Protect your lips with the new deeply moisturizing, truly vegan lip balm by Curology. Our radically intuitive, one-handed lip balm locks in moisture and effortlessly nourishes dry, sensitive lips with a special blend of plant-based butters and oils.

This dermatologist-designed lip care product is free of ingredients known to cause breakouts or irritation—just what you need to help stop moisture loss and soothe dry, cracked lips.

• Five unique options: vanilla, passion fruit, mint, unflavored, and SPF 30 lip balm

• Plant-based formula with moisturizing ingredients picked by dermatologists

• One-handed applicator for super easy use

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 (9.4% zinc oxide) sun protection in Curology’s SPF lip balm

• $4.95—new Curology members can add it to their free trial box for no extra cost

Crafted for all skin types by medical experts, our lip balm’s acne-friendly formula is made from moisture-locking, non-comedogenic ingredients.

Why we made a great lip balm for dry lips

Ever finish a lip balm? We hadn’t. They’d end up in junk drawers, or forgotten in last winter’s jacket on account of too much grease, shine, or built-up grime—or not enough actual, lasting moisture. That’s why our dermatologists set out to take the drying and pore-clogging ingredients, grease, and—yes—caps out of lip balm.

If your lips are especially chapped or cracked, whatever random lip product sitting next to the register at your local convenience store might have added flavors or dyes that can actually make things worse. You need a simple moisturizing product that soothes and softens lips until they’re kissably nourished again.

Our newest lip balm also includes broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. While it is common to use SPF on your face, we often forget that our lips are just as susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays as the rest of our skin. An SPF lip balm is a great tool to keep your lips feeling soft, hydrated, and irritation-free, especially during hot summers and brisk winters, when the weather can contribute to painful, chapped lips.

What causes dry lips?

You could experience dry lips for a number of reasons. 

Weather. If you’re exposed to the cold or heat, your skin can dry out, and your lips are no exception. So whether you’re going through a long winter or a hot, dry summer, a good lip balm (like Curology’s) can help your lips stay hydrated.

Sunburn. A sunburn on your lips is pretty painful and might cause peeling. If you happen to forget the sunscreen one day, your lips might feel extra dry.

Frequently licking your lips. This might sound a little counter-intuitive, but licking your lips can actually dry them out.¹

What should the best lip balms contain?

When it comes to dry, chapped lips, there are so many options available to you that it may seem overwhelming. Here we’ve compiled a few things you can look for in a replenishing lip balm.

Shea butter. If you’re looking for a product to tackle lip repair, shea butter is super nourishing, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties² that can help your lips bounce back. 

Fragrance-free. A rule of thumb (and of nose) if you happen to have sensitive skin: fragrance-free is usually the way to go. Added fragrances may irritate your skin,³ so it’s best to skip the extra scents in your products. Our unflavored lip balm is a great option!

No parabens. Like artificial fragrances, parabens may irritate sensitive skin and may make your lips feel worse. Although irritation due to parabens is typically rare, it’s still worth mentioning.⁴

Zinc or titanium oxide. Your lips, just like any part of your skin, are susceptible to sunburn, which can be pretty painful. Protective ingredients like zinc or titanium oxide can help shield your lips from UV rays when you are going about your day.⁵

Petroleum, jelly-based lip treatments. Jelly-based lip products are a simple way to keep your lips hydrated and prevent future chapping.⁶ Plus, you may notice your lips feel smoother right away because of the jelly-based texture.

Jojoba oil. Experiencing lip cracking or flaking? This natural oil can help repair your skin barrier and facilitate wound healing.⁷

Our goal at Curology is to provide our patients with total skincare routines with all the essentials—that’s why our lip balm is available for $4.95 to all members as an add-on to your bi-monthly skincare subscription box. 

A lip balm made for everyone

The lip balm by Curology is, at its core, dermatologist-designed with simple ingredients. This no-clog, cruelty-free lip product is ideal for those with skin concerns like dry, cracked, or chapped lips, as well acne-prone or sensitive skin. 

Our key ingredients include:

• Shea butter: A plant-based emollient that fills in tiny cracks and seals in moisture to soften and smooth dry lips

• Jojoba seed oil: A nourishing oil⁸ that deeply moisturizes lips without clogging pores or leaving a greasy after-feel.

• Carnauba wax: A water repellent wax that contributes to the lip balm’s silken, buttery texture and hydrated finish.⁹

• Candelilla wax: This ingredient, included in our SPF lip balm, is a natural vegetable wax that provides a moisturizing, non-glossy finish.

Lip balm ingredients to avoid

Certain ingredients in other lip products can make cracked, chapped lips even worse—so we made sure to leave them out of the lip balm by Curology.

• Red 30 (or red 30 lake) is a synthetic pigment that’s often used to get a rosy pink color, especially in lip products. It may clog pores, potentially leading to breakouts around the mouth.¹⁰

• Cocoa butter and coconut oil are potentially pore-clogging ingredients that are extremely common in moisturizing lip products. 

• Menthol¹¹ and eucalyptus¹² may dry out or irritate your lips, so you’re better off skipping these ingredients if you’re looking to restore your lip’s natural moisture. 

Those are just some of the most common ingredients to avoid in your lip care products—if you think something else might be irritating your lips, it may contain some of these potentially pore-clogging ingredients.

Pick your favorite flavor profile

At Curology, we’re all about customizing your skincare routine, which is why we developed our lip moisturizer with four unique varieties.

• Original: Our original, unflavored, and unscented formula is the best choice if you need moisturizing therapy for sensitive skin and lips that are cracked or chapped. 

• Vanilla: Set your mood with this rich, toasted flavor. It’s subtle, sweet, and warm enough to light up a smile. 

• Mint: A refreshing reset at any time of day, this cool herbal blend is the perfect balance of energizing and soothing.

• Passionfruit: This one’s a bright tropical fusion with a burst of fruity fun—there’s a party on your lips and all the deliciousness is invited!

• SPF 30: Our lip balm with SPF is unflavored like our original lip balm formula, and it’s fragrance-free. It’s best for anyone looking to protect their lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays and adding a layer of hydration. Plus, it’s sensitive skin-friendly.

Extra tips to keep your lips hydrated

Feeling the winter skin woes and need some extra help besides a great lip balm? Here are a few tips to say goodbye to cracked lips.

• Use a humidifier. If you are prone to dry skin in the winter, a humidifier can help fight off dryness, including for your lips.

• Avoid biting or chewing your lips. Biting your lips can cause irritation, which could make dry lips worse.

• Use a lip scrub. If you notice your lips are chapped and flaking, an exfoliating lip scrub may help gently remove dead skin.

• Use SPF. Think of sunblock as your skin’s best friend (because it is!). Exposing your lips to harmful rays may lead to a painful sunburn and dry lips, so make sure to include your lips when applying your favorite sunscreen. 

Many drugstore skincare products may have SPF 15, but we recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to properly protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. 

How to apply our lip balm

Our unique applicator allows you to apply our lip balm with one hand, protecting your product and reducing exposure to dirt and bacteria. Here’s how to use it:

1. Pull down on the slider with your thumb to open. 

2. Apply generously to lips.

3. Swipe back up to securely close.

4. Re-apply whenever you want! 

When using the SPF 30 lip balm, apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours to keep your lips adequately protected from UV rays.

How to get the Curology lip balm

If you’re an existing Curology member, getting the lip balm is easy—just add your flavor of choice to your next shipment, and we’ll send it right to your door with the rest of your skincare products. 

If you’re new to Curology, you can try it all for free: the lip balm, our cleanser and moisturizer set, and, of course, your Custom Formula with a mix of active ingredients chosen for you by a dermatology provider. After consultation, if Curology is right for you, we’ll send you a 30-day supply of our recommended products for just $4.95 to cover the cost of shipping and handling. 

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Curology was co-founded by board-certified dermatologists David Lortscher and Nancy Satur. Skin concerns like acne and dark spots are treatable with prescription skincare, but getting to the dermatologist isn’t always easy. 

With Curology, a medical provider is there to help answer any questions you have about your skin and to build a simple, effective routine that meets your specific needs. 

P.S. we did the research, so you don’t have to:

1. American Academy of Dermatology. 7 dermatologists’ tips for healing dry, chapped lips, (n.d.).

2.  Lin, Tzu-Kai et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Applications of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.  (2017, December 27).

3. Johansen, Jeanne D., Fragrance contact allergy: a clinical review.American journal of clinical dermatology. (2003, n.d.).

4. Hafeez, Farhaan, and Howard Maibach. An overview of parabens and allergic contact dermatitis. Skin therapy letter. (July-August 2013).

5. Smijs, Threes G, and Stanislav Pavel. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness. Nanotechnology, science and applications. (2011, October 13).

6.  Cleveland Clinic. Can You Be Addicted to Lip Balm?,(2020, December 14).

7. Lin, Tzu-Kai et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Applications of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Ibid.

8. Gad, H. A., et al.  Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity.Polymers, (2021, June 13).

9. Liebert M. A. Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Japan Wax, and Beeswax.JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF TOXICOLOGY. (1984, November 3).

10. Fulton J. E., et al. Comedogenicity of current therapeutic products, cosmetics, and ingredients in the rabbit ear. Clinical Review. ( January 1984).

11. Yosipovitch, G et al.Effect of topically applied menthol on thermal, pain and itch sensations and biophysical properties of the skin. Archives of dermatological research. (May 1996).

12.  American Academy of Dermatology.  7 dermatologist tips for healing dry, chapped lips. Ibid.

This article was originally published on October 19, 2021 and updated on August 23, 2022.

We’re here to tell you what we know. That’s why our information is evidence-based and fact-checked by medical experts. Still, everyone’s skin is unique—the best way to get advice is to talk to your healthcare provider.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. 

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Allison Buckley, NP-C