Best Hydrating Lip Balms of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025

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Hydrating lip balms are an essential addition to any skincare routine, particularly during colder months or when spending prolonged periods of time in dry environments. These balms are designed to moisturise and protect the delicate skin on the lips, helping to prevent dryness, cracking, and discomfort. They come in a range of flavours and formulations, from simple petroleum jelly-based options to more complex products containing nourishing natural ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E. Whether you're looking for a subtle, everyday balm or a more intensive treatment, there's a hydrating lip balm out there to suit your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

NIVEA Lip Balm Hydro Care with SPF 15 Cover #TOP 1
NIVEA Lip Balm Hydro Care with SPF 15
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick for Hydration Cover #TOP 2
Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick for Hydration
ftb score rating icon 9.8
e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine Balm Cover #TOP 3
e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine Balm
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hydrating Lip Balms

NIVEA Lip Balm Hydro Care with SPF 15

White
1 count (Pack of 1)
NIVEA Lip Balm Hydro Care with SPF 15 Cover
NIVEA Lip Balm Hydro Care with SPF 15 (4.8g), Hydrating Lip Balm with Shea Butter, Natural Oils and Vitamins, Provides 24 Hour Moisture and Protection, Lip Care, 1 unit

NIVEA Hydro Care Balm offers exceptional hydration for your lips, providing 24-hour moisture that helps to keep them soft and kissable throughout the day. With SPF 15 protection, this lip balm shields your lips from harmful sun rays while restoring vital moisture. Enriched with natural origin ingredients like ethically sourced Shea Butter, it nourishes your lips with essential oils and vitamins. Its smooth texture ensures long-lasting comfort, making it a perfect companion for daily lip care.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
SPF 15 sun protection
Natural ingredients
Smooth application
Dermatologically approved
#TOP 2

Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick for Hydration

C-BD-040-04
Clear
4 g (Pack of 1)
Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick for Hydration Cover
Bioderma Atoderm Lip Stick - Deeply Hydrating, Moisturising & Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm to Protect & Soothe Damaged & Dehydrated Lips, Enriched with Niacinamide, 4G

The Bioderma Atoderm Lip Balm is an ultra-nourishing product designed to repair dry, damaged, and dehydrated lips, leaving them soft and supple. Enriched with Niacinamide, it helps reverse the effects of environmental damage, providing deep hydration and nourishment when you need it most. This lip balm features hypoallergenic ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin types, ensuring everyone can benefit from its soothing properties. Simply glide the smooth, non-greasy balm onto your lips for immediate relief from dryness and chapping.

What We Like
Deeply hydrating formula
Repairs dry, damaged lips
Suitable for sensitive skin
Non-greasy application
#TOP 3

e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine Balm

84565
Ecstatic
1 Count (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine Balm Cover
e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine, Conditioning & Nourishing Lip Balm, Sheer Colour Tinted Chapstick, Ecstatic, 0.09 Oz

The e.l.f. Lip Shine Balm is a delightful 2-in-1 product that combines a hydrating outer shell with a nourishing heart core. This innovative design not only moisturises dry lips but also adds a sheer tint of colour and a soft shine, perfect for a natural look. Infused with Vitamin E, it provides essential nourishment, ensuring your lips feel supple and cared for. With skin-loving ingredients and a cruelty-free formulation, you can enjoy a guilt-free beauty experience.

What We Like
Moisturises dry lips
Sheer tint of colour
Infused with Vitamin E
Vegan and cruelty-free
#TOP 4

e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm with Hyaluronic Acid

81958
Vanilla Frosting
1 count (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm, Moisturising Lip Balm For A Sheer Tint Of Colour, Infused With Hyaluronic Acid, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Vanilla Frosting

The e.l.f. Squeeze Me Balm is your go-to solution for hydrated, nourished lips. This moisturising lip balm provides a sheer tint of colour, making it perfect for a subtle yet stylish look. Infused with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and goji berry, it helps to keep your lips soft and supple. The convenient squeeze tube makes it easy to apply whenever you're on the move, ensuring your lips stay hydrated all day long.

What We Like
Moisturises lips effectively
Provides sheer tint of colour
Convenient travel-friendly tube
Infused with beneficial ingredients
Vegan and cruelty-free

O'Keeffe's Lip Repair for Extremely Dry Lips

K1700115
Multicolor
1 count (Pack of 1)
O'Keeffe's Lip Repair for Extremely Dry Lips Cover
O'Keeffe's Lip Repair Unscented Lip Balm, 4.2g – For Extremely Dry, Cracked Lips | All-Day Moisture with 7 Moisturising Ingredients

O'Keeffe's Lip Repair is designed to provide effective relief for extremely dry and cracked lips. Its hardworking formula hydrates and helps repair your lips, leaving them feeling soft and smooth throughout the day. You'll enjoy instant moisture with just one application, as it locks hydration into your skin and creates a protective barrier against environmental factors. With seven moisturising agents, this lip balm ensures you receive comprehensive care that goes beyond standard options, effectively healing your lips while you eat and drink.

What We Like
Effective hydration
Long-lasting moisture
Protects from environmental damage
Contains seven moisturising agents

NIVEA Hyaluron Moisture Plus Lip Balm for 24H Hydration

White
1 count (Pack of 1)
NIVEA Hyaluron Moisture Plus Lip Balm for 24H Hydration Cover
NIVEA Hyaluron Moisture Plus Lip Balm (5.2g), Ultra-Light Lip Balm Stick with Hyaluronic Acid, Provides 24H Moisture and Visibly Smoother Lips

The NIVEA Hyaluron Lip Balm provides instant moisture, ensuring your lips feel hydrated from the moment you apply it. You'll enjoy visibly smoother lips, as it reduces the appearance of lip lines for a more youthful look. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, this balm not only moisturises but also boosts your skin's own hyaluronic acid production, enhancing hydration. With its ultra-light texture, it glides on effortlessly, making application simple and pleasant.

What We Like
Instant moisture boost
Reduces lip lines
Enhances skin's hydration
Ultra-light, easy application

E45 Lips & Dry Skin Moisturising Balm

E45
2002751
White
30 ml (Pack of 1)
E45 Lips & Dry Skin Moisturising Balm Cover
E45 Lips & Dry Skin Lip Balm - Moisturising Natural Lip Balm for Dry & Cracked Lips and Skin - Hydrating and Nourishing Lips Balm with Vitamin E - E45 Cream Lipbalm for Chapped Lips - 30ml

The E45 Lip Balm is a versatile solution for dry and cracked lips, as well as small patches of dry skin. Its unique formulation, featuring highly purified Lanolin, Vitamin E, and Beeswax, helps to regenerate your skin, keeping it soft and supple. You will appreciate its non-oily, fast-absorbing texture, making it convenient to use anytime, anywhere. Plus, with no added perfumes or colourants, this product is suitable for the entire family, letting you care for your loved ones' skin with ease.

What We Like
Multi-purpose for lips and skin
Fast-absorbing, non-oily formula
Family-friendly, gentle formulation
Contains nourishing ingredients
Convenient travel-sized tube
#TOP 8

NIVEA Lip Balm Original Care with Shea Butter

96541
White
1 count (Pack of 1)
NIVEA Lip Balm Original Care with Shea Butter Cover
NIVEA Lip Balm Original Care (4.8g) Lip Balm Deeply Hydrates Lips for 24h+, with 100% Natural Origin Ingredients, Shea Butter, and Vitamins, Lip Care

NIVEA Lip Balm offers an impressive 24 hours of moisture, ensuring your lips remain beautifully smooth throughout the day. This balm not only deeply hydrates but also supports the protective barrier of your lips, keeping them healthy. Made with 100% natural origin ingredients, including ethically sourced Shea Butter, it nourishes with natural oils and vitamins. The smooth texture enhances the application experience, making it easy to keep your lips moisturised whenever you need.

What We Like
Long-lasting moisturisation
Supports protective lip barrier
Natural ingredients
Pleasant smooth texture
#TOP 9

NIVEA Original Care Lip Balm Duo Pack

Blue
NIVEA Original Care Lip Balm Duo Pack Cover
NIVEA Original Care Duo Pack Lip Balm (2x 4.8g), Lip Moisturiser Deeply Hydrates for 24h+, 100% Natural Origin Ingredients, Shea Butter, and Vitamins, Lip Care

NIVEA Lip Balm offers exceptional hydration for over 24 hours, ensuring your lips remain beautifully smooth throughout the day. This lip balm supports your lips' protective barrier, providing not only moisture but also helping to keep your lips healthy. Made with 100% natural origin ingredients, including ethically sourced Shea Butter, it nourishes your lips with essential vitamins and oils. Its smooth texture enhances the application experience, making it a convenient addition to your daily lip care routine.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Supports protective barrier
Natural ingredients
Smooth application
#TOP 10

e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Lip Mask with Hyaluronic Acid

57162
blue
1 Count (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Lip Mask with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Lip Masks, Hydrating Leave-on Lip Mask For Soft & Smooth Lips, Enriched With Hyaluronic Acid, Powder Blue

The e.l.f. Lip Mask offers intense moisturisation for your lips, leaving them softer and smoother. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, and Castor Seed Oil, it effectively treats dryness, ensuring your lips feel nourished. With a delightful sweet berry flavour, the silky and non-sticky formula glides on effortlessly. You can also pair this lip mask with other products, like lip gloss, making it a versatile addition to your beauty routine. Simply apply a generous layer to clean, dry lips for the best results.

What We Like
Intense moisturisation for lips
Sweet berry flavour
Versatile with other products
Vegan and cruelty-free
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does lip balm hydrate?

“Look for lip balms with white petrolatum, lanolin, shea butter, beeswax and ceramides because they all lock in moisture,” Stevenson says. Marchbein also likes lip ointments with glycerin because they're hydrating.

2. What makes lip balm hydrating?

The purpose of all lip balms, even those called salves or butters, is to protect the lips. They contain a moisturizing ingredient (such as petroleum jelly, shea butter, or lanolin) that prevents water loss. Wax is added to help lip balm stick to lips.

Editor's Notes

During our hydrating lip balm research, we found 306 hydrating lip balm products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 161,418 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hydrating lip balms list. We found that most customers choose hydrating lip balms with an average price of £4.65.

The hydrating lip balms are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hydrating lip balms, including NIVEA, Bioderma, e.l.f., O'Keeffe's, E45.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.