The Best Non-Toxic & Organic Lip Balms For Dry Lips
Looking for a non-toxic lip balm packed with nourishing ingredients? I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic, organic brands that are free from harmful additives and full of moisture-boosting goodness. These lip balm picks will heal, soothe, and soften dry, chapped lips naturally.
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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 a non-toxic or organic lip balm.
Lip Balm is the first clean swap that 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.
All About The Skin On Your Lips
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.
Why You Should Use Non-Toxic Lip Balm
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 lip balm that doesn’t contain harmful or toxic ingredients and is full of fatty acids to hydrate, soothe and nourish your lips. Scroll to the end of this post for a list of ingredients to avoid in lip balm. 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
What To Look For In Non-Toxic & 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
Your lips deserve the same care as the rest of your skin. Non-toxic and organic formulas heal, soften and lock in moisture without harmful chemicals. Look below for the best non-toxic lip balm to keep your smile healthy naturally.
LIP BALMS FOR DRY LIPS
Badger
Badger Certified Organic Lip Balm
- Cost | $4.75 for .25 oz ($18.99 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 | This lip. balm is made with organic extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, & aloe to moisturize and protect lips. It’s flavored with organic extracts of vanilla and does not contain petroleum, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, and is Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty-free.
- Note | They use organic essential oils for flavor
- Shop | Badger Certified Organic Lip Balm
Ursa Major
Ursa Major Going Places Lip Balm
- Cost | $14 for 0.5 oz ($28 per ounce)
- Why I Love This Lip Balm | I’ve totally fallen in love with this lip balm and have ordered it again and 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!
- Note | This lip balm may not be safe if you have tree-nut allergies
- Shop | Ursa Major Going Places Lip Balm
All Good
All Good Certified Organic Lip Balm
- Cost | $4.33 for 0.15 oz ($28.87 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 | This USDA Certified Original lip balm moisturizes and softens lips.
- Note | They use organic essential oils for flavor
- Shop | All Good Certified Organic Lip Balm
Primally Pure
- Cost | $6 for 0.15 oz ($40 per ounce)
- From the Primally Pure website | I love this lip balm! This nutrient-dense lip balm is rich in healthy fats and healing oils to help moisturize, minimize inflammation and provide long-lasting relief for dry, irritated or chapped lips. This lip balm contains beef tallow, so it’s not vegan. Primally Pure also has a lip polish with coffee bean powder to gently exfoliate and lanolin to lock in moisture.
- Note | This lip balm is flavored with organic essential oil
- Shop | Primally Pure Lip Balm
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm
- Cost | $3.91 for 0.15 oz ($26.08 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.
- Note | They use essential oils for flavor
- Shop | Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm
Hurraw
- Cost | $1.49 for 0.17 oz ($8.76 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.
- Note | The Moon Flavor uses natural flavor oil (not ideal)- stick with the unscented
- Shop | Hurraw Unscented Lip Balm
Moroccan Magic
- Cost | $3.98 for .15 oz ($26.56 per ounce)
- Why I Love This Lip Balm | This lip balm went on smoothly, but was on the slippery side.
- From the Moroccan Magic website | This hydrating lip balm is 100% USDA Certified Organic and features organic rosemary extract, Vitamin E, and organic calendula Flower extract, offering deeply nourishing lip care.
- Note | They use organic flavor oils for flavor. They have an unscented one that I like.
- Shop | Moroccan Magic Coconut Almond Lip Balm
Active Skin Repair
- Cost | $14.97 for 0.34 oz ($44.03 per ounce)
- From the Active Skin Repair website | This clean, ultra-hydrating lip balm is designed to nourish, repair, and restore lip barrier health using a potent blend of clinically proven, non-toxic ingredients.
- Shop | Active Skin Repair Lip Balm
Cliganic
- Cost | $14.99 for 8 tubes ($1.87 per tube, $12.49 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 (comes in sets of 4, 6 or 8) with different flavors to choose from.
- From the Cliganic website | This lip balm is 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. They’re free from Parabens, Phthalates and petroleum.
- Note | The flavored lip balm uses organic flavor oil
- Shop | Cliganic Organic Lip Balm Set
Sky Organics
- Cost | $2.50 for 0.15 oz ($16.66 per ounce)
- From the Sky Organics website | These organic lip balms are made with nourishing plant oils and beeswax to lock in moisture and keep lips feeling soft and smooth.
- Note | They use organic flavor oils for flavor
- Shop | Sky Organics Organic 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 | This lip balm is filled with nourishing organic oils and healing amino acids, and is gentle enough for babies. It’s moisturizing enough for the whole family, and the lightly scented fig and vanilla formula is sure to be a family favorite.
- Note | They use organic flavor oils for flavor
- Shop | Love + Sage Daydreams Lip Balm
Kosas
- Cost | $18 for .17 oz ($117.65 per ounce)
- Why I Love This Lip Balm | I’m loving this hydrating lip balm (I only recommend the clear non-tinted version). 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.
- Note | Use the untinted lip balm only
- Shop | Kosas Lip Balm
Alpyn Beauty
Alpyn Beauty Plumping Lip Mask
- Cost | $28 for 0.5 oz ($56 per ounce)
- From the Alpyn Beauty website | 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. Apply this treatment at night and wake up to plump and hydrated lips.
- Shop | Alpyn Beauty Plumping Lip Mask
True Botanicals
- Cost | $24-$32
- From the True Botanicals website | Both the Moisture Lock Glossy Lip Balm and the Pure Radiance Overnight Lip Treatment drench your lips in nourishing moisture.
- Shop | True Botanicals Lip Balm
Clearstem
Cost | $24 for 0.5 oz ($48 per ounce)
From the Clearstem website | This peptide-rich balm deeply nourishes, softens and protects lips without clogging pores. It’s infused with collagen-boosting peptides for long-term lip health.
Note | They use essential oils for flavor
Shop | Clearstem Lips & Cutes
Poppy & Pout
- Cost | $9.95 for 0.3 oz ($33.17 per ounce)
- From the Poppy & Pout website | Every Poppy & Pout lip balm is made with 100% natural ingredients and hand-poured into eco-friendly paper tubes!
- Note | The flavored lip balm uses natural flavor oil (not synthetic) and essential oils for flavor
- Shop: Poppy & Pout Lip Balm
Beauty by Earth
Cost | $14.99 for 0.7 oz ($21.41 per ounce)
From the Beauty by Earth website | This ip scrub is made from high-quality, natural ingredients, ensuring a nourishing and safe solution for your lips. It’s free from harsh chemicals, gentle enough for daily use, and provides smooth, hydrated lips. Repair dry, chapped lips with this ip scrub, leaving them smooth and renewed after each use.
Note | They use organic flavor oils for flavor
Shop | Beauty by Earth Lip Scrub
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 Plumping Lip 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.
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
More Clean Beauty Inspiration
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- Natural Sunscreen Guide: Part 1
- Natural Sunscreen Guide: Part 2
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References
- 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 - 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 - 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/ - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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/
Thanks for highlighting this important fact . In market a lot of lip balm. Selection is a difficult process.
Keep continue this good work.
Sharing is Caring .
Best,
Diana
I love your website design and your content. This article is really very informative. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much!