The Truth About Lip Balm: Does It Really Help Your Lips?

We’ve all been there: reaching for lip balm multiple times a day, hoping it’ll soothe our lips, only to feel like they’re just as dry – if not drier – than before. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In fact, many lip balms on the market can actually make your lips worse, leading to irritation and dryness. So, what’s going on? Why are some lip balms doing more harm than good? Here’s what you need to know to keep your lips soft, healthy, and protected.

Why Do Lips Dry Out So Quickly?

Lips are different from the rest of our skin. They have no sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, which means they can’t naturally retain moisture, and their outer layer is much thinner than other skin. These qualities make them particularly sensitive to the environment – cold weather, dry air, and even talking can leave lips feeling parched.

What Makes a Good Lip Balm?

The key lies in the ingredients. A good lip balm should be free from mineral oils, which are often added as cheap fillers but can contain potentially carcinogenic contaminants. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends steering clear of fragrances and essential oils such as menthol, peppermint, and eucalyptus. While these ingredients may create a cooling sensation, they actually irritate sensitive lips, making them drier over time.

Another ingredient to watch for is lanolin, a fatty substance derived from sheep’s wool. Though it’s popular in skincare products, it can be a major allergen for sensitive skin and was named Allergen of the Year 2023 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Many lip balms contain long lists of oils, waxes, and filler ingredients, which may feel good at first but ultimately lead to more dryness and irritation, causing you to reapply constantly. Some brands might even use these irritating ingredients intentionally, knowing that frequent use means higher sales.

Natural Tips for Soft, Healthy Lips

If you’re looking for ways to keep your lips soft and hydrated without over-relying on lip balm, there are a few simple, effective strategies to try:

- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is one of the simplest ways to moisturize from within.

- Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Vitamins support healthy skin regeneration, which helps keep lips smooth.

- Use a humidifier in your bedroom: Adding moisture to the air can help prevent lips from drying out, especially overnight.

- Avoid licking your lips: While licking may feel soothing, saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before. Plus, enzymes in saliva can actually break down the skin on your lips, making them even more vulnerable.

What If Nothing Seems to Help?

If you’ve tried everything and your lips are still cracked, painful, or even bleeding, it might be time to see a dermatologist. Persistent dryness and soreness can sometimes indicate a yeast or bacterial infection that requires medical treatment.

How to Choose a Good Lip Balm?

Checking the INCI list (ingredients list) on the product label is a great place to start. If a lip balm promotes a specific active ingredient, it should be listed within the first few ingredients; otherwise, it’s likely just marketing. A quality lip balm doesn’t need to contain a laundry list of oils, waxes, and alcohols. In fact, fillers and unnecessary derivatives have no place in a truly effective formula. 

Why does this matter? Over time, we ingest around 1.5 kg of lip balm – our lips absorb it directly through the mucous membranes. Many of us don’t want these ingredients in our mouths or near our loved ones.

With all this in mind, I created POUT SAVER Lip Balm – a product designed with intention: to provide effective lip care without the unnecessary additives.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple

Lip care doesn’t have to be complicated. Less is often more, and with the right ingredients, you can finally put an end to dry, irritated lips – without constant reapplication.

Cheers, Caroline