings, fragrances, or essential oils must be avoided. 

Dr. Sapna Priya suggests, “The recommended SPF (sun protection factor) for lip balm, regardless of gender, is generally around SPF 30 or higher. SPF indicates the level of protection the product provides against the sun's harmful UVB rays. Lips are susceptible to sunburn and long-term damage, so using a lip balm with adequate sun protection is essential.

Look for lip balms that offer broad-spectrum protection, which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, consider choosing a lip balm with water-resistant properties, especially if you'll be swimming or sweating.

It's important to apply lip balm with SPF regularly, especially when spending time outdoors, to help prevent sun damage and keep your lips moisturized.”

2. Texture: You will find different textures of lip balm formulations available in the market. It may come in a semi-solid, emollient, or in a gel form that is packaged into sticks, tubes, or tiny pots. Moreover, these formulations have different finishes, such as glossy and shiny or velvety and matte which you can choose according to your preference. 

3. Color and flavors: There is also a wide range of flavors added to lip balms by either adding organic oils for a cool and fresh effect like peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus, etc. or with artificial additives for fun and fruity smells like watermelon, strawberry, plum, etc. You can also find lip balms that have an added tint to accentuate your lip color and make it look fuller.

You can use a lip balm right when you start your day. 

1. Wash your face and carry out your regular skincare routine.
2. Apply a generous amount of lip balm all over your lips. 
3. Leave it on as you continue your day and reapply whenever you feel your lips are feeling dry and dehydrated. 
4. You may also create a lip balm ritual and re-apply it every 4-5 hours during your day to achieve hydrated and plump lips.

As men all over the globe have started prioritizing self-care, there has been a rising trend of lip balms becoming an integral part of a grooming kit. Therefore, to tend to these demands, we have crafted our guide for the best lip balms for men. We have conducted extensive studies to select the best ones according to their ingredients, benefits, and aesthetics like color or flavors. We have also provided a simple yet important buying guide so that you can choose your favorite lip balms by following a few easy steps.

Contributor: Dr. Chaudhry, UK board-certified Dermatologist, Scandinavian Biolabs