There’s nothing quite like the feeling when your favourite lip balm actually works. Let’s be honest—finding the right one can take some trial and error.
Not all lip balms deliver what they promise. Some feel amazing at first application, but leave your lips feeling even drier hours later. It’s a frustrating cycle many of us know too well.
So what really makes a good lip balm?
Key ingredients of a good lip balm
It’s all in the ingredients. The best new lip treatments respect a balance of occlusives, humectants and emollients.
Occlusives, such as lanolin and beeswax, sit on the lips and stop hydration from being lost.
Humectants like hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin, and emollients such as shea butter soften and smooth.
It’s the mix of all three that is effective.
Emollients
These ingredients soften and smooth the lips. They lock in moisture and help repair the skin barrier. Look for:
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Avocado oil
- Jojoba oil
Occlusives
These act like a protective seal on your lips, trapping in moisture and shielding against harsh elements like wind and cold. Common occlusives include:
- Beeswax (a go-to for many natural balms)
- Petrolatum (if you’re not going the all-natural route)
- Lanolin
Humectants
Humectants pull moisture from the air into your lips, keeping them hydrated. However, they work best when paired with occlusives to prevent moisture from evaporating.
- Glycerin
- Honey
- Aloe vera
Vitamin E
A powerful antioxidant that also nourishes and heals. It’s great for dry, cracked lips and helps prolong the shelf life of your balm.
DIY lip balm with household ingredients
Want to make your lip balm? The good news is you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet.
Here’s a simple, natural recipe using household staples:
DIY coconut-honey lip balm
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon coconut oil (moisturising & antibacterial)
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1 tablespoon beeswax (for structure and moisture-locking)
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1 teaspoon honey (a natural humectant)
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2–3 drops vitamin E oil (optional, but adds nourishment)
Instructions:
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In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, melt the coconut oil and beeswax together.
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Once melted, remove from heat and stir in honey and vitamin E oil.
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Pour into small containers or lip balm tubes while still warm.
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Let it cool and solidify at room temperature.
Pro tip: Want a hint of tint? Add a pinch of beetroot powder or a tiny bit of your favourite lipstick.
A truly good lip balm should hydrate, protect, and heal without making you feel like you need to reapply every 10 minutes. Whether you buy store-bought or create your own, knowing the key ingredients empowers you to make the best choice for your lips.
Compiled by: Amy Steenkamp
First published on Woman & Home
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