This rich balm comes in tinted and clear options and packs a seriously hydrating punch courtesy of shea and moringa butter, two occlusives that hydrate and soothe. Without occlusives, the moisture that the humectants pull out simply vanishes on the surface of the skin, leaving lips drier than they were in the first place. Humectants draw moisture into the skin, emollients soften and soothes skin, while occlusives trap in moisture in the skin to avoid moisture-loss or evaporation. Infused with skin-protecting petrolatum and squalene, soothing aloe vera, and nourishing vitamin E, this simple balm will leave lips feeling softer in no time. Counterintuitively, some lip balms can make dry lips worse by contributing to chapping. Occlusive moisturizers contain ingredients that create a physical barrier on top of the skin that helps prevent trans-epidermal water. Another 2020 Healthy Beauty Award winner, this is like a love child of a lipstick and a lip balm, says Jessica Morse, clean beauty expert and founder of Bare Beauty. A great option for those who want something a bit more luxe. For a moisturizing, slightly glossy finish, Dr. Gohara recommends this UV Lip Color Splash. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 1. Dermatologists recommend against using lip balms containing Humectants, otherwise known as Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin. In skin care, they draw water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layer. It also promises to improve the wear of lipsticks when layered underneath them. ), Vaseline is a great choice if your lips are sensitive, irritated, or if you suffer from allergies. "These ingredients pull moisture . This stuff is really very natural so no preservatives. Amazon reviewers agree, with over 15,000 positive reviews. Dr. Maiman also recommends looking for humectants, ingredients that draw water from the lower layer of the skin (the dermis), into the upper layer of the skin (the epidermis), helping to moisturize the the outer layers of skin to help heal and prevent chapping. Glycerin. They come in three main forms: natural or unchanged, naturally derived, and synthetic. SkinQ Moisture Balm has occlusive, humectant active ingredients with moisturisation along with anti-inflammatory and skin-nourishing actives. Oxygen, nitrogen, and other nutrients can still pass through the film formed by silicones. It seals lips well overnight, she says. If your dryness isn't responding to a change in lip balm and you still have painful dryness after a week, you might want to see a dermatologist. This means it helps protect lips from becoming dry or chapped. And balms that are able to achieve this can do so because they use a blend of humectants, emollients, and occlusive ingredientslike in mindbodygreen's lip balm. . Alisa Hrustic is the deputy editor at Prevention, where she leads the brands digital editorial strategy. Based on the ingredients they include, moisturizers can be broken down into three main categories: humectant, emollient, and occlusive. What does humectant do for your skin? The 9 Best Chapped Lip Treatments of 2023 - Real Simple Buy It, $3.50. We know what youre probably thinking, Thats good to know, but whats the difference? Formulyst Super Hyaluronic Water Moisturizer is also enriched with jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, and squalane to promote soft, smooth skin. LIP BALM 3 PACK - You get 3 classic CocoMe lip balm tubes. It also has some unique moisturizing properties as it is both occlusive and humectant. A good lip balm should be rich in occlusive elements like oils, beeswax, and petrolatum, which seal in moisture so your kisser doesn't dry out, as well as SPFeven if it's cold outside. Emollient ingredients contain natural fats that soften and condition the skin. Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen ingredients (Explained) - INCIDecoder Vaseline is an occlusive emollient thanks to its main ingredient . For chapped lips. This hydrating anti-aging formula contains humectants like glycerin, gluconolactone, sodium lactate, and Aloe vera leaf juice to draw moisture into the skin. She spends most of her days diving into the latest wellness trends, writing and editing stories about health conditions, testing skincare products, and trying to understand the next greatest internet obsession. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 2015;19(1):7-15. Read our, 9 Best Tinted Lip Balms for Maximum Hydration and Color, The 9 Best Chapped Lip Treatments of 2023. This is a molecule found naturally in the body, although the body makes less of it as you age. broad spectrum SPF 30 lip balm immediately relieves dryness and helps protect your lips against UVA and UVB rays. 3 Ways to Moisturize Lips - wikiHow You can find humectants mainly in skin care and hair care products, but many industries use them. "In order to maintain healthy lip skin, keep your lips well moisturized with a lip balm that soothes and protects the lip barrier with both a humectant and occlusive, like eos The Hero Extra Dry Lip Repair ($8, target.com)," says Dr. Nussbaum. Some also have other benefits. Last medically reviewed on March 30, 2022. Oils, butters, and waxes, such as lanolin, are examples. Why Your Lip Balm Might Be Making Your Lips Worse The new and improved formula uses a blend of ingredients that instantly softens the skin and deeply hydrates, keeping them feeling comfortable all day long. Best Skin Whitening Lightening Creams 2022, Which is best humectant emollient or occlusive, Understanding the Role of Cyclopentasiloxane & Dimethicone Silicones in Cosmetics, Everything You Need to Know About Peptides. The exfoliant here comes courtesy of sugar crystals, a favorite option of Dr. Maiman due to the natural humectant properties in sugar. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences: The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review., Michigan State University: Cosmetics Exploring humectants., The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology: Moisturizers for Acne.. If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. "Lip balms with mineral sunscreen ingredients, like titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, are typically the most optimal choice for those with chapped lips and should be reapplied every two hours while outdoors," advises Dr. Maiman. Whats more, Aquaphor is free of fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, so its a great option if you have sensitive lips. She also recommends a product with SPF for extra protection. Walmart. Humectants alone may actually add to dryness because they can draw water from deeper layers of the skin. The humectants will hold onto moisture, while the occlusive agents will prevent it from evaporating. Made with shea butter, rosehip oil, and other botanical butter, this lip balm is worth the price tag. 15 Best Lip Balms for Chapped and Dry Lips 2022 - The Strategist Uses for beeswax beyond lip balm from skin-care experts - Well+Good The 16 Best SPF Lip Balms 2022 for Protected Lips - Allure This treatment oil looks like a gloss while delivering and sealing in moisture courtesy of hyaluronic acid and konjac root. Dry air, cold temperatures and wind all have a drying effect on skin by drawing moisture away from the body. Lip balm with SPF; Other. Formulyst Super Hyaluronic Water Moisturizer Lip moisturizers can . Lanolin, peppermint and coconut oils, propylene glycol, fragrances, dyes, and more can also stir irritation, so if you feel that your lip balm is making things worse, it might be time to see your derm. The exact definition can vary depending on location. Chapped lips can crack, so if something could irritate a paper cut, you probably shouldn't slather it onto your mouth either. If you find your lip color never glides on smoothly, apply this balm 10 to 15 minutes beforehand to ensure a smooth and even application. Aquaphor tends to be a better moisturizer because it contains humectant ingredients and is occlusive, while Vaseline is only occlusive. Humectants can be beneficial skin hydrating ingredients when used properly. "You want to be sure [lip balms] don't have fragrances, menthol, camphor, or salicylic acid. In general, however, the effects include relief of dry skin, reduction of thickened skin, and strengthening of the skin barrier. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. That's not to say you should avoid lip balms entirelyor that you should avoid humectants in your lip balms. "Lip balms with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin make lips worse," says dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., to Style Caster. In addition to these moisturizing ingredients, this formula uses Encapsulated Retinol Technology to deliver a higher concentration of retinol to your skin overnight. "If your lips burn, sting, or itch after using a lip product, stop using that product," adds Dr. Maiman. Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly. Its a common misconception that silicones can cause or worsen acne. They also help repair and strengthen the skins natural protective barrier. Beyond seasonal changes, your dry lips may also be a side effect of certain medications, like antihistamines (common if you have allergies) or isotretinoin (used for severe acne), explains Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinais Department of Dermatology. Objective: Since skin on the lips has a lower water content in the stratum corneum (SC) and a higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL) value than skin on the cheek, the lips are usually very dry and rough areas. Here are a few of our favorites: If you're a regular ingredient list reader, you may notice a very popular type of occlusive is missing from the list: mineral oils, petroleum jelly, and petrochemicals. In order to discuss the different types of moisturizers, well need a brief discussion on the structure and function of the skin barrier. "Some lip balms also contain allergenssuch as lanolin, parabens, phenol, or salicylic acidwhich can often be irritating to certain people's skin," says Dr. Nussbaum. 9 Best Lip Balms With SPF of 2022, According To A Dermatologist Best Healing Ointment: Avne Cicalfate Restorative Lip Cream, $18. Photo: Courtesy of Merchants / Design by Jo Imperio, These Are The 10 Best Lip Plumping Glosses, According to Reviews, Potentially Irritating Ingredients to Avoid Using on Angry Lips. She has been a writer and editor in the beauty and fashion industry for more than six years, sharing her expansive knowledge on skincare, hair care, makeup, fashion, and more. However, for a lip balm to truly hydrate, you'll need humectants and occlusives (ingredients that prevent water loss via a physical barrier) like beeswax (shield lips of dry air, wind, and cold), petrolatum (reduces . The final outcome is a balm that nourishes with every swipe and leaves you satisfied throughout the day. Ingredients and supplies. "The main ingredient is ceramides, which help retain moisture and optimize barrier function. Unlike other moisturizing agents, such as humectants and . Examples of products that can contain humectants include: Many ingredients act as humectants, including: All humectants have slightly different properties. Whats more, you can use Bag Balm on any part of your body that is dry, chafed, or cracked. Since humectants slow water from evaporating in the epidermis, they help to keep the skin hydrated. The NMF can become depleted with age and also from routine exposure to sensitizing ingredients like drying cleansing agents and denatured alcohol.