The Best Lip Balms for Avoiding Chapped Lips, According to a Dermatologist

Does anyone else remember Lip Smackers? Those candy-flavored lip balms targeted at middle schoolers? Back in the day, I wanted to own every single flavor—strawberry, mango, cotton candy, Dr. Pepper, the entire Skittles collection—I’m giving myself the urge to go buy one as I type. But can you blame me? Tasting soda on your lips after every lick is a kid’s dream. Even as an adult, I’m a self-proclaimed lip balm and gloss hoarder. While I don’t purchase Lip Smackers anymore (or at least admit to it), I have upgraded to collecting lip products that are socially acceptable for people who have to pay taxes and suffer from back pain.  

Dry, crusty lips are a hallmark of winter and an unfortunate by-product of cold and dry air. So, why not curate an amazing collection of lip balms for moisturized, glossy lips that your Hinge date won’t be able to resist? As much as I like to think of myself as a lip balm connoisseur with a plethora of recommendations, I looked to a dermatologist for the real low-down on the best lip balms and ingredients for hydrated peckers—Dr. Rawn Bosley of Ever/Body NYC. 

Here at VICE, we’re huge freaks for the viral glue-stick-sized Aquaphor, so I was excited to hear the brand’s Lip Repair made the cut as one of his doctor-approved lip balms. “Aquaphor Lip Repair contains a strong emollient or moisturizer, along with B vitamins and shea butter,” says Dr. Bosley. “This is ideal for very dry, chapped lips as it protects and repairs the lips without the risk of added irritation from fragrances and dyes.” TikTok also loves it—and TikTok knows everything!

I’m huge into skincare and religiously use La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for combating fine lines as I enter my late 20s. It’s an amazing product that delivers great results, and it has similar ingredients to the balm  Dr. Bosley recommends from the brand. “La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Lip Balm is a non-greasy, yet hydrating lip balm best for dry lips,” he says. “La Roche-Posay products contain a unique thermal water that soothes and repairs the lips.” There’s no question whether or not I’m going to be throwing this into my Amazon cart. Dr. Bosley also adds that it’s formulated with shea butter and vitamin B5, which makes it a winner when it comes to long-lasting hydration. 

As much as I love the tried and true classics when it comes to lip care, sometimes you just need some added oomph. And, by that I mean plumpness. Lip filler has become quite popular in the beauty industry, but I’d never want to commit to getting injections—especially when non-invasive lip products can add extra fullness while moisturizing. “The SkinMedica HA Smooth and Plump helps hydrate the lips while visibly improving the appearance of the lips,” Dr. Bosley says. “This product contains ingredients such as dimethicone, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to lubricate and attract moisture to the lips.” Plump lips without any needles involved sound like a dream. 

Dr. Bosley says the key ingredients that make SkinMedica HA Smooth and Plump so moisturizing are dimethicone, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. If increasing the appearance of your lips isn’t on your to-do list, there are many fancy lip balms on the market that feature similar ingredients without adding plumpness. Here are some of the most popular right now that feature ingredients Dr. Bosley recommends: Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm (dimethicone), Paula’s Choice Lip Booster (hyaluronic acid), Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask (glycerin), and Kosas’ Kosasport LipFuel Hyaluronic Acid Lip Balm (hyaluronic acid). 

Everyone has a go-to product, no matter how many different options you own. Dr. Bosley’s? “If I had to simply choose one lip balm for daily use it would be Avene Cicalfate+ Lips Restorative Lip Balm as it protects and restores the lips with an easy-to-apply, non-greasy formula.” I also have a soft spot for Avene’s Cicalfate+ line— its Restorative Protective Cream saved my skin from severe dryness after my esthetician told me I was at a greater risk for wrinkles gasp! Anyway,  I bet Avene’s lip care is great, too. 

Regardless of what you choose, the good Dr. Bosley recommends applying the product as often as needed throughout the day and right before sleeping at night. And when experiencing any dryness. Or chapedness. And right before eating and drinking, too. Basically, as much as I used to apply my Skittles collection in the 7th grade.  

Oh well. As they say—the doctor knows best. Farewell, my fellow lip smackers. 

Your faithful VICE editors independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.