The Best All-Natural & Organic Lip Balms For Dry Lips
Want a clean lip balm that’s loaded with nourishing ingredients? We’re sharing the best clean, all-natural and organic lip balm brands that are free from toxic additives. My top clean lip balm picks will heal, soothe, and soften your dry, chapped lips.
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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.
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
- My Take: This is my favorite lip balm- it moisturize my lips and makes them super soft and 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!
Kosas Lipfuel Active Lip Balm
- My Take: I’m loving this hydrating lip balm. I got the clear lip balm, but it also comes in 2 colors – pulse and rush. It glides on smoothly and is super hydrating and moisturizing. I am definitely happy with this purchase and will keep this lip balm by my bedstand from now on! It is on the expensive side for lip balm, but totally worth it!
- From the Kosas website: Lip care made for action. An ultra-hydrating hyaluronic lip balm loaded with active skincare ingredients. Feels amazing and visibly improves the condition of lips the more you wear it.
eos Sweet Mint Stick Organic Lip Balm
- My take: 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: Treat your lips to an all-natural balm that’s bursting with flavor and moisture. eos Organic Sweet Mint Lip Balm will swipe you into a dreamy daze with notes of just-picked, smooth, mellow mint. Hydrates, soothes, and enhances lips. Certified organic, 100% all-natural, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.
All Good Certified Organic Coconut Lip Balm
- My take: 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.
- My take: This vegan lip balm goes on smoothly, but was a little slippery on the lips. It was very hydrating.
- From the Hurraw website: Made with organic, VEGAN and raw ingredients. Our unscented balm is nut-oil free and mild; it contains no added flavor. Unscented balm contains cold pressed meadowfoam seed oil; a superstar moisturizer loaded with vitamin e; use it on your lips, your cuticles.
Badger Certified Organic Lip Balm
- My take: This went on smoothly and hydrated my lips well.
- From the Badger website: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Beeswax, & Aloe moisturize and protect lips. Flavored with organic extracts of Vanilla. No petroleum, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty-free.
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Peppermint Lip Balm
- My take: This lip balm is super pepperminty, maybe a little bit too much. 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: COOL with Peppermint scent organic lip balm. 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 extra moisturization. Only the finest essential oils are used for fragrance. Certified organic to USDA National Organic Program standards, because what you put on your lips goes into your body.
Moroccan Magic Coconut Almond Lip Balm
- My take: This lip balm went on smoothly, but was on the slippery side, so it wore off quickly. It also had a slightly bitter aftertaste (although there are lots of other flavors to choose from).
- 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.
Alaffia Ethically Traded Vegan Coconut Lip Balm
- My take: I love that a percentage of proceeds go to a good cause (maternal care, education, and eyeglasses in Africa). It went on smoothly and hydrated well.
- From the Alaffia website: With just 5 ingredients, this vegan lip balm moisturizes with Ethically Traded virgin coconut oil and spearmint essential oil.
100% Pure Organic Mint Lip Balm
- My take: Glides on smoothly and hydrates well. The taste was a little medicinal.
- From the 100% Pure website: Soothing lip balm made with refreshing peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Featuring sunflower and coconut oils to moisturize and soften, plus reparative vitamin E.
Beauty By Earth Organic Lip Balm
- My take: This lip balm did not go on as smoothly as any of the others I tried. However, once applied it hydrated well.
- From the Beauty by Earth website: This lip balm is crafted of the finest natural moisturizing ingredients for soft, healthy lips.
Shop Natural 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. Kari Gran Lip Whip Perfector- Buff and Mask is up to the task.
- Apply balm before tint. If you apply lip tint or lipstick, moisturize your lips before adding lip stick 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
- Affordable Clean & Natural Face Moisturizer
- Clean Face Wash On A Budget
- Budget-Friendly Clean + Natural Makeup
- Clean, Natural + Non-Toxic Shampoo
- Natural Sunscreen Guide: Part 1
- Natural Sunscreen Guide: Part 2
- Make The Switch To Natural Deodorant
- The Best Natural Mascara
- The Best Clean & Natural Lotion For Dry Skin
- Make The Switch To Natural Dry Shampoo
- The Best Natural & Clean Eyeliners
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:@[email protected]+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
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