Chapped, dry lips can be a real pain, especially in the UK’s unpredictable weather. You might be dealing with wind, cold, or just constant indoor heating.
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 popular lip balms to find the best. We looked for ones that heal, protect, and feel great to wear all day long.
Our guide breaks down the top performers for you. We’ll help you find the perfect balm to finally end your dry lip struggles.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
O'Keeffe's Lip Repair Lip Balm | Fast Relief | PRICES |
 |
O'Keeffe's Lip Repair Unscented Lip Balm | Unscented Formula | PRICES |
 |
Rimmel Kate Lip Conditioning Balm | Buildable Color | PRICES |
 |
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm | Medicated Formula | PRICES |
 |
Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick | Intense Hydration | PRICES |
 |
Yopela 42 Pack Natural Lip Balm Bulk with Vitamin E and Coconut Oil | Bulk Pack | PRICES |
 |
Terry Naturally Omega 7 Lip Balm | Omega 7 Formula | PRICES |
O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Lip Balm
If you’re dealing with painfully dry or cracked lips, this balm offers serious relief fast.
O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair is specifically made for extremely dry lips. It creates a protective seal to lock in moisture all day long.
The stick format is easy to apply, and you get a cooling sensation upon use. It’s unscented and feels very gentle on sore skin.
Pros:
👍 Provides fast relief for severe dryness
👍 Creates a long-lasting protective barrier
👍 Cooling formula feels soothing on application
👍 Comes in a convenient twin pack
👍 Fragrance-free and gentle
Cons:
👎 The texture can feel a bit waxy to some
👎 Not the most glossy or shiny finish
👎 The cooling effect might not be for everyone
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to rescue balm when my lips are in bad shape. It’s not fancy, but it works incredibly well for healing cracks and preventing further damage.
O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Unscented Lip Balm
If you’re battling painfully dry or cracked lips, this unscented balm is a serious problem-solver.
O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair is designed specifically for very dry lips. It creates a protective seal to lock in moisture all day long. The formula is also unscented and unflavored, which is great for sensitive skin.
The stick applicator is easy to use and feels comfortable. It’s not greasy, so you can apply it and forget about it. I found it really helped to heal my chapped lips quickly.
Pros:
👍 Excellent for severely dry, cracked lips
👍 Creates a long-lasting protective barrier
👍 Unscented and unflavored formula
👍 Non-greasy, comfortable feel
👍 Comes in a convenient multi-pack
Cons:
👎 The texture can feel a bit waxy to some
👎 The plain packaging isn’t very exciting
👎 May be too heavy for those who prefer light balms
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to rescue balm when my lips are in bad shape. It’s not fancy, but it works incredibly well for serious dryness. I’d recommend it to anyone who needs heavy-duty relief.
Rimmel Kate Lip Conditioning Balm
This conditioning balm gives you a hit of sheer colour while seriously nourishing dry lips.
It’s a 2-in-1 product that acts as both a tinted lip balm and a treatment. The formula is packed with moisturising ingredients to soothe flakiness. You get a natural, healthy-looking flush of colour.
The texture is creamy and glides on smoothly without any tugging. It feels comfortable and lightweight on the lips all day. The slim tube is perfect for throwing in your handbag for on-the-go touch-ups.
Pros:
👍 Provides sheer, buildable colour
👍 Deeply conditions and moisturises
👍 Non-sticky, comfortable formula
👍 Convenient and portable packaging
👍 Affordable price point
Cons:
👎 Colour range can be limited
👎 May need reapplication after eating
👎 Some shades can be quite subtle
My Honest Opinion:
I think this is a fantastic choice if you want an easy, low-maintenance lip product. It’s perfect for days when you want a hint of colour without the commitment of a full lipstick.
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm
If you need serious relief from painfully dry, chapped lips, this medicated balm is a powerful first-aid kit in a tube.
It’s packed with ingredients designed to heal and protect. The formula includes SPF 15 to guard against sun damage, which can worsen dryness.
The texture glides on easily for full coverage without feeling too heavy or sticky. You get three tubes in a pack, which is great value.
Pros:
👍 Strong medicated formula for severe dryness
👍 Includes SPF 15 sun protection
👍 Seals in moisture effectively
👍 Smooth, easy application
👍 Excellent value 3-pack
Cons:
👎 Medicinal scent/taste isn’t for everyone
👎 Can feel a bit tingly on very sore lips
👎 SPF level is good but not the highest
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to rescue balm when my lips are cracked and beyond help from regular products. It works fast to soothe and heal, making it a winter essential.
Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick
If you’re looking for serious repair for cracked, dry lips, this Bioderma stick is a pharmacy-grade solution.
It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and glycerin. These work together to deeply hydrate and soothe irritation on contact.
The stick format is super easy to apply and feels lightweight, not greasy. It creates a comfortable, protective barrier that lasts for hours.
Pros:
👍 Intensely hydrating formula
👍 Soothes cracked, sore lips quickly
👍 Non-greasy, comfortable feel
👍 Contains skin-repairing shea butter
👍 Long-lasting protective effect
Cons:
👎 Higher price point than basic balms
👎 Stick can break if twisted up too far
👎 Scent is very mild (some prefer fragrance)
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to when my lips are in bad shape, not just dry. It feels more like a treatment than a regular balm and genuinely helps them heal faster.
Yopela 42 Pack Natural Lip Balm Bulk with Vitamin E and Coconut Oil
This bulk pack is a lifesaver if you’re constantly losing lip balms or want to stock up for the whole family.
You get 42 individual balms across 14 different flavors, so there’s something for everyone. Each one is packed with natural moisturizers like Vitamin E and coconut oil to soothe dry lips fast.
The small, portable tubes are perfect for tossing in your bag, car, or desk drawer. Having so many means you’ll never be caught without one when your lips feel tight and chapped.
Pros:
👍 Incredible value in a bulk pack
👍 14 different flavor varieties to choose from
👍 Key natural ingredients: Vitamin E and coconut oil
👍 Perfect for sharing with family or keeping everywhere
👍 Individually wrapped, great for gifts or parties
Cons:
👎 The sheer quantity might be too much for one person
👎 Flavors are set; you can’t pick and choose individual ones
👎 Packaging is simple, not luxurious
My Honest Opinion:
This is the ultimate practical buy. If you hate running out of lip balm, this pack solves that problem for months. It’s not fancy, but it’s extremely effective and cost-efficient.
Terry Naturally Omega 7 Lip Balm
If your lips feel like sandpaper, this balm’s unique Omega 7 formula is a game-changer.
It uses sea buckthorn seed oil, which is packed with rare Omega 7 fatty acids. This ingredient is fantastic for deep hydration and repairing your skin’s barrier. You also get the classic moisturizing power of organic beeswax and coconut oil.
The texture is smooth and feels luxurious when you apply it. It comes in a handy 3-pack, so you can keep one everywhere you need it. The tube is sturdy and easy to use, even with very dry, cracked lips.
Pros:
👍 Unique Omega 7 (sea buckthorn) formula for deep repair
👍 Contains organic, nourishing ingredients like beeswax
👍 Provides long-lasting hydration, not just a waxy coat
👍 Comes in a convenient multi-pack for value
👍 Soothes severely dry and cracked lips effectively
Cons:
👎 Pricier than many basic drugstore lip balms
👎 The sea buckthorn scent/taste is noticeable (some love it, some don’t)
👎 The texture can feel a bit oily to some users
My Honest Opinion:
This is my top pick for healing lips that are beyond just “a bit chapped.” It feels more like a treatment than a standard balm. If you’ve tried everything else, this one is absolutely worth the investment.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Ingredients & Purpose
Look for hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid. For severely chapped lips, medicated balms with ingredients like camphor or menthol can provide relief. Always check for SPF if you’ll be outdoors.
Texture & Feel
Thick, waxy balms are great for sealing in moisture overnight, while lighter, glossy formulas are better for daytime wear. Avoid anything that feels sticky or gritty, as this can be uncomfortable.
Packaging & Portability
Tubes are hygienic and easy to apply on the go. Pots offer more product but require finger application. Stick formats are the most convenient and mess-free for frequent reapplication throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best lip balm for extremely dry, cracked lips?
For severe dryness, a medicated balm like Blistex or a deeply reparative formula like Bioderma Atoderm is most effective. They work to heal the skin barrier, not just coat the surface.
Can you become addicted to lip balm?
You can’t be chemically addicted, but you can become reliant. If your balm contains irritants like menthol or fragrance, it can cause a cycle of temporary relief followed by more dryness, making you reapply constantly.
How often should I apply lip balm?
Apply as needed when your lips feel dry. For maintenance, applying in the morning and before bed is a good routine. Reapply after eating, drinking, or being in harsh weather.
Is an SPF lip balm necessary?
Yes, lips are susceptible to sun damage which causes dryness and aging. Using a balm with SPF 15 or higher daily is a smart habit, especially in summer or during outdoor activities.
What’s the difference between cheap and expensive lip balms?
Price often reflects ingredient quality and branding. A basic petroleum jelly balm is effective, while pricier options may use higher-grade natural butters, oils, and skin-repairing complexes for better long-term results.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For a reliable, all-round solution that works for most people, the Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick is our top pick. It’s intensely hydrating, fast-absorbing, and perfect for daily repair. If you need medicated relief for painful chapping, the Blistex Medicated Lip Balm is unbeatable. For those who prefer a natural, multi-pack option for the whole family, the Yopela 42 Pack offers fantastic value.
Ultimately, the best lip balm is the one you’ll use consistently. Start with a formula that matches your specific dryness level and lifestyle needs.