When it comes to lip balms, you’ll notice the vast array of brands and packaging. Some are in pots, others in tubes and let’s not forget the classic stick. Thankfully, it simply comes down to preference. More or less, the application of lip balm remains the same. That said, there may be some considerations to think about when picking one lip balm over another. In this article, we’ll unpack that further to help you decide which is the right fit for your needs.
Best Lip Balm with Sunscreen: Triumph & Disaster Jaggr Lip Balm SPF15
Australia experiences some of the highest amounts of UV radiation in the world, so sun protection is essential. Triumph & Disaster’s Jaggr Lip Balm offers broad-spectrum coverage, protecting your lips from UVA (causes premature ageing) and UVB (causes physical sunburn) sunrays - all in a handy tin.
It uses Zinclear, a Zinc Oxide based sunscreen with great dispersion, ensuring efficacy. It is a transparent formula, avoiding a white residue ‘cast’ on the skin. Zinc Oxide is a "physical" sunscreen. It reflects the sun's UV rays and prevents most of them from damaging the skin. Because Zinc oxide is not absorbed into the skin, it is non-irritating, non-allergenic, and non-comedogenic.
It is formulated with White Beeswax, Shea Butter, and Coconut Oil, in addition to a softening blend of oils - including Jojoba, Apricot Kernel, Manuka and Castor Oils. It utilises Tocepherol to fight free radicals, especially formulated to ensure long-last, all-day efficacy. And with some New Zealand knowhow, it employs Kawakawa Extract, a plant praised for its healing properties.
Best Matte Lip Balm: Baxter of California Hydro Salve Lip Balm
Matte lip balms are unnoticeable to the naked eye. As great as SPF lip balms are, they aren't advisable to use in the evening due to their tendency to bounce backlight (especially flash photography light), resulting in glossy lips. So it’s handy to have an additional SPF-free lip balm in your grooming arsenal.
The Baxter of California Hydro Salve Lip Balm is enriched with vitamins to moisturise dry lips. A notable one in this formula is Retinyl Palmitate, a vitamin A derivative. Vitamin A is well researched in reversing (or dramatically reducing) signs of ageing by speeding up the repair and renewal cycle.
Two other ingredients that deserve attention is Ascorbyl Palmitate and Panthenol. Ascorbyl Palmitate is a vitamin C derivative and gentler than L-Ascorbic Acid (the strongest form of vitamin C). It's a popular antioxidant that combats free radicals that increase premature ageing. On the other hand, Panthenol - known as Pro-Vitamin B5 - is a humectant that retains moisture in the skin so your lips stay supple and hydrated.
Best Natural Lip Balm: Captain Fawcett's Physician Lip Balm
If you prefer products with a clear natural emphasis Captain Fawcett's Physician Lip Balm is the way to go. Vegan and handmade in the United Kingdom, the ingredients are all derived from nature. This is a great choice for sensitive lips.
Formula wise, it's very impressive. Candelilla Wax is the first ingredient on the list, meaning it's in the highest concentration. An emollient, it creates a barrier over the lips to stimulate healing underneath whilst blocking external factors.
Meanwhile, Shea Butter is a welcome ingredient to any product designed for healing and repair, as it's strongly moisturising without feeling too heavy. Perfect if your lips are visibly flaking from dryness.
The inclusion of Calendula Officinalis (derived from calendula flowers) has incredible soothing properties and encourages your skin's natural healing process. If you ever get swollen lips, calendula is a great ingredient because it’s known to reduce swelling too. The added essential oils towards the end of the formulation give this product a subtle yet pleasant scent.