Medically reviewed by Dr. Balaji Krishnan, MBBS · Updated September 2026
How to choose
Look for occlusive and emollient ingredients: petrolatum, shea butter, beeswax, ceramides, lanolin (if you are not allergic). Add SPF 15 to 30 for daytime if you are outdoors, since lips tan and burn. Avoid camphor, menthol and strong flavouring in very chapped lips, since the tingle feels good but can irritate and lead to more licking. Choose tubes or pots as you prefer; apply after meals and before bed. Tinted balms are fine if they are labelled lip-safe.
Who really needs this
Anyone with dry or cracked lips, people in air-conditioned rooms, travellers, and anyone on drying skin treatments. SPF lip balms suit people who commute or work outdoors. Persistent cracks at the corners of the mouth, a swelling, white patches or a sore that does not heal in two weeks needs a doctor.
