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Soothe Your Dry Winter Lips With These 10 Reviewer-Approved Medicated Lip Balms
Between repeat lipstick applications and bitter cold breezes, our lips take a beating during the winter season. In an effort to fix it, it’s easy to get into a pattern of layering on the glosses, plumpers, stains, and tints. But sometimes your pout needs more than a quick coverup, and when that’s the case, your best bet is a medicated lip balm.
Deeply hydrating and packed with soothing ingredients, medicated lip balms are a must-have for anyone prone to chapped lips. And unlike some off-the-shelf options, medicated lip balms help break the cycle of dryness and irritation (rather than contribute to it). So, to help you find the relief your lips need, we put together a list of 10 top-rated medicated lip balms below.
Why You Should Trust Our Rankings
There are no hidden agendas at Rank & Style—only informed, data-backed recommendations. Our Top 10 lists are built with the help of our proprietary ranking algorithm, a tool that combs the web and collects information on products in a given category to determine which ones are worth opening your wallet for. Ahead, see which lip balm brands rose to the top of the pack, from recognizable names like Blistex to cult favorites from O’Keefe’s and Maybelline.
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October 16, 2023
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Eos Ultra Care Medicated Analgesic Lip Ointment
Overall Score
4.3
10
Eos Ultra Care Medicated Analgesic Lip Ointment
4.57
3754 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
Industry Recognition
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Medicated Lip Balm For Cold Sores
FORMULA FACT
In the winter, it’s easy for dry, cracked lips to happen. Fortunately, Eos’s Ultra Care Lip Treatment is made to protect your pout from potential damage caused by cold air—its formula includes shea butter for deep moisturization and mint extract for immediate relief.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
Not only is this one of the best lip balms for dry lips, but it’s also an analgesic that can treat cold sores and fever blisters.
Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy
Overall Score
4.3
09
Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy
4.61
3681 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Overnight Medicated Lip Balm
WHAT IT DOES
Three sleeps: that’s all it takes for Neosporin’s Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy to repair your chapped lips. Just swipe on this gel before you fall asleep, and let its blend of vitamins and emollients give you your smoothest pout yet.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
While you can probably pick up this lip balm at your local drugstore, your best option is this two-pack. Priced at just under $9, this gives you the option to have a backup balm in your car or desk.
Cruelty Free
Blistex Lip Medex Analgesic Lip Protectant
Overall Score
4.35
08
Blistex Lip Medex Analgesic Lip Protectant
4.79
3458 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Cooling Medicated Lip Balm
WHAT TO KNOW
Most of us think of Blistex when we think of medicated lip balm, and that’s because the brand has over 75 years of experience creating quality lip products. Their Lip Medex Analgesic Lip Protectant is a prime example—it’s a top-rated analgesic and lip protectant priced at just under $2.
REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
“I couldn't make it without this product. I keep a stock and buy a bunch when I can find it. My lips get chapped so easily, and they burn like fire. This takes care of it right away. I stash them everywhere—in each vehicle, etc. Best I have ever found.”
Carmex Classic Lip Balm Medicated Stick
Overall Score
4.35
07
Carmex Classic Lip Balm Medicated Stick
4.8
12033 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Medicated Lip Balm For Dry Weather
FORMULA FACT
This classic lip balm from Carmex contains a blend of cocoa butter, camphor, and menthol. Camphor, the ingredient that contributes to Carmex’s recognizable scent, is typically used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
If exposure to the elements (such as cold, dryness, and wind) is a regular part of your routine, this multi-purpose lip gel might be the best lip balm option for you.
ChapStick Classic Medicated Lip Balm
Overall Score
4.4
06
ChapStick Classic Medicated Lip Balm
4.44
3173 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Medicated Lip Balm For Severely Chapped Lips
FORMULA FACT
At just over $4 per tube, ChapStick’s Classic Medicated Lip Balm isn’t the best buy for your budget on our list. But it does have some of the best ingredients, with a cooling combo of camphor, menthol, and phenol packed into its tiny tube.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
ChapStick is a known name in the realm of lip balm brands, so it’s no surprise to see them on the list. And with nearly 100 5-star reviews on Walmart’s website alone, we’re more confident than ever in their abilities to soothe stressed lips.
Cruelty Free
Dermatone Lip Balm
Overall Score
4.45
05
Dermatone Lip Balm
4.6
1620 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Medicated Lip Balm With SPF
WHAT TO KNOW
Whether you're conquering the slopes of a mountain, strolling along a windy beach, or simply dealing with a dry, chilly day, Dermatone Lip Balm is your trusted defense against the harshest weather conditions. Its specialized formula acts as a shield for your lips, preventing chapping, cracking, and discomfort.
MORE REASONS TO LOVE
This lip balm is more than just protection; it's rejuvenation in a stick. Packed with rich emollients and natural ingredients, it provides deep hydration that rescues your lips from dryness.
Burt's Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm
Overall Score
4.5
04
Burt's Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm
4.76
5709 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Natural Medicated Lip Balm
WHAT TO KNOW
Reviewers love this medicated lip balm for its 100% natural formula. It keeps irritation and inflammation at bay, and as a bonus, it tastes good too.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
This best-selling drugstore lip balm comes in a variety of options, including medicated, ultra-conditioning, and Rescue Lip Relief versions. You can also opt for the two-pack on Amazon if you’re a fan of good deals.
Cruelty Free
Maybelline New York Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Lip Balm
Overall Score
4.5
03
Maybelline New York Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Lip Balm
4.47
6773 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Tinted Medicated Lip Balm
WHAT IT DOES
For those days when you don’t want to sacrifice your favorite lip color just because you’re dealing with chapped and dehydrated lips, this product will save you. Aside from the gorgeous coral shade featured here, you can also purchase it in Pink Punch, Cherry Me, and Quenched.
REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
“I have tried MANY chapsticks and lip balms over the years, and NOTHING compares to this one’s incredible moisture, tint, and longevity! This is the one item you bring with you on a desert island! The color is not overpowering, thick, or cakey. It tingles! And not in an annoying way! I have super sensitive skin and lips, and this is, by far, the best lip balm ever.”
Dr. Dans CortiBalm Lip Balm
Overall Score
4.55
02
Dr. Dans CortiBalm Lip Balm
4.6
6799 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Medicated Lip Balm For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
Have you ever used a lip balm that seemed to make your lips feel more chapped? We can guarantee that this dermatologist-recommended option from Dr. Dan will not do that, because it contains 1% hydrocortisone (which is frequently used in skincare to reduce inflammation and irritation).
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Due to its hypoallergenic formula (which contains beeswax, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and hydrocortisone), this is one of the best lip balms for those with sensitive skin.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm
Overall Score
4.6
01
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm
4.8
35535 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Learn More
Best Medicated Lip Balm Overall
FORMULA FACT
Blistex’s Medicated Lip Balm is made with a combination of camphor, beeswax, mineral oil, cocoa butter, and menthol for long-lasting hydration that soothes and repairs dry lips. Its formula was created to heal chapped lips but also to protect them from exposure to wind, sun, and dry air.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
One of the best things about this lip balm is that it’s built with SPF 15. That means it's a top option for those who plan on hitting the slopes this winter (or escaping to a tropical location). Plus, at about $3 per pack, you can't beat the price.
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