The Best Non-Toxic & Organic Lip Balms For Dry Lips

Want a non-toxic lip balm that’s loaded with nourishing ingredients? We’re sharing the best clean, non-toxic and organic lip balm brands that are free from toxic additives. My non-toxic lip balm recommendations will heal, soothe, and soften your dry, chapped lips.

Woman Applying Lip Balm

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There’s nothing more essential than a tube of lip balm for hydrating and soothing dry, chapped lips. Especially here in Colorado, I’m constantly trying to balance out the less-than-ideal side effects from dry air and high altitude. So I’ve got lip balm stashed in my purse, in the car, bedside and in the bathroom cabinet at all times.

Whether you’re suffering from chapped, peeling lips or you just want to keep your lips well-hydrated, make sure you’re swiping on an all-natural or organic lip balm.

Lip Balm is the first CLEAN SWAP I recommend when switching to non-toxic skincare. Whatever you put on your lips will pass into your mouth and beyond through licking, drinking and eating. It’s basically like eating your lip balm.

The skin on your lips is structurally different than the skin on the rest of your body. The topmost protective layer, called the stratum corneum, is much thinner on the lips. The lips also have little to no oil-producing glands, and are prone to dryness and cracking. That’s why lips can use a boost from a moisturizing, nourishing balm to protect from chapping and peeling.

Instead of grabbing a lip balm made with conventional ingredients that can leave your lips drier, irritate the thin skin around your lips and potentially affect your hormones and cause other health issues, reach for all-natural or organic lip balm that doesn’t contain harmful or toxic ingredients and is full of fatty acids to hydrate, soothe and nourish your lips. If you’re heading outside, make sure to protect your lips with non-toxic mineral lip balm.

Reasons For Dry Lips

  • Licking your lips- saliva evaporates and dries out lips and irritates lip skin
  • Airplane travel- air on planes is dehydrating (low humidity, high altitude)
  • Lipstick- ingredients can dry out lips and highlight lip creases
  • Toothpaste- tartar control versions can irritate lips
  • Lip balms with fragrance can irritate and dry out lips
  • Hot showers- wash away protective oils
  • UV rays- protect delicate lip skin from the sun with a lip balm containing a mineral sunscreen
  • Mouthbreathing- causes lip dehydration
  • Indoor heat- sucks moisture out of the air and contributes to dry skin
  • Medication- dry mouth can be a side effect of certain drugs, which can cause dry lips too
  • Climate- dry air and high altitude can dry out your lips

Avoid These Ingredients In Lip Balm

  • BHA and BHT- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT) are preservatives derived from petroleum and found in some lip balm. BHA is an endocrine disruptor and a possible carcinogen (1). BHT is a respiratory irritant and is considered toxic or harmful to human organ systems (2).
  • Chemical Sunscreen–Oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and octisalate all fall into this category. These chemicals can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormone function (3).
  • Menthol, camphor and phenol– The tingly sensation can trick you into thinking there’s some serious healing going on, which is not actually the case. These ingredients can be drying and irritating to the lips. What at first seems refreshing can have the opposite effect in the long run.
  • Parabens- Parabens are a type of preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of lip balm, deodorant, lotion, and other beauty products. The most commonly used parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens disrupt hormone function and are linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. A 2004 study found high concentrations of parabens in breast tumor samples (4). The European Union banned the use parabens in cosmetics in 2012.
  • Petroleum Jelly & Mineral Oil– You might find this listed as petrolatum, mineral oil, liquid paraffin, or paraffin oil on the ingredient list. Petrolatum is a byproduct of oil refining, and was originally discovered in the 1800’s building up in the machinery of an oil rig. Petroleum jelly is highly susceptible to contamination of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Once PAHs enter the body, they are stored in the kidneys, liver, and fat cells. There are more than 100 types of PAHs, and about 15 are thought to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Petroleum jelly also contains xenoestrogens, which interact with hormone receptors and may increase estrogen-related health issues in the body (5).
  • Synthetic dyes– Avoid dyes labelled FD&C Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Red 33, which can be found in conventional lip balm, may be contaminated with known carcinogens (6).
  • Synthetic fragrance- Beauty products can list fragrance as one ingredient and don’t have to disclose the fact that these formulations may contain hundreds of ingredients. Synthetic Fragrance may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritants and neurotoxic chemicals (7). Synthetic musks like galaxolide and tonalide, are linked to hormone disruption (8). Fragrance formulations also contain phthalates, which are hormone disruptors

How To Choose A Natural Or Organic Lip Balm

There are a few ways to look for a product that’s safe and non-toxic. Put your lip balm brand in the search box of EWG’s Skin Deep Database. If the brand you are searching for is not in the database, search the ingredients individually.

What To Look For In Natural & Organic Lip Balm

  • Hard wax (locks in moisture): Beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax or soy wax
  • Room temperature solid oil (for creamy texture and moisture): coconut oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, shea butter or mango butter
  • Room temperature liquid oil (repairs, moisturizes, and contains anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits)- olive oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil or sweet almond oil
  • Natural flavors and scents- essential oils for both flavor and scent (peppermint, orange), antioxidants like vitamin E

LIP BALMS FOR DRY LIPS

lip balm set

Cliganic

Cliganic Organic Lip Balm Set

  • Cost: $14.99 for 8 tubes ($1.87 per tube, $10.83 per ounce))
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: This organic lip balm does a great job at hydrating lips and I love that they have several sets with different flavors to choose from.
  • From the Cliganic website: Formulated with natural ingredients that hydrate, nourish, and protect lips, to ensure your lips stay healthy and soft. Cliganic lip balms are proudly USDA organic certified to ensure ultimate quality and integrity. Paraben-Free. Phthalates-Free. Petrochemical-Free.
  • Shop: Cliganic Organic Lip Balm Set

Poppy & Pout

Poppy & Pout Lip Balm

  • Cost: $9.95 for 0.3 oz ($33.17 per ounce)
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: This is my favorite lip balm- it moisturizes my lips and makes them super soft, plus the tube is eco-friendly. Poppy & Pout Lip Balm comes in a whole array of tasty flavors and my kids love it too!
  • From the Poppy & Pout website: Every Poppy & Pout lip balm is made with 100% natural ingredients and hand-poured into eco-friendly paper tubes!
  • Shop: Poppy & Pout Lip Balm

Ursa Major

Ursa Major Going Places Lip Balm

  • Cost: $12.60 for 0.5 oz ($25.20 per ounce)
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: I’ve totally fallen in love with this lip balm and have ordered it again. Out of all the lip balm tubes I have, I keep using this one since it moisturizes my lips so well. The tube is on the wide side, but now that I’ve been using it for a while, I actually prefer this size. plus, the tube lasts forever!
  • From the Ursa Major website: Formulated with a medley of therapeutic, plant-derived ingredients including cupuaçu butter, sunflower, beeswax, jojoba, shea, birch, balsam and black currant for instant hydration and lasting protection against the elements! Comes in eco-friendly, fully compostable paper tubes!
  • Shop: Ursa Major Going Places Lip Balm

Eos

eos Sweet Mint Stick Organic Lip Balm

  • Cost: $3.59 for .14 oz ($25.64 per ounce)
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: This lip balm went on smoothly every time, and the sweet mint flavor is irresistible. I got super hydration from this lip balm, and the price fits my budget. Some reviews mentioned that they needed to reapply this product very often, but I found that I didn’t need to reapply any more often than any of the other lip balms I tested. Definitely a keeper!
  • From the eos website: This all-natural lip balm is bursting with flavor and moisture. eos Organic Sweet Mint Lip Balm hydrates, soothes, and enhances lips. Certified organic, 100% all-natural, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.
  • Shop: eos Sweet Mint Stick Organic Lip Balm

All Good

All Good Certified Organic Coconut Lip Balm

  • Cost: $6.99 for 0.4 oz ($17.48 per ounce)
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: This lip balm was another one of my favorites. It went on effortlessly and kept my lips well hydrated without being too slippery. It also doesn’t have a high shine if that’s what you prefer.
  • From the All Good website: With just 8 ingredients, this USDA Certified Original lip balm moisturizes with a blend of organic Coconut Flavor.
  • Shop: All Good Certified Organic Coconut Lip Balm

Hurraw

Hurraw Unscented Lip Balm

  • Cost: $8.95 for 0.17 oz ($52.65 per ounce)
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: This vegan lip balm goes on smoothly, but was a little slippery on the lips. It’s very hydrating.
  • From the Hurraw website: This lip balm is made with organic, vegan and raw ingredients. It is nut-oil free and mild and contains no added flavor. This lip balm contains cold pressed meadowfoam seed oil, a superstar moisturizer loaded with vitamin e.
  • Shop: Hurraw Unscented Lip Balm

Badger Certified Organic Lip Balm

  • Cost: $4.99 for .25 oz ($19.96 per ounce)
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: This balm went on smoothly and hydrated my lips well. I love that it’s flavored with organic extract.
  • From the Badger website: Made with organic extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, & aloe to moisturize and protect lips. This lip balm is flavored with organic extracts of vanilla and does not contain petroleum, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty-free.
  • Shop: Badger Certified Organic Lip Balm

Dr. Bronner’s

Dr. Bronner’s Organic Peppermint Lip Balm

  • Cost: $3.99 for 0.15 oz ($26.60 per ounce)
  • My take: This lip balm is super pepperminty, so much that it gave my lips a slight tingly feel. It went on smoothly, but was also on the slippery side. I like that all of the ingredients are organic.
  • From the Dr. Bronner’s website: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balms, made with organic beeswax, provide a protective barrier to the elements with no synthetic ingredients. Organic jojoba, avocado and hemp oils help with to moisturize and only the finest essential oils are used for fragrance. Certified organic to USDA National Organic Program standards.
  • Shop: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Peppermint Lip Balm

Moroccan Magic

Moroccan Magic Coconut Almond Lip Balm

  • Cost: $3.98
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: This lip balm went on smoothly, but was on the slippery side.
  • From the Moroccan Magic website: Whether you’re on a tropical vacation or sitting on your front lawn, let your hair down knowing it won’t stick to your lips. Our Coconut Almond lip balm provides a layer thin enough to protect lips while letting you escape to your very own paradise. FYI- this lip balm contains tree nuts.
  • Shop: Moroccan Magic Coconut Almond Lip Balm

Love + Sage

Love + Sage Daydreams Lip Balm

  • Cost: $12 for 0.15 oz ($80 per ounce)
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: I love that this lip balm is non-toxic and geared toward kids!
  • From the Love + Sage website: Cute as a button and filled with nourishing organic oils and healing amino acids, this lip balm is gentle enough for babies, AND moisturizing enough for the whole family. Lightly scented with fig and vanilla, this creamy and dreamy balm is sure to be a family favorite.
  • Shop: Love + Sage Daydreams Lip Balm

Kosas

Kosas Lip Balm

  • Cost: $18
  • Why I Love This Lip Balm: I’m loving this hydrating lip balm (I only recommend the clear). It glides on smoothly and is super hydrating and moisturizing.
  • From the Kosas website: This ultra-hydrating hyaluronic lip balm is loaded with active skincare ingredients. It feels amazing and visibly improves the condition of lips the more you wear it.
  • Shop: Kosas Lip Balm

Alpyn Beauty

Alpyn Beauty Plumping Lip Mask

  • Cost: $28 for 0.3 oz ($80 per ounce)
  • From the Alpyn Beauty website: Apply this treatment at night and wake up to plump and hydrated lips. This silky and hydrating lip treatment is powered by sweet agave and hyaluronic acid to create cushiony, fuller looking lips. Willow bark helps to provide a feeling of smoother, softer lips and vitamin E and wild chokecherry provide a layer of antioxidant protection. 
  • Shop: Alpyn Beauty Plumping Lip Mask

Poppy & Pout

Poppy & Pout Lip Scrub

  • Cost: $14.95 for 1 oz ($14.95 per ounce)
  • From the Poppy & Pout website: These lip scrubs leave your lips conditioned & ready for any lip application. They contain natural sunflower oil, coconut oil & vitamin e- a great combination for hydrating & repairing damaged lips. Flavors include sweet mint, blood orange, cinnamint, lemon bloom, and marshmallow creme.
  • Shop: Poppy & Pout Lip Scrub
Tips For Hydrating Chapped Lips including water, a lip scrub and hydrating lip balm

Lip Balm Tips

  • Be consistent with your lip balm application. Store a few tubes of organic lip balm in your bathroom, on your bedside table, in your purse, and in your car. Apply lip balm after you brush your teeth and whenever your lips feel dry. Continue to apply throughout the day until lips feel smooth and soft.
  • Stay Hydrated! Drinking lots of water will keep your lips from getting dry and help prevent cracking.
  • Exfoliate your lips. Exfoliating the lips with a gentle exfoliant (like sugar) will help to remove any peeling skin and acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to your lips. Poppy & Pout Lip Scrub is up to the task.
  • Apply a lip mask like Alpyn Beauty Lip Plumping Mask overnight to nourish and hydrate dry lips.
  • Before you apply lipstick or lip tint, apply a non-toxic hydrating lip balm from the list above. Some lipsticks and lip tints are super drying, so moisturizing your lips first is important to give you smooth, even coverage. The last thing you want is for your lipstick to settle into the cracks in your lips, making them look more dry and scaly.

More Clean Beauty Inspiration

Woman applying lip balm

References

  1. Butylated hydroxyanisole. Toxicology Data Network. Environmental Health and Toxicology. 2017 Feb. 28.
    https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+3913
  2. Jayalakshmi, C.P. and Sharma, J.D. Effect of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on rat erythrocytes. Environ Res. 1986 Oct;41(1):235-8.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3757972
  3. Ruszkiewicz, J.A. et al. Neurotoxic effect of active ingredients in sunscreen products, a contemporary review. Toxicol Rep. 2017; 4: 245–259.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5615097/
  4. Darbre, P.D. et al. Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. J Appl Toxicol. 2004 Jan-Feb;24(1):5-13.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14745841
  5. Vrabie, C.M. Specific in vitro toxicity of crude and refined petroleum products: II. Estrogen (alpha and beta) and androgen receptor-mediated responses in yeast assays. Environ Toxicol Chem. 2010 Jul;29(7):1529-36.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20821602
  6. Cronin, J. and Stone, A. CSPI Says Food Dyes Pose Rainbow of Risks Cancer, Hyperactivity, Allergic Reactions. Center For Science In The Public Interest. June 29, 2010.
    https://cspinet.org/new/201006291.html
  7. Nudelman, J. and Engel, C. Right To Know. Exposing toxic fragrance chemicals in beauty, personal care and cleaning products. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. Sept. 2018.
    https://d124kohvtzl951.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/26092837/BCPP_Right-To-Know-Report_Secret-Toxic-Fragrance-Ingredients_9_26_2018.pdf
  8. Synthetic Musks. Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. A Project of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
    http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/synthetic-musks/