13 Best Esthetician-Approved Medicated Lip Balms Worth Trying In 2024
Get rid of dehydrated, chapped lips this season for the soft, plump, gram-ready pout!
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
medha debIntegrated MA Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... 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
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature) Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
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When you are stuck with dry and chapped lips, the best-medicated and scientifically formulated lip balms can come to your rescue. In most cases, the weather is the most likely culprit for chapped lips. The lack of moisture during winters and the excess exposure to the sun during summers can leave your lips wanting more TLC. However, while the weather is the reason behind your dry lips more often than not, spicy food, low intake of water, and medication can also lead to the same result.
Furthermore, a few ingredients in your beloved lip balms can cause your lips to burn. Trust us; that lip balm is not working. As it is causing you discomfort, you need to stop using it immediately and go for medicated lip balms. They contain lip plumping and soothing ingredients such as shea butter or castor seed oil that protect your lips from harm and keep them moist and supple. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top medicated lip balms to get your hands on. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
13 Best Medicated Lip Balms For Acutely Dry And Chapped Lips
1. Best Nourishing:Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm With Menthol & Eucalyptus – 2 Tubes
The Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm With Menthol & Eucalyptus has received numerous positive reviews for renewing the lips and providing temporary relief from itching and pain. These harmful lip conditions are associated with fever blisters and cold sores which can be taken care of by using the Burt’s Bees medicated lip balm. One of the best medicated lip balms, it naturally hydrates dry lips and the effect is visible after a single swipe. Discomfort is eased and lips remain soft year around. 0.9% menthol in the lip balm gives instant results and the aroma of eucalyptus oil smells great too, making your lips feel luxurious and taken care of. The Burt’s Bees medicated lip balm is tint free and leaves a matte finish as well as a moisturized balm texture on your lips. What you get are lips that are healthy and revitalized so you can sport a happy smile.
Pros
- Sustainably-made
- Parabens, petrolatum, SLS and phthalates-free
- Infused nourishing oils like Eucalyptus extract as well as butters that soothe and hydrate dry lips.
- Contains all-weather SPF 15 and natural emollients to protect lips from harmful effects of the sun.
Cons
- The lip-balm may feel a bit too oily on the lips.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 25,122 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Moisturizing:Blistex Medicated Lip Balm
The Blistex Medicated Lip Balm seals moistures in your lips and prevents the lip tissue from drying up. It also provides relief from dry, cracked, and chapped lips. This medicated lip product for cracked lips protects your lips temporarily and alleviates dryness. The three long-lasting protectants in the product also prevent the dryness from recurring. The non-greasy formula is easy to apply and glides on smoothly for complete coverage. Blistex is a classic lip care brand and the Blistex medicated lip balm is a result-driven formula that lets you care for your lips in an indulgent way and offers elevated moisturization by sealing in the moisture. Dry and irritated lips feel soothed and are prevented from any further form of irritation.
Pros
- Provides SPF 15 sun protection and prevents sunburn
- Protects lips from dry or cold weather and icy winds.
- Infused with beeswax, camphor, and flavors.
Cons
- The lip-balm may need to be applied every 2 hours.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 28,274 reviews claiming its efficacy.
3. Best Vegan:Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm – Grapefruit and Ginger
The Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm provides sun protection at an optimum level and guards against extreme temperatures and windburn. The antioxidants and superior skin conditioners contained in this medicated lip balm relieve and soothe irritated, chapped and dry lips and reverse lip pigmentation. It protects your lips from sun, wind as well as harmful UVB and UVA rays that can often be a challenge. If you are seeking lip protection of a superior level then the Black Jack Intense Therapy Lip Balm is an excellent solution as it is also a balanced product with certified organic ingredients. Unlike other waxy lip balms, this nourishing lip balm penetrates into the lips for relief. It has been tried and tested by multiple reviewers and is ideal for quick, on-the-go application.
Pros
- Contains SPF 25 and can be used all year round.
- Soothes and prevents windburned lips
- Induced with avocado oil and shea butter for superior conditioning.
- Vegan, safe from harsh surfactants, dermatologically tested, cruelty, paraben-free
- Contains petrolatum which is an FDA-approved skin protectant and is very effective as a moisturizing agent.
- Induced with the goodness of vitamin E and green tea as well as natural emollients that provide protection to cells against damage done by free-radicals.
Cons
- The lip balm may not be suitable for sensitive or delicate skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 842 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm With Menthol & Eucalyptus - 2 Tubes Best Nourishing | Blistex Medicated Lip Balm Best Moisturizing | Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm - Grapefruit and Ginger Best Vegan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Medicated | - | Grapefruit/Ginger |
| Skin Type | All | Irritated skin | Sensitive |
| Dimensions | 2.78 x 0.75 x 4.45 inches | 3.8 x 3 x 0.8 inches | 1.19 x 0.75 x 3.38 inches |
| Weight | 0.01 Ounces. | 0.96 Ounces | 0.25 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 25,122 | 28,274 | 842 |
| Price | $8.49 | $2.99 | $8 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free:O’Keeffe’s Unscented Lip Repair Lip Balm
The O’Keeffe’s Unscented Lip Repair Lip Balm is a hardworking lip balm that provides skincare and instant relief to extremely cracked and dry lips. This medicated lip balm for cracked lips is clinically-proven to repair, heal, and relieve lips that are so dry and cracked that they hurt. It creates a multi-layer flexible protective barrier on your lips. This good-medicated lip balm also keeps your dry lips protected from any further damage. The lips absorb the balm quickly and smooth and soft lips are returned to you almost instantly. The lips stay moisturized for 8 hours since application and when used on a daily basis, this clinically approved lip balm keeps working even when you are eating and drinking. This chap ice medicated lip balm comes in two varieties, cooling relief and original. If you prefer no flavor and scent in your lip balm then original is the one for you, but if you look forward to minty sensations on your lips then you can try cooling relief.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Does not contain a direct addition of gluten
- Contains 7 different moisturizing ingredients
- Contains natural beeswax for soft and smooth texture
- Fights lip wrinkles and other signs of aging
Cons
- The lip balm may need to be re-applied at regular intervals specially in very dry weather.
5. Best Hypoallergenic:Dr. Dans CortiBalm Lip Balm
Dr. Dans CortiBalm Lip Balm contains 1% hydrocortisone that is formulated specifically for chapped lips. It heals lips that are chapped due to weather conditions, sunburn, cosmetic use, or side effects of medicines. This medicated chapstick reduces any inflammation caused by cold sores and is ideal for allergies, cold sores, chemotherapy patients, accutane patients, those suffering from psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema, and people with sensitive skin. Cortibalm is a very mild lip balm that is hypoallergenic and contains a blend of petroleum jelly, beeswax and mineral oil. It is proven and developed by a leading dermatologist and is created to work on all types of lips that may be chapped for any reason. The formula of this professional-grade lip balm is result-driven and patented and does not contain any ingredient that can cause irritation to the sensitive layer of the lips, providing visible results.
Pros
- Recommended by most dermatologists.
- Contains hydrocortisone, beeswax, mineral oil and petroleum jelly.
- Soothes sunburned lips.
- The lip balm never expires.
Cons
- The lip balm may not taste very nice.
6. Best Medicated Formula:Maybelline New York Dr. Rescue Baby Lips Medicated Lip Balm Makeup – Coral Crave
The Maybelline New York Dr. Rescue Baby Lips Medicated Lip Balm Makeup is a medicated lip balm that contains a hint of eucalyptus so you can enjoy baby soft lips. This lip balm moisturizes the lips for 12 hours and keeps them cool with the icy menthol that it contains. Lips feel soothed within a minute from application, they look smooth within a week and soon the lips are completely renewed. Say goodbye to basic lip balms with this exclusive medicated formula that can be worn alone or even under your lipstick or lip gloss. The lip balm has a very faint pink tint and leaves the skin with a cool sensation when applied. Let dry and chapped lips be a thing of the past with this tinted lip balm from Maybelline New York. The lip balm has received positive reviews from numerous users, with many noting that it effectively maintains the moisture and shine of their lips.
Pros
- Smells great and feels cool on the lips.
- Can also be used on the nose if you have a cold.
- Makes lips feel fuller and acts as a great moisturizer before applying lipstick
Cons
- The tint of the lip-balm may gather near the dry areas of the lips.
7. Best Long-Lasting:Chapstick Classic Medicated Lip Balm
The Chapstick Classic Medicated Lip Balm comes as a pack of 3 and contains 0.15 oz in each. One of the best medicated lip balms available this is a classic and can be used as an external analgesic or as a skin protectant. ChapStick as a brand is a leader in testing and producing lip care that provides serious protection to the lips all year round from any type of dryness, cracking, chapping, and blisters. This lip butter balm has proven efficacy in providing a high level of moisturization that remains locked in efficiently all day long. With active ingredients like 1% camphor, 0.6% menthol, 41% petrolatum, and 0.5% phenol this medicated chapstick gives you instant relief from the pain on your lips and heals them for the long term.
Pros
- Provides temporary relief from pain caused by fever blisters and overall lip protection.
- Induced with the goodness of cocoa butter, light mineral oil and carnauba wax.
- Can be used to heal minor cuts in the body as well.
Cons
- It may not be safe to apply the lip balm more than 3-4 times a day.
8. Best Soothing:Carmex Original Lip Balm External Analgesic
The Carmex Original Lip Balm External Analgesic is crafted to provide comfort to dry, chapped and cracked lips. This medicated lip treatment offers trusted relief and soothes and heals the lips, at the same time protecting them from any further damage. Lips can become dry or cracked due to multiple factors like cold winds, sunburn, low temperature, dryness in the air, and many more but they all can be healed using this medicated lip balm. One solution to so many problems makes this lip balm one of the best-medicated lip ointments to choose from. The jar is easy to carry around and even if you end up leaving it in your car, it may liquify a little but doesn’t change the positive impact that the lip balm has on your lips.
Pros
- Packed in a convenient container that can be carried anywhere.
- Contains menthol, camphor, beeswax and lanolin for instant relief.
- Induced with theobroma cacao, seed butter, cetyl esters and flavor.
Cons
- The lip-balm may contain phenol in it.
- Contains petrolatum
9. Best For Dry Lips:Blistex Lip Medex External Analgesic Lip Protectant
The Blistex Lip Medex External Analgesic Lip Protectant is specially formulated to provide quick and cool relief to your lips and you can actually feel the lip balm working. This blistex medicated lip balm also helps in restoring healthy and balanced moisture to the lips irrespective of what weather conditions prevail. Sore lips can start feeling an immediate cooling action thanks to the Blistex medicated lip balm ingredients and fast relief is delivered in a noticeable fashion. Say goodbye to hot itching sensations that come along with sore lips with the use of this medicated lip ointment. Even if you feel that your lips are seriously dry and beyond repair, try the Blistex Lip Medex. This lip protectant creates a special skin barrier on your lips that lets the lip cells come back to their natural form with retained moisture balance. This affordable lip balm is one of the strongest medicated lip balms you can possibly find.
Pros
- Lips remain moist for the entire day free of irritation and dryness.
- Once you start using Blistex Lip Medex, you won’t have to use it for a very long period of time.
- Induced with castor oil, theobroma cacao seed butter and beeswax that ensures smooth surface of the lips.
Cons
- The lip-balm may contain phenol as an active ingredient.
10. Best All Year Use:Natural Ice Original SPF 15 Medicated Lip Balm
Image: The Mentholatum Company The Natural Ice Original SPF 15 Medicated Lip Balm is formulated to provide relief and protection to cracked skin and keep the lips hydrated. It is suitable for extremely harsh environmental conditions and offers protection from sun, wind, cold, and heat. This medicated lip balm has a natural cooling sensation and gives long-lasting protection. This professional-grade lip balm offers SPF 15 protection and is available in original and cherry flavors. This lip balm moisturizes and softens lips, leaving them feeling smooth and hydrated all day long.
Pros
- Prevents sunburn
- Easy to apply
- Offers long-lasting protection
- Smooth glide-on formula
- Available in different flavors
Cons
- None
11. Best For All Skin Types:Nivea A Kiss Of Recovery Medicated Lip Care
Image: Nivea The Nivea A Kiss of Recovery Medicated Lip Care provides all-day nourishment to your dry, chapped lips. This medicated lip care product has an SPF 15 formula that helps protect your lips from harmful UV rays that cause skin damage. It is enriched with shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil to relieve cracked lips and keep them moisturized all day. In addition, this lip balm instantly relieves and soothes severely dry, sensitive lips, as indicated by reviews.
Pros
- Prevents sunburn
- Long-lasting moisturization
- Great under makeup
- Mineral-oil free
Cons
- None
12. Best Dermatologist-Tested:eos Medicated The Fixer Lip Ointement
Image: Eos Thd eos Medicated The Fixer Lip Ointment is formulated with natural mint extract that offers instant cooling relief. It relieves pain that is associated with cold sore or fever blisters. This result-driven analgesic lip treatment offers 24-hours of hydration and locks in moisture. It is enriched with shea butter that helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and heal dry patches on your lips. This hydrating lip balm also nourishes the lips with the goodness of jojoba oil and coconut oil.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Long-lasting hydration
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- None
13. Best For Cracked Lips:Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy
Image: Neosporin The Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy is an intensely moisturizing lip balm. This medicated lip balm is infused with vitamins, peptides, and emollients that help repair, strengthen, and nourish lips. The white petrolatum in this balm helps with overnight lip hydration. This hydrating and exfoliating lip treatment works while you sleep and is clinically proven to heal your cracked lips. It penetrates deep within the skin layers to reduce drying and scaling of the skin on lips within three days.
Pros
- Improves lip tone
- Paraben-free
- Preservatives-free
- No artificial flavors
Cons
- None
With so many types of lip balms available, here is a buying guide that will help you choose the best medicated lip balm for acutely dry and chapped lips:
Buying Guide For Medicated Lip Balms
Some factors when choosing a medicated lip balm depend on your skin and the severity of your condition. Here is a buying guide that will help you choose the right medicated lip balm for you:
How To Choose Medicated Lip Balm
Let’s review multiple elements that make each lip balm stand out from the other which will help you in choosing the medicated lip balm that will suit your lips the most.
- Soothing ingredients
Always look for lip balms with anti-inflammatory properties and occlusive ingredients that form a barrier on the lips that prevent loss of moisture. Silicone, petrolatum, lanolin, squalene, waxes, and shea butter come under this category of ingredients. Hyaluronic acid and humectants that have a tendency to absorb water into the skin are also ideal. - Irritant-free
Lip balms that contain cooling agents, namely menthol and camphor may sting and are not essential in the lip healing process. Ingredients that work as exfoliators like physical granules or salicylic acid should be avoided as they will make the lips feel raw and won’t fix the actual underlying problem. If the lip balm contains a plumping ingredient such as capsaicin, that is also not a good idea for your chapped lips as it may cause swelling. - Know your allergies
Some traditional ingredients that have always been used in lip balms like beeswax may not suit everyone and can result in allergic reactions in some people. If you are also allergic to peppermint, fragrances, coconut oil, dyes, propylene glycol you may want to ask a dermatologist to recommend the right lip balm for you. - Consult a doctor
If your chapped lips have not been healed in 2-3 weeks it may be more than just dryness that is causing them to be like that. It could possibly be a sign of actinic cheilitis or actinic keratosis which is a precancerous skin condition that is caused due to excessive exposure to the sun.
How Do Medicated Lip Balms Work
Medicated lip balms use an advanced moisture system that uses penetrating medication that is created using a unique formula that helps relieve severe lip dryness and cold sores. Some lip balms use an emollient base that prevents cracking in the lips.
Medicated lip ointments can differ in their ingredients and formulas so that every skin type is taken care of and every type of dry lip is healed. Once you find a medicated lip balm that suits you and moisturizes your lip completely, start drinking lots of water and keep applying moisturizer on your lips so that you do not have to go through another fortnight of the same process, all over again. Lips are often the focal point of the face, which means even if you are not necessarily speaking to someone, they will still glance at your lips when they see you. Lip care is as important as skin care and with the right medicated lip balm you can get your moisturized pout back!
Infographic: Ingredients To Look For & Avoid In Medicated Lip Balms
Traditional lip balms are not enough to treat chapped and dehydrated lips. Instead, grab any of the above-mentioned medicated lip balms, enriched with natural ingredients, to keep your lips soft and hydrated. Check out the infographic below to learn which ingredients to look for and which irritants to avoid when buying a medicated lip balm.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Lip balms are a staple in everyone’s arsenal. But, when you have extremely dry and chapped lips, swiping traditional lip balms or lip gloss might not be enough. You need to get your hands on the best medicated lip balms. Medicated lip balms are enriched with natural and organic ingredients that protect your lips from damage and keep them soft and supple. The Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm With Menthol & Eucalyptus hydrates the lips, while the Blistex Medicated Lip Balm protects lips from cold and hot weather. If you are looking for quick-absorbing lip balm for your cracked lips, then the O’Keeffe’s Unscented Lip Repair Lip Balm is a great choice. These lip balms do not contain harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients and offer all-weather SPF protection. Go through the ingredients list, keep a close watch on how your skin reacts to certain products, and consult a doctor before using a medicated lip balm to avoid allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medicated lip balm bad?
Medicated lip balms with active ingredients can cause sensitivity and cracking of your lips. Choose a lip balm that does not have active ingredients so you do not end up being dependent on the lip balm to try healing the lip, over and over again.
Is blistex medicated lip balm good?
Blixtex medicated lip balms have a positive impact on dry and chapped lips, they smell nice and the scent is not too strong, but rather faint, making them one of the best medicated lip balms to choose from.
Is blistex medicated lip balm gluten free?
Yes, blistex medicated lip balms do not contain any direct gluten products and bi-products.
Is medicated lip balm good for cold sores?
A medicated lip balm that contains natural analgesic ingredients is good for cold sores, but medicated lip balms that contain docosanol as one of the main active ingredients, are the best to heal cold sores effectively.
Why do medicated lip balms burn?
Menthol and camphor are the main ingredients that cause medicated lip balms to burn when applied.
What is the best thing to put on severely chapped lips?
A medicated lip balm or white petroleum jelly can help soothe chapped lips and return the moisture into them.
Is lip gloss bad for your lips?
In the long run, lip gloss can cause extra dehydration on your lips as a result of which you will have to apply lip balm to moisturize them.
Are chapsticks bad for your lips?
Being addicted to chapsticks is bad, but using chapsticks once in a while for not very damaged and dry lips is ok.
Is carmex bad for your lips?
Carmex is not good for people with sensitive lips and can cause additional dryness and irritation on the lips.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Medha Deb, shares a deep interest in reviewing skin care products to help her readers amp their skin care game. She listed the best medicated lip balms after evaluating user feedback from trusted online sources and brand websites. These products are infused with nourishing natural ingredients and provide you with supple, soft lips in no time. The author has also included the benefits and drawbacks of each product to help you make an informed decision.
