The lip balm that feels nicest is often the one keeping your lips chapped. The one that works is usually the plainest.
By Sawyer V. · Published September 10, 2026 · Last updated September 10, 2026
The short answer
For chapped lips, choose a bland, occlusive balm or ointment — petrolatum, waxes or butters — without fragrance, flavoring, menthol or camphor, which can irritate. Apply a thick layer before bed. Outdoors, use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, because lips burn too. If lips stay cracked for weeks, see a dermatologist.
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How We Picked
We ranked on the two things dermatology guidance emphasizes for chapped lips — occlusion and the absence of common irritants — then gave separate places to SPF balms for daytime and to an overnight option. We have not tested any of these.
Everyone in this category says they tested twenty of these. We have not tested any, and we say so. What we did instead: compiled the published concentrations and ingredient lists, checked each claim against what the formula can actually support, and wrote down who each product is wrong for. The full method is published so you can check it.
Quick Picks
The short answer, by buyer. Select any row for the full write-up.
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Product
Best for
Where to buy
1
No product photograph available for CeraVe Healing Ointment
CeraVe Healing OintmentIt is the plain, occlusive, fragrance-free ointment dermatology guidance describes, and it doubles as a rescue balm for dry patches anywhere..
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What Chapped Lips Need
Lips have a thin barrier and no oil glands, so they lose water quickly. What helps is an occlusive layer that holds moisture in: petrolatum, waxes and plant butters. Dermatology guidance for dry, chapped lips favors a plain, fragrance-free ointment for exactly that reason.
Look for
Be cautious with
Petrolatum, waxes, shea butter
Fragrance and flavoring
Fragrance-free, unflavored formulas
Menthol, camphor and cooling agents
SPF 30 or higher for daytime outdoors
Balms that tingle — tingling is irritation
Flavored balms also encourage licking, and saliva evaporating from the lips dries them further. For the difference between a balm and a lip oil, see lip oil vs. lip balm.
No product photoNo product photograph available for CeraVe Healing Ointment
1 — A plain overnight ointment
CeraVe Healing Ointment
What’s in it
Petrolatum-based ointment with ceramides
Fragrance-free
Works on lips and other dry patches
It is the plain, occlusive, fragrance-free ointment dermatology guidance describes, and it doubles as a rescue balm for dry patches anywhere.
Who it’s not for
Anyone who wants shine, color or a pocket-friendly stick.
Balms with menthol, camphor, mint or strong flavors feel like they are working: the tingle reads as relief. But dermatology guidance lists those ingredients among the ones that can irritate dry lips, and flavors encourage licking, which dries lips further. Many people apply these balms constantly, see no improvement and apply more. If your lips are chapped, switch to a plain, fragrance-free ointment for a week and see the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
A plain, fragrance-free, petrolatum-based ointment. Avoid flavors, menthol and camphor.
Outdoors, yes. Lips can burn, so use SPF 30 or higher by day.
The balm may contain irritants such as fragrance, flavor or menthol, or its flavor may encourage licking.
Plain petrolatum is an effective occlusive and a sensible choice for chapped lips, especially overnight.
If they stay cracked, scaly or sore for more than a couple of weeks despite a plain ointment.
By Sawyer V.. An enthusiast who’s genuinely into this: I read the manufacturer documentation, compile the published percentages, and do the arithmetic. No lab coat.
What I don’t do: test products, accept free product, or accept payment for placement. I hold no clinical credential and don’t claim one. How we pick.
Published September 10, 2026 · Last updated September 10, 2026
