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Top 10 Skin Balms

10 Universal Skin Balms To Keep Handy When Dry Skin Attacks

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The battle with dry skin feels never ending. Cold and windy winter months keep skin cracked and sunshine-y summer days are equally as moisture draining. The key to keeping skin soft and supple? Skin balm. Loved for their universal uses, skin balms hydrate and repair to keep your cuticles, lips, elbows, feet, you name it, in tip-top shape. Pumped with shea butter, oils, lanolin, and other vitamin-rich ingredients, balm for your skin is like balm for your lips—it's an all-in-one hydrator. The best of the best salves have been tested and tried by editors and users alike, and we found the 10 most common and talked-about ones out of all of them. Quench your skin's thirst with a new skin balm and kiss cracked, dehydrated skin goodbye because the following skin balms will work wonders for any skin type! Opening image: @lanolips

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May 28, 2025

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The Rankings


1

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick

amazon.com, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick

Credits: amazon.com

Approved

LOVED FOR: Nothing beats a swivel stick for quick and easy application

WHY WE LOVE IT: "This is my favorite beauty essential! I use it as lip balm, cuticle cream, or even lotion when I'm in a pinch."—Beth Zerdecki, Chief Creative & Digital Officer


Approved

BEST FOR: A daily facial moisturizer that doubles as a primer

LOVED FOR: Lightweight but ultra hydrating


Approved

USERS SAID: "This stuff is amazing. I was hesitant to put it on my face because it seems thick and greasy, but it feels so luxurious. It definitely helps with dry winter skin, but I’ve also used it in the summer without breaking out or turning into an oily mess. I like it so much better than other night creams I’ve tried."

HELPFUL TIP: Want to really feed your skin? Rub on hands and feet at night and then slip on cotton socks and gloves to let the moisture soak right in!


Approved

BEST FOR: Tinting lips

AS SEEN ON: If Beyonce uses Rosebud Salve, we should all use Rosebud Salve.


Approved

BEST FOR: A one-stop shop, this ointment can pretty much heal anything from bug bites to cracked skin to cuts and scrapes. 

LOVED FOR: Made from Australian papaya's, the citrus-y scent is a bonus to this miracle-working ointment.


Approved

USERS SAID: "Believe the hype and fantastic reviews - moistens and softens lips using quality ingredients in an easy-to-use tube. Convenient size for travel. High price but will last you a long time as only a tiny amount needed."

FUN FACT: This natural balm gets its power from lanolin, a by-product of sheep's wool.


Approved

LOVED FOR: Fun flavored lip balms get a grown-up upgrade with these flavor choices—we'll take a Birthday please!

BEST FOR: Pocket-sized hydration station


Approved

BEST FOR: A Neosporin alternative

LOVED FOR: The matte texture 


Approved

USERS SAID: "I have been using EA Eight Hour cream for 35+ years. For everything from diaper rash, chapped skin, burns and much more. I would be lost without it."

FUN FACT: This iconic cream was created by Elizabeth Arden herself!


Approved

LOVED FOR: With primary ingredients like shea butter and glycerin, the heavy texture provides instant moisture gratification.

BEST FOR: Sensitive skin


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