Eager to find the absolute best organic lip balm brands for daily use? If you’re dealing with dry, chapped lips like mine, chances are you’ve tried plenty of different natural lip balm formulas to keep your lips hydrated.
Sometimes, the battle against parched pouts might seem unbeatable. This time, we’re going all in with the most nourishing, petroleum-free lip balms that actually work.
The products below have dozens of 5-star reviews and are completely free from toxic chemicals.
Read on to find the best picks from non-toxic skincare brands for your daily lip care regimen.
P.S. For more amazing formulas, don’t forget to check out The 10 Most Affordable Organic Skincare Brands.
The Best Natural and Organic Lip Balms for Daily Use
Let’s talk about the tiny hero in our daily skincare routine that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves, lip balms. Granted, some people are not familiar with the uncomfortable, all-too-familiar sensation of dry, chapped lips. And for that, I truly envy you.
The rest of us are facing the elements, whether it’s the chilly grip of winter or the blazing heat of summer, and then, out of nowhere, our lips start feeling parched and cracked. Ouch!
Why do our lips feel so dehydrated? It’s rather simple. Our lips lack the protective layer of oil glands that the rest of our skin enjoys. So, they are more vulnerable to moisture loss and environmental aggressors.
Enter: The best natural lip balm for daily use.
These formulas are packed with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils which form a protective barrier to lock in moisture and shield our delicate lips from the harsh realities of daily life.
Why choose a lip balm without petroleum when there are so many products out there for a fraction of the price?
I’ve tried my fair share of lip care products that promise to keep my lips soft, supple, and oh-so-kissable. Spoiler Alert: 90% of them didn’t work. The ones that did work, contained synthetic fragrances which is one of my many allergies.
Common formulas may also contain endocrine disruptors that have been associated with cancer not to mention alcohol which is notorious for contributing to chapped lips instead of hydrating them.
Before we jump into the list of the safest organic lip balm brands, here are some ingredients that might do more harm than good to your health – and pouts.
Toxic Chemicals to Avoid When Choosing a Lip Balm
Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben): First up, we’ve got parabens. You might spot names like methylparaben or propylparaben on the label. These are preservatives, that keep your lip balm, body lotion, and even soaps fresh for longer.
However, they are endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with hormone function in the body. Studies have linked parabens to reproductive issues, hormonal imbalances, and even certain cancers.
Phthalates: Ever heard of diethyl phthalate or dibutyl phthalate? These are the ingredients behind that smooth texture in your lip balm. But they’re not so smooth for your health.
Phthalates can mess with your hormones too, and they’re linked to everything from disruptions in hormone function, reproductive issues, developmental problems, and even asthma and allergies. Keep an eye out for alternative names like DEP, DBP, DEHP, and DMP.
Petroleum Jelly (Petrolatum): It’s a classic moisturizer, forming a protective layer on your lips. While generally considered safe in small amounts, petroleum jelly may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer. Experts warn that prolonged use of petroleum jelly may lead to lip dryness and potential dependence on the product.
Artificial fragrances & Flavors: They might make your lip balm smell like a tropical paradise, but they can contain a long list of chemicals, some of which can trigger allergies or irritate your skin. Ingredients listed as “fragrance,” “parfum,” or “flavor” could indicate the presence of synthetic fragrances and flavors.
Synthetic Colors: Those vibrant lipstick and lip balm hues might look tempting, but they often come from synthetic dyes like FD&C Red No. 40 or FD&C Yellow No. 5. Continuous exposure to synthetic colors may pose health risks, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Alcohol: While it might give your lip balm a lightweight feel and quick-drying finish, it can also be drying and irritating to the delicate skin on your lips, leading to increased dryness and chapping over time.
The Safest Organic Lip Balm Ingredients
Beeswax: This natural emollient forms a protective barrier on your lips, sealing in moisture and shielding them from harsh environmental conditions. Rich in vitamin A, beeswax also promotes cell regeneration, keeping your lips soft and supple. What’s more, its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and heal chapped lips, making it a staple in natural lip balms for daily use.
Shea Butter: Derived from the nuts of the shea tree, shea butter offers ample hydration. It’s packed with fatty acids and vitamins, including vitamin E. Also, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and protect against free radical damage, leaving your lips smoother and healthier.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is another superstar ingredient in organic lip balm for dark lips and light lips alike. This multitasking oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil effortlessly penetrates the skin, delivering intense hydration and helping to repair and replenish dry, damaged lips. Its natural emollient properties also create a silky-smooth texture.
Natural Plant-Based Waxes: Candelilla or carnauba wax are vegan alternatives to beeswax that offer similar protective and moisturizing properties. Candelilla wax, in particular, is known for its glossy finish and excellent emollient properties, while carnauba wax adds firmness and structure to lip balms without feeling heavy or greasy.
The clean skincare brands below offer the most high-performing, natural, and petroleum-free lip balm formulas for ample hydration.