Lip treatments
Typically used at routine step 10.
Lip skin has no sebaceous glands and a much thinner barrier than the rest of the face, so it dehydrates faster and repairs more slowly. Treatments generally work by occlusion — sealing water in — sometimes with humectants or soothing ingredients alongside. Frequent reapplication of a simple occlusive is more effective than an occasional heavily marketed one, and habitual lip-licking will undo either.
Products
No products published for this type yet
We only publish a product once it has been researched and verified.
How we research lip treatments
Nothing is published here yet. Every entry is compiled from manufacturer ingredient disclosures, published cosmetic science literature and UK retailer listings. We do not run clinical trials, and we do not publish a product until its formulation details have been checked against a source we can cite.
- Formulation: INCI lists, key actives, fragrance and alcohol status where the brand discloses them.
- Evidence: what the published research suggests for the key ingredients, and what it does not establish.
- UK availability: retailer listings and prices, with the date each was last checked. Where a price is not recent enough to quote, we say “check latest price” instead of guessing.
Results from cosmetic products are formulation-dependent and vary between people. Read our review methodology, browse the ingredient explainers or compare options in the comparison tool.
Choosing lip treatments
- Occlusive balms overnight, lighter formulas during the day.
- Flavourings and menthol can sting compromised lips; unscented is safer when they are cracked.
- Persistent cracking at the corners is worth raising with a pharmacist or GP.
For a full step-by-step order for your skin type, see the routine guides. To narrow by skin type and concern, use the product finder, or browse every step on the product types index. Scoring is explained in our review methodology.