20 Best Lip Balms For Dark Lips

Written by Esha Saxena, MA (Mass Communication & Media Studies)  • 
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Dark and pigmented lips are a common problem that affects a lot of people. Don’t we all wish to have soft, rosy lips? Using a good, nourishing lip balm can be your elixir. With infinite options available in the market, it gets really tough to pick one that targets this issue. We need an efficient lip product with sun-protection, healthy nutrients and nourishing elements to help hydrate, soften and lighten our lips. Let’s look at some of the best lip balms to help get rid of dark lips.

Before we move on to the list, here are some very real reasons behind our lips becoming dark.

  • Excessive exposure to UV rays
  • Dry and chapped lips
  • Smoking
  • Improper removal of lip stains and other products
  • Anemia and eating disorders
  • Genetics
  • Allergens found in toothpaste or synthetic colors and fragrances in lip products

If you are facing this issue due to any of the above factors, don’t you worry because we have a list of some effective lip balms to help heal the damage.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Overall:The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care SPF 15
Price On Amazon
Best For Cold Weather:Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1Price On Amazon
Best Hydrating:Forest Essential Luscious Lip Balm – Sugared Rose PetalPrice On Amazon
Best Paraben-Free Lip Blam:Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, BeeswaxPrice On Amazon
Best Uv Protection:Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15Price On Amazon
Best For Even Lip Tone:Biotique Bio White Whitening Lip Balm
Price On Amazon
Best For Chapped Lips:TNW Herbal Lip Balm
Price On Amazon
Best Smelling:Organic Harvest Lily Pink Lip Balm
Price On Amazon
Best For All Seasons:Sebamed Lip Stick SPF 30 For Dry & Chapped LipsPrice On Amazon
Best Long-Lasting:Carmex Moisturizing Lip BalmPrice On Amazon

20 Best Lip Balms For Dark Lips

1.Best Overall:The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care SPF 15

This moisturizing lip balm from The Body Shop comes with the goodness of Vitamin E. It soothes and protects the lips from the drying effects of the sun, wind and the cold weather.

Pros

  • Contains Vitamin E
  • Comes with SPF 15
  • Soothes and moisturizes dry, chapped lips while locking moisture in
  • Treats pigmentation and discoloration when used over a period
  • Not tested on animals

Cons

  • It’s hard to get your hands on this lip balm because it always runs out of stock

The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care SPF 15 Review

This Body Shop lip balm is loaded with Vitamin E and a subtle vanilla fragrance that is not at all overpowering. It also contains beeswax and oils that help condition and moisturize your lips. The product is a perfect balance between waxy, buttery and shiny. It keeps my lips hydrated for hours, and when I leave it on overnight, I wake up to soft and supple lips. Vitamin E is one of the best antioxidants that gives you overall protection against environmental elements that damage your lips. It helps neutralize free radicals and regenerate cell growth. To see a difference, use this over a minimum of three months, and you will never use another lip balm.

2.Best For Cold Weather:Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1

Formulated with soothing emollients, Lanolin, Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin A & E, the Kiehl’s lip balm helps protect lips from the drying effects of the sun, wind and the cold weather.

Pros

  • Provides intense moisture and nourishment
  • Repairs chapped lips
  • Contains ingredients like Vitamin A and E
  • Comes in different flavors besides the original flavorless one

Cons

  • The consistency is slightly liquidy
  • The tube packaging is unhygienic, and you end up wasting product

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 Review

Kiehl’s is a very reputed brand, and this lip balm indeed does a great job of healing cracked and dry lips. The ingredients in this product are extremely beneficial – especially the Vitamin A and E which are one of the best sources of antioxidants to combat free radicals and damage. It also contains Squalane, Wheat Germ Oil, and Lanolin that help in moisturizing and preventing hyperpigmentation. It does help heal dark lips when used over a period of time.

3.Best Hydrating:Forest Essential Luscious Lip Balm – Sugared Rose Petal

This luxurious lip balm comes with the goodness of fresh rose petals soaked in honey to protect your lips. Its incredible moisturizing and hydrating properties help seal moisture and soothe dry lips, leaving them soft and supple.

Pros

  • All natural, chemical-free
  • Light-weight yet moisturizing
  • Gives lips a beautiful, subtle sheen
  • Can also be used as a base for your lipstick

Cons

  • Slightly pricey
  • It does not smell great
  • Has to be reapplied every couple of hours

Forest Essential Luscious Lip Balm Review

This lip balm by the luxury brand ‘Forest Essentials’ contains flower juices, Kokum butter, minerals, proteins, and Beeswax. It intensely moisturizes your lips and leaves them looking healthy and glowy. It’s enriched with the goodness of Beeswax and natural butter that help seal the moisture in your lips. The packaging is classy and it comes in a beautiful box with a tiny mirror. It needs to be reapplied every two hours if you have super dry lips. The rose petals and honey help to deal with pigmentation and darkening of the lips.

4.Best Paraben-Free Lip Blam:Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, Beeswax

Infused with Beeswax, Peppermint oil, and Vitamin E, this lip balm by Burt’s Bees is paraben-free and made of 100% natural ingredients. Beeswax conditions lips while Vitamin E moisturizes.

Pros

  • Deeply nourishing and moisturizing
  • Keeps lips moisturized for longer
  • 100% natural and paraben-free
  • Contains the goodness of peppermint oil

Cons

  • The consistency is slightly thick and waxy
  • Only available online

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Review

This is the original Beeswax lip balm, and it comes in three forms – a tube, the traditional tin and a handy chapstick. This product does an amazing job at healing dry, chapped and flaky lips. It repairs and restores moisture and helps in making your lips softer and smoother. The ingredients in this lip balm also help in healing sun damage and in reviving the natural pinkness of your lips. Use it religiously to see a difference.

5.Best Uv Protection:Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15

4.2
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 Image: Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer

This lip balm by Neutrogena softens, smooths and protects dry lips. It comes with UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of 15.

Color: Cream White | Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 3.23 x 0.67 x 4.49 inches | Weight: 0.14 Ounces

Pros

  • Moisturizes dry lips
  • Comes with SPF 15
  • PABA-free
  • Fragrance-free and colorless
  • Neat Packaging

Cons

  • Needs to be reapplied at regular intervals
  • Intimidating warning message on tube

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 Review

This lip balm by Neutrogena is perfect to wear during the day as it contains sufficient sun-protection and SPF. This will create a protective barrier against harmful UVA and UVB rays – preventing further darkening and pigmentation of your lips. I found this product to be light-weight and moisturizing. It does heal chapped lips to a great extent and helps in maintaining the overall health of your lips. This is more medicinal in nature and it contains ingredients like Ocitinoxate and Oxybenzone besides castor seed oil and beeswax. With usage over time, it replenishes the health of your lips – making them look rosy and livelier.

6.Best For Even Lip Tone:Biotique Bio White Whitening Lip Balm

This whitening lip balm helps nourish your lips and heal them with the natural, caring properties of aloe vera. It claims to lighten and even out lip tones. It comes with SPF 30 PA +++ protection to guard your lips against sun damage. It can also be used as an overnight therapy.

Pros

  • It’s 100% organic
  • It offers SPF 30
  • It helps treat pigmentation
  • Moisturizing and hydrating
  • Gives a subtle tint of color

Cons

  • Takes time to work

Biotique Bio White Whitening Lip Balm Review

This lip balm by Biotique is a great option for anyone who likes sticking to Ayurvedic products and also for someone who’s on a budget. It does an efficient job of moisturizing and providing nourishment to the lips while giving an ample amount of sun protection. It can also be used at nights as a lip therapy, and you wake up to softer, more hydrated lips. It does work to treat pigmentation and discoloration, but you will need to be patient with it since it’s an all-natural lip product. You can give this a shot!

7.Best For Chapped Lips:TNW Herbal Lip Balm

Nourish your lips with TNW Herbal Lip Balm enriched with beetroot extract and honey for a glossy finish. It is further infused with apricot oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. All these ingredients work in tandem to keep your lips pink, moisturized, and healthy. The balm has antioxidants to prevent age damage, prevents cracks, and heals chapped lips to give you beautiful, smooth lips. Additionally, the lip balm protects from the UV rays of the sun.

Pros

  • Plant-based oils
  • Creamy texture
  • Paraben-free
  • Chemical-free
  • Non-toxic ingredients
  • Cruelty-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant scent

TNW Herbal Lip Balm Review

This lip balm comes with a smooth texture and helps to keep the lips soft and supple. It makes your lips glossy and boosts the nourishment of your lips. In addition, this unisex product protects the lip from sun and age damage and keeps them hydrated for a longer time.

8.Best Smelling:Organic Harvest Lily Pink Lip Balm

Organic Harvest Lily Pink Lip Balm is packed with the goodness of lily, jojoba oil, and olive oil that provides intense hydration and heals dry lips. The jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E that makes your lips supple and prevents aging. Lily eliminates the toxins present on the lips. In addition, olive oil moisturizes the lips and keeps them soft.

Pros

  • Organic
  • Exfoliates
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • No harsh chemicals

Cons

  • Overpowering scent

Organic Harvest Lily Pink Lip Balm Review

This lip balm comes with a smooth texture and is a unisex product formulated to eliminate pigmentation to make your lips even-toned. In addition, the lip balm acts as a protective layer over the lips to lock in moisture. It also nourishes the lips and makes them look soft and supple. It has a very light tint, making it perfect for daytime use.

9.Best For All Seasons:Sebamed Lip Defense Stick SPF 30 For Dry & Chapped Lips

The Sebamed Lip Defense Stick is ideal for dry, chapped lips. It defends against harmful UV rays and is suitable for all seasons. It has no preservatives and contains ingredients like vitamin E, chamomile extract, rice bran and jojoba extracts.

Pros

  • Contains SPF 30 and protects against sun damage
  • Thoroughly moisturizes and nourishes lips
  • Light-weight and comfortable to wear
  • You can see results after a few uses
  • Suitable for all lip types and all seasons

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

Sebamed Lip Defense Stick SPF 30 For Dry & Chapped Lips Review

If you are looking for an all-in-one intensive care lip treatment – this is it! The Sebamed lip defense stick even works on incredibly chapped and flaky lips. The texture is smooth and gets easily absorbed. It does not feel heavy on your lips, and there’s no compromise when it comes to moisturizing. You can wear it during the day as it has SPF 30 and protects extremely well against sun damage. You can also use it as a night treatment, and you will see improvement within just a few days. Ingredients such as vitamin E and jojoba oil seal in the moisture and give your lips a supple, brightened look.

10.Best Long-Lasting:Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm

Carmex gives long-lasting relief for dry, chapped lips. It comes with SPF 15 and contains medicinal properties to give you smooth, healthy lips.

Pros

  • Works from the first application itself
  • Makes lips very soft
  • Heals cuts, cold sores, and extremely chapped lips
  • It also includes vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter and avocado butter besides the medicinal properties
  • Comes in different types of packing – a balm, tube, and chapstick

Cons

  • Unavailability in India (but you will find it online at import prices)
  • Can’t be applied under your lipstick
  • It’s not light-weight

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm Review

This lip balm is a blessing for your lips. Carmex is one of the most famous lip balm brands in the world, and I can see why – it works wonders in a very short time. The texture of this lip balm is slightly greasy but you can use it as a lip mask at night, and you will wake up to the softest, most rejuvenated lips! Yes, it works to moisturize, hydrate, heal and protect your lips – but in time, I noticed my lips looking healthier and brighter, also, my lip color looked more uniform and rosy. The ingredients in this product promote skin rejuvenation. You need to try this!

11.Best For Soft Lips:Khadi Natural Wine Grapefruit Lip Balm

Khadi Natural Wine Grapefruit lip balm is enriched with essential oils, which keeps lips nourished. It’s a 100% paraben-free, handmade herbal product.

Pros

  • Paraben-free and all-natural
  • Moisturizes and heals dry lips
  • Leaves a subtle shine on lips
  • Pocket-friendly
  • Makes lips appear fuller and plump

Cons

  • Contains no SPF
  • The fragrance is not pleasing
  • It’s slightly bitter (due to its herbal properties)

Khadi Natural Wine Grapefruit Lip Balm Review

This lip balm by Khadi comes in a small transparent jar. It does leave a subtle wine tint on your lips when it’s applied generously. I like the all-natural ingredient content of this product – it contains beeswax, shea butter, grape seed extract, avocado oil, kokum butter, and glycerin – all of which are known to contribute towards healthy skin. It does a good job at hydrating and restoring moisture in dehydrated, dull lips. When used over a period of time, this lip balm does help with pigmentation and discoloration by evening out your lip tone.

12.Best For Healthy Lips:Blistex DCT Lip Balm SPF 20

This is a daily conditioning treatment for the maintenance of healthy lips. It contains the goodness of aloe vera, cocoa butter, vitamins A & E. It also offers SPF 20 protection.

Pros

  • Extremely moisturizing
  • Heals and repairs even the most terribly chapped lips
  • Comes with SPF 20
  • One tub lasts for a long time
  • Contains ingredients like cocoa butter and candelilla wax

Cons

  • Only available online
  • Slightly pricey (due to import charges)

Blistex DCT Lip Balm SPF 20 Review

I religiously used this conditioning lip treatment every night before bed and my lips transformed into the softest lips. It protects my lips from sun damage and helps in preventing further pigmentation. I highly recommend this to anyone who is suffering from cuts or cracks in their lips – this hydrates and nourishes like no other product. It helps in bringing back color to dark lips due to its nourishing properties. It has an impressive content of ingredients that are known for its repairing properties.

13.Best Lightweight:Palmer’s Cocoa Formula Butter Lip Balm SPF 15

Helps prevent and protect chapped, cracked or wind-burned lips. Packed with the goodness of vitamin E and cocoa butter, this offers you sun protection with SPF 20.

Pros

  • Contains SPF 20
  • Contains vitamin E
  • A subtle cocoa butter fragrance
  • Hydrates well
  • Keeps lips moisturized for long without having to be frequently reapplied

Cons

  • Slightly waxy
  • Won’t work well on extremely chapped lips

Palmer’s Cocoa Formula Butter Lip Balm SPF 15 Review

This is a decent lip balm backed by a famous brand. It does not do anything extraordinary but it smells heavenly. It’s very essential to wear a lip balm that contains SPF during the day and this is a good option. It’s colorless but the texture is slightly waxy so I can’t say it feels lightweight. However, it does protect the lips from further drying and dehydration.

14.Best Nourishing:Lotus Herbals Lip Balm

Lotus Herbal Lip Balm is packed with honey, almond oil, raspberry extracts, and jojoba oil. This lip balm effectively heals dry, cracked lips and keeps them hydrated. The natural vitamin E in almond oil targets pigmentation and protects from everyday pollution. In addition, honey has excellent antimicrobial properties to protect from damage and is a strong emollient, providing excellent lubrication to your lips.

Pros

  • Long-lasting softness
  • Natural tint
  • Delicious fragrance
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • None

Lotus Herbals Lip Balm Review

This lip balm comes with a smooth texture in a small container. The wide mouth of the container helps to scoop the lip balm easily. It provides a slight tint on the lips. Regular usage of the lip balm makes your lips soft and healthy. In addition, it effectively moisturizes your lips and provides long-lasting hydration.

15.Best Anti-Inflammatory:SUGAR Cosmetics Tipsy Lips Moisturizing Balm

Sugar Cosmetics Lip Balm is powered by shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. Vitamin E infused in the lip balm promotes cell repair, removes pigmentation, whereas jojoba oil relieves dryness. The presence of shea butter in the lip balm makes your lips smooth and plump. In addition, the lip balm protects your lips from sun damage and is available in seven flavors.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy roll-on
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Long-lasting
  • No additional fragrance

Cons

  • May be a bit waxy

SUGAR Cosmetics Tipsy Lips Moisturizing Balm Review

This smooth texture lip balm glides effortlessly over the lips, and the roll-on design encourages easy portability. In addition, it makes your lips supple and hydrated. You can apply this lip balm whenever your lips are dry or on the go. The goodness of jojoba and shea butter provides deep nourishment and keeps them healthy. On application, the lip balm provides a glossy look and has a lovely flavor.

16.Best Dermatologically Tested Formulation:Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter

A luxurious blend of exotic butter that nourish and keep your lips soft, supple and healthy all day long. An all-natural, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested formulation.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Hydrates and moisturizes
  • Does not feel greasy
  • Lovely, travel-friendly packaging
  • Colorless
  • Mild, pleasing cocoa butter fragrance

Cons

  • Contains no SPF or sun protection

Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter Review

Himalaya is one brand that will suit everyone – even those with sensitive skin/lips as its products are very gentle. This lip balm was quite impressive for its humble price. It made my lips soft and smooth right from the first application. It also smells wonderful. It adds a subtle sheen to your lips that looks pretty. It can also be applied under your lipstick without any worries as it’s colorless and absorbs into the lips quickly. Also, it contains sal butter, kokum butter, mango butter, cocoa butter and vitamin E – just imagine the benefits these nourishing ingredients provide! It helps to reduce pigmentation and discoloration. This is a definite must-try!

17.Best Weightless Texture:Nivea Lip Balm Original Care

It provides long-lasting care and protection while it also prevents your lips from drying-out through all seasons. This is a dermatologically tested product by Nivea that has a weightless texture with no added colors.

Pros

  • Provides good hydration
  • It gets absorbed into the lips and seals in moisture
  • Cheap and pocket-friendly
  • Does not need to be reapplied frequently as it stays on for long

Cons

  • No SPF
  • Leaves a whitish cast on the lips if you apply too much

Nivea Lip Balm Original Care Review

If you are on a budget and need something that does not burn the pocket – then this Nivea chap stick will do the job for you. It provides the right amount of moisture to people with even very dry lips. It has added nourishing properties of jojoba oil and shea butter that help prevent moisture loss. The lip balm has a creamy texture, and it glides on easily. It can also be used as a base under your lipsticks. It effectively brightens the lip tone and makes them look more supple and healthy, which is a plus!

18.Best Satin Finish:Pajo Shea Butter Lip Balm With Geranium

Pajo Shea Butter Lip Balm is a natural lip balm that is infused with nourishing ingredients like beetroot extracts, African shea butter, and Egyptian geranium essential oil. Beetroot extract is rich in vitamin C that is suitable for dark lips. Regular use of this lip balm adds a pinkish tinge to your lips over time. It also contains moisturizing ingredients like vitamins A, E, and C, essential fatty acids, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and safflower oil. This lip balm has a creamy formula that is easy to apply.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Easy to apply
  • Lightens dark lips
  • Contains natural SPF
  • Paraben-free
  • No synthetic fragrances
  • No harmful additives

Cons

  • Strong fragrance

19.Best Organic Lip Balm:L’Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Lip Balm Organic

Enriched with fair trade shea butter (100%), this moisturizing certified organic lip balm helps to moisturize, protect and nourish dry lips. It fully restores the softness and suppleness of your lips.

Pros

  • Contains 10% shea butter which is intensely moisturizing and nourishing
  • Lightweight and non-greasy formulation
  • Can be worn under your lipstick
  • Paraben-free
  • Mild and pleasant fragrance

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No SPF

L’Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Lip Balm Organic Review

This lip balm by L’Occitane is of high quality and is made up of some of the best ingredients put together. The texture is smooth and it glides onto your lips with ease. I’ve used it as a night treatment and I woke up to soft, supple lips. With its intense nourishing properties, it gradually does work on pigmentation. It’s a little expensive, but then again it lasts for a long time.

20.Best For Firm Lips:Biotique Bio Almond Overnight Therapy Lip Balm

This is packed with a number of moisturizing oils like sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, kushumbhi oil, castor oil and sesame oil. It also contains vitamin E and antioxidants to deeply nourish and fortify lips. You can see a visible improvement in the tone, texture and firmness of the lips.

Pros

  • Provides intense hydration
  • Contains the goodness of natural ingredients
  • Great for overnight repair of lips
  • Mild fragrance
  • Glides on easily and the texture is smooth
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Since it contains natural ingredients, it takes some time to work.
  • Not light-weight

Biotique Bio Almond Overnight Therapy Lip Balm Review

This lip balm comes in two types of packaging – a tube and a tub. You can pick one that’s convenient to you. The consistency of the lip balm is thick and creamy as it’s mainly an overnight treatment and this way it really helps to heal dry and chapped lips. It also makes your lips appear smoother and plumper. When used regularly, it claims to even out lip tone and also works on discoloration to a great extent. I highly recommend this product.

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

[ Also Try – Organic Harvest Lip Balm ]

* Prices of products are subject to change

*Subject to Availability

Before you purchase any of the lip balms listed above, let’s have a look at some vital points that you need to consider.

Things To Consider When Buying A Lip Balm For Dark Lips

  • Ingredients

Look for a lip balm that contains moisturizing ingredients that protect, nourish, and even out the lips. Hydrating ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter soften the lips without causing any irritation. Additionally, humectants like beeswax make a great choice as they prevent moisture loss from the lips. It also has antibacterial properties that prevent the lips from chapping.

Natural additives such as carrot seed oil and fruit extracts of watermelon and orange help in lightening the lips by preventing hyperpigmentation.

  • Tinted Or Clear

Lip balms for dark lips are categorized either as tinted or clear. You can opt for either based on your preference. The tinted ones offer a wash of color to your lips, whereas clear ones just add a sheen.

  • Glossy Or Matte Finish

Lip balms are available in matte or glossy texture. Matte lip balms are shine-free, whereas glossy ones provide a shiny finish.

  • Flavor

Lip balms are available in many flavors. Some common flavors are watermelon, berry, cola, chocolate, banana, plum, peach, mint, and litchi.

So those were the 20 best lip balms for dark lips. It’s now time to pick one that appealed to you the most and ebb away any darkness or discoloration from your pout!  Do you have any personal favorites that have worked on you? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section below!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do lip balms for dark lips differ from regular lip balms in terms of formulation and benefits?

Along with hydration and nutritional benefits that come with regular lip balms, lip balms for dark lips also contain exfoliating and lightening ingredients so you can attain rosy, supple lips.

Can lip balms for dark lips be used as a base for lipstick or other lip products?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to use lip balms for dark lips as a base for other lip products. Not only do they keep your lips moisturized, but they can add a sheen to them as well, depending on their finish.

How long does it typically take to see results when using lip balms for dark lips?

Generally, the results are visible within a couple of days or a week. However, the period differs from person to person. It also depends on the ingredients used in the lip balm and how often you use it.

Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with using lip balms for dark lips?

Lip balms are generally safe to use, however, people with allergies may experience itching, swelling, pain, or redness. It is recommended to perform a patch test to check for allergies before buying any skin care or makeup products.

Can lip balms specifically designed for dark lips provide long-term results or are they only temporary solutions?

Good quality lip balm for dark lips may provide long-term results as they work by exfoliating and nourishing the skin.

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