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Beauty/Makeup/Lips/Lip Glosses & Lip Care

Top 10 Medicated Lip Balms

Soothe Your Dry Winter Lips With These Highly Rated Medicated Lip Balms

Image credits: carmex

Between repeat lipstick applications and bitter cold breezes, our lips take a beating during the winter season. In an effort to fix it, it’s easy to get into a pattern of layering on the glosses, plumpers, stains, and tints. But sometimes your pout needs more than a quick coverup, and when that’s the case, your best bet is a medicated lip balm.

Deeply hydrating and packed with soothing ingredients, medicated lip balms are a must-have for anyone prone to chapped lips. And unlike some off-the-shelf options, medicated lip balms help break the cycle of dryness and irritation (rather than contribute to it). So, to help you find the relief your lips need, we put together a list of 10 top-rated medicated lip balms below.

Why You Should Trust Our Rankings

There are no hidden agendas at Rank & Style—only informed, data-backed recommendations. Our Top 10 lists are built with the help of our proprietary ranking algorithm, a tool that combs the web and collects information on products in a given category to determine which ones are worth opening your wallet for. Ahead, see which lip balm brands rose to the top of the pack, from recognizable names like Blistex and Burt’s Bees to cult favorites from Dr. Dans and Maybelline.

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December 5, 2024

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: walmart
Rank & Style Approved

walmart

ChapStick Classic Medicated Lip Balm

Overall Score

4.25

10

ChapStick Classic Medicated Lip Balm

4.41

7411 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Medicated Lip Balm For Severely Chapped Lips

FORMULA FACT
At just over $4 per tube, ChapStick’s Classic Medicated Lip Balm isn’t the cheapest option on our list. But it does have some of the best ingredients, with a cooling combo of camphor, menthol, and phenol packed into its tiny tube.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
ChapStick is a known name in the realm of lip balm brands, so it’s no surprise to see them on the list. And with nearly 100 5-star reviews on Walmart’s website alone, we’re more confident than ever in their abilities to soothe stressed lips.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Lip Balm

Overall Score

4.3

09

FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Lip Balm

4.75

334 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Medicated Lip Balm With Hydrocortisone

WHAT TO KNOW
With hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon, FixMySkin's Hydrocortisone Healing Lip Balm is beginning to secure a strong fan base. Shoppers say it healed their cracked lips in a matter of days; plus, it's safe for those with rosacea and eczema.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I’m one of those people who always has a tube of chapstick in my pocket. But it hasn’t been easy to find one that provides moisture, prevents chapped lips during the winter (I live in Minnesota), and doesn’t cause irritation over time. (My lips are sensitive to a variety of irritants in other chapstick-type products). This one I can wear year-round."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Blistex Medicated Lip Balm

Overall Score

4.4

08

Blistex Medicated Lip Balm

4.8

38982 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Medicated Lip Balm With SPF

FORMULA FACT
Blistex’s Medicated Lip Balm is made with a combination of camphor, beeswax, mineral oil, cocoa butter, and menthol for long-lasting hydration that soothes and repairs dry lips. Its formula was created to heal chapped lips but also to protect them from exposure to wind, sun, and dry air. 

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
One of the best things about this lip balm is it offers sun protection. With SPF 15, it's a top option for those who plan on hitting the slopes this winter—or escaping to a tropical location. And at about $4 per pack, you can't beat the price.


Burt's Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm

Overall Score

4.4

07

Burt's Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm

4.7

5489 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Natural Medicated Lip Balm

WHAT TO KNOW
Reviewers love this medicated lip balm for its 100% natural formula. It keeps irritation and inflammation at bay. So, if you're prone to cold sores, this is a particularly good option.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
This best-selling drugstore lip balm comes in a variety of options, including medicated, ultra-conditioning, and Rescue Lip Relief versions. You can also opt for the two- or four-pack on Amazon if you’re a fan of good deals.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Maybelline New York Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Lip Balm

Overall Score

4.4

06

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Lip Balm

4.39

2549 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Tinted Medicated Lip Balm

WHAT IT DOES
This capstick is for those days when you don’t want to sacrifice your favorite lip color just because you’re dealing with chapped and dehydrated lips. Aside from the gorgeous coral shade featured here, you can also purchase it in Pink Punch, Cherry Me, and Quenched. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
“I have tried MANY chapsticks and lip balms over the years, and NOTHING compares to this one’s incredible moisture, tint, and longevity! This is the one item you bring with you on a desert island! The color is not overpowering, thick, or cakey. It tingles! And not in an annoying way! I have super sensitive skin and lips, and this is, by far, the best lip balm ever.”


Dr. Dans CortiBalm Lip Balm

Overall Score

4.45

05

Dr. Dans CortiBalm Lip Balm

4.6

8235 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Medicated Lip Balm For Sensitive Skin

WHAT IT DOES
Have you ever used a lip balm that made your lips feel more chapped? We can guarantee that this dermatologist-recommended option from Dr. Dan will not do that because it contains 1% hydrocortisone (which is frequently used to reduce inflammation and irritation).

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Due to its hypoallergenic formula (which contains beeswax, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and hydrocortisone), this is one of the best lip balms for those with sensitive skin.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Eos Ultra Care Medicated Analgesic Lip Ointment

Overall Score

4.45

04

Eos Ultra Care Medicated Analgesic Lip Ointment

4.6

5254 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Medicated Lip Balm For Cold Sores

FORMULA FACT
It’s easy for dry, cracked lips in the winter. Fortunately, Eos’s Ultra Care Lip Treatment is made to protect your pout from potential damage caused by cold air. Its nourishing formula includes shea butter for deep moisturization and mint extract for immediate relief.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
Not only is this one of the best lip balms for dry lips, but it’s also an analgesic that can treat cold sores and fever blisters.


Blistex Lip Medex Analgesic Lip Protectant

Overall Score

4.5

03

Blistex Lip Medex Analgesic Lip Protectant

4.79

4548 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Cooling Medicated Lip Balm

WHAT TO KNOW
Most of us think of Blistex when we think of medicated lip balm, and that’s because the brand has over 75 years of experience creating quality lip products. Their Lip Medex Analgesic Lip Protectant is a prime example—it’s a top-rated option you can get in a three-pack at your local Walmart.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
“I couldn't make it without this product. I keep a stock and buy a bunch when I can find it. My lips get chapped so easily, and they burn like fire. This takes care of it right away. I stash them everywhere—in each vehicle, etc. Best I have ever found.”


Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy

Overall Score

4.55

02

Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy

4.59

4564 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Overnight Medicated Lip Balm

WHAT IT DOES
Three nights is all it takes for Neosporin’s Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy to repair your chapped lips. Just swipe on this gel before you fall asleep, and let its blend of vitamins and emollients give you your smoothest pout yet.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
While you can probably pick up this lip balm at your local drugstore, your best option is this two-pack. At just over $9, it might be a good idea to buy a backup balm for your car or desk.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Carmex Classic Lip Balm Medicated Stick

Overall Score

4.6

01

Carmex Classic Lip Balm Medicated Stick

4.8

7524 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Medicated Lip Balm For Dry Weather

FORMULA FACT
This classic lip balm from Carmex contains a blend of cocoa butter, camphor, and menthol. Camphor, the ingredient that contributes to Carmex’s recognizable scent, is typically used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
If exposure to the elements (such as cold, dryness, and wind) is a regular part of your routine, this multi-purpose lip gel might be the best lip balm option for you.

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