The 15 Best Lip Balms of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Chapped, dry, or flaky lips? We’ve all been there — and nothing ruins a bold lipstick moment faster than rough lips. The right lip balm can make all the difference between constantly reapplying and having a soft, supple pout all day.

In 2025, lip care has gone from basic to beauty essential. With formulas that hydrate, tint, and protect, today’s hydrating lip balms are smarter, cleaner, and more luxurious than ever. Whether you’re after a tinted lip balm, a natural lip moisturizer, or a healing balm for dry lips, we’ve tested and rounded up the 15 best lip balms of 2025 that truly deliver.

Why Lip Balm Is Still a Must-Have in Every Beauty Bag

Between sun exposure, cold weather, and endless cups of coffee, your lips face a lot of wear and tear. Unlike skin, lips have no oil glands — meaning they can’t naturally retain moisture. That’s where a hydrating lip balm or SPF lip care product becomes your best defense.

Here’s why a good lip balm is essential:

• Prevents dryness and cracking caused by weather or dehydration
  
  

• Locks in moisture to maintain smooth, plump lips
  
  

• Enhances lip color and improves lipstick wear
  
  

• Protects against UV damage with SPF-infused options
  
  

• Heals damaged skin with nourishing oils and butters
  
  

Ready for your best pout yet? Let’s explore the top-rated lip balms of 2025 — all tested and loved for their texture, hydration, and results.

1. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – Best Overnight Hydration

Best For: Deeply repairing dry, flaky lips

A cult favorite that’s still dominating in 2025, Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is an ultra-hydrating treatment designed to work while you sleep. Packed with vitamin C, coconut oil, and berry antioxidants, it smooths even the driest lips overnight.

Why It’s Loved:

• Intense overnight hydration
  
  

• Soft, glossy finish in the morning
  
  

• Comes in delicious flavors like Berry, Vanilla, and Mango
  
  

💋 Pro Tip: Use a small amount during the day as a natural lip moisturizer for an instant glow.

2. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm – Best Natural Classic

Best For: Everyday hydration and eco-friendly beauty lovers

When it comes to natural lip care, Burt’s Bees remains unbeatable. With beeswax, vitamin E, and a refreshing hint of peppermint oil, it keeps your lips soft without synthetic additives.

Why We Love It:

• 100% natural ingredients
  
  

• Subtle cooling effect
  
  

• Budget-friendly and widely available
  
  

Fun Fact: This timeless formula hasn’t changed in over two decades — because it works.

3. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm – Best Vegan Formula

Best For: Smooth, glossy lips with a hint of tint

This buttery-soft tinted lip balm doubles as a gloss and treatment. Made with shea butter and murumuru seed, it deeply nourishes while giving your lips a natural, dewy glow.

Trending 2025 Shade: “Brown Sugar” — the perfect neutral with a subtle sheen.

Why It’s Worth It:

• Vegan and cruelty-free
  
  

• Non-sticky finish
  
  

• Luxurious packaging
  
  

4. Aquaphor Healing Ointment – Best Healing Balm for Dry Lips

Best For: Severely chapped or cracked lips

A true dermatologist favorite, Aquaphor remains one of the most effective healing balms for dry lips. It seals in moisture, helps repair the skin barrier, and gives instant relief from irritation.

Why It’s a Classic:

• Multi-purpose (use on cuticles or dry patches too)
  
  

• Fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin
  
  

• Provides visible improvement overnight
  
  

5. Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment – Best Anti-Aging Lip Care

Best For: Plumping and smoothing fine lines

This luxury lip balm combines hyaluronic acid, sugar, and sea fennel extract to deeply moisturize and rejuvenate lips. It also contains SPF 15, making it an excellent SPF lip care choice.

Why We Recommend It:

• Reduces fine lines with regular use
  
  

• Subtle citrus scent
  
  

• Perfect under lipstick
  
  

6. Glossier Balm Dotcom – Best Multi-Purpose Balm

Best For: Minimalists and on-the-go hydration

Loved by beauty editors everywhere, Glossier Balm Dotcom is a universal skin salve that works on lips, cheeks, and cuticles. Its hydrating formula comes in fun flavors like Rose, Mint, and Birthday.

Why It’s a Staple:

• Hydrating yet lightweight
  
  

• Adds natural shine
  
  

• Cute, travel-friendly packaging
  
  

7. NIVEA Moisture Lip Care – Best Drugstore Pick

Best For: Everyday use and instant softness

An old favorite that continues to shine, NIVEA’s Moisture Lip Care delivers a smooth, creamy glide with shea butter and aloe vera.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

• Affordable and reliable
  
  

• Instantly hydrates and smooths
  
  

• Long-lasting moisture for up to 8 hours
  
  

Bonus: It’s fragrance-free and perfect for sensitive lips.

8. Dior Addict Lip Glow – Best Tinted Lip Balm

Best For: A luxury pop of color with skincare benefits

Dior’s Addict Lip Glow remains one of the most iconic tinted lip balms — and for good reason. It reacts to your body’s pH to create a custom color that enhances your natural lip tone.

Why It’s Iconic:

• Hydrating formula with mango butter
  
  

• Long-lasting tint with a radiant finish
  
  

• Elegant packaging you’ll love to show off
  
  

9. Vaseline Rosy Lips – Best Budget Lip Balm

Best For: Affordable hydration with a rosy glow

Simple, effective, and classic — Vaseline Rosy Lips combines petroleum jelly with a hint of tint for moisture and shine. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly lip balm for daily wear.

Why It Works:

• Locks in moisture instantly
  
  

• Adds a subtle rosy sheen
  
  

• Compact and easy to carry
  
  

10. Eos Shea + Vitamin E Lip Balm – Best Spherical Balm

Best For: Fun packaging and smooth hydration

The Eos balm’s cute design isn’t just aesthetic — it delivers real results. Infused with shea butter and vitamin E, it nourishes dry lips while tasting delicious.

Why We Love It:

• Fun to use and easy to find
  
  

• 100% natural and dermatologist-tested
  
  

• Long-lasting hydration
  
  

11. Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm – Best for Luxe Lip Repair

Best For: Softening and strengthening delicate lip skin

Packed with avocado oil, peptides, and marula butter, this natural lip moisturizer by Drunk Elephant is all about nourishment and repair.

Why It’s Worth Splurging:

• Helps plump and smooth fine lines
  
  

• Strengthens skin barrier
  
  

• Perfect for aging or sun-damaged lips
  
  

12. Blistex Medicated Lip Balm – Best for Cold Weather

Best For: Windburn and harsh climates

Blistex Medicated Balm is a winter lifesaver. It soothes irritation, protects from cracking, and includes SPF 15 for year-round protection.

Why It’s Great:

• Menthol cooling sensation
  
  

• Instant relief from discomfort
  
  

• Ideal for outdoor activities
  
  

13. Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask – Best for Overnight Repair

Best For: Hydration and luxurious self-care

This silky overnight lip mask by Tatcha is powered by Japanese peach extract and squalane. It melts into the lips, leaving them smooth and plump by morning.

Why It’s Luxurious:

• Glass packaging and lightweight texture
  
  

• Clinically proven to hydrate for 8+ hours
  
  

• Great as a night-time ritual
  
  

14. Supergoop! Play Lip Balm SPF 30 – Best SPF Lip Care

Best For: Sun protection and outdoor wear

This SPF lip balm from Supergoop! offers broad-spectrum UV protection without the chalky finish. It hydrates while defending against sunburn and premature aging.

Why We Recommend It:

• SPF 30 protection
  
  

• Smooth, non-greasy texture
  
  

• Water-resistant and reef-safe
  
  

15. ILIA Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm – Best Clean Beauty Pick

Best For: Eco-conscious beauty lovers

ILIA’s Balmy Tint line delivers rich hydration with rosehip seed oil and shea butter, plus a subtle wash of color. It’s a clean beauty favorite that feels as good as it looks.

Why It’s Perfect:

• Natural ingredients, cruelty-free
  
  

• Gorgeous shades for every skin tone
  
  

• Long-lasting comfort
  
  

How to Choose the Right Lip Balm for You

Not all lip balms are created equal. Here’s how to find your perfect match:

Pro Tip: Avoid balms with drying alcohols or menthol if you have sensitive skin.

Lip Care Routine for Perfectly Smooth Lips

To keep your lips soft and hydrated year-round:

1. Exfoliate once or twice a week with a sugar scrub.
   
   

2. Apply a hydrating lip balm morning and night.
   
   

3. Use SPF lip care during the day.
   
   

4. Avoid licking your lips — it causes dryness.
   
   

5. Stay hydrated from within with plenty of water.
   
   

Final Thoughts

The perfect lip balm isn’t just about hydration — it’s about confidence, comfort, and care. Whether you need a healing balm for dry lips, a tinted tint for everyday glow, or an SPF lip care essential for protection, these 15 best lip balms of 2025 have you covered.

💋 Your best lips ever are just one swipe away.

Suggested Internal Links:

• Explore our latest skincare & beauty essentials
  
  

• Shop hydrating lip care and glosses
  
  

• Discover trending self-care must-haves for 2025
  
  

Suggested External Links:

• Vogue Beauty – Lip Care Trends 2025
  
  

• Allure – Best Lip Balms for Dry Lips
  
  

• Harper’s Bazaar – Lip Care Innovations