Chapped, dry lips can be a constant annoyance. You might feel them cracking every time you smile or talk.
With countless lip balms on the shelf, it’s hard to know which one actually works. You don’t want to waste money on something that just sits in your pocket.
We tested dozens of formulas to find real relief. Some healed our lips overnight, while others left us feeling even drier.
This review shares our honest findings. We’ll help you find a balm that truly nourishes your lips, so you can stop worrying about them.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Dr. Dan's Cortibalm | Hydrocortisone Healing | PRICES |
 |
O'Keeffe's Lip Repair Lip Balm | Long-Lasting Barrier | PRICES |
 |
Nécessaire The Lip Balm | Ceramide Repair Formula | PRICES |
 |
Dr. Dan's Cortibalm | Medicinal Hydrocortisone | PRICES |
 |
Burt's Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment | Overnight Moisturization | PRICES |
 |
eos The Hero Lip Repair, Extra Dry Lip Treatment | 24-Hour Moisture | PRICES |
 |
Vitamasques Lip Butter Balm – Sweet Mint, Korean Lip Balm | Repairing Peptides | PRICES |
Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm
This is the lip balm you reach for when your lips are in serious trouble, not just a little dry.
Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm contains 1% hydrocortisone, a mild steroid. This makes it a powerful treatment for severely chapped, cracked, or inflamed lips. It’s designed to heal, not just moisturize.
The texture is smooth and applies easily without feeling overly greasy. It has a subtle, clean scent that isn’t medicinal, which I appreciate for daily use.
Pros:
👍 Contains hydrocortisone for healing
👍 Excellent for severe dryness and cracking
👍 Fragrance-free and gentle formula
👍 Works quickly to reduce inflammation
👍 Recommended by dermatologists
Cons:
👎 Not for everyday preventative use
👎 Can be drying if overused
👎 More expensive than basic balms
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic product to keep in your medicine cabinet for lip emergencies. I don’t use it daily, but when my lips are painfully cracked, it’s the only thing that provides real relief and healing.
O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Lip Balm
If you’re dealing with painfully dry, cracked lips, this balm provides serious relief fast.
O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair is designed for severely dry lips. It creates a protective seal to lock in moisture. The formula also offers a noticeable cooling sensation upon application.
The stick format is easy and hygienic to apply. It feels smooth and isn’t overly waxy or greasy. You can use it day or night for continuous protection.
Pros:
👍 Provides fast relief for extreme dryness
👍 Creates a long-lasting protective barrier
👍 Offers a pleasant cooling feeling
👍 Comes in a convenient twin pack
👍 Unscented and flavorless formula
Cons:
👎 The texture can feel a bit thick to some
👎 The cooling effect might be strong for sensitive users
👎 Stick format can break if applied with too much pressure
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to rescue balm when my lips are in bad shape. It’s not the most glamorous product, but it gets the job done effectively. I think it’s a must-have for anyone who suffers from chronic dry lips.
Nécessaire The Lip Balm
This lip balm feels more like a targeted skin treatment than a simple gloss.
It uses a multi-ceramide complex to repair your lip barrier. This helps lock in moisture for long-lasting relief. The mint flavor also provides a refreshing, cooling sensation.
The hypoallergenic metal tip feels great and applies the balm smoothly. I found it absorbed quickly without any sticky residue left behind.
Pros:
👍 Multi-ceramide formula repairs skin
👍 Cooling metal applicator tip
👍 Non-sticky, fast-absorbing texture
👍 Provides instant relief for dryness
👍 Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
Cons:
👎 Higher price point than basic balms
👎 Metal tip can feel cold initially
👎 Smaller size (0.5 fl oz)
My Honest Opinion:
If you have seriously dry or chapped lips, this treatment is worth it. It feels luxurious and works effectively. I’d recommend it for anyone wanting medical-grade hydration.
Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm
If your lips are painfully cracked and nothing else works, this medicated balm is your heavy-duty rescue.
Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm contains 1% hydrocortisone, a mild steroid that reduces inflammation fast. It’s designed specifically for severe dryness, not just everyday use. You’ll feel relief from cracking and peeling quickly.
The texture is smooth and applies easily without being too greasy. It comes in a simple, no-fuss tube that’s easy to carry with you for frequent application when you need it most.
Pros:
👍 Contains hydrocortisone for medicinal healing
👍 Works fast on severely chapped lips
👍 Fragrance-free and gentle formula
👍 Comes in a convenient multi-pack
👍 Recommended by dermatologists
Cons:
👎 Not for daily/preventative use
👎 Can be drying if overused
👎 Requires careful application
My Honest Opinion:
This is the lip balm you turn to when regular balms fail. It’s a powerful treatment, not a cosmetic. I keep a tube for emergency situations when my lips are in real trouble.
Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment
If you want to wake up with softer, smoother lips, this overnight treatment is a game-changer.
This intensive formula is packed with restorative ingredients like ceramides and Vitamin E. It works while you sleep to deeply moisturize and repair dry, chapped lips. I love that it’s made with natural origin ingredients.
The texture is rich but not overly sticky, so it stays put all night. It comes in a simple, easy-to-use tube that makes application clean and simple.
Pros:
👍 Deeply moisturizes overnight
👍 Contains restorative ceramides & Vitamin E
👍 Made with natural origin ingredients
👍 Non-sticky, comfortable texture
👍 Helps reduce the look of fine lines
Cons:
👎 Jar packaging can be less hygienic
👎 Some may find it too thick for daytime
👎 Scent may not appeal to everyone
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to for serious lip repair. I put it on before bed and consistently wake up with noticeably better lips. It’s a reliable, effective treatment for anyone with chronically dry lips.
eos The Hero Lip Repair, Extra Dry Lip Treatment
This lip treatment is a true rescue product for lips that feel cracked and painfully dry.
It promises 24-hour moisture, which is a bold claim. I found it delivers deep, lasting hydration that really does stick around. The natural strawberry extract gives it a pleasant, subtle scent.
The formula is thick and rich, perfect for an overnight treatment. It feels protective and creates a nice barrier without being overly sticky or waxy on your lips.
Pros:
👍 Provides serious, long-lasting 24-hour moisture
👍 Excellent for overnight repair of extra dry lips
👍 Contains natural strawberry extract
👍 Thick, protective formula that isn’t sticky
👍 Comes in a convenient, hygienic squeeze tube
Cons:
👎 The thick texture might feel too heavy for some during the day
👎 Scent, while pleasant, is noticeable
👎 The tube is small, so you may go through it quickly with frequent use
My Honest Opinion:
If your lips are in a state of emergency, this is the product to call. It’s my go-to for overnight repair when nothing else seems to work, and I wake up with noticeably softer lips.
Vitamasques Lip Butter Balm – Sweet Mint, Korean Lip Balm
This Korean lip balm delivers serious hydration with a refreshing minty twist.
It’s packed with peptides to help repair and plump your lips. The formula is deeply hydrating and leaves a pretty, light tint. You get that coveted K-beauty glow in a simple stick.
The application is smooth and it feels lightweight, not sticky. I love the sweet mint scent—it’s invigorating without being overpowering. The compact tube is perfect for tossing in your purse.
Pros:
👍 Contains repairing peptides
👍 Refreshing sweet mint scent
👍 Provides a natural, light tint
👍 Non-sticky, hydrating formula
👍 Convenient stick application
Cons:
👎 The tint is very subtle
👎 Scent might be strong for some
👎 Tube is on the smaller side
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic pick if you want treatment-level care with a hint of color. It feels luxurious and really does soothe dry lips. I think it’s worth trying for the unique peptide formula alone.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Active Ingredients & Treatment Level
Look for ingredients that heal, not just coat. For severely chapped lips, cortibalm or hydrocortisone (like in Dr. Dan’s) is a medical-grade solution. For everyday dryness, ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid provide deep hydration and repair.
Texture & Feel
This is personal preference. Some prefer a waxy, protective barrier, while others want a buttery, glossy melt. Avoid anything that feels sticky or gritty. A non-sticky, smooth application encourages regular use.
Purpose & Use Case
Are you treating cracked, painful lips or just preventing dryness? Keep a heavy-duty treatment like Dr. Dan’s for emergencies and a more pleasant daily balm like Nécessaire or Burt’s Bees for regular upkeep. Overnight masks work while you sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best lip balm for extremely chapped, cracked lips?
For medical-level dryness, Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm is the top choice. It contains 1% hydrocortisone to quickly reduce inflammation and heal severe cracking that regular balms can’t fix.
Are expensive lip balms worth it?
Sometimes. Higher-priced treatments often contain better, more concentrated repairing ingredients like multi-ceramides or peptides. For basic moisture, a drugstore balm is fine, but for treatment-level care, invest.
How often should I apply lip balm?
Apply as needed, but typically 2-4 times daily for maintenance. If your lips feel tight or dry, reapply. Using an overnight treatment can reduce the need for constant daytime application.
Can I become addicted to lip balm?
You don’t become chemically addicted, but you can become reliant if the balm contains irritants or drying agents. Using a balm with pure, hydrating ingredients helps your lips heal and become self-sufficient.
What ingredients should I avoid in lip balm?
Avoid camphor, menthol, and phenol in high concentrations, as they can be irritating. Also, watch for fragrances and flavors if you have sensitive skin, as they can cause allergic reactions.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After reviewing the top treatments, Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm is the undisputed champion for healing severely dry, cracked lips. It’s a targeted medical solution that works where others fail. For a luxurious, everyday hydrator, Nécessaire The Lip Balm is excellent with its ceramide-rich formula. If you prefer a natural, widely-available option, Burt’s Bees remains a reliable classic.
Your choice depends on the severity of your dryness. Keep a heavy-duty treatment on hand for emergencies and a pleasant daily balm for maintenance.