10 Best Cruelty-Free Lip Balms That You Must Buy (2024), As Per An Expert
Show our furry friends some love by using chemical-free and plant-based lip formulas.
Anna MisztelaLicensed Esthetician
Anna is a licensed esthetician and the founder and owner of Beauty and Cutie® hair, skin and nails vitamins from New York. Her interest in nutrition analysis and beauty propelled her to obtain a certification in Nutrition Science from the ... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Did you know that some conventional lip balms contain beeswax and lanolin that are cruelly derived from animals and tested on them? Now that you know, ditch them and opt for the best cruelty-free lip balms. They contain organic ingredients like shea butter and fruits that protect your lips from the harsh forces of nature and keep them healthy. Please take a look at our carefully curated list of the top cruelty-free lip balms available online! Get those perfectly pouty lips without hurting our furry friends out there.
In This Article
10 Best Cruelty-Free Lip Balms Of 2024
1. Best For Sensitive Skin: Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm
This tinted lip balm offers a natural-looking color and intensive moisturization. It keeps your lips supple and soft for up to eight hours. The plant-based formula is enriched with avocado oil, acai extracts, and pomegranate. This environmentally friendly moisturizing balm does not feel waxy or sticky and is comfortable to wear. This vegan product is the ultimate choice for anyone who wants beautiful lips with a clear conscience as they use a beeswax alternative, instead of harsh ingredients, and promise no animal testing!
Key Ingredients: Acai extracts, Pomegranate, and Avocado oil
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Petroleum-free
- Paraben-free
- No synthetic fragrance
- Silicon-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Vegan
- Non-sticky
- Dermatologist tested
- Available in various shades
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
"This is a favorite for its moisturizing qualities and subtle pop of color. It's been a winter staple with its creamy texture that does not feel heavy or sticky. It is perfect for a natural look with hydration."
2. Best Organic Formula: Omorfee Lip Lightening Salve Lip Balm
Brighten your dark, dull lips with this soothing lip balm by Omorfee. It is enriched with organic ingredients that bring back the lost color and shine on your lips. This lip balm contains cocoa butter that hydrates your lips and leaves them smooth and soft. Carrot seed oil, rich in vitamin A, treats pigmentation. This cruelty-free product also contains sweet almond oil, which reverses dryness and makes the lips lighter. It is ideal for damage caused by chemical-based lipsticks, UV rays, and smoking. The antioxidant-rich ingredients have healing properties and provide SPF protection.
Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, Pineapple extract, Sweet almond oil, and Carrot seed oil.
Pros
- Organic formula
- Pleasant scent
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- No synthetic colors
- SLS-free
- Alcohol-free
- PEG-free
- Paraffin-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,906 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
3. Best Hydrating: Hanalei Lip Treatment
The Hanalei Lip Treatment is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including kukui oil, agave nectar, shea butter, and grapeseed oil. Kukui oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that soothe and repair damaged skin, and agave nectar is a natural humectant that attracts and locks in moisture. Other ingredients, like shea butter and grapeseed oil, are powerful emollients that deeply moisturize and soften the skin. This lip treatment is a lightweight formula that gets absorbed quickly, leaving your lips feeling smooth and comfortable. After just one day of use, your lips will be 46% more hydrated and there will be 56% less moisture loss, as reported by satisfied reviewers online. If you are looking at flavor options for sensitive lips, this scented lip balm, delivering a glossy finish with easy application, is the best choice. This moisturizing lip balm also comes in a squeeze tube.
Key ingredients: Kukui Oil, Agave Nectar, Shea Butter, and Grapeseed Oil
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight
- Quick absorbing
- Non-greasy
- Long-lasting
- Available in a variety of flavors
Cons
- Expensive
"This offers medical-grade rejuvenation to chapped lips without the boring medicinal scent and feel. The formula also has a soothing effect. The shine adds a nice touch without being overpowering. Overall, it has good protective qualities even in the harsh climates."
Pro Tip| Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm Best For Sensitive Skin | Omorfee Lip Lightening Salve Lip Balm Best Organic Formula | Hanalei Lip Treatment Best Hydrating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Summer Melon | Cream | Clear |
| Skin Type | All | Dry | Dry |
| Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 5 inches | 2.36 x 2.36 x 1.57 inches | 3.2 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches |
| Weight | 0.62 Ounces. | 0.35 Ounces. | 0.7 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 15,546 | 3,906 | - |
| Price | $8.99 | $14.95 | $15.99 |
4. Best Child-Friendly Formula: Treat Jumbo Lip Balm
This jumbo lip balm by Treat features a fun design and innovative flavors like sour candy, chocolate hazelnut, honey, and black licorice. The moisturizing balm formula contains shea butter and pure coconut oil, which protect and soothe your dry and chapped lips. Citric acid gently exfoliates and removes the dead skin layers from your lips. This portable size, twist-up tube is easy to use and works wonders on your lips.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter and Coconut oil.
Pros
- Safe for kids
- No artificial ingredients
- Long-lasting formula
- Available in multiple flavors
Cons
- None
"The slightly bigger-than-average design makes it last longer and a breeze to locate in the depths of a purse. The whimsical CandyLand-esque packaging is also a conversation starter. The formula glides on smoothly and provides lasting moisture, a genuine treat for the lips."
5. Best Ethically Made Formula: Farmstead Apothecary Lip Balm
Say goodbye to your chapped lips with this soothing lip balm by Farmstead Apothecary. It is ethically sourced and does not contain any harsh ingredients that can cause irritation. The organic formula is absorbed easily into your damaged skin and treats it from within. The shea butter and coconut oil condition and nourish your lips, while vitamin E protects them from free radical damage. This vegan product comes in four fragrances – apricot, boysenberry vanilla, fig and honey, and pear and almond. This handcrafted stick format lip balm is pocket-friendly, allergy-tested, and a good vegan option.
Key Ingredients: Organic stevia, Beeswax, Shea butter, Coconut oil, and Vitamin E.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Gentle formula
- Absorbed easily
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Talc-free
- SLS-free
- Vegan
- Biodegradable packaging
Cons
- None
"This keeps my lips hydrated without constant reapplication. The gentle fragrance alongside the creamy texture makes for a pleasant user experience. A little goes a long way with twice-daily applications lasting me over six months."
Quick tip6. Best For Chapped Lips: Hanalei Kukui Lip Balm
This tropical treat by the trusted brand Hanalei is your ticket to softer, smoother, and plumper lips. It is infused with pure Hawaiian kukui oil, which hydrates your lips and relieves dryness. This cruelty-free lip balm comes in five flavors – island mint, tropical citrus, coconut pear, vanilla, and lilikoi.
Key Ingredients: Hawaiian kukui oil
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Gentle formula
- Non-sticky
- Long-lasting
- Available in 5 tropical flavors
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Talc-free
Cons
- None
"This lip product offers consistent moisturizing qualities without feeling greasy. It has become my daily essential and is stashed in every corner for convenience. It’s a reliable pick for a smooth, lightweight kind of comfort."
7. Best Refreshing Lip Balm: Dionis Peppermint Twist Lip Balm
Now stay fresh and energized all day with this soothing lip balm by Dionis. It contains goat milk, which is easily absorbed into your skin and moisturizes it. Coconut oil and shea butter nourish your lips, repair chapped lips, and keep them plump. This lip balm does not leave a sticky and tacky feeling, which makes it comfortable to wear.
Key Ingredients: Goat milk, Shea butter, Coconut oil, Beeswax, and Peppermint extract.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Absorbed easily
- Subtle fragrance
- Value for money
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This has a larger-than-average size that lasts long and a nourishing formula that absorbs nicely without any greasy feel. It also has a pleasant, quick-dissipating scent. It leaves my lips feeling just right - not shiny, not dry. It's a dependable staple in my daily routine."
8. Best Tinted Lip Balm: Honeybee Gardens Totally Natural Lip Balm
This gorgeous tinted lip balm by Honeybee is a showstopper. It provides translucent or sheer coverage while hydrating and protecting your lips. The gentle formula contains coconut oil, cocoa butter, castor seed oil, and argan oil, which nourish and protect your lips. You will get soft, smooth, and plump lips easily with this vegan product.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Argan oil, and Cocoa seed butter
Pros
- Available in 5 flattering shades
- Pleasant scent
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Messy application
"This tinted balm has a hydrating formula with a noticeable pop of color. It lasts through meals and long, active days. It caters to my preference for natural, ethical products, and the lovely cherry flavor is fun. The gentle formula also soothes chapped lips and makes them supple."
9. Best Flavor Range: Poppy & Pout Lip Balm
This natural lip balm by Poppy & Pout is packed into paperboard tubes with extra care. It contains skin-loving ingredients derived from nature. This lip balm is a unique blend of coconut oil and sunflower that deeply conditions your lips. It contains a simple ingredient like vitamin E that reverses damage, and protects your lips. Grapefruit oil lightens your lips and leaves a fruity scent.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Sunflower oil, and Vitamin E.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Sustainable packaging
- Long-lasting
- Brightens your lips
- Available in multiple flavours
Cons
- None
"This lip balm is both moisturizing and comfortable to wear, without any greasy or waxy feel. The formula truly locks in moisture while feeling light on the lips and the scent is pleasant. I like the eco-friendly packaging, which is a thoughtful touch. It has earned its place in my daily essentials."
10. Best Vegan Formula: Plum Candy Melts Vegan Lip Balm
The Plum Candy Melts Vegan Lip Balm offers hydrated lips. This vegan, cruelty-free lip balm contains nourishing carrot seeds that repair chapped lips and sun-damaged lips. Shea and cocoa butters moisturize your lips and make them plump. Plant-based olive oil keeps the lips soft and supple, making it a great addition to your lip balm collection.
Key Ingredients: Carrot seed oil, Cocoa butter, Shea butter, and Olive oil,
Pros
- Provides UV protection
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Lip balms are an essential part of our lip care routine and are used during all seasons. Read the section below to find out what factors to consider while choosing a cruelty-free lip balm.
What To Look For In Cruelty-Free Lip Balms
- Ingredients
Carefully read the ingredient label while buying lip balms. Choose a product that contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or apricot kernel oil. Also, balms with sweet almond oil and silk proteins form a protective layer on your skin and leave a silky gloss.
- Packaging
Lip balms come in different types of packaging, like jars, sticks, and tubes. Choose the right kind based on how often and when you apply the lip balms. Also, keep in mind the portability factor and select mess-free packaging to avoid accidental spillage.
- Additional Benefits
The skin on your lips is delicate and prone to damages caused by harmful UV rays. Therefore it is best if you choose a lip balm infused with at least SPF 15.
If you have very chapped, dry, or peeling lips due to cold weather, make sure to purchase a lip balm that contains lanolin and essential butters. These ingredients help nourish and treat your lips and prevent damages.
While most lip balms come in a neutral color, a few of them are tinted. A tinted lip balm can add a pop of color to your lips while nourishing them.
- Certification Stamps
Several brands get their product tested and recognized to show the customers their moral position. So, always look for certifications like Leaping Bunny, PETA, or Rabbit Without Borders.
Infographic: Key Ingredients Of A Cruelty-Free Lip Balm
Cruelty-free lip balms contain nourishing ingredients that have been derived without harming animals. They nourish your lips and do not cause any allergic reactions or irritation. The infographic below lists some of the most common ingredients that you can find in these lip balms. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Lip balms are meant to nourish and moisturize your lips, and that is why you need to opt for the best cruelty-free lip balms devoid of animal-based ingredients like lanolin and beeswax. Cruelty-free lip balms are enriched with organic ingredients that keep your lips healthy and nourished. The Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm is a non-waxy formula that offers buildable color, while the Omorfee Organic Lip Lightening Balm is a hydrating formula that eliminates pigmentation. But if you are looking for a lip repairing and rejuvenating formula, try the Hanalei Lip Treatment. The reviewed options in the list are devoid of any synthetic chemicals and fragrances and they are not tested on animals. They are also non-sticky and available in different shades. Consider the active ingredients, packaging, additional benefits, and certification stamps while choosing the best cruelty-free lip balms. For more information, be sure to read reviews online to know about the tester’s experience of using the lip product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cruelty-free lip balm lighten dark lips?
Yes. Lip balms like the Omorfee Lip Lightening Salve Lip Balm contain carrot seed oil and sweet almond oil that reverses dryness and treats hyperpigmentation.
Is applying cruelty-free lip balm daily good?
Yes. Apply cruelty-free lip balm daily to moisturize your lips, protect them from harsh UV rays, and soften their texture.
Which lip balm makes lips pink?
The Treat Jumbo Lip Balm contains shea butter and coconut oil that nourish your lip skin. In addition, the citric acid softens and exfoliates the dead skin cells and restores the original pinkish hue of your lips.
Are there any side effects of lip balm?
No, lip balms are made for daily use. However, if you are an allergy-prone person, check out the ingredients list before using any formula.
Does wearing lip balm reduce your lips’ ability to stay naturally moisturized?
Yes. Excessive use of lip balm may decrease your lips’ own potency to self-moisturize. Even if you are using an everyday lip balm, avoid applying any products to your lips for a few hours each day to let them breathe and nourish on their own.
How often should you apply cruelty-free lip balm?
Apply cruelty-free lip balm daily to moisturize your lips.
Can I use lip oil as a lip balm?
Yes. Use lip oil as a lip balm to moisturize your lips for a long time. Lip oils a glossy look to your lips.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author, is a certified skin care coach who loves to use cruelty-free lip balms because they are packed with organic ingredients. This list of the best cruelty-free lip balms has been put together after thorough research and going through multiple reviews and user feedback. These products keep your lips soft and moisturized without adversely affecting the animals.
