13 Best Lip Scrubs for the Ultimate Exfoliation And Hydration

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 06, 2024
Lip Scrubs for the Ultimate Exfoliation and Hydration
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Let's face it, nobody likes lips that are parched and flaky. But to fix chapped lips, you need to go the extra mile beyond just a good lip balm, and trust us when we say that the best lip scrubs can be a blessing in disguise to transform the texture of your lips. They are formulated with natural exfoliants and hero ingredients and could be a savior to make your lips smooth. Addedly, the micro granules present in the product help in circulating the blood around your lips further making them appear plump and youthful. 

According to Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shah, renowned dermatologists, “The lips don’t have as much of a barrier as the rest of our skin so you lose a lot of moisture from your lips to the environment…and that gets compounded with low humidity in the winter, a lot of wind that dries out your lips, and there’s an evaporative loss that makes it way worse.” And, we can’t agree more.

Our lips often get dark, dry, and chapped because of inadequate water consumption, sun damage, smoking, pollution, makeup products like lipsticks and lip balms containing harmful substances, etc. A gentle scrub lightly exfoliates the lips, stimulating the blood flow and removing all impurities and build-up. A nourishing formulation goes a step further and hydrates the lips, making them softer, smoother, and healthier. 

You can use lip scrubs before applying matte lipstick and include it in your skincare routine 2-3 times a week. While you can stir up a DIY lip scrub following homemade lip scrub recipes, it is often tedious, and you may not even have all the beneficial ingredients at your disposal. A store-bought lip scrub has a greater shelf life and contains the goodness of specific elements such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, etc. Adding to that, your best friend's lips may be sealed about her lip care, but this list created after thorough research will give you a run-down on the best lip scrub you can find for yourself. Scroll down to know more!

12 Best Lip Scrubs

A self-care routine becomes more relaxing when the products transport you to or bring flashbacks of joyful times. The Handmade Heroes Ultra Sexy Scrub in the flavor of coconut sorbet is precisely what you need to achieve soft, supple lips while dreaming of the Bahamas! This vegan lip scrub is formulated with all-natural, plant-based ingredients. It is free from petroleum, harsh microbeads, and mineral and palm oil. The non-toxic lip scrub is also devoid of artificial preservatives and fragrances, making it a clean product. Dermatologist-tested, this lip scrub provides soft, smooth, and luscious lips by gently exfoliating dry flakes and dead skin. You can safely use this every day for the treatment of black lips and as a smoothening care before lipstick application.

Key ingredients: Sugar, sweet almond oil, coconut, olive oil emulsifier, jojoba oil, avocado oil, sunflower lecithin, glycerine, and vitamin E

Pros
  • Paraben-free
  • 100% natural
  • No synthetics and preservative
  • Very gentle exfoliation
Cons
  • Small shelf life
  • Best for Exfoliation

    BUXOM Power-Full Lip Scrub

    BUXOM Power-Full Lip Scrub
  • Scrub dead skin away gently from your lips with this soothing tropical-scented lip scrub by BUXOM. This sugar-infused lip scrub is packed with papaya seed oil that moisturizes and nourishes the lips and protects them from UV damage. This lip care product exfoliates the lips without making them dry, leaving you with soft and pout-ready lips. One stroke of this lip scrub can give you rosy lips in the blink of an eye.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t feel sticky
    • Pleasant scent
    • Moisturizes the lips
    • Eliminates dead skin cells
    Cons
    • Might leave a white residue behind
  • Best for Dry Lips

    hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub

    hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub
  • The best lip scrub for dry lips, hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub is the ultimate exfoliation and moisturization treatment for extremely flaky and chapped lips. The island cane brown sugar granules gently exfoliate the lips and remove any dead and dry skin. Kukui oil in the formulation, which is infused with vitamins A, C, and E, adds hydration, relieving the skin of any dryness or itchiness. Shea butter, an excellent moisturizer prevalent in most lip balms, is also a part of the composition. It soothes the skin and restores plumpness, revealing refreshed, soft, and brightened lips. Slightly on the pricey end, this lip scrub lasts a long time as very little amount is required to exfoliate and nourish the lips.

    Key Ingredients: Turbinado sugar crystals, kukui nut oil, and shea butter

    Pros
    • Nourishing formula
    • Pleasant scent
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Some may find it oily/waxy
  • Best Nourishing Formula

    GrandeBuff Moisturizing Lip Scrub

    GrandeBuff Moisturizing Lip Scrub
  • Bid adieu to all your lip issues with this moisturizing lip scrub by Grande Cosmetics. Packed with the goodness of mango butter, argan oil, and shea butter, this scrub helps your lips lock in moisture, heal dry and cracked lips, and promote new cell regeneration. The multi-action formula exfoliates the lips, making them ultra-soft and supple. It has a mess-free formula that glides smoothly on the lips without feeling sticky or leaving a white cast behind. Just a small amount of Grande Cosmetics’s lip scrub can buff away dry skin, making your lips more luscious than ever. 

    Pros
    • Lip-nourishing ingredients
    • Provides intense hydration to the lips
    • Soothes chapped lips
    • Invigorating smell
    • Gentle exfoliation
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
  • Best Overnight Lip Scrub

    TATCHA The Kissu Lip Mask

    TATCHA The Kissu Lip Mask
  • Incorporating Japan's timeless well-being practices, Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask is another of the brand's clean and minimal formulas that meet Japan's high safety standards. This leave-on jelly treatment replenishes the lips and makes them luscious and soft in the morning. The peach extract helps to repair dull and damaged lips while calming irritation and itchiness. The camellia oil contains oleic acid, essential vitamins, and omegas 3, 6, and 9, which seal in natural hydration and moisture. Finally, squalane helps to improve and protect the natural barrier of the skin. Users love this scrub for lips as it improves flakiness within 2 weeks and overall plumpness within 4 weeks of use. 

    Key Ingredients: Squalane, Japanese camellia oil, and Japanese peach extract

    Pros
    • Non-sticky
    • Smooth jelly texture
    • Very hydrating
    • Longwear
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Conditioning

    TREE HUT Sugarlips

    TREE HUT Sugarlips
  • Lovers of vanilla, here is the ultimate deal maker for you! The Tree Hut Sugarlips is an exfoliating, softening, and hydrating treatment for dry patches and chapped lips, infused with the aroma and richness of brown sugar and vanilla. This exfoliating lip scrub is gentle on the skin and buffs away all the dryness and flakiness while boosting circulation for a healthy glow. The jojoba oil in the scrub creates a natural barrier to protect the lips and seals in moisture. The hydrating shea butter, coupled with vanilla extracts, is deeply nourishing and makes lips soft. It also promotes elasticity. A bright radiant smile is just minutes away after using this lip scrub.

    Key Ingredients: Brown sugar, jojoba seed oil, and shea butter 

    Pros
    • Sulfate and paraben-free
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free
    • Melts easily
    Cons
    • Slightly oily
  • DIVA STUFF Lip Scrub

    DIVA STUFF Lip Scrub
  • Packed with effective ingredients like castor jelly, vegetable jelly, castor oil, and sweet almond oil, the lip scrub from Diva Stuff can be a boon to your flaky and dried lips. The gentle formula of the natural lip scrub extracts all the impurities and dead cells from your precious pout and ensures flawless, peachy-pink lips. The best part? It is formulated without harmful chemicals, toxins, and preservatives that will give you a lifetime of satisfaction as you incorporate it into your skincare regime. Hurry now, get it today!

    Key ingredients: Vitamin E, castor jelly, vegetable jelly, castor oil, and sweet almond oil,

    Pros
    • Natural ingredients
    • Locks in moisture
    • Exfoliates dead cells
    • Gentle formula
    • Banishes dry skin
    • Free of harmful chemicals
    Cons
    • Quantity could be more
  • FRENCH GIRL Rose Lip Polish

    FRENCH GIRL Rose Lip Polish
  • With a lip-smacking flavor, tantalizing scent, and pretty pink hue, the rose lip polish from French Girl gently exfoliates your lips with its ultra-refined ingredients like coconut oil, organic sugar, nourishing butters, and fruit oils, to make the surface clean and smooth. Addedly, it not only makes the lip product application lag-free for you but also soothes the delicate skin for a plumpy and full appearance. To top off, the moisturizing ingredients present in the product thoroughly nourish your lips, to say the least.

    Key ingredients: Organic sugar and shea butter

    Pros
    • Flavorful
    • Amazing scent
    • Nourishes the lips
    • Makes the lips plump
    • Pretty pink hue
    • No harsh ingredients
    Cons
    • Gets moldy
  • poppy & pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

    poppy & pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub
  • The sweet mint-flavored lip scrub from Poppy & Pout is ethically sourced and made of natural ingredients like coconut oil, sugar, essential oil, vitamin E, sunflower oil, and beeswax to give you the ultimate experience as you use the product. It also gently exfoliates the upper layer of your flaky lips to make it smooth for you to ace the pout game. Addedly, the product intensely hydrates the lips while repairing the surface at the same time to them appear fuller and plumper. Not to miss, it comes in a recyclable and reusable jar that doesn't leave any footprint on the environment.

    Key ingredients: Sugar, coconut oil, sunflower oil, beeswax, natural flavor oil, vanilla planifolia extract, vitamin E

    Pros
    • Natural ingredients
    • Makes the pout smoother
    • Helps lips appear plumper
    • Recyclable jar
    • Gentle exfoliation
    • Repairs the lips
    Cons
    • Quite sticky
  • Best Splurge

    Sara Happ The Lip Scrub - Pink Grapefruit

     Sara Happ The Lip Scrub - Pink Grapefruit
  • The desire for a flake-free pout has given rise to the invention of the Sara Happ Lip Scrub. It comes in four refreshing variants - vanilla, brown sugar, peach, and grapefruit. This perfect emulsifier is ideal to use at night to remove the day's lipstick and other residue and wake up with soft, supple lips. It also enhances the natural pigmentation of your lips. This luxurious lip scrub for chapped lips contains jojoba oil which heals and nourishes flaky lips. The grape seed extracts help to retain skin moisture and make lips smooth, and the flavor of fresh grapefruit in this variant will instantly rejuvenate all your senses.

    Key ingredients: Sugar crystals, jojoba seed oil, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E 

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Softens the lips
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Drugstore

    BEAUTY TREATS Lip Scrub

    BEAUTY TREATS Lip Scrub
  • Beauty Treats Lip Scrub is one of the best drugstore lip scrubs. Hydration is the pivotal goal of this lip scrub that contains finely ground walnut shells for exfoliation. These are gentle on the lips and remove dead skin and lipstick residue easily. This lip scrub contains antioxidants like vitamin E, which is a popular ingredient in dermatology because of its myriad benefits (1). A small amount is required to exfoliate and reveal well-moisturized hydrated lips. There are four variants of this soft lip scrub, viz., almond creme, wild apple, vanilla bean, and dark cherry, each with different levels of moisturizing and exfoliating properties. The scent is also pleasant and not overpowering.

    Key ingredients: Vitamin E, and ground walnut shells 

    Pros
    • Softens the lips
    • Mild scent
    • Very affordable
    • Great for winters
    Cons
    • Slightly greasy
    • Not vegan
  • Best Cruelty-free Formula

    BROOKLYN BOTANY Coconut Lip Scrub

    BROOKLYN BOTANY Coconut Lip Scrub
  • Talking about the best lip scrubs, we have to mention Brooklyn Botany Coconut Lip Scrub. With the heavenly fragrance of coconut, this lip scrub is developed to give you smoother and brighter lips. It is the ultimate lip polisher that gets rid of flakiness and dry skin in just a couple of uses. The nourishing ingredients of this lip scrub include coconut oil because of its moisturizing properties. There is also sunflower seed oil which is rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Along with these, there are shea seed butter and cocoa seed butter that make the lips luscious and add a protective layer of hydration for long-lasting softness and suppleness.

    Key ingredients: Coconut oil, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter 

    Pros
    • Hydrates cracked lips
    • Refreshing scent
    • Paraben and sulfate free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Slightly bigger granules
  • LICK YOUR LIPS Watermelon Sugar Lip Scrub

    LICK YOUR LIPS Watermelon Sugar Lip Scrub
  • The secret behind a hydrated, luscious pout are well exfoliated and moisturized lips. Lick Your Lips Watermelon Sugar Lip Scrub is the perfect lip prep for any special occasion or just your everyday skincare routine. This lip scrub helps to restore lost moisture, lighten dark lips or pigmentation, and promote healthy lip skin without being too harsh. The non-CMO lip scrub is devoid of harmful toxins and enriched with natural organic ingredients. It consists of the benefits of beeswax, jojoba oil, watermelon complex extract, shea butter, lavender oil, and vitamin E, that work like magic on dehydrated lips and makes them plump and soft. The best way you can benefit from this watermelon-flavored lip scrub is by using it at night. Follow it up with a hydrating balm. And you will wake up with the softest lips ever in the morning.

    Key Ingredients:  Coconut oil, vitamin E oil, jojoba oil, and watermelon extract

     

    Pros
    • 100% natural
    • Paraben-free
    • Certified organic
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Slightly overpowering scent
  • Best Gluten-free Formula

    ECO LIPS Lip Scrub

    ECO LIPS Lip Scrub
  • Yet again, with the goodness of coconut, we have the Eco Lips Lip Scrub on our list. This is a good lip scrub, with the USP being its convenient, travel-friendly packaging. It comes in the form of a bullet stick that ensures a mess-free application. An organic formula with high-quality ingredients, this lip scrub is free from petroleum, soy, gluten, and GMOs. The coconut oil in the formula absorbs easily, deeply hydrates chapped skin, and calms and smooths the sensitive skin of the lips. Olive oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E are other effective ingredients that contribute toward the perfect lip care solution for exfoliation and moisturization.

    Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E

    Pros
    • Easy application
    • Edible
    • No gluten or GMO
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Big sugar chunks
  • OMORFEE BE EXOTIC Lip Lightening Scrub

    OMORFEE BE EXOTIC Lip Lightening Scrub
  • Dark lips and hyperpigmentation can become a bother. Not anymore! The Omorfee Lip Lightening Scrub is the all-in-one exfoliating, lightening, slight plumping, and moisturizing lip scrub for you. It is formulated with extreme care, using 100% organic ingredients to bring back the natural tint of your lips. This best lip scrub for dark lips also helps fight discoloration caused by the sun, smoking, drinking, lip biting, etc. Fine microcrystalline spruce wood cellulose beads help in deep exfoliation and the natural kojic acid combats pigmentation. Mango butter and vitamin E thereafter help in the rejuvenation process by hydrating and nourishing the lips.

    Key Ingredients: Kojic acid, spruce wood cellulose beads, mango butter, and vitamin E

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Artificial fragrance-free
    • Paraben and alcohol-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Slightly greasy

    A lip scrub is very simple to use and gives instant results. A lip exfoliator is very simple to use and gives instant results. 2-3 times per week is the ideal frequency at which you can make lip exfoliation a part of your skincare regimen. The best lip scrub will leave behind soft, supple lips by both exfoliating and nourishing from within. The best lip scrub will leave behind soft, supple lips by both exfoliating and nourishing from within.

    What to Look for When Buying The Best Lip Scrub

    We saw a range of lip scrubs, some of which are very hydrating, some contain brightening ingredients, and some that help bring back the natural pinkness of the lips. A good quality lip scrub not only helps to achieve a smoother base but also improves the overall texture of the lips, freeing you from constantly picking at dry skin and reapplying a lip balm every hour. 

    Most lip scrubs function the same way. You scoop a tiny spoonful amount of the product. You can use your fingers or the applicator that comes with the lip scrub. Massage the scrub into the skin for a couple of minutes. Circular motion is recommended when it comes to exfoliation as it stimulates blood flow and also efficiently cleanses and scrubs the surface without being too harsh. Despite their similar usage, however, their results vary depending on the quality of ingredients, your skin type, etc. 

    Here are the key determiners that will help you choose the best lip scrub and achieve smoother, healthier, and luscious lips.

    Lip Condition/Type

    Exfoliation is a harsh process as you have to put pressure to scrub away the impurities and dead skin. Choosing a lip scrub per your skin type becomes important because you don't want to strip off the natural hydration. For instance, those with dry lips can use exfoliants with bigger granules and an oily aftereffect. Those with sensitive lips should pick less abrasive exfoliants and focus on nourishing ingredients. 

    Type of Exfoliant

    The most common exfoliant for lip products is fresh sugar. Others include grounded walnuts, honey crystals, or other chemical-based granules. Make sure the exfoliant is gentle and its size is appropriate. Very big chunks can be abrasive and harsh on the skin, while tiny granules may fail to do the job effectively.

    Ingredients to Avoid

    Although lip scrubs are wash-off products, some components of the scrub tend to penetrate the layers of our lips. Staying away from harmful toxins, therefore, is crucial to maintain healthy lips. Parabens, sulfates, gluten, etc are common toxins. Apart from these, it will be better to turn your head away from artificial colorants and fragrances. To avoid irritation or any side effects, therefore, do a patch test. This becomes all the more important if you have sensitive skin on the lips. .

    Ingredients to Select

    Regardless of whether you select an organic lip scrub or one composed of lab ingredients, ensure that the formulation is hydrating and nourishing. Coconut and jojoba oils, castor seed oil, vitamins like E, shea butter, etc., are some highly nourishing natural ingredients. This helps to give long-lasting hydration and protect the natural barrier of the skin. This ensures healthy and supple lips in the long term. 

    Packaging and Application

    Scrubs are slightly messy to use. The texture is usually semi-solid, and once they come in contact with skin or water, they tend to dissolve and melt to penetrate the skin. When selecting a lip scrub, look at the texture and what is more comfortable for you to work with in terms of packaging. For example, the Eco Lips Lip Scrub comes in bullet form and is great when traveling. The Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask has a gel-like consistency and is a leave-on lip mask.

    Outcome

    Our favorite lip scrubs become so because of their unmatched results. Regular lip scrubs' primary purpose is to exfoliate the lips, removing dry, dead skin cells to expose fresh skin and smoother lips. If your concern is more than just exfoliation, like dark lips, extreme dryness, etc., then select a lip scrub that provides lightening and moisturizing ingredients, respectively.

    How to Use Lip Scrub?

    Here is how you can effectively use lip scrub - 

    a) First thing first, wipe off any product that is already on your lips, i.e., lipstick, lip tint, or lip gloss.

    b) Next, take some product on your index finger and spread it on your lips.

    c) Apply it religiously over your lips, gently rub it, and keep massaging for 60 seconds.

    d) Next, you can wipe or wash the lip scrub as per your wish and pat the lips dry.

    e) Lastly, take a good lip balm, and apply it on the lips to unleash the moisturized and plumpy lips that you have always wanted.

    Conclusion

    This was all, folks! Achieving a wrinkle-free smile or a luscious pout is just a step away now. All you have to do is select the right lip scrub for your requirements and use it religiously. Skincare is a routine process, and the results of using a beauty product are visible over time. While you will most definitely get smoother lips from the first use, fighting hyperpigmentation will take longer and more consistent use. Along with the best lip scrub, always follow up with a high-quality lip mask or lip balm to seal in that much-needed moisture and hydration.

    Contributors

    Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shah, Dermatologists

    FAQ's

    Which lip scrub is the best?
    Our list is carefully curated to highlight the best lip scrubs. From these, you can choose the perfect one for you based on consistency, price point, lip concern, etc. For instance, Handmade Heroes Ultra Sexy Scrub and Lick Your Lips Sugar Lip Scrub are great organic formulations. The Tree Hut Sugarlips is a great choice if you have extremely dry lips. Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask is ideal for overnight repair.
    Do lip scrubs actually work?
    Yes, absolutely. They definitely help to nourish the lips and get rid of dry and flaky skin.
    What is the best way to exfoliate your lips?
    Start with a clean surface by removing any lipstick or product. Then take a small amount of the lip scrub and gently massage it in a circular motion for about a minute. You can let it sit for another minute before rinsing. Apply a hydrating lip balm or oil to lock in the moisture.
    How often should you exfoliate your lips?
    You can exfoliate your lips using a lip scrub 2-4 times a week. The frequency also depends on how abrasive the formulation of the scrub is and the sensitivity of your lips.
    Are you supposed to leave lip scrub on or wipe it off?
    You are not supposed to leave the lip scrub on after using it. Always wipe or wash after exfoliating the lips with the product.
    Are lip scrubs good for chapped lips?
    Yes, lip scrubs are the only solution for chapped lips to make them appear fuller and youthful.
    Can lip scrubs cause cold sores?
    Sharing lip scrubs or any other lip products with another person can cause cold sores. So, be very careful.
    Can lip scrubs make lips bigger?
    Yes, lip scrubs extract all the impurities and dead cells, and ensure proper blood flow in the lips, which helps them appear bigger and plumper.
    How long does it take for lip scrubs to work?
    Lip scrubs work instantly! Right after you use the product and wash/wipe it off, voila, you're ready to go!
    How long do lip scrubs last?
    It depends on the quantity and how much product you're applying. However, considering the general amount of application, it should last between 4-6 weeks.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house skincare expert Anoushka has made lip scrubs a part of her lip care ritual as they get rid of dead skin cells and make her lips smooth and soft. They usually contain ingredients like sugar, salt, or other natural exfoliants that moisturize the lips while improving their texture. After testing all the products, there was one that she found to be better than the rest. The Ultra Sexy Scrub from Handmade Heroes had a scrumptious coconut sorbet flavor and gave her soft and supple lips. It is also 100% natural and contains no synthetic materials or preservatives, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More