Best Lip Balm for Eczema-Prone Skin and Dry, Chapped Lips
The best lip balm for eczema-prone skin is a simple balm with no synthetic fragrance that locks in moisture and stays put. Look for beeswax, honey and plant oils, skip heavy flavors and ingredients that make lips tingle, and reapply before going out and at bedtime. Here's what to look for, what to skip, and the lip balm we make.
Why lips get so dry
Lips have a thin outer layer and no oil glands, so they lose moisture fast in cold, wind and sun. Licking your lips makes it worse. People with eczema-prone skin often have dry, chapped lips too. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests a balm without fragrance or ingredients that sting, applied throughout the day and before bed.
What to look for in a lip balm for eczema-prone skin
- No synthetic fragrance. Fragrance and heavy flavors are common lip irritants.
- Moisture-locking ingredients. Beeswax, plant butters and oils help hold moisture in.
- Honey. A natural humectant that draws in moisture.
- Stays put. A balm that wears off in minutes won't help much.
- Dermatologist tested. A repeat insult patch test is a helpful sign.
What to skip
- Synthetic fragrance and strong flavors
- Balms that tingle or burn, like those with camphor or menthol high on the list
- Licking your lips and peeling off dry skin
Our pick: Eczema Honey Nourishing Lip Balm
Our Nourishing Lip Balm is made with honey, beeswax, olive oil, mango butter, jojoba seed oil, colloidal oatmeal and vitamin E. It forms a protective layer that actually stays on. It was dermatologist tested with a repeat insult patch test, is Leaping Bunny certified, and was named one of the very best lip balms by Mindbodygreen and Marie Claire.
One honest note: it has no synthetic fragrance, but it contains peppermint and lime essential oils for a light mint-lime taste, so it isn't fragrance-free. If mint or citrus bothers your lips, patch test first. No tree nut oils are listed on the label.
How to care for dry lips
- Apply often. Before going outside, after meals and at bedtime.
- Don't lick or pick. Saliva dries lips out further.
- Cover up in cold wind. A scarf helps protect lips outdoors.
- Drink water and use a humidifier in dry winter air.
- Care for the skin around your lips. For dry cheeks and chin, our lotion stick guide covers easy on-the-go moisture.
FAQ
What is the best lip balm for eczema-prone skin?
A balm with no synthetic fragrance made with moisture-locking ingredients like beeswax, honey and plant oils. It should stay on your lips and not leave them tingling. Patch test first, especially if you are sensitive to mint or citrus.
Why are my lips always dry and chapped?
Cold air, wind, sun, licking your lips and some toothpastes or flavored balms can all dry out lips. Lips have a very thin barrier, so they lose moisture quickly.
Does Eczema Honey Lip Balm contain fragrance or essential oils?
There is no synthetic fragrance. It contains peppermint and lime essential oils for a light mint-lime taste, so it is not fragrance-free.
Does it contain nut oils?
No tree nut oils are listed on the label. It contains olive oil, mango butter, jojoba seed oil and beeswax. Review the full ingredient list if you have plant allergies.
Can our kids use it?
Yes. Patch test first, and skip it if your child's lips sting with mint or citrus. Check with your pediatrician if lips are cracked or very irritated.
How often should I apply lip balm?
As often as needed. Apply before going outside, after meals and at bedtime.
The bottom line
For eczema-prone skin, the best lip balm is a gentle one: no synthetic fragrance, beeswax and honey to lock in moisture, and a formula that stays put. Apply it often.
Sources
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