12 Best Natural Lip Balms for Smooth & Healthy Lips

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Why Switch to Natural Lip Balm?

What’s all the fuss about lip balms anyway? Aren’t they all essentially the same? A stick of wax-like material intended to soothe and moisturize dry lips?

Turns out – NO! There’s more difference between types of lip balms than you might guess. Conventional lip balms are typically made with cheap, petroleum-based ingredients and other harsh additives that may actually be drying out your lips more than they are moisturizing them. And since those ingredients are on your lips, you may be ingesting them too. 🤢

Natural lip balms, on the other hand, are made with safe, natural and often organic ingredients that provide beneficial nutrients to keep your lips healthy and hydrated and prevent dryness and chapping.

Beyond personal benefits, opting for a natural alternative also aligns with your eco-conscious values. By choosing products made from sustainably sourced ingredients and biodegradable or recyclable packaging, you contribute to reducing your carbon footprint and supporting environmentally friendly practices.

Additionally, many natural lip balm brands prioritize cruelty-free manufacturing processes, ensuring that no animals are harmed in the production or testing of their products.

In summary, a natural lip balm is better for your lips 👄and better for the planet 🌎 too!

Ingredients to AVOID in Lip Balm

When selecting a lip balm, it’s important to look closely at the ingredients list and steer clear of certain ingredients that can be harmful or irritating to the delicate skin of your lips. Here are some common ingredients to avoid:

• Parabens: These synthetic preservatives have been linked to hormone disruption and have been found in some studies to accumulate in breast tissue.
• Petrochemicals (such as petrolatum, petroleum jelly and mineral oil): Derived from petroleum products, these ingredients can create a barrier on the lips but may also cause dependency, trapping moisture in while not allowing the lips to naturally replenish moisture.
• Artificial fragrances and artificial flavors: These can cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive lips, and may contain undisclosed chemicals.
• Synthetic dyes: Artificial colors can also lead to irritation and may contain potentially harmful chemicals.
• Menthol and Phenol: These ingredients may provide a temporary cooling or numbing sensation but can be drying and irritating over time.
• Alcohol: This ingredient can contribute to dry and chapped lips.
• Phthalates: These chemicals are often hidden in fragrance and have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive toxicity.
• Chemical sunscreens: Some chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, are used in lip balms with SPF and have been linked to hormone disruption.

Clean Ingredients to Look for in Lip Balm

Now that you know which ingredients to avoid, let’s take a look at some of the beneficial ingredients commonly found in natural lip balms:

• Beeswax: A natural emollient that helps to lock in moisture and protect the lips from environmental damage.
• Shea butter: Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, shea butter deeply moisturizes and nourishes the lips, promoting softness and smoothness.
• Cocoa butter: Another emollient rich in antioxidants, cocoa butter helps to hydrate and protect the lips while providing a subtle aroma.
• Coconut oil: Known for its moisturizing properties, coconut oil helps to soften and soothe dry, chapped lips while offering a light, tropical scent.
• Jojoba oil: Similar to the skin’s natural oils, jojoba oil helps to hydrate and condition the lips without feeling greasy or heavy.
• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps to protect the lips from free radical damage and promotes healing of dry, cracked skin.
• Hyaluronic acid: Helps draw moisture to the lips and makes them feel plump and conditioned.
• Essential oils (such as peppermint, lavender, or citrus oils): These natural extracts add fragrance and flavor to lip balms while providing additional benefits such as soothing irritation or refreshing the lips.

By choosing lip balms containing these safe and nourishing ingredients, you can effectively hydrate and protect your lips while avoiding potentially harmful chemicals. Yay!

A note for vegans: While many natural lip balms do contain beeswax, there are plenty that don’t! A vegan lip balm will use seed butters or candellila wax to provide the sticking power that we have come to expect in lip balm. See below for the brands that have vegan lip balm offerings.

Related: Favorite Natural Lipstick Brands 💄

Best Natural Lip Balm Brands

Over many years, I’ve put my lips to the test to find the best of the best in natural lip balms. They are all made from high-quality, cruelty free ingredients (no animal testing allowed), that you can feel great about putting on your lips daily.

You’ll find lip balms for peppermint lovers, flavor fanatics, zero waste heroes, organic advocates, vegans and more!

If you’re a DIYer – try making your own homemade lip balm!

Summary: How to Find the Best Natural Lip Balm

I hope this natural lip balm review helped your on your quest to find a great lip balm made with non-toxic ingredients! Next time you are out shopping for lip balm, remember to check the ingredients list first. Rule out any products with the harmful ingredients mentioned in this post and opt for lip balms made with safe and natural ingredients instead. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to having smooth & healthy lips year round!

Have you found a favorite natural lip balm? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

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