As someone passionate about sustainability and clean beauty, I apply the same principles to lip care. Hence, I get a distinct pleasure from the best non-petroleum lip balms I’ve used so far, owing to their simplicity. It's a small yet significant practice of self-care that adds a sense of indulgence to my daily routine — without any guilt or side effects in the long term, and I’ll explain why. 

Like many, I was initially oblivious to the differences in lip balm formulations. It was only after delving deeper into the skincare world that I became aware of the debate surrounding petroleum-based products. Petroleum jelly, a common ingredient in many traditional lip balms, has been a topic of controversy. While it's known for its occlusive properties, creating a barrier that locks in moisture, it doesn't hydrate the lips — meaning, it does not supply water to them. Furthermore, there are concerns about the sustainability and environmental impact of petroleum-derived products (studies from the Journal of Environmental Management).

Hence, the shift to non-petroleum lip balms was a conscious choice to embrace more natural, sustainable, and skin-friendly ingredients. Non-petroleum lip balms often feature alternative occlusives such as beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, and a variety of plant oils — all known for their natural hydrating and nourishing properties. They offer a more holistic approach to lip care, going beyond just creating a barrier, to actually conditioning and rejuvenating delicate and dry lips.

So, for those who are keen to explore the world of non-petroleum lip balms, I'm excited to share with you my top picks, that have become a staple in my daily routine and may just become yours too.

• 1
  Editor’s Choice

  e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine

  Buy on Amazon

As someone who's always on the lookout for the perfect lip balm, the e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine has been a delightful find. Its innovative 2-in-1 design, featuring an emollient-rich outer layer and a heart-shaped soft core enriched with skin-loving ingredients, immediately caught my attention. Being infused with vitamin E, this lip balm not only nourishes my lips but also provides a comfortable, hydrating experience throughout the day. 

Besides, having tried it out, I noticed that the formula is rich in light-reflecting particles, which makes the lips look fuller and shinier. Rating it honestly, I'd give it a 4.9 out of 5, as the product is almost perfect, but I wish the tint would last a bit longer.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E

2

Best Tinted Lip Balm

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

NARS' Afterglow' lip balm in the shade 'Dolce Vita' is a real gem in my makeup bag. Its sheer, dusky-rose hue adds just the right touch of natural color to my lips, making it perfect for everyday wear. Its Monoï Hydrating Complex consists of nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, gardenia taitensis flower extract, and squalene. The formula deeply moisturi and leaves the lips feeling incredibly soft and plump. 

What I love most is its versatility; doubling as a subtle blush is a nice bonus. The fragrance-free and alcohol-free formula is gentle, and the antioxidant-rich ingredients offer added lip care benefits. Overall, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a multi-purpose lip care product with a hint of color.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, gardenia taitensis flower extract, and squalene

3

Best SPF Protection

Jane Iredale LipDrink Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

For those seeking a nourishing and protective lip balm, the Jane Iredale LipDrink Lip Balm is a standout choice. With SPF 15, it offers essential sun protection while its unique blend of carrot seed oil, avocado oil, and blackberry extract deeply moisturizes and smoothens the lips. The subtle lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist, making application a pleasant experience. 

Additionally, its sheer finish makes it suitable for a wide range of skin tones, subtly enhancing the natural color of the lips. My only critique is the desire for a higher SPF for more robust protection. All in all, this balm earns a solid 4 out of 5 from me, as it balances nourishment and protection with a commitment to ethical beauty practices.

Key Ingredients: Carrot seed oil, avocado oil, and blackberry extract

4

Best for Chapped Lips

The Dirt Triple Butter Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

A must-have for those with normal to chronically dry lips, the Triple Butter lip balm from The Dirt comprises coconut oil, beeswax, and ghee as key occlusives. The formula not only conditions the lips but also locks in moisture, and replenishes the lips with essential fatty acids, and vitamins A and E. 

Additionally, the chapstick contains therapeutic-grade essential oils — lavender for calming, palmarosa for healing, and chamomile for rejuvenation, making it particularly effective in restoring lip health. This petroleum-free product is a reliable and soothing choice for those who prefer natural, environmentally friendly lip care options.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, beeswax, and ghee

5

Best Vegan Lip Balm

Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

I recently tried this reformulated lip balm by Biossance, boasting 10x more hydrating power, which I noticed immediately after application. Its ultra-hydrating properties come from hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides from wakame algae, which combats dehydration (studies from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science and Algal Research). The addition of luxurious rose wax takes the nourishment game a step further.

What I love most about this balm is its long-lasting effect; it keeps my lips cushioned and comfortable for hours without any sticky residue. The new easy-to-apply tube is a practical improvement, offering 50% more product, which is always a plus. The immediate softness and smoothness it provides are remarkable, and the gradual plumping effect is a bonus, giving my lips a fuller appearance.

Quick Tip:

Gently exfoliate your damp lips with a toothbrush to improve blood circulation and slough off dead cells. After you, rinse your lips and pat them dry, apply a generous amount of this lip balm evenly, and let it settle.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, rose wax, and wakame algae

6

Best Scented Lip Balm

Juicy Chemistry Tuscany Lemon & Green Tea Organic Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

After using this organic lip balm by Juicy Chemistry for a while, I can confidently say that it's a must-have for anyone with tanned, dry lips. Its blend of vitamin E, avocado, and almond oils deeply hydrates lips, providing a noticeable difference in softness and smoothness. The unique combination of spearmint and Tuscany lemon adds a refreshing tingle, making the application enjoyable. 

This balm quickly soothes my dry, chapped lips, and its effectiveness in keeping them moisturized throughout the day is impressive. It's a fantastic lip balm for anyone needing reliable hydration with a refreshing twist.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, avocado oil, and almond oil

7

Best Luxe Lip Balm

Eminence Citrus Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

This petroleum-free balm is a blend of nourishing ingredients like sunflower seed oil, rich in vitamins A, D, and E, which I found deeply hydrating. By harnessing the goodness of shea butter and citrus extracts, the product salves the lips along with revitalizing them.

What's truly remarkable is the addition of botanical peptides derived from hibiscus, as they help diminish the look of fine lines, and with continued use, my lips appear plumper and more youthful (research published on NCBI). However, the only downside I see in this product is for those who prefer a more noticeable tint or flavor might find it lacking in those aspects.

Quick Tip:

For best results, apply a small amount during the day to maintain hydration and a thicker layer at night for deep conditioning. This way, you'll wake up to softer, more voluptuous lips.

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and citrus extracts

8

Best for Sensitive Skin

Emu Joy Banish Chapped Lips

Buy on Amazon

Emu Joy's Banish Chapped Lips balm epitomizes simplicity, which makes it an ideal stocking stuffer!Its unflavored, unscented, and uncolored formula makes it perfect for everyone — men, women, even kids. I appreciate the lack of added fragrance or strange fruit flavors in it, which often can be overwhelming in other lip balms. 

What stands out most is its commitment to being free from petrolatum and synthetic chemicals. The blend of natural and organic emollients like coconut oil, emu oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, aloe, beeswax, and vitamin E works wonders on extremely dry lips. It intensely moisturizes and heals, and I noticed a significant improvement in the condition of my lips. The only con might be its minimalistic formula, for those who enjoy flavored or tinted lip balms. But for me, its effectiveness and purity are its greatest strengths.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, emu oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, aloe, beeswax, and vitamin E

9

Best Medicated Lip Balm

Curad Lip Balm

Buy on Amazon

This chapstick is an intriguing choice for those who are looking for a versatile, petroleum-free lip care solution. Its cream-white texture makes it ideal for mixing with your lip colors to achieve a glossy finish, adding an extra dimension to your lip makeup routine. The active ingredients, octinoxate 2.0%, and oxybenzone 4.5%, provide some sun protection, which is a valuable addition to lip care. The mint flavor adds a refreshing sensation, making it pleasant to use throughout the day.

In my opinion, Curad’s Lip Balm is worth trying, especially if you're looking for a petroleum-free option that can double as a glossy topcoat for your lip color. I would rate it a solid 4 out of 5, as it effectively moisturizes and adds a nice finish, but keep in mind that it contains chemical sunscreens, which might not be preferred by everyone.

Key Ingredients: Beeswax, sunflower oil, tea tree leaf oil, coconut oil, octinoxate 2.0%, and oxybenzone 4.5%

Choosing the right non-petroleum lip balm involves considering several factors to ensure that you get a product that not only nourishes and protects your lips but also aligns with your personal preferences and needs. Here are some key steps and considerations to help you select the best non-petroleum lip balm for you:

1. Identify Your Lip Care Needs: Consider what you need most from a lip balm. Do you need something for severely chapped lips, daily moisture, sun protection, or a tinted balm for a bit of color?

2. Look for Hydrating Ingredients: Check the ingredients list for natural hydrating and moisturizing components such as beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil. These ingredients are effective at retaining moisture and softening the lips.

3. Check for Allergens: If you have sensitive skin or known allergies, carefully read the ingredients to avoid potential allergens. Some common irritants or allergens include certain essential oils, fragrances, paraffin, or even some natural ingredients. In my opinion, lip balms devoid of synthetic fragrance or synthetic ingredients are a great choice for sensitive skin. 

4. Consider Sun Protection: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from harmful UV rays. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for physical sun protection.

5. Decide on Texture And Scent: Personal preference plays a big role here. Some balms are thicker and more waxy, while others are lighter and more glossy. Similarly, lip balms come in a variety of scents and flavors, from natural and subtle to strong and fruity.

6. Look for Eco-friendly Packaging: If environmental impact is a concern for you, look for lip balms in sustainable or recyclable packaging. Even beeswax-free lip balm can be opted for a conscious approach. 

7. Check for Cruelty-free And Organic Certifications: If ethical considerations are important to you, look for certifications that indicate the product is cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and/or organic.

Remember that what works for one person might not work for another, so it might take some trial and error to find the perfect non-petroleum lip balm for you.

Applying lip balm might seem straightforward, but you can follow a few tips and techniques to maximize its benefits and keep your lips looking and feeling their best. Here are some application tips for your lip balm:

1. Start with Clean Lips: Before applying lip balm, ensure your lips are clean and free of any other products. This helps the balm to absorb better and work more effectively.

2. Gentle Exfoliation: Occasionally exfoliating your lips can remove dead skin cells, allowing the lip balm to penetrate deeper. You can use a gentle lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to lightly brush your lips.

3. Apply the Right Amount: Use enough balm to cover your lips comfortably without being overly thick or sticky. A thin, even layer is usually sufficient.

4. Use a Finger Or a Clean Applicator: If your lip balm comes in a pot, consider using a clean finger or a lip brush to apply it. This helps to keep the product hygienic and prevents the spread of bacteria.

5. Don’t Forget the Corners: Pay attention to the corners of your mouth, which are often neglected and can become particularly dry or chapped.

6. Reapply as Needed: Reapply lip balm throughout the day as needed, especially after eating or drinking, and in cold, windy, or dry weather.

7. Bedtime Application: Apply a generous layer of lip balm before bed to help moisturize your lips overnight. Nighttime is an excellent opportunity for deep hydration, as you're not talking, eating, or drinking.

8. Under Lipstick: If you wear lipstick, apply a thin layer of lip balm first to smooth your lips and prevent them from drying out. Wait a few minutes for the balm to absorb before applying lipstick.

9. In Cold Weather: In winter or cold climates, apply lip balm more frequently as cold air can dry out your lips.

10. Sun Protection: If you’re going to be outdoors, use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from UV rays.

11. Don’t Share Your Lip Balm: To maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs, avoid sharing your lip balm with others.

12. Stay Hydrated: In addition to using lip balm, ensure you drink plenty of water to keep your body and lips hydrated from the inside.

Remember, the key to effective lip care is consistent and regular use of lip balm, especially in harsh or dry conditions.