‘Tis the season of accessorizing with hats, scarves and your favorite Meghan Markle-inspired coat, while also trying to keep your skin in-tact while bracing the elements. If you’re like me, that means applying and reapplying lip balm every two minutes because just when you think you’re finally hydrated, the product seems to have slipped off. If that’s the case, it may be time to check the label of your product because one ingredient could be cosplaying as a hydrator but really doing nothing to help.
Petrolatum is basically another word for petroleum jelly, which is found in many popular lip balms and treatments, including Aquaphor, Vaseline and more. Contrary to popular belief, petroleum doesn’t actually hydrate the lips or skin where you’re applying it, but rather, it creates a moisture barrier shield that will trap hydration where you want it. The only problem is, when you’re putting this on your lips, it has the capacity to slip off much faster and leaving you exposed to the elements and back to where you started. This is especially true if you’re wearing it on your lips during the daytime. Here are a few non-petrolatum options that you can pick up now for lip hydration that actually works better over time.
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Nordstrom is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Burt’s Bees.
Burt’s Bees x Above & Beyond Refillable Beeswax Lip Balm
Burt’s Bees cult-fave lip balm just became more sustainable. The brand teamed up with Above & Beyond, a UK-based refillable brand, to create a lip balm with way less packaging. It’s made from upcycled wood and designed to be used again and again instead of buying a whole new one. This set gets you one case and one beeswax balm refill. When you’re running low, just pop in a balm refill — which has double the product as the classic Burt’s Bees lip balm.
Courtesy of Nordstrom.
Supergoop! Play Mint Lip Balm SPF 30 Sunscreen
Your lips need SPF too! Don’t skimp on the sun protection and hydrate lips easily in one step with this balm from Supergoop!. It uses shea butter to moisturize instead of petrolatum.
Courtesy of Amazon.
Savannah Bee Company Beeswax and Honey Lip Balm
Propolis is a natural residue produced by bees that can be used to add moisture to the lips while also being naturally anti-inflammatory. This is a great choice is you want to support a small business and have clear ingredient transparency.
Courtesy of Cococare.
100% Cocoa Butter Stick
This balm is made entirely of cocoa butter to hydrate lips naturally. You can even use this stick formula all over your body to hydrate, lock in a moisture barrier, and even help reduce stretch marks. Grab this two-pack for just $6.
Sephora
Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm
Made with avocado and mongongo oil, this balm intensely moisturizes with natural antioxidants and vitamins to help repair the appearance of lips to boot.
Amazon
Babo Botanicals 70+% Organic Tinted Mineral Lip Conditioner SPF 15
Remember what I said about lip balms slipping off faster during the day time? Keep your product on longer with a formula that’s natural and water-resistant, like this one.
Courtesy of Amazon.
Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm, Dragon Fruit with Acai Extracts + Avocado Oil
If you want a tinted option, reach for this one made with hydrating fruit extracts.
Courtesy of Sephora.
ILIA Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm
Ilia is one of Hailey Bieber’s favorite brands and this lip balm definitely lives up to its hype. You can pick it up in eight different subtle shades for a burst of petrolatum-free hydration.